Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-02
DISTRICT IN CONGRESS
MUCH IMPORTANT LEGISLATION
ENACTED DURING YEAR.

During the past year the District of CO.
lumba made tremendous strides in adj
vaneement as result Of legislation en-
acted by Congress. Many new projects
were begun for the betterment of the Dis
trict and large appropriations were made
to forward projects that had already been
commenced
Nearly all the legislation of Congress
recognized the principle of dividing the ex-
penses of the District between the Dis
trict taxpayers and the general govern
ment, there having been only a few small
appropriations for street extensions that
have not recognized in that way the
agreement that was made by the Congress
when it passed the organic act of 1878.
The appropriations that became avail
able July ] were the largest that have ever
been provided for the needs of the Dis
trict. Some of the smallest of the salaries
OF the teachers were increased at the be-
ginning of the school year that opened last
fall.
During the year the statutory rates for
telephones were repealed and it was pro-
vided that for telephones in residences with
one telephone on Il line, not more than $50
could be/charged, and with two phones not
more than $iS. There was no legislation
affecting business telephones, but annual
reports of the business of the telephone
company were provided for.
The Capital Traction Company has re-
Gently purchased land on 18th street ex-
tended so that it may construct a loop
there which will not only permit the ex-
tension of the 14th street line, but will also
make possible the running of more cars
on that thoroughfare. At the last session
Congress made an appropriation for the
opening OF 18th street from its present
terminus at Lydecker avenue to Piney
Branch road near Brightwood, making the
railroad improvement possible.
Work on the municipal building has been
" m de ring
the coming winter to have the limit of
cost on that building increased by an ad-
dition of 100000, in order that the build
ing may be of marble. The present appro-
priation will permit only the use of brick
The construction of Rock Creek bridge
on the line of Connecticut avenue has been
continued with additional appropriation
of Sl00o00 Ground adjoining the police
court house has been condemned and plans
for an addition to the building have been
made in accordance with legislation.
The limit of cost of the highway bridge
has been increased to s1196O00 and the
work is going forward under an appropria-
ton of s42s,000 made early in the year.
The Commissioners were authorized to
enter into contract for the reconstruction
of the Anacostia bridge. the limit of cost
being fixed at s2500o0 and an appropriation
of s1ao COS made.
All the money was appropriated for the
extension of the sewer system that could, in
the judgment of the engineers in charge of
the work, be used TO advantage during the
present fiscal year
For the completion of the slow sand fill
tration plant 81 $685. GOO was appropriated.
Legislation was enacted providing that
plans for new public school buildings should
be made under the supervision of the in
spector of buildings and approved by the
Free lectures in public school buildings
were provided for.
The force of the public library was in
creased TO add to its efficiency
Congress- uTpVidpd Of data
ton for children. and for girls and women
over seventeen years of age who were ar
rested and held as witnesses.
A fire boat TO cost $4,000 and an engine
house for the southeast section were au-
thoriZed.
The Commissioners were authorized to en-
ter into contract for a work house for
males, with limit of cost of $4,000
The construction of a municipal aims
house was also authorized. at cost of
$4,000.
board of children's guardians was au-
thorized to contract for the care of sixty
wards of the board with the Hart Farm
School
Plans for an industrial home school for
colored children, to cost 100000, were au-
thorized
The Commissioners were authorized to re-
port to Congress a plan for the removal to
a suitable place in this city of the remains
of L'Enfant. and for the erection of a suit
able monument over them, or the erection
of a monument where the remains are now
buried
Congress provided for Office buildings for
the Senate and for the House of Represen-
tatiyes. Work on the House building has
b been commenced and land for the Senate
building has been purchased. These build
ings will occupy sites one north and one
south of the Capitol grounds.
Provision was made for commission of
senators and representatives to report on a
plan for the extension of the Capitol east
wardly in accordance with the Walter
plans.
Provision was made for the building of a
power plant at the navy yard to cost S133.-
go and machinery to cost Sa05.000. In all,
the improvements provided for the navy
yard aggregat. $57J.9o6.
Plans for a statue to Thomas Jefferson to
be erected in this city were authorized.
Eleven acres OF land adjoining Howard
University and belonging to the govern
ment were leased perpetually to Howard
University at 81 per annum. and provision
was made for the new hospital for freed
men TO be erected on that land.
There We're many acts in relation to mu-
nicipal government.