Evening star., 1938-08-14
Fifty Years Ago
In The Star


The Star Of August Z. 1888 Somebody
o. has put that question to
oo'ns ioA Marion Harland and she an
Girls, swered that she considers
'insidious' books worse than
bad ones and would be especially care
full to keep them out of girls hands. In
the realm OF fiction she makes some in
teresting distinctions. She would give q
girl Thackeray complete. but would ex-
empt from Miss Woolson's novels East
Angels and from Mrs. Burnett's Through
One Administration But if the sugges-
ton of domestic improprieties in these
forbidden books is the cause of their re-
lection it is hard to see how we can
safely trust the uniformed mind of a girl
to trace its own way among the per-
plexities that constantly arise in Thack-
cray. A novelist who portrays so much
that is interesting in Becky Sharp. and
so little in the uncouth if faithful Dobin.
whose pen throws magical fascination
about the character Of the wayward
Beatrix, while leaving his noble Laura
only shadowy outline and makes the
riotous young Virginian so much more
Of man than his scholarly brother,
may have much to commend him as q
satirist for the well developed and ex-
perienced member of society, but should
hardly be picked out of crowd as a
morallst for the guidance Of the young
and callow. 1t cannot be said that either
Mrs Burnett or Miss Woolson has writ
ten anything to gloss over sim
THE Commissioners now have under
consideration says The Star of August
g. 1888, the important sub
ououroan ject of the extension of the
Streets. system of Washington S
streets to the suburban coun-
try beyond Boundary street. 1t is hoped
that they will exercise thoughtful care in
devising comprehensive and far-seeing
plan of reforming present conditions and
that when a wise decision has been
reached prompt and energetic action will
follow. The obvious evils of the growth
of a crop of suburban villages just out
side of the city limits with narrow or
crooked streets running according to no
system whatever toward any and all
points of the compass. have been repeat
edly dwelt upon BY The Star and every
wear of delay increases the difficulty of
correcting these evils. Suburban build
ers cannot receive too soon information
concerning the lines along which they
may erect their residences, without fear
of disturbance when Washington extends
itself, as it will. over the entire District
in accordance with general harmonious
and systematic plan,
"The Eastern Branch bridge IS to be
built" says The Star OF August II. 1888
land the United States will
kallroao settle later what proportion
Bridge. shall be paid by the road OF
the expense of the changes
made for It's benefit This decision will
please the city. and especially East Wash
ington, as the bridge is needed for imme-
diate use, but it cannot be denied that
patriotic citizens feel a trif1e apprehen-
sive at. the existence of an outstanding
difference between the Nation and the
railroad and at the indication Of desire
on the part of the Government that the
road shall actually pay out money. Nc
lover of his country would enjoy the spec
tacle of the final overthrow and humilia-
ton of Uncle Sam by the corporation
which has already kicked him in public
in the courthouse and at the Capitol
and uneasiness lest the railroad company
shall overturn the United States Govern
ment, if obstinately. required to pay
money to the public, cannot be entirely
concealed"