Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-30
The Highway Act.


The latest verdict of Il jury in highway
extension cases teaches practically the
same lesson as that of the verdict rem
dered in October. which was commented
upon at length by The Star at the time.
The method provided by the law of pay
ing for the extensions is impracticabie
as well as unjust. and the scope of
the extensions planned Under the act
is so great that the expense involved
would be uncomfortable. even if a more
equitable apporticnment of the cost had
been provided.
Every public-spirited citizen wishes that
the new Washington outside of Boundary
street, the capital fer which we mcderns
and not the forefathers are responsible
Shall develop as Il harmonious and credit
able part of the enlarged city, preserv-
ing. as far practicable in the street
plan of magnificent distances the world
famous attraction of the capital But no
WashinStonian OF any sort does or should
favor this development on a financial basis
by virtue of which the nation repudiates
In respect to more than half of the federal
district the policy under which alone that
magnificent city plan has been realized
H. the original city. The new Wash
ilStoh should be worthy of the old
will
not invite municipal and individual bank
iupteF IN order to make it SO. So far as
the street plan of the nations capital is
10 De extended on a national scale the ma
ton must participate in the cost and the
continuing responsibility
Inc Board Of Trade. which was ins;ru-
mental IN securing the original legislation
VIII undoubtedly st a very early date at
tack the lifJicuIt deJicata nrobI,,,, -
securing such amendments as will enable
roth Congress and tie people of this COM
muEity. The Beard is lot responsible fo,
TIE vital defects OF this legislation The
me It objectionable provisions were in
serted and insisted upon by the House of
Representatives, ard The Star protested
against them from the very moment of
their introduction The Board of Trade in
every utterdnCe concerning the highway
act since 1t becs me law has recognized the
need % amendments. Its declaration in
1871 concerning street extension that pro-
Ioitionate contribution by the national
government toward all of these improve
meHts without exception is a vital feature
OF the proposed legislation" indicates its
contlf uOus and its present policy 1t has
also recognized the necessity of other
amendments, and last year il appointed a
special committee to report such amend
ments as i'll their opinion should be made
to correct the Inequalities of the highway
act and TO consider the subject "of a
more practical and conservative plan for
the purpose of carrying said act (after
amendnenD into execution" Decisions of
the courts and verdicts by juries have now
50 cleared the atmosphere that this COM
mitree is ready to make its report as the
basis of speedy action by the Board of
Trade.
As pointed oIt the Board has hitherto
responded to public sentiment in its action
or refusal to act in the matter: and every
COOL citizen will aid to remove obstacles
and omhdrrassments from the Boards ap-
preach to the consideration of a very i'm
portant and difficult subject. and will hope
that the very wisest decision may be
reached i'll conformity both with local and
national interests