The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-12-02
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
THILE we recognize the need OF wisdom and
NI conservatism in expenditures for public I'M
proYements we also recognize the rioht OF

\ J1ILE we recognize the need OF wisdom and
\AI conservatism in expenditures for public I'M
provements, also recognize the right OF
the people TO act directly upon the issue OF bonds for
purposes that are beyond the reach OF immediate
levy
San Francisco has enjoyed the distinction OF being
the only large city in the Union with practically no
bonded debt Thanks to the wisdom OF Frank
McCoppin and other early administrators of
city affairs, the government of San Francisco
has never gone far astray from the interests
OF the people and such charges have been brought
against any part OF the city government have rarely
related to vicious handling OF public money. With Il
good reputation, the regulations OF cities CO. San
Francisco may well add thereto character that
from adequate public improvements.
The plans proposed for additional park facili-
ties more sewers and better and schoolhouses that
are modern are not of recent origin. Hon Frank
Newlands, dozen years ago, published a compre
hensive essay what might be done to make the
best use Of San Francisco's climatic and scenic adj
vantages, in which all that is now proposed
pointed out, and many more improvements sug-
gested and discussed. Mr. Newlands still shares in
the control OF large properties here although
citizen and public character of Nevada Since he has
represented that State in Congress he has been
large investor in Washington City and is competent
to speak OF the effect OF fine public improvements
parks, and public buildings upon real estate.
Washington, though in trying climate, has OF late
years become the fashionable residence city OF the
East because OF its beautiful boulevarded and
smoothly paved streets and its large number OF parks
pleasure grounds and fine public drives. II it is said
that people go there to live drawn by the fact that
is the capital of the republic and the OF all the
attractions and pageantry OF government
is uttered Everything that Washington City has
OF pomp and circumstance she had when Pennsyl-
vana mudhoe in which inaugural pro-
cessions mred down unless the mud frozen hard
enough to bear load on the 4th OF March. But no
then chose it a place OF residence, and the
officers of the Government spent as much time
side the District OF Columbia as possible But
Washington has changed since then. 1t has been
made one of the most beautiful cities in the world
and people who able to live where they please go
there. Mr.. Cleveland while in his first term changed
the Presidential custom of living elsewhere, and
bought charming place within the District pri-
vate home for his family.
The hundreds of rich families which have made
homes there within the last twenty years make the
city better business place than used be when
its retail trade depended solely upon the Government
officers and clerks in the departments
San Francisco with everything desirable in eli
and in the midst of the most inspiring nati-
raj scenery, herself to make better use of
her many natural advantages by calling art to adorn
her with proper public Improvements The effect of
such Improvements cannot fail to be good