Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-10
THE LOCAL ASPECT
What War Would Mean for the
Nations Capital.
FROM A BUSINESS STANDPOINT
Crowds That Would Naturally
Flock to This City.
A T L n A NCIA VIEW

The discussion of the strained relations
now existing between the United States and
Spain and the deep-seated impression in
the public mind that actual hostilities are
highly probable have caused considerable
thought arlong business men in Washing
ten about the probable material effect that
war would have upon the national CAPT.
tai. At first glance II would seem that
when the awful results of war. the loss of
life and property and the calamities that
follow in its train. realized such consid-
erations are ill-timed and grossly selfish It
is, however, entirely safe to declare that
there is no man engaged in reputable bust
ness pursuits in Washington who would
welcome war between this country and
another power because it might benefit him
in substantial sense. Star reporter who
has been devotiHg some time to conyers-
ing with business men here on the subject
OF the probable effect Il war would have on
business in this city has found an uncom-
promising expression of hope that such a
possibility may be honorably averted. And
at the same time there has been an equal
ly unanimous expression that If the gov
eminent md its 1t necessary to preserve
inviolate the national honor by recourse
to force 1t will be supported valiantly and
without question to the very last resort.
One Opinion.
The Star reporter Intercepted a very
large number of represent ative men, whose
views are indicated above on the proba-
BILE material effect war would have ON
business in Washington. A leading mer-
chant, who is noted for his careful and
conservative judgment. had this to say:
If l should state in my proper person
my opinion on the subject you present
there would be numerous persons to say l
was influenced by selfish motives. 1 have
seen and have suffered the effects of war
m otr Pint
III tell you very frankly that the result of
hostilities with Spain would be extremely
beneficial to Washington in business and
financial sense. The capital city of q cOun-
try which is engaged in war is always the
chief center of interest to the people 1t
is the central power house. so to speak
where all the energy to carry on the opera
tons against the enemy is produced and
whence it Is all expended When war is
IN progress all the resources of the coun-
Try that can aid in its proper prosecu-
t1on are called upon Thousands of con-
tracts are entered into for thousands of
things- There Is no time for business be-
tween the government and those ii patron
ICES TO be transacted through the usual
channels Everything must be done in a
hurry Consequently the firms and enter
prises having business with the govern
ment must have personal representatives
here to simplify and hasten the arrange
ment OF the matters between them
his fact alone would bring to Washing
ION very large number of men of ample
money, because money is never more ur-
gently needed than at such a time and
their expenditures would necessarily in
crease the n edium in circulation here very
appreciably- Then there would be a great
influx of those well-to-do people who al
ways desire to be nearest to the center of
excitement The American people have this
tendency developed to remarkable de-
gree. as you are well aware. This element
"tuid De OF great advantage to Washing
ton, as matter of course, because they
would necessarily spend here the money
they would have otherwise spent else
where.
Again" continued the gentleman there
would be the army of the timid from sea-
pert cities. There Is something protecting
IN the capital city of nation to such peo-
pie, and particularly in this country, where
our capital Is now safe from outward at
tack by a foreign foe This class and il
will turn out to be large one if trouble
cannot be averted, also feels that no mat
Ter what may occur elsewhere the gov
eminent would never allow its seat to be
IN danger. Consequently these people
would simply flock here. inspired simply by
the idea that under the shadow Of the
dome they would be safe from danger
Il believe he said in conclusion. that
the population here would be increased by
at least 10000 desirable people. OF course
there would be large influx of the unde-
sirable eler-ent. but not sufficient, believe
to cause any apprehension or to offset the
value to the city which would result from
the coming of the others
Some Idea.
The same opinion, although not so ex-
haustively expressed, was found to be
shared by all the observant business men
who were talked with. There was natural
)y a very pronounced belief among the hotel
men mat war would be of immense ma
terial advantage to the District ICY. War
man, said one. in writing a rhyme about
Creole. Col, when that town was booming,
said: It's day all day in daytime and there
Is no night in Creede' / could nara nhrasa