Evening star., 1922-12-17
ernment, as compared with 20 pei
cent at the present time.
Repair Work Decreasing.

so far as have been able "a oh
serve. there has never been the slight
st complaint on the part of the resi-
dents Of the District against any pro-
highways. On the contrary. they
have urged at every opportunity that
these improvements be carried on and
that the paving of streets keep pace
with the growth Of population.
The appropriations committee has
only grudingly met this demand, and
has kept the appropriations for this
class of Improvement at about the
same level as in former years, which.
because Of increased cost of material
and labor. has only enabled the en-
gineering department to 10 approx
imately one-half the amount oc ~ rk
done in former years. notwi.hstand-
ing the fact that the needs w.ra tulIy
100 per cent more. This neglect also
applies to the repairs Of streets and
roads. which. instead of keeping pace
with the city's growth. have been
gradually decreasing since 1915 in
stead of increasing as the growing
population demanded.
There Is nothing that adds to
Washington's beauty more than Its
wide; well paved streets. and they
should receive sufficient funds to en-
able them to properly keep them in
repair and construct new pavementS
where needed.
Criticizes Suburban Roads.
'This also applies to the suburban
roads, which are the main arteries
of travel into the CITY, and which
have not been maintained in keeping
with the dignity of the city. nor do
connect with them at the District
line. The condition of some of these
suburban roads has been the subject
Of most violent criticism and citizens
residing in the suburbs have repeat
edly urged the necessity Of main
tanning these highways properly.
my Information is that the District
Commissioners have estimated the
funds necessary to improve the main
arteries of travel to and from the
requests will receive the most care
full consideration of Congress. and that
the Improvement proposed for Connec-
ticut avenue. Georgia avenue. Massa-
chusetts avenue extended and other
important arteries will have the ap-
proval Of the appropriations commit
tee and of Congress. and that during
the coming year the work of repairs
to existing streets and highways ana
the paving of new streets will keep
pace with the growing needs of the
capital.
Sees No Reason for Delay.
'"The cost of this class Of work
gradually fell off in 1921 and 1922. so
that we are now on about the same
level as obtained In 1917.
There is. therefore. no good rea-
son for further delay. and as the FED
eral government pays but very
small margin OF the cost of new con-
struction, and the citizens of the Dis
trict are urging that these improve
ments be made and will willingly pay
a large percentage Of the cost OF the
sarne, no substantial reason can oe
advanced for parsimony in dealing
with this very important phase of the
Districts need
Increase In Auto Tourists.
mo man living is prouder Of the
nations capital than am" said
Chairman Madden of the House ap-
propriations committee. "The people
Of the country are boastful Of their
capital and consider 1t their city. We
are yearly seeing increasing streams
Of tourists and visitors coming mere
They are coming more than ever be-
fore in automobiles. The men and
women who drive these automobiles
notice the condition Of the streets
above everything. else.
There Is nothing that 80 detracts
from any city as much as ill-kept
streets" continued Representative Mad
den. II have never known Of any in
stance in which people anywhere
throughout the country objected to any
appropriation for proper upkeep and
identification at the National Capital,
in which they feel they have part.
Favors Generous Policy.
"Personally I have very generous
feeling toward appropriations for streets
to meet the present and growing needs.
Az far as can speak for the appropria-
tions committee we will work on a lib
eral policy. giving all the money that is
needed, consistent with businesslike
handling of the work and the needs for
efficient economy, SO that the taxpayers
may not be given more than they can
carry.
I'VE must look forward to meeting
the city growth. We must encourage
home building in the suburbs. We must
have highways that will encourage tour
lists to visit their capital and get deep
er, personal feeling in their government:
II have always been an advocate OF
generosity toward any project that
means Identification of the capital. and
we must continue to develop and beau
tify 1t and see that 1t has the best of
streets, water, sewerage and all public
utilities.
Predicts Satisfaction in District.
II feel sure that the people of WASH
ingtOn will be satisfied with the appro-
priations we make for the streets"
Representative Roy q. Fitzgerald Of
Ohio said that rfor street improvements.
-.