New-York tribune., 1900-12-02
SOCIAL LIFE

Ing out the mere consideration OF its name
which is shared by hundreds OF other towns and
settlements in various parts OF this continent
the city OF Washington in the Federal District OF
Columbia is the only existing monument OF any
Importance TO the ability Of George Washington
as founder Of cities for the borough Of Wash
ington, in the Pennsylvania county Of the same
name, though said TO have been laid out in 1877
by the Father Of His Country on land which
belonged 10 him, is hardly known 10 the world.
Third, the story Of the planning the poor be-
g1nnings. the ambitions and the achievements Of
the city OF Washington is 50 characteristic OF
The America which could barely have been
dreamed OF a century ago that Washington
may almost be considered as the first American
city in order Of time as il is in order Of prece-
dence
In the year 17SS all there was 70 show OF the
Federal capital OF the young republic was a pro-
vision Of the Constitution for the establishment
OF such city, upon territory outside the limits
OF all the constituent States It was a paper
city, just as the American Constitution. as yet
Untried by time. was a paper Constitution, with
its future in the hands Of unborn American gen
erations. in that year the Legislature Of Mary
lane passed act TO cede TO Congress a dis
trict ten miles square in this State for the seat
OF the Government Of the United States" About
q year later act Of similar import was passed
Federal Legislature, sitting in New-York, car
ried on heated and acrimonious wrange over
the question Of permanent seat for itself and
its successors. George Thatcher, representing
the Maine district Of Massachusetts, expressed /
the feelings Of many -Englanders when he
impatiently asserted that il was mot OF two
paper dollars consequence 10 the United States
whether Congress sat at New-YOrk at Philadel- /
phia or on the Potomac" II was, indeed. of 4
very little consequence 10 New England be- /
cause there was not the smallest chance that !
ew-England would be made the governmental \
centre Of a republic which was in those days /
lar from being Yankee The South predominant
ed in the councils OF the Nation 10 year ago, .
and besides, there was al the time much ap- /
parent reason for placing the centre Of the grow
ing United States somewhere on the banks Of
the Potomac, on the principle that the true cen
tre Of an area is equdstant from all points on
its Derimeter.
GEORGE wASHINGTON'S CHOICE.
But apart from all theoretical reasons for the +
choice il should TOT be forgotten that George F
Washington himself had much do with its de-
termination he was EITgiuian. he had been
a land surveyor, and il is recorded that he per
sonaIly superintended the first survey OF the site
OF the future capital making the voyage for /
this purpose above the tidewater on the Poto-
mac" in a primitive pirogue, or canoe, followed .
oUt Of a large poplar trunk. Then there is a /
story Of a deal IN votes, for which Thomas JEFF \
fersOn is the authority. According TO this story, \
when il seemed as il the National Legislature /
would be stalled On its way to a decision in the 4
matter party Of leading New England poll \
ticians was invited TO meet party Of Souther- /
ners al dinner at the house Of Alexander Ham
nt0n, and at that dinner, all present having /
been predisposed to friendly compromise by the /
Hamilton good cheer, ii was agreed that New
England should vote for the Potomac site if the
Solid South would vote for certain measure |
designed TO reimburse the Eew-England States
for pecuniary expenses incurred during the War
for Independence. Whatever truth there may be
IN this story the Senate bill in favor OF the Po-
tomac site was passed, ana was signed by George
Washington on 5uly l6. 1870.
This act left good deal 10 the Presidents dis
c-etiOn The area Of his choice extended 1O5
miles along the serpentine course OF the Poto-
mac, from WilIiamsport 10 Hsgerstown, and it
IS certain that the ultimate determination was
largely due TO Washington's own preference. II
also rested with him alone 70 appoint three
commissioners provided for by Congress to sur
vev and plot the Federal District, 10 acquire
lan5 by purchase or the acceptance OF gifts. and
20 provide suitable buildings for the accommO-
datjon of Congress and for the Public Offices Of
the Government prior 20 the first Monday Of
Deceuber, 1900"
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