Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-04-21
THE NATIONS CITY
WASHINGTON RAPIDLY GROWING
IN IT'S ATTRACTIvENESS.
Yet It is Being De- 1t With by Congress
on Marrow Lines as to
It's Finances.
To the Editor Of The Evening Star:

To the Editor of The Evening Star:
In common with many Of our citizens, I
regret the fact that the capital city is being
dealt with along too narrow lines as re-
CARDS it's financial affairs. Although the
citizens of the District are not permitted
to have voice in the control of our mu-
nicipal affairs, yet we have been fortunate
in having Commissioners appointed by the
Pre- mt who have been, as a rule, men
Of EXCEPTIONAL ability and character. They
have given careful attention to the inter-
ests of our city, but have frequently been
unable to secure the execution of projects
of great Importance because Of a failure
on the part of Congress to enact the neces-
sary legislation. We are in a very differ
ent condition from any other city in the
republic The Secretary of the Treasury is
supposed to make an examination of the
estimates of the Commissioners and trans
init them to Congress. although many ap-
preparations are made which are never
brought to the attention of Congress in
this way. There are District committees
In the Senate and House which spend much
time and effort in endeavoring to secure
the passage Of necessary laws and the APP
preparation of money to carry them into
effect. They, too, are frequently disap-
pointed In their undertakings. The COM
mlttees on appropriations in both houses
or Congress also carefully consider our
financial needs. In addition to these COM
mittees, specially charged with looking
after the interests of the capital, the city
Is under the observation of all senators
and representatives. The expenditures of
the city proper are made on an economi-
Cal oasis when compared with pressing
needs. City governments act promptly be-
cause they are in direct local touch with
the people and are held responsible by
them Tor what they do or fail to do. Con-
gress acts slowly for us in many respects.
Tor we are not voting constituents. 1t Is
true, taking everything into consideration
our growth has been of a remarkable and
permanent character.
Forty years ago. when I first came bere
one OF the first questions asked of members
OF congress by visitors was, Why was the
capital located here, anyway Streets were
unpaved; sewers. sidewalks needed every
where; none of our splendid parking or
trees existed. Everything presented a
famshackle appearance. Now hundreds of
thousands of tourists come here from
everywhere and with hardly an exception
are delighted with what they see Their
patriotism is increased and their pride in
the national capital is intensified by the
OBJECT lessons which arise before them
They express themselves to their acquaint-
anceS In Congress- in the most extravagant
terms as to the beauty and attractiveness
or Washington. All advocate liberality in
making the city more beautiful. Thousands
OF homes have their doors open for the
entertainment of guests from all over the
Union with a hospitality and cordially
which cannot be found elsewhere We are
free to greater degree than any other city
from commercial jealousies. We are with
out manufacturing and the volume of our
business is limited.
The educational advantages of the city
are growing every day. In few years it
will be known as the most prominent city
in the educational world. The Catholics
Were the first to discover the Importance Of
Washington In this respect. The magnifi-
cent buildings now being erected by them
fTr
OF the church are massive witnesses to the
correctness of this assertion, and we are
told that they have only just commenced
in the development of a great plan being
pursued under authority from Rome
The Methodist and Episcopal denomina-
lions have taken steps in this same d-
rection. Other denominations to maintain
their prestige must follow. Important
private schools are being established
every year and our public school system
is exceptionally fine.
Formerly we had very poor hotels. Now
however. one is as good as any in the
world and several others are firSt-class
We also have the finest apartment houses
in the world, and many others attractive
enough for any one to live in. We have
residents who come from every territory
and state in the union, who are inter-
ested in our material welfare because
they have purchased property and are
rearing families. The senators and rep
resentatives reside here during a good
portion of each year. They find here, in
addition to the attractions / have already
mentioned. those provided by the general
government, which are unequaled in any
city in the country.
l have enumerated these facts so as to
show that our municipal affairs have
careful and comprehensive attention, that
we have exceptional attractions not only
for tourists, but for residents, and have
the strongest claims to broad and liberal
treatment on the part of those who legis-
late for us, yet we are running on mar
row lines. B. II. WARNER.