Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-07
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS

which are a menace to the safety and
health of the occupants can hardly be
estimated. The tenants of these struc-
lures usually go to the suburbs and rent
or purchase homes or find quarters In
other more substantial structures. One
arrangement which is very much used Is
for two families to rent one substantial
house. one taking the lower part of the
house and the other the upper. There
is al the present time, however a de-
mand for a cheaper class of house to
take the place of those destroyed. Bad
housekeeping and general neglect is re-
sponsible for great many houses being
brought to the attention of the board.
Extending the Park System.
The Commissioners again invite atten-
ton to the desirability of extending the
park system in the built-up portions OF
the District similar to that existing with
in the city limits. Certain portions OF
the District which are practically parts
of the city, but which lie outside of the
old city boundary. have been built uI
without provision being made for parks
On account of the value of the land IL
would be an expensive measure TO pro-
vide parks in such sections at this time
but ii is believed that in the newer Sec
lions parks should be purchased or con-
demned before the property is built upon.
The beauty of the city of washington
is dependent to great extent upon It's
trees and parks, and the present admira-
BILE system of parks within the city linn
it's should be extended throughout the
District. This should be done in a sys-
tematic manner.
The Commissioners again recommend
the transfer to their jurisdiction of the
system of parks in the city of Washing
ton. exclusive Of the grounds around the
White House and the government build
ings. Jurisdiction over these parks Is now
placed by law under the chief of en-
gineers Of the United States Army. and
the entire control be transferred to them
or that a board Of control. such as that
which has charge of Rock Creek Park,
consisting of the Commissioners Of the Ms
trict of Columbia and the chief of en-
gineers of the United States Army. be
given entire control Of the park system.
with the exceptions above noted. The
cost Of maintaining these parks Is shared
by the citizens of the District Of Column
bia. and it seems but proper that the
Commissioners. who are the executive au-
thorities of the District, and responsible
for the collection and disbursement of
money for municipal purposes, should
have charge of the parks as well as other
municipal establishments. Under the
present arrangement Congress appro-
PIRATES money for the maintenance OF
these parks, one-half of which is charged
against the citizens of the District OF Co.
lumbia, and the Commissioners have no
opportunity to make any recommends
lions as to such expenditures, although,
in preparing their own estimates. they
must take into consideration the amount
of the revenues and provide for expend-
itures justified by such revenues. II the
control of the parks were under the COM
missioners their improvement could be
considered in connection with other pub
lie improvements and the parks given
their relative share of money available.
Very respectfully,
HENRY B. F. MACFARLAND,
HENRY L. WEST,
JAY ]. MORROW,
Commissioners Of the District Of Columbia.