The Washington times., 1925-10-12
by Richard HGtton
COZ. ROBERT n. HARPER

Il
you have asked me to give my
views regarding the future Of this
city" said Colonel Robert n.
Harper, president Of the District
National Bank. today. There Is
so much l could say, justified by
the facts, that am at a loss for
words to properly express myself,
or to the point Of reasoning which
would best direct my thoughts to
properly and effectively convey to
the readers of this paper what are
the real possibilities Of the Ma
tion's Capital and, to me, its un--
limited future.
I'm the first place, Washington
Is not an old-fashioned city, built
up along established trails and
lanes in a rural district.
IT is not laid out on plans
which Will necessitate an entire or
even partial Transformation to meet
its inevitable greater development
and growth.
..The original plan which was
designed to keep it within the con-
fines or boundary OF ten miles
square has long since been aban-
doned in both practice and theory.
The possibilities, in. my judgment,
for expansion, and absolutely neces-
sary expansion, are unlimited and
viii prove so as time goes on.
The growth in population and
wealth during the past ten. years
has been rapid; not brought about
spasmodicaIly nor by forced pub
LEFTY and possibly unwarranted
exagefation, but due aIInaM entire
ly to the fact OF. its keeping pace
with the growth and wealth of this
country and the increasing recogni-
ti0n by the nations Of the world
that 1t Is the Capital City OF the
most important and influential
world power.
It's future growth should not be
expected to move forward by leaps
and bounds, 4 familiar and much
worn out expression: but by its
material. intrinsic and almost limit.
less opportunities Of nature not
enjoyed by any other city. its
progress cannot be dwarfed nor,
retarded as its foundation for
permanently and not speculation Is
well laid.
This expression might be looked
upon by some as 'propagandish.'
placing doubt upon such view
point.
'If time and consideration are
given to, the foundation so firmly
established, propaganda is uncalled
for and should be ascribed as only
foolish pastime.
cit is. not necessary for one to
be an optimist in discussing Wash.
ington's future" continued Colonel
Harper, "nor is it essential to have
even gifted imagination and over
jealous prognostication, as its nat
ural advantages will speak and
produce results without such as
sistance.
"If you look back over this
country's growth and wealth pro-
ducing qualifications, yon will see
how this city has kept pace with
such. and therein lies the secret,
as to why her future Is sure.
ga city or a community's growth
in size and wealth must have some
substantial reasoning for it.
"a locality in which unknown
wealth. hidden beneath its SOIL has
been Unexpectedly brought to light
mus;k of necessity grow In wealth
and population, and its property
increase in value. but without. sitch
material and valuable and lasting
resourcefuIness, its permanency
must be looked upon, to say the
least, with some degree of doubt.
"It is true that Washington has
not the advantages usually accru'
ing to sections Astounding in coal
Il iron, oil, lumber or any such things
to give her a boom.
ION the other hand, declared
Colonel Harper "the hypnodc
needle has not been brought to play
upon its people causing them to
broadcast false hopes or, at least
exaggerated possibilities.
Washington does not need any
such propaganda. Although u is
an inland city, and not many years
ago 1t was a town.
| at has, however, deep water
TRANSPORTATION; five OF the main
railroad trunk lines give 1t direct
| connection with the. entire country.
"It Is the center of political, So
/ ciaf and educational life, which
never escapes the eye, II not the
possible envy of all the cities OF
the world. It has a natural wealth
of which no other city can boast
land one which 1t will not only
/ never lose, but VIII continue to
grow.
"In so far as the cities Of this
country are concerned, there is nc
reason for envy, but every consid
Grafton will always be extended tc
Washington by all the sister cities
''It is the Capital OF our country
and is therefore the city and tht
neutral territory for all.
THE uncheckabIe growth and
wealth and the international i'm
portance OF the United States will
always be reflected by similar con
ditiOns In its Capital.