Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-07

front. estimated to cost $2.SSOOO0, the
purchase of land to extend the park sys-
tenn, estimated 10 cost S5.6n.oN: the
erection of buildings for reformatory
and workhouse, estimated to cost 81 ,Oo0-
600. plans for Which projects have been
authorized by Congress, and the instala-
ton OF high-pressure Interpretation sys-
TEN. estimated to cost $4,000. the en-
tension OF suburban trunk sewers. esti-
mated to cost within the next twelve
years 100000. the extension OF trunk
water mains for the suburban sections.
estimated to cost $4,000: the extension
of the municipal hospital. at an estimated
cost of Sl5o.ooo and the elimination of
dangerous grade crossings outside of the
city limits. estimated TO cost Si0oood.
which projects, although highly necee-
sary, have not YET been authorized in
terms by Congress.
The commissioners realize that to carry
on such projects by means Of appropria-
tions from year to year. some definite
method of financing them will have to
be provided. and at the same time pro-
vision must also be made for paving Off
the Indebtedness already incurred under
previous forms of government In the Dis
trict of Columbia. evidenced by bonds
and by advances already made from the
United States Treasury. 1t IL their in
tention To submit at the next session OF
Congress proposed legislation designed to
provide a method for carrying out these
large projects. at the same time paving
off the Indebtedness of the District and
providing for current expenditures. all
within the limits of the present provision
of law requiring that the estimates shall
not exceed double the amount of the rev
enues. To do this II Will he necessary 10
set aside each year a portion of the
revenues for the purpose of paying the
debt. and another portion for carrying
on the large projects, and for outlay on
permanent improvements.
In order that the plan may be carried
ba
debt is to be paid must be extended to a
period of about twenty-five years. and
the commissioners directed to include in
their estimates of appropriations for per-
manent work of improvement sum
equal to 81. 10000, beginning with the
fiscal year ending June 30. 1912. and an
nually thereafter amount equal to the
same sum. increased by the sum of 500
600 for each succeeding fiscal year. until
and including the fiscal year that ends
June 20. 1923. This latter sum is one
fifth of the estimated increment of funds
available for expenditure: that is, one
fifth of the sum OF S50O.OO0. made up OF
900, the estimated annual increase
i'll District revenues, and an equal con
tribution from funds of the United States.
The remaining four-fifths of this incre
ment, the commissioners believe. will be
ample to care for the annual increase in
the aggregate of the items included In
their estimates to he devoted to current
needs. This plan will provide for financ-
HlS SucH idIst pTOJcclS d. are now COLI
templated within a period of about
twelve years. ending in about the year
1929. and if the same plan be carried out
thereafter. will also provide for similar
projects, the need for which will prob
ably arise before the end of this period.
at which time much larger sums will be
annually available.
Very respectfully,
HENRY B. F. MCFARLAND,
HENRY L. WEST,
w. V. JUDSON
Commissioners of the District Of Columbia