Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-23
MATERIAL AND SCENIC
Prospects of Northwest Sec
ton of the District.
PICTURESQUE HIGHLANDS
Educational and Governmental In
stitutions There.
INDEED "A COOLEY COUNTRY"
Fortunes Made by John Sherman,
Grover Cleveland and Others
Advance In Values.
INDEED "A COOLEY COUNTRY

HoSe VINO are interested IN nne PROS
poets, 10th material and scenic, have long
since tUr ed their attention to the great
northwest section of the District of Co.
umbia, which lies west of Rock Creek and
comprises the picturesque and beautiful
highlands to the north and northwest of
historic Georgetown. This territory is al
ready distinguished as the seat of great
educational and governmental institutions
and surely Capt. John Smith knew whereof
he spoke when in $685. referring to the lands.
on portion of which Washington now
stands, he pronounced it "a goodiey
country"
Aside from other considerations the re-
markable development of the northwest
section may be explained by natural and in
evitable causes. The Potomac and its
Eastern branch, at the head of navigation
and Of tidewater encompass the city on
the south. east and west. and the expan-
sion of Washington, restricted by these
natural barriers. presses naturally toward
the beautiful highlands In the northwest
section of the District. 1t was said that
'the early recognition of this necessity of
growth made fortunes for Senator John
Sherman ex-President Grover Cleveland
and others.
To illustrate the remarkable advance In
values In the northwest section of the
city lots dn the vicinity of Dupont Circle,
which fifteen years ago sold for $500, now
command 5000. and 1t Is argued that as
the open spaces in the city are gradually
occupied the necessity for growth and ex-
| pansion toward the northwest will become
more imperative.
The normal increase of the population Of
Washington is about one-third each ten
years, and 1t Is certainly growing rapid
Iy as ever before in its history. The city
is now not only the political. but will be,
IL 1t has not already become, the social,
sofa Cd. cd ftai
ter or chief point of the country. Every
year there Is a larger influx of the wealthy
retired class OF residents from all other
parts Of the Union, who come here to
make their homes. In respect of expan-
sion apd development toward the north
west. 1t is also claimed that Washingtons
growing manufactures will favorably affect
future growth. Even now 1858 wage
earners are employed by 2754 concerns that
represent s41, 9s1 PAS of capital, and the pro-
| jected utilization Of the falls of the Po-
! tomac for water power purposes will give
a tremendous impetus TO manufacturing in
dustries The completion Of the splendid
S225,O00 bridge over Rock creek the
| line Of Massachusetts, avenue will consti
tute an important step In Washington's
progress as that great thoroughfare when
extended will lead direct through the heart
Of the newer northwest section to the Dis
trict line.
On the Heights.
Ascending the heights from Georgetown
| by the Rockville line and along Wisconsin
avenue, a number of public institutions
have been established Of governmental,
religious or educational character. They
are located on or near the line of Massa-
| chusetts avenue extended, and all of them
are either Just now building or are in their
| infancy. Prominent among them are the
| institutions established by the United
| States government, including the naval OBJ
| servatory, the Children's Industrial School.
| the agricultural experiment station and the
| new bureau of standards. The proposed
extension of Rock Creek Park Is located
| just across Massachusetts, avenue from the
naval observatory, and Its acquisition by
1 the government Is urged, among other good
I reasons. as a means of protection to that
| institution.
The authorities of the Protestant Episco-
| pal Church paid over $1,000 per acre for
| sets avenue. The site contains about
| thirty acres and Is nearly 400 feet higher
| than the Potomac river. Here will be
erected the Cathedral Of SS; Peter and
| Paul. and with a group of buildings In aci-
| dftion, the aggregate cost of the improve
| ments win be 5000. 900. In respect Of the
| selection of this site for the cathedral u
| has been said that the situation Is In the
/ center of future population by unanimous
| consent of those best Informed as to the
| city's growth, and the cathedral will be
| about the same distance from the Trea sur,
| the Bank of England. but 1t VIII be In
! much more conspicuous and commanding
| position" r,,.,s
which has recently opened its doors, Is an
| EpiscopaI institution, and Its imposing
| granite building occupies part OF the
| cathedral grounds.
| n Ia the professed aim Of the protestant
| F.pIscopal Church to make this picturesdne
| elevation. adorned with classic structures,
| the principal home of the denomination On
| this continent.
| The washington School for Boys Is re-
| cent educational acquisition Tor TINS sec
| ton. It's dormitory Is on the line OF nassa,
| ch,1setts avenue while the atnietic neio ana
| racifa ton hall are not far distant.
Plans of Gen. Washington.
| Tho American University Is dedicated to
| the fuIfillment of the plans OF Washing
| ton. who cherished the hope that one day
there would be upreared in the capital
great university periodically devoted to the
cause of higher learning In America
Ten millions OF dollars will be expended
IN the construction and maintenance or
| twenty-one white marble buildings upon
| the superbly situated campus or ninety
acres The College OF History, peauti1ui
specimen of classical architecture 10 COM
pleted and now the second OF TINS group,
| the MCKINLEY Memorial building. whose
| corner-stone was laid by President Roose-
welt IL under construction. This VIII be
Followed by the Pennsylvania or admins
| tration building. and the other buildings
| rracefuiiy grouped about the quadranglee.
when ali are completed one can approprt-