Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-11-03
The Finest City in America.

1t is always gratifying to hear compli-
mentary things said about Washington by
visitors from Europe. where beautiful cities
are numerous. This country is so new in
comparison with the civilization of the old
world that its cities have many raw edges
Ekely to arouse the unfavorable criticism
of foreigners. During the past few years
civic spirit has arisen in the United States,
however, and in consequence some of these
unfinished spots are being worked over and
the American cities are slowly attaining
their proper aspect. Here in Washington
there is much yet to do despite all that
has been done. but the capital as it stands
today nevertheless impresses visitors pro-
foundly as a city of not only a beautiful
present but a magnificent future Such
words as these from Sir George Newnes.
the London publisher, who sailed for home
yesterday, will go far toward stimulating
those responsible for Washington's develop
n,ent to renewed effort:
During my present visit I went to Wash
IL gton, which think is beyond question the
finest city in America. 1t is magnificent.
There is no city abroad / would compare 1t
to. 1t has character of its own / have
been profoundly impressed with the great
hospitality shown to foreigners over here
My visit has made me wish to come again. "
This visitor has expressed in a brief
phrase that which rests at the root of the
situation here. Washington has unques-
tionably "a character of it's own" 1t is
unlike all other American cities. Its lack of
great manufacturing establishments, its
well-dressed people, its pace of comfortable
alertness, its broad streets, its fine parks,
it's many trees and it's beautiful and signf-
cant public build' :gs blend into total of
civic individuality which is nowhere else to
be found. There are some depIorable spec
tacles here to be sure, some ugly places.
some foul slums and ridiculous contrasts
between beauty and ugliness in public and
private architecture. But the changes are
being steadily made toward betterment
The causes that have long been in operation
to check public and private enterprise to-
ward the evolution of the ideal capital are
disappearing. Take. for an instance, the new
railroad terminal. When that great work
Is finished the way will be opened in many
directions for a rapid development of parts
o. the city which have heretofore lain
under a blight. Take again the matter of
the southern side of Pennsylvania avenue,
the city's finest and most conspicuous
street. The foundations are now laid for
the establishment of definite policy which,
when executed. will yield glorious results.
making Pennsylvania avenue one of the
civic wonders of the world. And back of
these and other developments lies a newly
aroused national sense of the Importance
and significance of Washington an awaken
ed pride in the capital as the expression of
the power and prosperity and national life
of the United States.
1t is to be hoped that Sir George Newnes
will live to see the Washington of the fu-
ture. which will embody the ideals of its
fifty three years of age, and reports ac-
credit him with excellent health and habits.
In the twenty or thirty years that are his
due this city should become a Mecca for
all who desire to see the perfection of capt.
tai making.