Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-12
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
OBSERVATIONS OF WASHINGTON
ARTIST, WITH SUGGESTIONS.

Street nomenclature is odd thing in
many cities, and the inappropriate Is
oftimes conspicuous" remarked Washing
ton artist Whatever decision may ulti-
mately be reached in this city, whether the
street designations are to remain as now
or are changed to accord with some other
general plan, there is one suggestion which
ought to be acted upon.
Some prominent thoroughfare should be
designated Washington avenue, and the
obscure little street single block In length
in the northwest section of the city in the
vicinity of 4th, 9th and H streets should
be given more appropriate name. l
don't know whether artists are more sus-
ceptible to the incOngruities OF things than
the average of other classes of individuals,
but I have always experienced cold chill
whenever it has been my misfortune to
pass this little street. which is slightly bet
ter than a cul-de-sae, and read the revered
name of the father of his country upon the
lamp post.
II would not attempt to make any sug-
gestion as to which of our larger thorough
fares should be honored by the bestowal
of this title, leaving that to the municipal
authorities, but / am satisfied that all ar
tistic Washington will agree with me that
the incongruity is most conspicuous 1t is
one of the mysteries of municipal life that
the capital should have progressed for
more IMAM a century without the name Ol
the patriot for whom it is named gracing
one of it's main thoroughfares. If, on
the other hand, though / can see no
reason for such conclusion. it is not de-
sired to give the name of Washington to
one of the main thoroughfareS of the city,
then the little, single-block street In ques-
ton should have It's title changed to one
more BETTING it's size and location.
Big Name for Small Driveway.
81 understand that request has been
formulated that 10th street be changed to
Executive avenue Whatever may be the
result of this movement is a matter with
which artists have not to do, but 1t would
be hard to imagine more high-sounding
title for a dminutive driveway, and one
which has an iron gate at one entrance in
the bargain, than the driveway Of two short
blocks in length between the White House
and the State, War and Navy building.
Almost any title other than this would be
more appropriate, If we are to strive for
the appropriate. From only an artists
viewpoint, Executive avenue implies
stately avenue in the best quarter of q
city lined with handsome residences The
driveway now bearing this designation is
only such in fact-a driveway, and is
worthy only of some simple appropriate
designation.
Il observe that the corresponding street
on the east side of the White House, be-
tween that building and the Treasury De-
partment, bears no visible designation at
all This is a case of the inappropriate. If
the driveway on the west, with a gate, is
honored by an expansive designation, why
neglect a much.traveled street without a
gate? Presumably this matter must come
under the jurisdiction of, some one, and If
at loss for a designation why not adopt
that of Treasury avenue? 1t cannot be
called Madison place, as that designation
stops at the north side of Pennsylvania
avenue. If it is desired to give streets two
blocks long the titles of avenues, one des-
ignation is about as good as another"
Now distributing Elk Grove Butter Calendar.