The Washington times., 1914-05-20
MAIL BAG
(From The Times Redders.)

To the Editor OF THE TIMES:
A number of items have recently ap-
peared in your paper respecting the re-
moval of back fences, ostensibly for
sanitary reasons. 1t does not occur to
the writer's, who doubtless live where
police are plentiful and backyaards are
scarce. that the -nain purposes OF the
high board fence are to keep out in
truders and to furnish fresh air space
where the family Inay meet without
being the objects of .'rubber-necking,' 20
especially by loafers.
The rich spend their summers out of
town, but the man of limited means de-
pends largely on his back yard for his
recreation and rest. II is here that he
comes in contact with nature IL he is
really man. 1t is here he en-
deavors to enjoy his flowers, fruits, and
vegeta bles. 1t Is here the family wash
Is hung, where the children play in
safety and without annoyance, where
the hammock Is swung and the wife
may rest without being gazed at and
commented on by every loon and rogue
that passes. And this Is made possible
by the high board fence.
In smaller towns, where the citizen
has a say in affairs, one may grow
flowers. fruits. and vegetables even to
the edge OF the pavement and leave
them without fear of molestation. m
this city most children and many adults
are thieves with respecS TO their neigh
bors, belongings and rights. Those who
are 100 lazy end shiftless to keep gar
deDs OF their own rob their neighbors
OF portable garden stuff and trampie
the rest. The list of those who injdre
the efforts of the householder to i'm
prove the appearance CT his premises is
headed by the policemen and endel by
the chickens. Any attempt to break up
the habit brings the householder into
disfavor with the postman. tradesmen,
ole
and brings sneers from the guardians
of the peace" except perhaps .he higher
officials.
The high board fence has nothing to
do with the question of cleanliness and
little TO do with sanitation. In my whole
lifetime the back yards of my family
have been more presentable than many
public reservations In our neighDor-
hood at present. and II Is very or
dinary neighborhood. the back yards
are more presentable than any of the
vacant lots or public reservations with
the exception OF Lincoln Park The
matter of tidiness and sanitation Is one
of education mentally and physically
or the people. New houses without high
fences have just as untidy an appear
ance as old houses with high fences
after the common run of occupants
have had an inning. Examples may be
seen anywhere. The removal OF the
fences only advertises the uncleanliness
and does not cure II.
Your articles would appear to be in
spired more by one who, having used
all his space in house, wants his neigh
bor's yard for a playground. eventually
barren common when the fever has
abated. The yards next to mine are
about ten by sixteen feet. while / pay
taxes TO have a yard which is twice
the area of my house. You propose to
take away the use of this yard by re-
moving all protection against vandal-
ism. Do you think / enjoy the pros
pect? Better start by teaching the
people common honesty. Then the
fences may come down willingly
Very truly yours,
W. L. ALLEN.