The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-10-20
GROWTH OF THE DISTRICT
A Statistical Statement Compiled
for Commissioner Ross.
Special Reference Made to Municipal
Affairs for the Last Ten Years
Appropriation Bills since 1890
street Paving. Cable and Electric
Cars, and Underground COnduits.

Commissioner John W. Ross has recent
Iy had collected for his own use some in
teresting statistics relative to the District
of Columbia and it's growth from 1900 to
the present time. Special reference is
paid to the facts Of the municipal govern
ment during the past ten years.
From 1900 to $780," the statement is.
1.-The total amount appropriated for school
buildings and sites WAS $2,512, 214.5O, and
between 1890 and the present time 81. 1885,
4S01S has been appropriated for those
purposes. In 1890 there were ninety-six
school buildings in use, including small
frame buildings and rented quarters;
there are now 113 buildings in use. and
fifteen more in course of construction,
making total Of 12s in ALL There were
in 1890 745 teachers and 36,905 pupils, and
In 1900 the numbers have been increased
to l, 224 teachers and $4,000 pupils. Since
1890 the Eastern and Western High
Schools have been built, and separate
quarters have been secured for the BUSH
ness High School; also appropriations
have been made for the establishment of
white and colored manual training
high school. and kindergartens have been
introduced into the school system.
''In the year 1880 the Fire Department
of the District Of Columbia consisted Of
eight engine and two truck houses and
1870 men. At this time 1t consists CT four
teen engines, four truck, two chemical,
and two truck and two chemical houses
in course of construction, making total
of twentyfour houses. with 243 men in
the department.
''In 1890 the Police Department consist
ed of 376 men and nine precinct station
me
force, and one additional station house Is
in course of construction, and an addi-
tional sub-station has been rented in An
acostia.
"a total of 81.4 miles of asphalt and
coal tar and So miles of asphalt block
street paving had been laid prior to 1891.
There are now 1908 miles Of asphalt and
coal tar and 17.15 miles of asphalt block
paving laid, showing an increase CT 47.2S
miles during the past ten years.
1.-The first cable car was run over the
Seventh Street branch of the Capital
Traction Company Road on the 9th day
of April, 1890, and today there are 1852
miles OF double, or 19.41 miles CT single
track, of underground electric railways,
and 59.67 single track Of overhead cleo, ri;
railways, making total Of 139.OS miles of
single track of electric railroad tracks in
the District of Columbia.
1.-THE Washington Public Library, which
now contains 1890 volumes, was estab-
lished since 1890, and construction has
been begun on the new $3.50. 900 pu. lie Ii
brary donated by Mr.. Andrew Carnegie,
which will have capacity CT 2SS, go vol
umes. Il;
Since 1890 the free bathing beach has
been established, and it is now furnishing
free bathing facilities to about $1,000
bathers annually.
I'm 1890 the first appropriation was made
for the purchase Of ground for the estab-
lishment of the Rock Creek Park, the
topography of which ensures in time one
of the most beautiful parks in the world.
During the past ten years new reser-
voirs have been established in the vicinity
OF Fort Reno and Brightwood, the Howard
University reservoir will soon be available.
and extensive experiments have been made
in the filtration of our water supply, which
have resulted in an appropriation of $780,
600 this year for the establishment OF a
portion of filtering plant.
THE Commissioners two years ago
adopted the beginning of a system of
cleaning the improved streets by hand,
under the direct control Of the municipal
ity. and from the last Congress they Sc
cured appropriations for the collection of
ashes. combustible waste, and night soil
by the District. An appropriation of $780,
coo was made during the last session Of
Congress for the purchase of site upon
which to establish municipal hospital.
The reports Of the Inspector OF Build
ings show that from 1890 to the present
time over s6s,000,0 C0 has been expended
in the erection and repair of buildings in
the District of Columbia.
There were in 1890 G93 barroom and
465 wholesale liquor licenses, making
total of LIS. AT the present time there
are but 513 barroom and 125 wholesale |
liquor licenses issued. although the city !
has increased in population $4,000 during |
the same period of time.
Besides the above enumerated improve !
ments in the municipal affairs of the Dis
trict during the past ten years, although |
the population shows but an increase of /
2O.9S per cent, its business affairs have |!
shown many instances of most remarkable !
progress. an instance of which may be !
found In the following extract from the |
Financial Review of September 2S:
"A comparison Of the resources and LA
1ilities of the local banks in September, |
1890 and 1900, respectively, shows that in !
1890 the deposits were s10,961, 1866: loans, /
Is, 090.610; capital stock. s2.627. 600; surplus
md undivided profits. 81 1924, 1856; total re-
ources, s15.630.649. In 1900 deposits were |
;19 500 1877; loans. $1,000 752: capital stock,
'S027,OO surplus and undivided profits, !
Z. 260, COS. Total resources, s26. 2O5,245
I" The paid-in capital stock of the four /
rust companies is s14.14s.75O The surplus
,osits are $40, 723274; loans, $685., 995. |
Total resources. s16,047.7 21.'"
For n Cold in the Hend