Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-07-20
Greater Washington,

The value of the Census Bureaus
count Of the population Of Greater
Washington, or the metropolitan area,
lies in the oficial nature Of the figures.
There have been several estimates. based
on the population Of Washington and
of the adjacent counties, which ap-
proximate the Census Bureaus 62l,059,
the difference between the estimates
and the oficial figure being accounted
for chiefly by the Census Bureaus care
to take into account only those living
within the exact boundaries Of the So
called metropolitan area. The differ
ence between this estimates and the
final figures is rea,ly negligible.
The ANAL figures bear out former
statements as to The rapid growth of
Washington's contiguous suburbs and
the general trend of the population
away from the city, lending emphasis
again to the picture of the District as
the center of a growing city, past the
half-million mark in population, but
divided into a number Of separate po-
litical jurisdictions, each having is
own government and existing as an
cent growth in the area during the last
ten years continues for another decade,
which in all probability. will be the
case, many of the problems in con-
nection with the planning and the gov
eminent Of this large city-the City OF
Greater Washington-will become more
complex. Greater Washington will be
unique among the cities Of the United
States.
Two States. the Federal Government
and the Federal Governments agent,
the District government, will have their
fingers in the pie. Two counties in
Maryland and two counties in Virginia,
in turn divided into townships and
sections and districts, must play their
part in the development OF the great
city OF which they are part. Co-ordi-
nation in planning for this future
growth must be closely knit. More
thought, and continued thought, must
be given to better police protection,
better fire protection, better water sup
ply and the disposal OF sewage. The
District government, controlling the
center Of this greater city, but with
jurisdiction sharply defined by the Con-
stitutton itself, will find its burdens in
creased manifold. 1t must make provi-
sions for handling the ebb and flow of
the shopping end ONCE crowds that live
a part Of the day within the geographic
cal limits Of the District, another part
Of the day beyond those limits. 1t must
plan ahead for such contingencies as
that which is illustrated in the case Of
the railway line transporting Alexan-
drians and other suburbaniteS to Wash
ington. but now without place to land
them because Of the Federal Govern
ment's own utilization of rapidly
dwindling space within the city proper.
The Federal Government, in turn,
must give serious thought to the new
problem that presents itself with the
the trend, suburbanward, Of taxpayers
whose allegiance and tribute are paid
to the States, the increased Withdrawals
Of taxable land within the District for
tax-free governmental use, and the in
ability of Washington to extend its
boundaries. as other large cities extend
theirs, to embrace the widening circle
Of suburban population.
There are probably more expert plan
ners assembled in Washington, with
broader powers and more adequately
financed. than in any other city Of the
world. The last decade has witnessed
q new realization of the Importance CT
looking ahead, to anticipate future needs
and future problems. Much has been
accomplished. The next decade should
see the foundations securely laid for the
large, populous city now building.
Garnaapy NAV claim N small uifI