Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-03
Bl DONALD 4. CRAIG.


Washington is on the threshold of
a new era Of development. according
To indications too numerous To he
overlooked by those who have been
watching the trend of recent events.
With postwar readjustments nearly
complete in governmental affairs and
TIL local business world. the National
Cap.t tai. whose future is everywhere
regarded as more secure than that OF
any other city in the world. is resum-
ing its forward march at the steady,
normal pace that suggests no hating.
Multiplying signs toreShadow a period
sire ching away Indefinitely, which
will be characterized by expansion in
public affairs-~local. national and in
ternationai--and by economic, social
scientific and artistic growth which
will lfv the city 10 an even higher
place amonS the great cities OF the
wofl,.
Such are the pictures of the present
and the future revealed by a survey
of the n.ultifarious activities which
center here.
One Problem ia BE Solved.
Leaders in all lines of activity agree
that the rate and character of this
progress viii depend in great measure
upon the way in which advantage Is
taken of conditions. highly favorable,
NOV confronting the local and Federal
governments. the local business world
q nj the great body of citizens. organ
iyeG and unorSaniZed.
Eut there is one problem to he
solved, one obstacle TO Ice removed
before Washington can enter this
promised land with any assurance. II
IS no new problem. but its dimensions
increase from year to year. BY some
Il is held as nov retarding the proper
development of the Capital BY others
il is held as nenacing the future de-
velopment OF the Capital. The prob
lem lies in equtably distributing the
burden of Capital maintenance and
development between those who live
here and those who, living outside OF
the District. take an Americans pride
in the Federal City.
Beginning with the adoption of the
organic act of 1878 and continuing
until 1929. when the appropriation act
for the fiscal year 1925 was adopted
by Congress. the expenses OF main
tanning and developing the Capital
were shared in fixed ratio between the
District and the Federal governments.
Since 1924 the fixed ratio has been
showed aside and a lump sum of about
Sc, coo. zoe has represented the annual
contribution OF the Federal Govern
ment Meanwhile. the cost of main
tanning the Capital has been increas-
ing steadily. But instead of increas-
ing its contribution in proportion TO
this growth Congress has decreased
its proportionate contribution. The
result is that, despite a 100 per cent
increase in local assessments in the
last few years, the tax rate has for
the most part been climbing with IL
in order 10 raise revenue to meet add.
tional demands. washingtonian are
now paving a disproportionate share
Of taxation. with the prospect that as
the city grows and develops this share
will likewise increase.
Progress May Be Hindered.
Washington il unique among the
municipalities Of the country. II is
the home Of the Federal Government
and il is exclusively governed by the
Federal Government Many business
men feel that unless this unique con-
ditson iE met by unique but scientific
methods OF providing for its expenses
Washingtop's future progress Is in
doubt. The system followed between
1873 and 1924 raised the Capital from
an iIl-kept and poorly-eouipped city o
the Capital Of today. The preponder.
ating opinion of Washingtonians to-
day In that unless this system. now
provided by law. is reinstated by prac-
tice the futuSe of Washington will re.
main IN doubt. its prosperity under a
cloud. This thought. IL is emphasized.
notgt he taken into consideration in
any forecast Of Washington's future.
The National Capital quite naturally
has been slow i'm settling back to a
normal rate Of groWth after the big
kick forward" which IL received from