St. Tammany farmer., 1906-11-17
IDEAL FOR A HOME
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OF RESIDENCE M
ST WASHINGTON.

Capital City 10 Having a Rapid ane
Steady Growth in Prosperity and
Reauty-opportunities for
Young Men.
Over century ago, largely through
the influence of George Washington
congress consented to locate the na
tfonal capital on the banks of the
Potomac, about IL miles above Mount
Vernon. For many years after the
actual removal of the seat Of govern
ment from Philadelphia, the new city
had hard struggle for existence
Public Golfers were practically empty
and taxes wehe hard to collect, says
the Washington Star.
|s The period from 1870 to 1874
marked new era in the capitals his
tory. During this time Gov. Shepherd,
q truly remarkable man, who appears
to some to have been a crafty poll
tician, and who is recognized by all as
having been the founder of the new
Washington, was at the very height OF
his power. He graded streets, plant
ed trees, dug sewers costing what
then seemed fabulous sums, and spent
about $3,OOO,000 for wooden street
pavements. which soon rotted away.
In about three years he incurred a
debt equal to the price paid to Spain
for the Philippines. Congress was
aghast at this enormous expenditure,
although much of it was justified, as
results have shown. And SO, In 1874,
the government was changed from the
then existing territorial form to the
system now in operation. After three
quarters Of century of vicissitudes,
the city was finally firmly established.
The last three decades, which really
include all of its life since Washing
ton has been city of any size, have
brought uniform prosperity. In less
than half century the population has
grown wonderfully, increasing from
$4,000 in 1860 to $4,000 in 1906.
Popular Residential City.
This rapid and steady growth leads
80 naturally to the conclusion that
Washington possesses such advan-
tages as a place of residence as to
have prompted many young men to
make their homes by the Potomac.
These advantages may be very con-
veniently grouped as sanitary. eco
nomic, political and educational
Properly enough, the first consider
alton which influences choice of
home is health. OF prime importance
to the health of a city are the natural
features, location and climate; and Of
equal value are all artificial sanitary
for the prevention and cure
Of disease. Washington is situated on
the banks of the Potomac at its juno
ton with the Anacostia river, SO that
a water front of considerable extent is
obtained. Naturally, portions Of the
city near the rivers are low and fiat,
but elsewhere the land is rolling and
we'll drained. Capitol Hill rises about
100 feet above tide water; and the
chain of hills which belt the city on
the north and west, and which include
the suburbs, are from three to four
times as high.
Opportunities for Young Men.
Excellent opportunities are extend
ed to young men not only In the gov
service, but in the pr0fes-
sions, and in other walks as we'll.
Positions open in private firms are
much more numerous and desirable
than are generally supposed. Wash
ngton is not primarily manufactur-
ng city, yet the value Of its products
IN 1900 reached the very creditable
.otal of $47,667, ,622. The local indus
,ries give employment to many ex-
oerts, and to much unskilled labor
likewise. Then, too, population of
;25,00O affords a wide field for the
practice Of law and medicine in all
heir branches.
The United States government re-
luires an army Of 175,000 to keep its
in operation. Men of every
walk of life, from the scientist and
he diplomat to the clerk, the me-
.hanic and the printer, find employ
nent In its service. The scientific |
work. Of the government appeals to
nen of talent.
It Is useless to repeat the many |
cry pleasant features of government |
ervice which private employment
loes not as rule afford. Such are
Moderate working hours, annual leave
nd comfortable buildings in which to
york.
Fine Public Institutions. /
To many the National museum will
rove of as much value as the libra |
les. Excepting the British museum,
here are few similar institutions
ghich surpass it, and it is scarcely |
qualed on this side even W the
of New York and the
feld Columbian Of Chicago. a.
Appealing to fewer persons perhaps |
han museums, and yet with 4 greater
over for the spread of culture, is an
IT gallery. In this regard the nar
onal capital Is extremely fortunate
/ possessing the Corcoran collection,
0 adequately ana 80 beautifully
oused. The gallery makes no claim
} equal some of the superb collec-
ons abroad, but contains neverthe-
,ss many paintings Of excellence, and
source of joy to all lovers of beau