Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-04-22
REAL ESTATE GOSSIP
Influence Of Street Railroads in Sub
urban Development.
SOME RECENT PHASES OF The MARKET
What is Being Done to Meet the
Needs of a Growing City,
S 0 NJ e n f w b Z ILDING

The bringing of all the suburban street
railroads under one MANAGEMENT. in con-
nection with all the city lines with the
exception of the Capital Traction, has been
followed in the various developments OF
the negotiations with great interest by
property holders. 1t is believed the system
OF roads thus formed is to have in the fu-
ture an important influence on property
interests, especially those which are locat-
ed In the suburbs.
According to the published announce
ment of the plans of those who now con-
troll these lines it is the intention to oper-
ate them with special reference TO the de-
velopment of the suburbs, in this respect
reversing, as is believed, the policy which
has hitherto been pursued by the city street
car lines. 1t is the intention to no longer
pay attention to the imaginary line between
the city and the suburbs, known as Bound
airy street or Florida avenue which was
established by Gen. Washington more than
century ago, and the significance of
which, in the governmental management
of the District, was wiped out more than
a quarter of a century ago.
No Further Discrimination
In the management of the street rail-
roads, however, Boundary street or Florida
avenue is the terminus of the city lines
and the end of the suburban lines
and even a law of Congress was powerless
to bring about such a change as would
enable residents beyond the Boundary to
come into the city without the daily an
noyance of changing cars at the Boundary
and, in addition, paying another fare.
1t is now contemplated by Mr.. Stevens
and his associates in the operation of the
new and extensive system of street car
lines which they control to make no such
distinctions, but to provide for the suburbs
the same railroad facilities are now
enjoyed by the residents of what is known
as the city proper. There are to be no
termini where cars are parked on the pub
lie streets waiting in ideness the time be-
tween trips Instead, every car will be kept
of the operation of the road, the men
changing at stated periods. but the cars 60
ing on their ceaseess round.
Suburban Developments
To railroad men such plan is of interest,
as 1t shows that the cars will be earning
money all the time they are in service; but
to property owners, as well as residents in
localities away from the center of business
such a. system means rapid and easy COM
munication between their homes and their
places of business. 1t is thought the in
cCnveniences which have hitherto been so
largely the lot of those who have made their
homes in the country will be removed, and
that the plan of one fare and a contnu-
Gus ride from all points in the District to
the city will have the effect of removing
the Determinations which have operated in
the opinion of many to retard the growth
and development of the country tributary
to this city.
1t has been maintained that the conditions
here were such to make impossible sub
urban growth in the same degree which has
characterized the modern development of
other cities in this country, but owing
mainly to the causes above enumerated It
is believed the problem has not been fairly
worked out here, and 1t is thought that
now, for the first time, it will become pos
sible by reason of the changes above out
lined to fairly test the question as to
whether the population of this city will to
a greater extent than in the past seek
homes N the country.
Condition of the Market.
There is not manifested that interest in
realty as an investment that was confident
| " expected earlier in the season would be
the feature of the market during the pres
ent year People are not buying as freely
as was anticipated, although this element
| is more in evidence then has been the case
for several years past. The latter is es-
| pecially the case at auction sales of prop
| erty, where the competition, as rule, Is
lively and good prices are obtained.
| The contrast of the present situation with
| that which prevailed some months ago is
| noticeable, especially to the auctloneers,
| VINO recall OCCdSiOHS III Tic ASISut PshSt
| when practically no buyers attended the
| sales.
More Substantial Opportunities.
| 1t Is believed that the stock market is alb
| sorbing the attention of investors to a large
extent at present, and in consequence real
estate is being neglected. If this is true.
| then it may be expected that before long
| these attractions will cease to have such
| an influence, and then attention will once
| more be turned to what real estate dealers
| look upon as the more substantial oppor-
| tunities offered in the real estate market
| As far as any analysis is possible of the
present situation, 1t is the opinion that the
1 demand now is for ncome-paying property.
The supply is by no means exhausted, and