davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04
THE WORK OF THE CENSUS.
Suggestions Looking to the Perma-
nency of the Bureau.


nency of the Bureau.
= The Director of the Census states that
the work in connection with the Twelfth
Census is progressing favorably. This ma
tional undertaking, ordered by the Con-
gress each decade, has finally resulted In
the collection OF an aggregation OF statis-
teal facts to determine the Industrial
growth of the country. its manufacturing
and mechanical resources. its richness in
mines and forests. the number of its agri-
culturists, their farms and products, its
educational and religious opportunities, as
we'll as questions pertaining to sociology
cal conditions.
The labors OF the officials In charge O.:
the Bureau indicate that the law Of March
s. 1893. requiring the completion of the
four important and most-desired subjects,
namely, population, agricultural. manufac-
turing and vital statistics, will be COM
pleted within the prescribed limit.
The field work incident to the above
enquiries Is now practically finished, and
as a result the population of the States and
Territories. including the Hawaiian Islands
and Alaska, has been announced. The
growth OF population during the last de-
cade amounts to over 1900, 900, a greater
numerical increase than in any previous
census in the history Of the country.
Bulletins will be issued rs rapidly as
possible giving the population by States
and Territories, by minor civil divisions
Several announcements OF this kind have
already been made, and II is hoped that
the list will be completed by January /.
Other bulletins giving the results Of the
manufacturing and agricultural enquiries
will be given to the public as rapidly as
circumstances will admit.
The Director. while confident Of his
ability to complete the different branches
Of the undertaking In the allotted time.
Ands himself embarrassed by the lack OF
. trained force properly equipped for sta
atistical work, thus raising the question
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04
THE TERRITORY OF HAWAII.
Increase of the Water supply for De-
vel0pinE Public Lands.

Increase of the Water supply for De-
veloping Public Lands.
Much interesting information is given
in the report of the Government Of Ha-
wall as to the progress and development
of the islands during the period from
July Z, 1898, the date Of the approval Of
the joint resolution of the Congress pro-
viding for their annexation, up to April
30, 1900, the date of the approval Of the
act providing a government for the Ter
ritory, AMI thereafter.
The last Hawaiian census, taken in the
year 1896, gives total population OF 10s.-
o20, OF which 81. 019 were native Hawaiians.
The number of Americans reported was
s 4S5. The results Of the Federal census,
taken this year. show the islands to have
q total population OF 154,001, showing an
increase over that reported in 1895 OF A.
S81. or 41.2 per cent.
There has been marked progress In the
educational, agricultural, and railroad de-
velopment of the islands.
In the territorial act Of April 30, 1900,
section of said act repeats chapter "a
of the civil laws of Hawaii, whereby the
Government was to assist in encouraging
and developing the agricultural resources
of the Republic. especially irrigation. The
Governor of Hawaii recommends legisla-
ton looking to the development of such
water supply as may exist on the public
lands, with a view of promoting land set
Element The earnest consideration of the
Congress is invited 70 this important rec
,.nmendation and others. as embodied in
the report of the Secretary OF the Interior
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04
THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.
Work of the New Board Of Education
warmly Commended.

Work of the New Board Of Education
Warmly Commended.
Congress having provided. at Its last
session. as a result of an investigation
made by the Senate Committee on the Dis
trict OF Columbia, for . reorganisation OF
the public school system. creating board
Of Education of seven members. in place OF
the board Of school trustees Of tho pub
lie schools, and superintendent, with two
assistant superintendent in place OF the
superintendent Of white schools and the su-
perintendent Of colored schools. the Com
missioners, according to the direction OK
Congress, appointed the Board OF Educa-
tion to serve beginning the LIST Of uJly.
As the act required that members o. NE
board must have been for ave ysars I'm
mediately preceding the appointment
residents and taxpayers, and as tho work Of
reorganization which the board was to do
had to be performed largely between July
/ and September 1, the Commissioners
were much limited in the number OF men
and women from whom selection could
b made, but the Commissioners
were fortunate in obtaining the services
Of C. J. Bell, Georse H. Harries. Dr. hicn-
ard Kingsman, J. Holdsworth Gordon. Mrs..
Henry Litchfield West, Mrs. ]. r. Francis.
and james r. Bundy. As the work de-
volving upon them required them 70 fore
20 in part their summer vacations and TO
spend a great deal Of time by day and by
night In beginning their task. the Com
missioners feel that great credit Is due
them, and that they deserve the thanks OF
all interested in the welfare Of the school
system. They worked so expeditiousiy ana
SO successfully that within month tne5
had announced tie new organization OF tho
school system. Following conservative
policy, they made no changes. either In
personnel or curriculum, except such as had
been shown to be necessary. They graft
fed the citizens by promoting to the new
office Of superintendent A. T. Stuart. who
had been for years supervising principal
Of the community. They promoted to the
new Offices Of assistant superintendent Mrs.
Ida @. Myers. principal Of the Normal
School. and W. s. Montgomery. principal
Of the ninth division. With very few ex-
ceptions, no other changes were made In
the teaching force but those caused BY
these promotions. The board, upon the
Recommendation Of the superintendent, al
tered the curriculum SO as to make 1t more
practical, and to reduce the amount OF
home study required Of the pupils. 1t also
made improvements in the business man
agemeut of the school system. which has
been most faithfully conducted BY It's
executive officer. H. H. Twombly. Secretary
to the Board Of Education.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04
A MUNICIPAL BUILDING.
Erection of nm Appropriate Fire
proof structure Urged.

proof structure gESeu
among the many pressing needs Of the
District government there is not one
which constitutes more Of an emergency
than the want OF a freDroof municipal
building For nearly thirty years the local
government has been compelled to rely
upon such rented buildings as could from
time to time be found most available.
when IL is considered that all plats
and records of underground construction,
as well as all records relating to assess
ments and taxes, are stored in building
which may be destroyed by fire, and that
such destruction would involve an injury
to United States and District interests
which would be irreparable and wholly be-
yond computation in money values, the IN
vestment of an amount necessary to con-
struct an appropriate ireproof District
building, which would avoid such catas-
trophe. would seem to be required by COM
mon sense and by the ordinary precautions
which business man would take for the
protection Of his own interests.
I'm the office of the Assessor the card
,ndex system has been instituted with
regard to arrears Of taxes. the numeri-
cal index, and all outstanding tax sales
since 1878. The inauguration OF this sys-
TEN will greatly expedite the transaction
of the public business, and will conduce
to the convenience Oh all Wuo Lave DCSl-
ness with that office.
THE Commissioners invite special at
tention to the estimate for an increase
of the force in the Collectors ofhce. the
business of which has grown far beyond
the ability of the present employees to
properly perform it.
..The hand system Of cleaning the
streets of Washington, which was adopt
ed July 1 1897, has been continued with
UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS, and the area clean
ed by hand is being increased as rapidly
as the appropriations therefor will allow.
The daily area cleaned during the first
year was 39i ,12S square yards, at a con-
tract price of 80 cents per 1000 square
wards. The second year the daily hand
cleaning schedule was increased to 702,
GAO square yards, of which 30S,512 were
cleaned directly by the District, the aver
age cost of which was Is cents per 1000
square yards, as compared with 80 cents
per LOCO square yards paid the contractor
for the same work.
THE machine sweeping, which COM
prises a daily schedule of 100000 square
yards OF street surface, the most of
which is swept between the hours Of 8
p. m and 5 a m, is being done under
contract. at the low rate OF IS cents per
/ 900 square yards. The work under the
present contractor is being performed in
a very efficient and satisfactory manner,
but as under the allotment of S35. 900 1t Is
impossible to sweep any Of the streets
oftener than twice a week. 1t is hoped
that the appropriation may be so In
creased as to allow some of the more i'm
portant streets to be swept three times
per week.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04
METROPOLITAN POLICE FORCE.
An Increase of One Hundred md
Sixty Men Recommended.


Sixty Men Recommended.
During the past fiscal year the police
force of the District has maintained the
high record of efficiency which has char
acterized it for long period Of time. On
the Both Of June, 1900, the force consisted
of 571 members. BY reason Of sickness.
details and assignments to post duty, only
315 privates could be assigned to patrol
duty, or these only Is men could he as
signed to duty during the daytime and ISL
during the night. Yet this insufficient
force upon actual patrol duty is expected
to protect the Capital City Of the United
States with its population OF 27S,7lS and
an area of II square miles.
I'm the list OF cities given in the re-
port of the Major and Superintendent.
showing police areas and numbers OF po-
licemen it appears that st. Louis, with
precinct area of 10000 acres, has force
of 976 men. while the District OF Column
bia. with an area Of A. 800 acres. has
force numbering only 571. or this force
81 are assigned to important post duties.
and "a to special dutyoat localities where
the services of policemen cannot be dis
pensed with. The Major and Superintend-
emit has asked for an increase in his force
Of $50 men. The Commissioners have APP
proved this estimate. and they will earn
estly urge that an appropriation embody-
ing this increase be enacted into law.
"The COMMISSIONERS invite the favorable
consideration of the Congress to the rec
ommendation of the Major and Superin-
tendent that appropriate legislation be
enacted in order that the superior facili-
ties afforded by the Institution known as
the Junior Republic. located in the State
of Maryland. for the reformation OF youth
full offenders. may be utilized for the way
ward youth of the District.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04

The Commissioners have submitted to
the President their annual report, as re-
auired by law for the fiscal year ended
June so. 1"cO. They inform the President
with reference to the District finances
and the funded debt. They review the
work of administration in detail. calling
attention to the duties performed and Of
fering several recommendations relative
TO the enlargement of some Of the execu-
tive offices. The Commissioners advo-
cate Immediate steps toward the erec-
ton of municipal building, not only as
a matter of convenience, but to protect
valuable papers and records from possible
loss by fire. One of the most important
features Of the report is the Recommended
ton for municipal loan to provide Tor
the extension of streets, water mains, ana
sewers and other improvements needed
They advocate the reclamation of the Ana
costa flats as a sanitary measure. ana
the building of the Memorial Bridge as
suitable addition to the attractions OF the
National Capital. Several appropriations
are recommended for the public schools.
the Police Department, and the Fire De-
partment, looking to the better pay OF en-
report says:
THE appropriations for the year, which
were payable out of the general revenues,
and embraced all but the appropriations
for the water department. were Si.lS2.
S41.5S. This amount included $2oS, 2so.IO
of disbursements on account OF damages
incident to the extension OF streets. ana
for other purposes, wholly out of the
revenues derived from taxation OF private
property and privileges.
1.-The receipts from taxes and other
resources applicable to the payment CT
said appropriations Including the amount
contributable by the United States as Its
share of the District expenses, and sur
plus of $603, 255.2S of District revenues OF
former years. were $3.50, 1876.
1.-THE expenditures of the water depart
ment were s407 174.42, and were wholly
payable out Of the revenues received from
water rents and assessments. The reve-
nues of said department, including bal
ance of former years amounting to $J61.-
7120S. were s715, 661 A."
A statement Of the funded debt, amount
ing to SIS, 1894, 570.18, is included in the re-
port with certain observations relative to
the Districts trust obligations and the
nominal asset of $4,000 in Chesapeake
and Ohio Canal bonds. Continuing, the
report says:
Estimates for the support Of the gov
eminent of the District for the fiscal year
to end June 30, 1901, were prepared and
submitted to the Secretary OF the Treas
ury in compliance with law. They amounted
to $7,6a7, 1881, including S135,34 to be
paid out OF the water funds.
1.-THE rate of general tax for the year
was fixed at $3.50 on each 500 Of all tax
able personal property and Of all real prop
| erty except that used solely for agricul-
| tural purposes. the rate Of which was II
| per 500 of assessed valuation.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04
THE ENGINEER DEPARTMENT.
of Granite Block by Sheet
Asphalt Recommended.

OF Granite Block by Sheet
Asphalt Recommended.
1.-THE Engineer Department Of the Dis
trict of Columbia was, during the fiscal
year. under the charge of Capt lansing
H. Beach. Corps Of Engineers. U. s. A.
He had as assistants Capt. William p.
CraighilI, Corps of Engineers. from July
1 to about September 10; Capt D. D. Call
lard, Corps of Engineers, from September
IL, and Capt. H. C. Newcomer. Corps OF
Engineers. from January 10 to the close
Of the fiscal year.
Captain Gaillard was placed in charge
of the water, sewer, plumbing. and build
ing divisions, and Captaia Newcomer was
given supervision over streets, county
roads, bridges, Surveyors office. and Park
ing Commission"
Under the head of street and alley
pavement the report says: Sheet asphalt
and asphalt block were the only materials
used for street pavements during the
year. Vitrided block was used mainly In
alleys. a few of which, however. were
paved with asphalt block.
The prices paid for sheet asphalt were
81. 7S and $3.50 per square yard: asphalt
block. SLIT per square yard. For the COM
ing year the prices will be Si.79 1-2 for
sheet asphalt and SLIT for asphalt block
cit is again recommended that the gran
lite block pavements throughout the CITY
be replaced as rapidly as possible with
sheet asphalt or asphalt block. Business
men generally on streets paved with this
class of material have petitioned repeat
edlv for a smooth and less noisy pave
ment. The granite block IL undoubtedly
a detriment to q business street under
the conditions prevailing in Washington,
"a such payements are more or less avoid
ed by traffic and trade diverted thereby
The Commissioners earnestly urge that
the improvements desired be carried out
as rapidly as possible.
Excellent use can be made OF the
blocks removed in paving the main thor
oushfares leading into the city from the
county. An example Of work OF this
character may be seen on the Benning
Road. where a pavement consisting OF
central strip of asphalt ten feet wide,
flauked on either side with strips OF gran
lite block filling the remainder of the
roadway width has been completed dur
ing the wear. which has resulted in vast
imnroyement in the condition OF the road.
If all of the main thoroughfares leading
into the city could be treated in like man
ner the cost of repairs would be 81 sdtly
reduced and much more work accom-
plished with the repair appropriation. OF
which there is urgent need. as owing to
the small funds provided for their care
and maintenance. the county reads Of the
District are not in the condition that they
should be, and on the main highways con-
Meeting the city with the country, macad-
am has not the qualities to enable it to
sustain the heavy travel.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04
THE PENSIONS SYSTEM.
Increase of Appropriation Result
ing From Recent LeEfsiatfon.

pucrcase Of Appropriations Result-
ing From Recent Legfslatfon.
At the end of the fiscal year there were
on the pension roll 993.529 names. net
increase of 2,010 over the fiscal year 1893.
The number added to the rolls during the
wear was 1854 The amount disoursed
for army pensions during the year was
x1s4. 700 1874, and for navy pensions
a. Al, total Of S13s, 1852, 1905, leav-
ing an unexpended balance OF S5.542,TSs.zS
to he covered into the Treasury. which
ehows an increase over the previous year
expenditure of sf01. OTTO. There we're GA
names added to the rolls during the year
by special acts passed at the first session
of the Fifty-sixth Congress.
The act of May 9, 1900, among other
things. provides for an extension Of in
come to widows pensioned under said act
to $3.50 DER annum. The Secretary OF the
Interior believes that by the operations
of this act the number OF persons pension
ed under it will increase and the increas-
ed annual payment for pensions Will be
between 100000 and 100000
The Government justly appreciates the
services of its soldiers and sailors by
making pension payments liberal beyond
precedent to them, their widows and or
phans.
There were 2s.54o letters patent grant
ed, including reissues and designs, during
the fiscal year ended June 30. 1860; 1,66o
trade marks, 6S2 labels. and ninty-three
prints registered. The number OF patents
which expired was 1883. The total re-
ceipts for patents were 81 ,35S. 22S.35. The
expenditures were s1,2i7, s275S. showing a
surplus Of sl10. 4eo.T.
The attention Of the Congress is called
to the report of the Secretary of the In
terror touching the necessity for the
further establishment Of schools in the
Territory of Alaska, and favorable action
is invited thereon.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04

sideration, decided that the entire sub
ject matter of the disposal of city waste
should be placed under the supervision
of tie Superintendent of Street Cleaning.
his department appearing to them to be
the one to which the work most properly
belonged. The Health Office, which had
supervised the collection Of garbage and
night soil so efficiently for many years.
was thereby relieved Of this burdensome
duty and left to devote its ontire time to
the special duties for which 1t was estab-
lished.
Regulations and specifications were
therefore prepared under the supervision
Of the Superintendent Of Street Cleaning,
and proposals were solicited for the va
rious classes Of work. For the collection
and disposal Of garbage and dead animals
the Washington Fertilizer Company was
the successful bidder at the contract price
of SCI. 600 per annum. The garbage ana
dead animals will. under the contract with
this company. be disposed OF by what ID
known as reduction process, in regard
to which it is claimed that in no instance
has 1t failed to give entire satisfaction.
The material will be conveyed twenty
miles beyond the city limits and In such
air. tight receptacles as to cause the least
possible nuisance; and the people OF
Washington are to be congratulated upon
the fact that the shores of the potomac
River will be freed from the deposit OF
garbage and refuse whose offensive odors
have so long been a source OF annoyance
to travellers upon that river. The con-
tract with the Washington Fertilizer
Company will go into effect December 1,
1900.
1.-The accepted proposal for the collec-
tion of ashes was that made by R. V.
Rusk. for weekly collection service from
private residences, at s29,979 per annun.
The appropriation was not sufficient to al
low the acceptance of proposals for such
removals from other than private resi-
dences. nor for more ireedent collections.
The contractor began operations August
l. 1900, and while the service is not yet
all that might be desired, yet 1t is very
commendable considering the time it has
been in operation and the time required
to inaugurate a new system.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04

made OF the long pending question of the
manufacture OF armor plate. reason
able price has been secured and the me-
cessity for q Government armer plant
avoided.
/ approve of the recommendations OF
the Secretary fer new vessels and for adj
ditiopal officers and mel which the re-
Quired increase Of the navy makes nee
essary. l commend TO the favorable ac-
ton CT the Congress the measure now
pending for the erection OF statue to
the memory OF the late Admiral David u.
Porter. l commend also the establish
ment CT a national naval reserve and OF
the grade of vice admiral. Provision
should be made. as recommended By the
Secretary, for suitable rewards for spe-
cial merit. Man. officers who rendered
the most distinguished service during the
recent war with Spain have received in
return no recognition from the Congress.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04
THE NAVY YARD BRIDGE.
Declared to Be Inadequate for Pres
ent Traffic.

ent Traffic.
Attention is again invited to the need
Of a better bridge in place Of the present
Navy Yard Bridge over the Anacostia
River. In addition to being entirely too
narrow for the traffic passing over 1t. the
bridge is structurally weak. and 1t Is be-
lieved that the only satisfactory action
would be to replace 1t with modern
structure of ample width. The Commits
sioners have frequently included this item
in their estimates to Congress.
after considerable trouble and delay
the necessary right of way has been Sc
cured for the Massachusetts Avenue
Bridge over Rock Creek. A contract has
been let for(Ae work. which is now being
rapidly pushed.
THE current District appropriation act
contains an item of $40 600 for the founda-
lions for the Connecticut Avenue Bridge
over Rock Greek, work upon which will
commence shortly.
During the year the District quarry at
Dickerson. Md. has been operated In a
satisfactory manner. contract has been
awarded to the Standard Limo and Stone
Company, OF Baltimore. Nd. for oper-
ating the quarry for a period OF five Years
Three powerful new crushing machines
are now being installed. and The cen
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04

whether in the interest of economy and a
thorough execution OF the Census work
there should not he retained in the Gov
eminent employ a certain number of ex-
perts not only to aid in the preliminary
organization prior to the taking of the
decennial census. but in addition to have
the advantage in the field and office work
of the Bureau Of trained assistants to ia
cilitate the early completion OF this enor-
nous undertaking.
| recommend that the Congress at its
present session apportion representation
among the several States as provided by
the Constitution.