The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-12-06

cost OF this private work. and Il is the
intention OF the Commissioners 10 es-
Lablish, January !, new schedule OF
fees.
On account of the large increase in the
work 20 be done, the Commissioners In
| their estimates 10 Congress for the en-
suing fiscal year have recommended an
Increase IN the appropriation Tor tho
surveyors Office
Trees and Parking.
Two thousand four hundred and seven
| teen trees were planted on the streets
during the year. and 1853 trees were re-
moved. leaving the total number OF trees
now on the streets OF the District Of
| Columbia about sS.0e5. an increase OF
only SIS over last year.
About the middle Of June caterpillars
| made their appearance on the trees I'm
| considerable numbers, and IL was neces-
sary TO expend 500 OF the emergency
| fund for their destruction.
| The appropriation for the parking com.
mission. which Is practically all ex-
pended IN the planting and care OF trees.
was s25.00O. For the present fiscal year
$4,000 was appropriated. While the
Commissioners were much gratifed at
the Increase. they believe that a larger
amount should be appropriated for this
purpose.
Sewer Construction.
During the year sst miles OF sewers we're
constructed. OF which 2.s miles were
main sewers. The total length OF the ex-
listing sewers is about 45T miles. and the
total cost Of the system Is about tl2.500.
OOO
The Superintendent OF Sewers suggests
that the provision Of the organic act
u IA 80 h. a.
by day labor TO jobs. the estimated cost
OF which Is less than s.. 900. be modified
so that the limit be raised TO $500 or
81, 600
Building Inspection.
The estimated value OF the buildings
constructed during the year is Sis.0l7,575
(this includes the Union railroad sta
ton. which is estimated TO cost S. 600.
which is an increase Of 81. .s72 over the
preceding year and 81, 707. 335 over the
fiscal year 1902
There are at present in the District OF
Columbia 6.46S brick buildings, 20 Sol
frame buildings. and l4.S51 sheds.
The Building Inspector recommends
examiners TO examine and license build
ers and architects. He also recommends
that the present fire-escape law be
amended.
Repair Work
The amount expended during the year
by the superintendent OF Repairs was
about 81, 900. This amount was expend-
ed on repairs to school buildings police
stations. engine houses. police court.
etc
Street Railways.
The Commissioners would again invite
the attention OF Congress 10 the bill
introduced at their request giving them
the authority 10 regulate the operation
OF street railways IN the District OF Co
lumbia. The charters OF the existing
street railway companies. while placing
upon the Commissioners certain duties,
such as the approval OF tiuTe schedules,
etc, fall 70 give them authority TO
enforce By penalties the observance by
the railway companies OF the directions
OF the Commissioners. As q consequence.
though the Commissioners may make
such regulations for the benefit OF the
public, they may be entirely disregarded
by the railway companies. Such Is es-
pecially the fact IN regard TO the time
or operation OF cars, and there is
great public demand for q better service
on certain OF the suburban lines which
act as feeders for the city lines.
The bin I'm question was drafted by the
Commissioners with the assistance OF
committee representing the various ciu-
gems associations OF the District ar Co
lum bia. and Is believed 10 be fair both 10
the railway companies and 10 the public.
The Commissioners would earnestly rec
ommend the passage OF the bill during
+ the next session or Congress-. 81 -
( The condition OF the wharf property
along the Washington channel Is very
I bad The Commissioners recommend
/ that an appropriation OF 42.50o be made
/ for the purpose OF preparing survey
/ and plat for the Improvement OF this
frontage.
Anacostia River Front.
The Commissioners would invite the
attention OF Congress to the unsettled
/ question OF the>sitie TO the water front
along the Anacostia River. or Eastern
/ Branch. The Commissioners recommend
that the Attorney General be directed
70 institute proceedings for the purpose
Of determining the question Of title.
The question Of the water supply is
one that needs Immediate consideration
/ At the present rate OF consumption per
capita the capacity OF the existing con-
duit viii soon be reached The Chief
{ Of Engineers, United States Army, has
for several years recommended survey
Tot d new conduit.
By reason Of the wording Of the law
I certain institutions are granted water
Z free, while other institutions. just as
worthy. which do not come under the
I character OF institutions specified. have
/ 10 pay for all the water used. The Com.
missioneTs believe that some action
including all worthy charities shOuld-be
taken.
After giving IN detail the work done Ia
Rock Greek Park and on its approa ehes
the Commissioners say Of Sixteenth
Street extended
The Commissioners submit to Congress
the desira bility OF preserving Sixteenth
street as a residence street. This street
100 feet wide, leading from the White
House 70 the District line, and forming
the ca stern boundary OF part OF Rock
/ Creek Park. differs IN character from all
other streets and avenues in the Dis
! trict. and should be kept forever as A
residence street. II has no chara cteris-
{ Ties OF a business street. as there are
I no street cars and but few small busl-
ness establishments. Legislation for
/ bidding business establishments on she
street IS suggested.
rAnEAAN