The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-05-08
- URING the twelve years since
the organization OF the North


the organization OF the North
- east Washington Citizens As
ISOLATION. ten years of which time 1
have had the honor to serve as its
president, that association has initiated
large number of projects for the i'm
prOyement of this section and strived
zealously for their accomplishment. with
results which are very satisfactory and
gratifying TO its members
This association has been a potent fac
tor In securing legislation in the inter
ests of Northeast Washington, and for
the beneht Of the entire District, and
has been a stsnch advocate and ener-
getic promoter of all enterprises and IN
dertakIngs for the advancement of the
welfare of the people of the entire Dis
trict. as well as of the residents OF the
section which IT represents.
The work of the association, in this
section, can readily be appreciated by
looking back TO conditions existing pre-
vious 10 its organization. Numerous
streets. sidewalks and alleys have been
paved. sewers constructed, conduits laid
and electric lights erected, school build
ings and fire engine houses, erected,
railroad crossings improved, and lights
tary conditions improved. street car SER
vice and accommodations improved, and
various other things, too numerous to
mention. have been accomplished, in all
OF which the work of the association Is
apparent
But In view of the fact that during
the whole period of success the public
has been kept fully informed of the
work Of the association by the Washing
ton press, which has sympathized with
II in its efforts for the betterment of
conditions in this section, has given full
and accurate reports of it's proceedings
and Of hearings and interviews, and in
many instances has published editorials
approving its recommendations and un-
dertakings, l will not elaborate on what
has been accomplished in the past, but
will confine myself to the present.
The Union Station Project.
Incident to the construction OF the
Union Station, and it's approaches. the
grades Of numerous streets and avenues
viii be altered. with the result that
many Of our citizens will suffer dam
ages to their property. the only redress
for which being through suit at law
against the District of Columbia. Ii is
estimated that there will be not less
than five hundred claims accruing from
such damages.
Considering that it would be a hard
ship TO the owners Of this property,
many Of whom are of limited means, to
have 70 employ attorneys and wait for
the slow process of law in order to Sc
cure a sufficient amount to repair dam
ages to their property. and TO compen-
eaf "a
sustained by, depreciation OF the value
thereof. the association recommended
that legislation be enacted providing for
the appointment of a competent com
mission to take all such claims under
consideration, appraise the damages aad
make awards. thereby relieving the
claimants of the expense and delay in
cident 10 lawsuits
The Commissioners, recognizing the
wisdom and justice OF the proposition
promptly drafted a bill providing for
such a commission, which bill has been
enacted into law.
Would Keep F Street Open.
Another very important recommended
ton Of the association, which was made
when the Union Station bill was under
consideration, affects the arrangement
OF the streets leading 20 the plaza 1t
provides that f Street, which is a very
important thoroughfare. shall be dc.
Elected so as TO enter the plaza in
stead OF being cut off at the terminal
as proposed by the architects. thereby
forming a pocket with no opening TO the
" est, and creating throat, AT Second
Street, through which the traffic OF IL
large and populous section would natur-
ally pass.
4 plat was drawn and printed. illus
tratmg the plan OF the association, u
copy of which was presented 10 the En-
glneer Commissioners, and a petition was