The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-01-28

NJ. V. Richards. land and industrial
agent of the Southern railway, is an opti-
mist of the most pronounced type in the
matter OF a Greater Washington" Mr..
Richards observations are especially
significant. CoIaing they do from one
whose active business career for many
years past has embraced the commercial
and industrial areas finding their centers
Ia Washington
II will give you a paraphrase." began
Mr.. Richards: "All roads lead TO Wash
ington; that is to say, Washington is the
logical, and is very rapidly becoming the
actual. pivotal center to which a gener-
Gus percentage of the surplus wealth of
the successful citizens in all parts OF
the country is continually gravitating
and through whose open gates pilgrims,
native and foreign. OF every degree and
race perpetually throng, leaving tribute
with US or remaining TO share in the
general patriotic purpose of making the
National Capital the peer of all others
on the globe
Even now there are few other seats
of national government which present
so many striking advantages. Com
pared with the leading capitals OF Eu-
rope, my personal impressions lead me
10 the conclusion that Washington en-
JOYS advantages paramount over any
that l have found in continental travel.
Conspicuous among these advantages
are those very essentials upon which
great metropOlises are reared and per
petuated.
A Commanding Position.
"Our city has a commanding position
geographically. 1t is the great artery
nd h,
human tide OF the great East and the
magnificent South. These two tides pass
each other. mingle, fraternize, and meet
again under the shadow OF the great
white dome. Projects of vast import are
formed here, which bear fruit in every
corner OF the continent. The traveller
southwark begins his real journey here,
and whether ne be tourist, invalid. spec
ulatOr. business seeker or schola.- he Is
certain TO go forth with an itinerary
which will embrace all points, localities,
and opportunities which would satisfy
the most omnivOroUs OF his class.
The architectural development of the
city is keeping pace with the times auu
in addition 10 many editices recently nm
ished. plans and preparations for further
works of construction and municipal
Improvement give promise, and are
guarantees. of the splendid destiny be
fore US. For 1 am convinced. after due
allowance for all that has been achieved
elsewhere. that our National capita
will eventually be the capStone, cover
ing the best ana the greatest of tbs
combined capitals of civilizations.
Commercial activity and progress, II
practical evidence before US, justify tbs
prediction that Washington is approach
ing a new era in economical develop
ment All around us conditions have
changed affecting by sheer pressure th'
Industrial life of this city. Washington
has always been a city Of homes and
domestic ease. IL Will not lose this de
lightful reputation by changing into
commercial mart and manufacturing
center: but il is undergoing this change
from d rural 10 a metropolitan char
aCter.
A Delightful Climate.
'In the matter Of climate Washington
very favOrably compares, in ali-year-
round conditions. with the most health
fui and delightful cities in the country
We have less rigor in our winters and
less of fervency in our summers thar
is noticeable in many of our other cite:
OF like latitude and altitude.
Washington is particularly blessed II
another very important respect. 1t has
a prolific agricultural section surround
ing il on every side fertile lands anc
magnificent stock: and a country reach,
ceivable advantage. whatever may bt
the object Of human research and de-
sire
Socially. in polite literature. theoIogi
cal distinction and secular institutions
OF learning. this city is becoming promi-
nent. over and above all these material
conditions is the national spirit of pride
IN our Capital the common wish for It's
advancement. which pervades all classes
of our own citizens. and is generally
shared by the citizens of every portion OF
our common country. These are impel
ling forces which are moving the Capt