The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-16

volved and upon the footing of the bill.
The United States has plenty of money
with which to undertake such an enter
prise. but the District of Columbia has
not dollar to embark in the scheme"
Commissioner Ross. continuing. said he
thought all public spirited citizens OF
Washington favored tie plan of improv-
ing the city. provided it could be accom-
plished without adding to the local burden
of taxation. 1t is a magnificent scheme,
he declared, and one which appeals to the
imagination, and its realization would be
a great thing for Washington.
In speaking of the means to be pur-
sued in the appraisement of the property.
Commissioner Ross stated that the mat
ter would be referred to the Board of
Tax Assessors. They were conversant
with the values of property in all parts o.
the District. both the assessed value and
what it will bring IN the market. Their
report would form the basis of the Com
missioners reply to the Senate.
With reference to the property to be
acquired ana removed, Commissioner Ross
expressed the view that all east of the
Pennsylvania Depot should be taken
down. provided the plan is carried out.
That structure he thought might remain,
at least until something might be done to
locate a union depot, into which all the
trains entering the city might run He
was of the opinion also that Centre Mar
ket should remain. Invested OF its IN
slightly and unsayory surroundings. That
location. he maintained. was central and
best suited TO the convenience OF the peo-
pie of Washington. II was stated that the
market would not injure but add to the
beauty OF the public reservation as con-
templated in the plan which has been IN
der discussion so long
Commissioner Beach said that he was
not only in favor OF the plan, but that 1t
was necessary TO save Pennsylvania Ave-
nue. from becoming the Bowery Of Wash
ington. Business houses, he said we're
driven off the Avenue, where they natural
ly belonged, because the property owners
would not sell and would not provide large
retail houses with proper facilities 10 do
business. They will never go back Cap
tain Beach said. land something will have
TO be done il Pennsylvania Avenue. and
the region south OF it. is to be kept from
descending rapidly into a slum.'
The New Municipal Building.
Commissioner Beach has given much at
tention TO finding a suitable site for the
new Municipal Building. He thinks it
should be in Pennsylvania Avenue, in the
block most accessible to street cars. Cap
tain Beach admitted that the selection OF
a site on the south side of the Avenue
would suit all requirements and lend Itself
admirably TO the execution of the plan OF
placing all public buildings in the future In
that section. The Commissioner has four
sites in yiew-one on the north side and
three on the south side of the Avenue.
That on the north side is square 575. be-
tween First and Second Streets, and be-
tween the Avenue and B Street The
other sites suggested are reservations A
and B--the two squares lying west OF the
Botanic Garden-and squares $50 and ISL,
combined In one. The latter would in
clude the present site of the Bijou Theatre
and the square adjoining next TO the Ave
nue.. Commissioner Beach thinks aSy OF
these sites would be sufficiently accessible,
but inclines to one of those nearest the
Capitol
The great thing which stands in the way
OF tine enterprise. thinks Commissioner
Wight. is the money to pay for the i'm
proyement. The tract could be purchased
outright by the United States. he init
mated. or the expense could be borne
equally between the National Government
and the District. In that case bonds would
have TO be issued and the District saddled
with further load of debt.
Commissioner Wight is no less in favor
OF the scheme than his colleagues. pro sided
its feasibility can be demonstrated as
safe financial proposition.