Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-01
Care Of the Parking.

II would be commendab1e IL every house
holder took lively interest in his yard
and in the public parking. where such ex-
lists, in front Of his house. Such q course
would help the householder's property
would be an earnest Of his faith IN q
most beautiful Washington and would In
large measure enhance the charm OF the
capital.
In the Sunday Star it was reported that
Mr.. b. H. Warner had sent letter to
the District Commissioners in which he
lamented that more care was not be-
slowed by property owners ION the park
ing in front Of their homes along F street
from the new Union station to judiciary
Square and on Massachusetts, avenue west
Of 10th street northwest" Mr.. Warner
recites that weeds and grass have been al
lowed to grow on the parkings to such
an extent that they have become I'M
sightly and unhealthful. He expresses
the opinion that where the government
has set aside for the use Of property own
ers valuable ground in front Of their
dwellings without charge or assessment
the owners should at least keep this land
In good order.
The corporation counsel has rendered an
Opinion that the maintenance Of these
parkings cannot be imposed by law upon
property owners. The Commissioners In
form the author Of the complaint that the
engineer department Of the District,
though it has given considerable thought
to this question. has been unable to ar
rive at any satisfactory conclusion. The
Commissioners express the belief that the
most promising way Of inspiring property
holders to give q greater share Of thought
to their parking would be through
newspaper agitation"
The Star will not enter upon a project
Of agitation" but 1t will present an ar
gument and make an appeal. The argu-
ment II q familiar .one and q sound one.
1t is supported by an array OF facts that
will not be disputed. Attractive surround
ings OF q home make that home dearer
place and brighten every hour. They
stimulate the pride and encourage q
sense Of responsibility in the householder
They teach a good lesson to the house
holder and the householder's family every
time one Of them looks out Of the win
dow or crosses the threshold of the door
This policy Of home adornment prompts
the neighbors to action in taking care OF
their plots 1t causes passersby to think
better Of the neighborhood. 1t increases
the desirability Of the particular house
and Of the whole neighborhood, and raises
the value of the property. 1t aids Wash.
ington In making good its claim Of being
the most beautiful capital In the world
Make the outside Of the home enchant-
ing as can be and then feel the rising
zeal to make the inside Of the home fairel
and better. Beauty IN the home Is an aid
to happiness. The character Of man OF
woman is shown In a determination to
make the best Of surroundings. An at.
tractive outside to the home is not SC
much q matter of cost as Of care. A little
work on the flowers or the lawn after the
days dull Job is done sharpens the appe.
tite for dinner or helps settle the supper
and makes the conscience better.
The public parking before your house
belongs to all the people. but 1t Is closer
to your home than to that Of anybody
else. Take care Of 1t and It will repay
your attention. Grass and all the other
green things that grow are wonderfully
appreciative. They resent neglect and
either grow rank or shabby or perhaps
pine away. Cheer them up with a few
kindly deeds.