The morning times., 1896-04-19

The plans OF the land syndicates to enrich
O few at the expense OF the many by the
Issue of bonds for millions, TO be spent upon
streets through unimproved property, have
been blocked by the exposure of the scheme
by The Times, enforced by the decisions of
the courts, and the good sense OF Congress.
There is scarcely any likelihood tlIat any
bond bill, except for sewer extension, can
be passed at this session.
The accomplishment on a small scale OF
what was wanted on a large one can be
seen N a survey OF what Mr. George Trues-
dell accomplished at lexington. The state
ment OF the facts may also throw some light
on the reasons why Mr.. Truesdell was made
Commissioner to represent the corporate
and landed interests of the District 1t
certainly does show the unfortunate re-
suits following such schemes to inveigle
the dollars OF tne multitude into the treasury
Of the eject. Mr.. TruesGe!l is reputed To be
3 millionaire. Many citizens of Ecking-
ton have been complaining of what they con-
Iider unjust disappointments.
They expected what they have never re-
eeived, and they don't like it. Mr.. Trues
dell has gradually sold out his interests
in that place. an he is, to use phrase IA
miliar TO his craft ION velvet'-that is,
he has taken out all the money lie put in
AMI whatever more he can ges will be added
profit. His Interests are not more than a
small part of what they were, and he will
not again put money in jeopardy whore,
as he looks at il, the people are 50 unrea-
sOnab!e in their expectations, aud, as some
OF these people look at it. where they have
found out what hiS promises are worth,
and caunot be induced to pay his money
aag.1-t IL n. p.s
There is this difference bet weeu what
was attempted for the far lands northwest
of the city and what Mr.. Truesdell did
with th" lexington estate. Mr. Truesdell
gave the ground for the streets, laid as
phalt pavem ents au stone side walks. paved
the alleys with asphalt block, furnished Wa
ter. electric light and rapid transit tempo
rari!y and made the purchasers pay for all
these and give him in addition a handsome
profit on his investment. He has secured
only a small amount OF refund, if any at
all. from the governn eut for any side
walks. streets or sewers.
There are some signs. however that he
may hope vet to repay himself even at
additional profit out OF tie government
money. An amendment is now before
Congress that proposes TO repay To any one
WHO lays Sidewalk approved by the Com
miSsionerS at his own expense half its cost
cost of any street or sewer laid at private
expense NAV lac refunded. The only restric-
ti6n proposed is that the contract price
should be no higher than the contract price
made bE the District government.
A GREEDY PROPOSAL
Tie proposal in the northwest farms was
even more greedy. 1t was to get the money
from the government to lay the sidewalks,
sewers and streets beforehand, and in adj
dition bonds were to be issued in which
money lenders would find a good invest
ment, to say nothing of a commission for
handling them again and again.
In 1883 what is now lexington was a
beautiful farm. some time the country seat
Of the late Mr. Gales. of Gales & Seaton.
owners of the National Irtelligencer. and
named for Mr.. Gales English home Its
undulating fields had not been broken by
the grading plow. and n ripping brook
murmu-ed n the foot OF the slonc that ran
uD to the mansion. then occupied as hotel.
Where now are abrant cuts or terraccd
lawns were then hillSides fruitful with
grain. or garden. or covered with pleasant
woodland pastures.
The inn was kept hY eX-PolCeman Billy
White. and the only way to reach it was
afoot through swing gate or hy carria ge
along winding lane. But Mr.. Truesdell
had some money and could command more.
stroke and hecome rich or lose what he
had. He nlayed and won. while others in
this vicinity played much the same game