New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-11
THE NEW BALTIMORE.

If the splendid spirit of civic pride now being
displayed by municipal officials and leading citi
zens of Baltimore is permitted to influence the
work Of reconstruction that must soon be in
itiated great results may well be expected. The
first requisites in an emergency like the present
one are courage confidence and self-reliance
These qualities are handsomely illustrated by
prompt preparations for the resumption Of bust
ness and for helping those who are embarrassed
by lack of employment A wise regard for fut-
ure safety and the beauty OF the new city, how
ever. is also dictated by that local patriotism
which is now undergoing such a severe test
Upon the councils and conferences Of the next
few DAYS and weeks depend characteristics
which will endure for generations. 1t would
be an unSpeakable pity II the most were not
made Of the opportunity created by this weeks
calamity.
Fireproof construction must. OF course. be the
prime consideration Architects know well
enough what this means. It demands steel
beams. concrete or tile floors, metal. glass or
tile partitions. stairways that cannot burn and
certain other familiar safeguards Many own
ers OF real estate realize that the adoption OF
these precautions pays because It enables them
10 secure higher rents and lower insurance
rates. STILL il is not safe TO leave too much to
voluntary action. The city should so revise its
ordinances In regard 10 buildings as 10 put It's
minimum OF safety at a high level. Builders
may 20 beyond the limit II they like. but should
not be allowed TO fall below It,
substantial uniformity in the character OF
the materials should be insisted upon. No
owner should be permitted % jeopardze the
property OF his neighbors by cheap and inferior
construction. Artistic effects would he secured
as well as safety by a rigid adherence 10 this
II
NOTED by the maintenance Of comparatively
uniform sky line. In order 10 avoid wide dis
parity in the height OF adjacent buildings. Il
may be wise TO rely largely upon n spirit Of co
operation among the property owners them
selves and upon their architectural advisers.
The matter will be within the control OF the
city authorities 20 some extent. however Even
II the number OF stories is not prescribed by
the ordinances, the bureau charged with the
duty Of issuing permits may nevertheless exer-
else potent influence.
Still another step which the authorities may
find It wise to take is to widen some OF the
streets in the burned district. The immediate
advantage OF that policy would be 10 lessen the
chance OF a fro spreading but this would not
be the only gain. Facilities for traffic and the
appearance Of the thoroughfares would be ma
teIially bettered. The necessary land for any
such improvement can be bought to-day at n
lower price than after it is covered once more
with buildings. A chance Ike the present one
will not in all probability ever arise again.
Before permits are granted for new construc-
ton, therefore, the question Of readjusting
boundaries may we'll be carefully weighed.
Baltimore has long been famous for her cult
ure and hospitality. She is exhibiting
rare pluck. II she wisely meets the architect
ural problems with which she is confronted, she
may be a model Of security and beauty to the
whole world