Evening star., 1897-06-02
REVIEWS THE PAST
East Washington Association Cele-
brates an Anniversary.
DISCUSSED CAPITOL HILL NEEDS
Addresses by Two Of the District
Commissioners.
PROCEEDINGS IN DETAIL

TWenty-sevep years ago a small number
of citizens of East Washington, having in
view the betterment of their section, band
ed themselves together under the name of
the East Washington Citizens Association.
1t was the first citizens association to be
organized In the city. At the Masonic Hall
in East Washington last evening the twen-
ty-seventh anniversary was celebrated by
public meeting, at which several Import
ant topics were discussed, notably the
reclamation Of the Anacostia flats and the
opening Of the Congressional Library of
evenings.
The hall was tastefully decorated, and
before the hour for opening arrived 1t was
well nlled. Rev. DR.. Parson invoked the
divine blessing. President Babson deliver
ed an address. in which he said:
we are proud Of the steadfastness and
hdelity with which the projectors of this
association and their successors have ad-
nefed to the broadened principles upon
wnicn our organization rests, and contin-
ued Its existence for more than a quarter
Of century
FAssembled together for a snec,fic nnrnosa
at its first meeting, in 1870, the wants Of
the community developed by an .ntercha uge
OF opinions, and the wisdom OF united ac-
ton, led to the determination to hold sue
ceeolng meetings. These for some time
were called as occasions arose. but the
necessity OF perpetuating the association
soon became apparent, and a constitution
was adopted. which somewhat broadened
as the growing wants of this section Of
the city and the increase in it's ulation
demanded. and which, but slightly modi-
hed, Is the constitution of today.
Any reputable citizen or taxpayer of
East washington may become a member
OF this association upon payment of ad-
mission fee and subscribing to this consti-
tuition.
We seek now your aid, morally, actively
ana financially to the extent of a member
ship fee, in the furtherance of two great
purposes which we are endeavorine to ac-
complish. both of which, not only as cit
liens OF Capitol Hill, but as residents Of
any part of the District. you should act
1Vely and energetically support:
First. The opening of the magnificent
building just completed on the brow of this
hill, with its vast literary treasures, to the
pubic OF evenings, so that yourselves, your
children. the scholars of your public
schools, the employees of the departments
and the bone and sinew of the body polite
OF this country, the intelligent laborer,
now excluded from this fountain of intelii-
gence, because its doors are closed before
the hour of his release from his duties, and
the stranger within our gates, may all have
the privilege of that best and most health
1ul rest and recreation, the perusal of
works Of literature. art, science and his
Join with US in this effort?
Anacostia Flats.
Second. One thousand acres of malaria
breeding flats lie upon our borders, through
which the once beautiful but now shrunk-
en- Anacostia river struggles along, alter
nately advancing and narrowing, or reced-
ing and broadening, as moved by the feeble
tide. When exposed, the vegetation and
deposits create and diffuse a malarial at
mosphere. which. with the provocation of
a slight easterly wind, rolls over the entire
household. Scientific Investigations and
medical reports prove this. An hours read
ing of these reports within your reach will
startle you with the facts set forth. You
Upon the coming Of our hot weather
watch the pallid faces and attenuated fig
ures OF the invalids, just waiting to ny
from the city. and to you, mothers and
fathers, count for one day the number of
little death-stricken faces wheeled past
your door. seeking some shaded place to
woo for an hour the semblance of recover
ing health.
Albert G. Drane of the committee on
street railroads read a report of what the
railroads had done during the year.
Chairman T. w. Smith of the committee
on streets, avenues and alleys made an in
teresting report, In which he said:
Progress of Paving.
"Conining myself to the subject my com.
mittee has charge of, find that in 1871
there were In existence but very few
paved streets east of North and South Cap
itol streets, and these consisted of the
single street surrounding the Capitol, Penn
sylvania avenue to 9Th street. and sth
street southeast to the navy yard. We
being that part Of the life of the board OF
public works in which the most of the
improvements were made, as q glance at
the map will show, that portion of the city
vest OF New Jersey avenue and north of
Ohio and Virginia avenues was SO well
taken care of by the board of public works
that 1t gave the finishing touch to that
part OF the city now known as the north
west. Street improvements increased val
ues to such an extent that 1t has been en-
abled to keep in the lead ever SINCE and
no other portion Of the city will ever be
able to catch up with 1t.
The very large amount of street i'm
provements made in that now beautiful
part OF our District gave through in
creased assessment such great prepon-
derance in values that. under the present
system OF dividing the appropriation for
improvements amorg the several sections
OF the city, the northwest section obtains
nearly three-Quarters of the whole appro-
pr1at1on for improvements, which will with
IN Few years finish with the most modern
curDing and pavements all Of the unim-
proved streets In the northwest section of
the city. Until that portion Of the cfty
has been completed. SO far as street and
FOOT pavements are concerned, our section
OF the city will have to wait for an in
creased proportion"
Other Reports Submitted.
Chairman Fowler Of the committee on
water, lights and sewers detailed the work
accomplished by his committee.
Owing to the enforced absence of Chair
man Weller, the report of the committee
on assessments and apportionment of ap-
propriations was passed.
The report of the committee on public
parks and spaces was made by Chairman
w. A. Crofutt, who also detailed the work
accomplished by the committee during the
year. There was one matter considered of
great interest. 1t concerned the trees of
the city. The trees had reached the extent
of their growth, in many places and need
ed more space and moisture. The commit
tee was in favor Of cutting out ali the
superfiuous sidewalk between the trees and
park the spaces. This would give much-
needed moisture and space.
Col. Bingham. the engineer officer in
charge OF parks. was in sympathy with
the committee, and under the new appro-
priation promised considerable aid.
The School System.
DR.. Patton Of the committee on schools