The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1912-05-20

rAE clTY eEAUTIFuL.

Editor star: Reading your issue Of
Saturday May 1lth., the Onlooker by
the Man in the Tailor Shop, am sur
prised that you should publish such
pessimistic outlook for Honolulus
future. to be scattered broadcast to
the world v our citys detriment, even
iS conditions are as bad as there de-
picted. Statistics show that about
one.fifth of the progress of the world
has been made during the last
quarter century and now, when all is
energy to raise to higher and higher
planes, must we sit, with all the con-
ditions of nature favorable and fold
our hands in helplessness7 If the
men are so deplorably incapable give
me the earnest assistance of but six
of the wives of the richest men in
this city and in one year l would show
marked improvement, and a good
start toward a City Beautiful" with
out one extra dollar expenditure over
and above that now being constantly
used; for example compare the cot
4 tage of twenty-five years ago to one
of the same relative cost today and
observe the marked advance in beau
ty, and why, because the women have
refused to accept commonplace plans
and exteriors, thus compelling the
architects to design more artistically.
The landscape architecture of a
CITY Beautiful is perhaps of most
vital Importance, and yet rightly plan
ed and designed is the easiest to bring
to the final high standard of perfec-
ton even starting with limited means
The conditions of the existing build
ings must deteriorate thereby render
ing an opportunity to correct the pres
ent and past mistakes when rebuilt
What of Venice, where the business
and thereby money to perfect and
maintain all it's loveliness, if it were
not for the love of the people for their
city.
A lady of culture and travel was
asked If she would not return to Ho-
nolulu? Replying she said not when
there are so many more beautiful
places to visit, thus showing it pays
only to advertise a good article. If
the merchants of this city want tour
lists they must produce something to
attract and hold them here when
they arrive and advertise the place
when they leave.
Where it is difficult TO raise money
by bond issues, have a complete per.
fected plan for the city to grow to-
this does not put the municipality to
any great immediate expense, only
as they are ready and means are
availible to execute them. Now is the
time, before there is so much to
undo" as compared with old and
large cities. Now is the time for
every merchant and resident to show
love for their city by willingness
to assist in a manner that will not
encroach upon the present outlay Of
of the public moneys.
From my practical experience
would offer a hundred suggestions
yes thousand, a few at least o
which could be selected, utilized anC
put into execution; others | have NJ
doubt more capable than 1 could b.
awakened from their lethargy to as
sist.
Many little towns are doing 81
much and there is such a wonderful
opportunity here, that l cannot I'm
derstand why the lovers of Deaut!
should be so Indifferent.
More is needed to make "Happ!
City" than health and wealth; on
may be content to know that thu
death rate is low, streets clean anC
water pure, may be proud of higl
rents, expensive food, bankers, sugar
planters, clever people, excellen
schools and newspapers, but it is the
CITY Beautiful" that compels and re
tains the love of her people,
Speaking of the business district
it is being made over every day and
better, if the trading section is civic
/ blot it can be improved day by day.
Alphabetically ! have seen wors'
in London, Antwerp, New York, Los
Angeles. Seattle and New Zealand
and the streets are not growing worse
as time goes on. One-story buildings
can be made more artistic than those
of many, the banking houses anC
trust companies are improving theil
property and looking for better guar
ters now, and the millionaires mus
L..