Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-30
ernment should not be exempted from its

eminent should not be exempted IRON us
share of the expenses.
Mr.. Noyes then referred briefly to the
amount of taxes assessed upon citizens OF
Washington in proportion to the residents
of other cities.
Mr. Odell suggested that it may be posi-
BILE for the people Of this city to realize
more from their assessments and reduce
their taxes.
I'VE would be glad to reduce our taxes"
said Mr. Moves, land we certainly want no
more in the other direction. We want 1t
recognized that we are now paying our
part Of the taxes. =,
Mr.. WOrthington's Address.
Mr.. A. s. worthington then addressed
the committee. He said that when the city
was originally planned 1t was laid out upon
broad and magnificent plan as regards
thu streets. There was no provision for ex-
tension of the streets. Consequently when
the city began to grow the owners OF sub
urban property laid OFT their subdivisions
to suit themselves The result was$that no
two Subdivisions vera alike. 'rhe greatest
confusion existed One man might run
wide avenue through his property, and 1t
would end against another owners back
lot. Then, little further ON, a narrow
street would commence but Their. would
be no highway.
The outcome of this Situation was the
passage of the highway act, which pro-
tension of city streets upon the original
plan Of Washington.
Unfortunately after the highway bill
had passed both houses of Coagress and
was in conference, 1t was amended by the
addition of the Objectionable section.
Those who were responsible for that &C
ton were laboring under a misapprehen-
sion Of the provisions of the bill. They
thought it provided for the opening OF
streets at the partial expense of the gov
eminent, whereas it only provided plan
whereby the route of streets when opened
was fixed.
Mr. Worthir gton said the people will
dedicate the streets, ard the bill does not
hold out u them the hope that they can
be paid through condemnation proceedings.
The same jury that condemned would
assess against tie property the benefits
resulting to the property through the i'm
provement of the streets.
Mr.. Worthington explained that, while
the highway act does not contemplate the
opening CT tho streets. but merely plan
upon which the opening could be conduct
ed, there would be large expenses attached.
This he said, would grow OUT of the nee
essity for condemning some lots and prop
critics lying on the route of the proposed
extension For instance, II 18th street
were extended as proposed, 1t would pass
through two popular suburban subdivisions
and the property affected by the plan
would have to be acquired by purchase or
condemnation. If legal plan for street
extension were extant, showing that 1t
would pass through q mans property. he
could make no disposition of that prop
erty in the meantime.
Capt. Blacks Views.
Capt Black addressed the committee in
favor of the BILL He said the simple OBJ
| ject of the extension act was to 'enable the
city to grow upon regular lines. He sa;i
the property on the outer edge Of the Dis
| trict is mainly in large holdings Wien the
land is subdivided 1t is on the city plan, and
| the streets are dedicated to the public. The
| land between this section and the city linn
its Is mainly In small holdings. People
| have gone there and located their homes
In order to make connection between the
city streets and the outlying Subdivisions,
plated upon the city plan, 1t Is necessary
to go through this intermediate secti2n Of
misfit subdivisions. In many cases afecting
the homes of residents.
It will be necessary to provide forzcom-
pensation to these owners OF, houses for
| the cloud cast upon their property by the
proposed mutilation Of their lots by the
street extension.
r. AEthis point the hour Of noon arrived
| and the committee adjourned. Mr.. d. G.
Bates later submitted request Tor another
| hearing on the bill.