The Washington times., 1895-01-13
Amen, the Bond Bfu.

EDITOR TINES: In a general way much has
been said abort what is known as the Dis
trict bond bill, now pending before Congress,
for the lurtherance of which much money for
champagne is alleged to have been wisely ex-
pended. As shown by both Senate aud House
bi liz. the money designed TO be raised py the
bond issue Is to go In TOUR directions;
First. One million dollars to extend the
system of trunk sewers.
Second. Three million three hundred and
fifty thousand dollars 10 continue and CON-
plete a system OF sewerage disposal and pro-
lection against floods.
Third One million one hundred and fifty
thousand dollars TO carry out the provisions
OF the act authorizing "a system OF highways
in that part OF the District OF Columbia lying
outside of cities
Fourth Two million dollars ''in grading
and curbing all existing streets and avenues
in the cities Of Washington and Georgetown
which are not so improved" and so much as
shall remain after such work shall be done Is
with some variations in the two bills) to be
spent in improving the highways, for the
opening OF which 81 .150, 900 has already been
set apart, or for improving any existing
roads, etc.
Itis not my purpose to comment at this
| time upon the proposed expenditure or
81, $50 600 for the extension OF the sewer sys-
/
should be made for this purpose, but one is
/ forced TO believe, considering all the eireum-
stances, that the supposed necessity for this
appropriation is simply used as a stalking
horse by which interested parties expect to
secure the additional sum of SO. 150, 900 for
purely private purposes. for, rs will be noted.
81, $50 900, the third item referred to- will go
almost entirely into the hands of the owE-
ers of suburban tracts. and IL is TO be antic.-
pated that but small part OF the $4,000. .000
remaining will be expended within the limits
/ of Washington and Georgetown for grading
/ and curbins. Therefore, nearly or quite
/ So. 900, 900 will be expended beyond the city
/ limits in the extension of streets where no
man lives or will live for the next forty years.
/ We must not overlook the fact that at the
present time not half the superficial area OF
/ this city is covered by buildings, and yet the
| streets are to be extended over country suffi-
eient for the accommodation of 100000 OF
| 5000. GOO of people.
Besides the proposed extensive appropria-
! tion OF public money for the benefit OF the
/ suffering landholders of this District, whose
/ appeals to Congressman have so pleasantly
| tickled their palates and obseured their IN
derstandings, a further benefit will accrue to
such landholders by the anticipated increase
/ in the value of their holdings For these
/ great benefits to be conferred upon them the
suburban landholders will be put to no ex-
/ pense save the cost of a few good dinners and
4 luc lllulHLtEldl dLIOuuk O1 taxes WHICH L4ltf
/ may pay before they dispose of their possess
sions. On the other hand, all men who may
hereafter chance to need the land OF these
| gentlemen for homes or business will be COM
| PEELED to pay an enormous unearned incre-
ment into the hands OF the non-producers.
| But of course the sum named will only bo
sufficient to extend improvements in very
superficial way, and the more important
street facilities will be limited. Which ones
OF our suburban holders are to receive the
the greatest benefits? Are existing arteries OF
trade to be developed or viii new ones belaid
out and brought to perfection through thu
lands of those who can best appeal to the
powers that be? Why does not the bill stage
specifically where the money is to 20 and Goa
what purposes2 Why is it that these improve
ments are 10 be made through vacant sg-
burban tracts without expense to the holders,
while within the city of Washington house
and lot owners are compelled to pava variety
OF special improvement taxes? Why are those
who have already paid their special public
dues within the city Of Washington for saw
ers. water, sidewalks, and paving to be again
taxed in order that the owners OF suburban
lands may obtain the same benefits vithodx
cost to the persons interested? In what man
ner are the owners Of homes within the ei.v
of Washington TO profit by the laying OF sise-
walks in front OF vacant lots beyond Tea.
nallytown2 J. II. RALszcs.