The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-10-20
WASHINGTON'S OPPOR-
TUNITY.

1t may we'll be doubted if any
American city has the chance to reap
as large benefits from the cessation
Of American travel in Europe, as
will come to Washington. The Amer
lean people are a nation Of travellers,
and Washington will do we'll to
study the directions and currents of
travel, in order to enable it most eff
fectively to interest our countrymen
in the things Washington has for
them to see.
European travel, which carries
millions upon millions Of money
away from this country annually,
originates very largely east of the
Allegheny. mountains. The people
west of the mountains are travellers,
indeed; but they are much more
largely addicted to the Seeing
America" habit. Middle Western
tourists are given to visiting the
Rocky mountain country in summer,
and California in winter. 1t would
srartle Washington and most East
ern communities to see precise data
OH the tourist movement from tho
Middle West to the South Pacific
coast each season.
There is no possible reason why
the excellent winter climate Of
Washington, added to the varied at
fractions of the city as Capital of the
nation, should not draw thither a
vastly larger share Of this business
than nowadays comes here. There
are many reasons why it is import
ant to Washington to make the most
of the present opportunity to turn
this tide in the Capitals direction.
In the first place, there is the
very manifest desi:ability Of bring
ing the tourists hero to make ousi-
ness Immediately for Washington.
after that there is the ser slmenial
benefit Of having Washington looked
upon as truly national city; an in
stitution in which all the people have
part and a partnership. Nothing
would be 50 helpful in the relations
Of the Capital City with Congress, IN
insuring the liberal policy that must
be continued if the city shall go for
ward to realization Of its true des-
tiny, as to have the whole American
nation learn to feel at home in Wash
irgton, and get the habit of visiting
here on occasion.
The stati5ticians say that about
5000 people come to Washington
daily, largely as tourists and sight
seers. The number ought to he twice
as large, and in the next two years
will expand in that proportion, with
olt much doubt, if the tight efforts
are made to attract people. Every
American who visits Washington for
the irst time. goes away with the
desire to come again. There is in
spiration and appeal in a knowledge
Of the National Capital, it's institu-
tions and its beauties. 1t is good for
the people who come, and for those
who receive and entertain them.
American travel must be turned
into new routes and toward new des-
tinations; and as the number Of
Washington visitors Increases, so
will the number who are moved tc
bling their homes here. There is no
American city where society is so
democratic as here. Educational op-
portunities are of the best: the great
cities of the whole East are within
few hours. Indeed, to Western
people, coming from the country Of
magnificent distances, the possibility
Of having a whole world Of variety
and interest within a few hours
travel constitutes one u the great
charms of life in the East.