Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-10-06
C|TYS GREAT GROWTH
As Illustrated by Two of the
Current Needs 500,
DEMAND FOR AN AoUEDUCI
What is Required in the Way Of
Sewers.
DUE TO POPULATION INCREASE
Entire District Made tho Basis Of
Circulation for Improvements
for the Future.
DEMAND FOR AN AQUEDUCI
DUE TO POPULATION INCREASE

In the recent summary given by Conn
missioner Macfariand of the needs of the
District, which were to be called to the att
tention OF Congress at the coming session.
were two which might be looked upon as
illustrative Of the expansion Of the ma
terial interests OF the city.
The first of these was the extension of
the sewer system to the suburbs and the
second was the need for the duplication OF
the aaueduct. which brings the water OF
the Potomac to this city. 1t is we'll known.
for the reason that such a large proper
ton OF the Inhabitants now live outside OF
the old municipal limits that the original
sewer system has already been 80 much
extended that the portion outside covers
an area that bears no small relation to that
which lies within the old bounds.
About ten years ago a modern system OF
sewers. including a system OF sewage DIS
posal. was adopted. and since then. from
year to year as the money could be spared
from the current revenues OF the District.
tais great work. involving the expenditure
of millions OF dollars. has been carried
along. 1t Is practically completed. and It
is so planned as to make provision for any
extensions that may be required in the flu
ture.
Due to Population Growth.
The demand for sewer facilities is. Of
course, a natural one In these days, as pro-
vision Of this sort Is made In the case of
houses which are built In the country quite
away from city streets. Still, owing to
the expense. such feature is not usually
provided at public expense unless the popu-
lation In such outlying sections is suffi-
Client to warrant the expenditure. This Is
exactly the case here and II Is this growth
of the population that has made the ques-
ton of sewers in the suburbs one that de-
mands prompt attention. and places II
among the pressing needs Of the city for
the current year.
The same thing can be said In regard TO
the proposed increase of the water supply
of the city OF course, there is waste here.
as Is the case in all citiesy and when the
consumption is brought down to a per
capita basis the showing is that OF liberal
provision of that great necessity OF life.
But still 1t must be taken into account that
all the public buildings get their supply Of
water from this source, to say nothing or
the fountains that play In the parks and
public places. In the use OF water as Wei
as of other conveniences, which 10 supplied
at public expense, there is not that strict
economy observed which the critics OF the
present rate of consumption OF water evil
IDENTIFY would like to see exhibited.
Not Excessive Use of Water.
In addition to this the population here is
intelligent, and has an appreciation of the
benefits of the liberal use of water, so that
altogether there is a good deal OF the fluid
used But when the climate and the condi1
tons here are taken into consideration, tae
consumption is not as excessive as appears
when the statistics of water use here are
compared with those of other cities. +,
At any rate, whatever the conclusion may
be in regard to the extent of the prope4
and necessary use Of water In this city, y
Is very evident that the supply is not equal
q
asked to authorize the building of anothei
aqueduct similar to the one laid some nifty
years ago, and, of course, alongside or thd
existing underground conduit. The calcu1
latfon for the increase of the water supply
ia based, not as was the case when thd
auueduct was built half century agoI
upon the needs of the population thai
might be within the original limits OF th9
city bound by Florida avenue and thu
Potomac river and the Eastern branch, bu
upon the number of people that have gath
cred and will gather within the entire teri
ritory of the entire District
Occupy the Entire District.
It Is the recognition of that fact thai
makes this movement for an increase I'll
the water supply of the District of so much
Significance at this time. In fact, both thu
extension of the sewer system to the subj
urbs and the enlargement OF the wate1
supply have their rise from this condition.
The city is growing to such an extent tina
observers of the present day can see clear
ly the time near at hand when the whoi(
District will be built up.
This movement is, of course, being helped
by the extension of transit railways
that connect the center OF population wit
change is seen to q considerable extent i
the market for unimproved property. SOM
time ago vacant property or lots were tn |
principal feature In the. buying and seliinl
tt LAT pf
some extent, and also there was an invest
ment character, as lots were bought an
paid for in installments. with the chance o
the purchaser gaining something from
rising market. Then. too, there were buy
ers Of lots who wanted to build houses 10
their own use. In fact, that was the gen
eral custom. When home was wanted
first lot was bought, and then plans wer
secured and house was built.
Market for Vacant Ground.
All this is changed at the present time
The demand for vacant ground has falle
OF. The competition of the outlying Ian
brought within easy distance of the cente
of population by the street railways has
of course. had its effect upon land value
near to the center The market for the LAT
ter remains, but It is not active. and prac
tically is stationary.
In addition to the change In condition
as outlined above. there has been also an
other. in that people buy houses rathd
than build them. so that the demand 70
vacant ground comes more In the shape
large blocks than of single lots. This la
ter consideration, Of course. has Its infu
ence upon the market for single lots.
1t might be supposed that with the com
ing into the market Of 50 much land value
for inside property, as 1t is called. woul
about disappear But such. however, is nc
the case as there Is still a market for In
diyidual lots, as well as for larger bufidin
blocks This Is accounted for by the fat