Evening star., 1900-11-15
OPENING OF GENESEE STREET.
Between Citizen In
tercstcd md Com M iSsi0ncr nench.

In a letter written several days ago to
Capt. Lansing Fl. Beach, the Engineer Com
missioner of the District. Mr.. Robert L. L.
White expressed the hope that the Com
missioner might see his way clear very soon
to spare part, at least, of the chain
gang for the opening of Genesee street,
near Brightwood. along the lines Of a con-
versation which Mr.. White had with him
prior to the donation of the land for the ex-
tension of the street.
The need. 1 may say" wrote Mr.. White,
lis urgent in behalf of the community. but
you doubtless know this, II not by personal
observation, by information of the best
kind. The owners of the tract through
which it runs who donated desire the dirt
deposited on the lots adjoining except
what will be used In filing, and this will
be the shortest haul. You thought you
could do this work this fall, and if your
plans are such that you can fairly fix upon
within a week, say. when the work can
commence. l shall be greatly obliged II
you will advise me-.
In reply" wrote Capt. Beach. Il would
state that as you are doubtless aware. the
dedication was an unconditional one. and
yet l find in print and elsewhere state
ments by certain parties that the dedication
was secured by them on condition that the
street would be improved at an early date.
1t is contrary to the policy of the office to
accept conditional dedications, which policy
has been very carefully observed for the
past two years. and it is not desired that
the criticism be made that that Gus
tom has been departed from in this case.
1T is believed that the improvement OF
the street is a matter of considerable pub
lie Importance, and that 1t should be opened
up soon as practicable. The Commits
sioners are indebted for the gift of the land
which has made the opening of the street
possible, but l wish you would correct the
impression that the dedication con-
iitpnpi The, imnrpVpmput of the street.
as the Commissioners have strenuously en-
deavored to avoid any such troublesome
precedent.
LAS a matter of fact 1t is hoped to be-
gin work upon the street at an early date,
but ii should be distinctly understood that
this action will be taken because 1t is con-
Sidered a desirable Improvement. and not
because of any promises in connection with
the dedication. which you well know We're
not made. the only negotiations leading
up to the transfer We're made with you,
! IF any one wrote Mr.. White. in re-
| sponse, has stated that this donation was
! obtained by them, any condition, 1t was
| entirely without my knowledge authority
| or consent. and | shall correct ii as far as
possible. The donation absolute and
unconditional. The document Is the best
| evidence, and speaks for itself. Some weeks
| past a resolution was passed by the
| Brightwood Citizens Association concern
| ing this street. but at once informed them
| that the donation had been accepted two
| days prior thereto.
Il trust you will accept this as expressive
! of my position in the matter, which 1
| authorize to show to any one asserting the
! contrary, and consider as ] believe. that
these unauthorized expressions, in print, or
! otherwise, were ascribable, In all probabil-
| ity, to excessive zeal In behalf of local
| public benefit, which many people de-
/ sire because of the pressing need. l trust
its necessity to the public may appeal 10
you sufficiently to warrant the early grad
| ing thereof