Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-09-17

transformation has taken place within
this period. The annual appropria-
tion for streets and sewer work now
average over S25,000. He called at
tention to the condition of Washing
ton twenty five years ago as compared
with it's present magnificence, but
even now he declared, he could take
Judge Gordon to portions Of Washing
ton where conditions were far blacker
and more disgraceful than anything
that the defense can fined in Alexan-
dria.
Mr.. Johnson reviewed the nedes of
the people of Alexandria for addi-
tional territory upon which they can
build homes. He said that there is no
place within the present limits where
either the middle class or the wealthy
class can find location for COM
Portable residence. There is some un-
occupied property, in the direction OF
the canal, but it is only suitable for
manufacturing purposes or for the
location of tenament houses.
Taking up the various subdivisions
in Alexandria county, in the vicinity
of the city, he traced their develop
ment within recent years, and showed
that they had been largelybuilt by
residents who had moved from Alex
andria city. According to a census
taken by Harrie White, who had been
employed by the city, there are 100
families living in these subdivisions
and of this number 81 families were
former residents of Alexandria city.
These families represent the very
best class of citizens, people of wealth
and influence, which no community
can afford to lose. The number is
growing larger each year and several
contracts are now pending for new
homes to be erected by Alexandrians
in the territory in question.
In Fairfax county, it will be shown
said Mr.. Johnson, even a larger pro-
portion of former residents of the
city are now occupying homes there.
In an eloquent and convincing man.
ner Mr.. johnson reviewed the reasons
why Alexandria had not shown
greater increase in its population
calling attention to the losses sus-
tanned by the various wars, the NOV
ing away of many negroes, the de-
velopment of the suburbs, and the
lack of vacant ground on which TO
build homes. Despite these discour-
aging conditions the population IN
creased more than 500 within the past
ten years.
Mr.. johnson paid his respects to
the ultra progressive in AleXan-
dria who favored extending the Inn
Is to Four-Mile Run as we'll as to the
ultra-conservatives who were content
TO leC well GllOuSli eiO'iN'
Statistics were furnished by ME-
Johnson as to the convenlences whlcn
Alexandria City will provide for the
people in the disputed territory Gas
works owned by city are prepared
to supply gas at present for popula-
ton of $4,000 people and with sllgnt
addition to the plant can supply oo'-
600 people. The Alexandria Water
Company is now ready to furnish wa
ter for $4,000 people and when their
new reservoirs are completed they Will
have capacity for 100000 people. Two
telephone companies are prepared TO
furnish service to the residents OF the
county.
Coming to the police protection ne
showed how the entire protection OF
the suburbs of Alexandria depended
upon the police department. He re-
ferred to the fire protection furnished
the same section and declared that the
statistics of the standard fire lnsur-
ance companies of the U. S. showed
that Alexandria had the finest fire de-
partment in the U. S. and that the
rates are the lowest in Virginia.
He cited as evidence of the necessity
of additional territory the fact that
Alexandria was compelled to 60 out
side of its present limits to purchase
at cost of $4,000 a site for the new
boys High School. He paid high tri-
butte to the Public School system OF
the city and declared it was one of the
best in the State Of Virginia.
The health situation was the next
point which was developed. MIR. john
son referred to the conditions at
Hoof's Run, into which the drainage of
the disputed territory empties. 1t is an
open sewer, and last summer the con-
dition became unbearable and every
wear it becomes a greater menace.
Some one must remedy this condition