Evening star., 1942-03-01
Fifty Years Ago
In The Star

In the light OF present crowded con-
ditions. in Washington, it is interesting
a. =. to quote from an
Washington editorial published
Wisely PIonned in The Star of Feb
ruary 27, 1892:
Americans have been accustomed to
praise the founder of the National Cap
ital for his wise foresight in planning
the city on a scale that to men of his
day seemed ridiculously extravagant
Before the completion of the first CEN
tury of the citys history. however,
events have completely justified the ex-
pectations of the founder, and, further,
have demonstrated that even his pro-
phetic view, wonderful as 1t was, did not
fully comprehend the future of the city.
For some years 1t has been apparent that
provision must be made for the SYM
metrical growth Of the city far beyond
the limits fixed by the original plan.
What may be accomplished now at COM
paratively small cost years hence will in
volve fabulous outlays.' The editorial
continues at great length on the subject
Of Rock Creek Park, justifying its preser-
vation.
Fifty years aso social Washington was
just winding up brilliant season prior
to Lent. The Star of
SocioI Seoson March l, 1892. said in
Ends part: When the clocks
strike the midnight
hour tonight our bellies. like so many
Cinderellas. will leave the gay scenes of
pleasure behind them. Welcome for
few days will be the rest of eyes. ears,
brain and feet. After that with the
multitude of quiet occasions already pro-
vided for there is no danger that entire
stagnation will threaten society" The
account continued, giving in great detail
descriptions of the numerous brilliant
functions.
There had been riots in Berlin, caused
by discontented laborers, and the police
had quite task in quelling
Kots IN them In dispatch from the
Berlin Prussian capital. The Star of
February q. 1892, explained:
"The city today is far more tranquil than
it has been for two days past. The
authorities have much better control and
several small gatherings were easily dis
persed" The most interesting part of
the dispatch occurred accidentally in
prophetic remark in the middle, where
it said There is in Berlin certain class
that only want an opportunity to pillage
to take advantage of it, and to them can
be attributed much of the trouble that
has caused so much excitement"
The sporting world was interested in
the pending fight between Fitzsimmons
and Peter Maher at the
Pu9ilIsfIc Olympic Club, New Or
Hioh liohts leans. According to The
Star of March ], 1892:
Both of the participants in tomorrow
nights great fight are here New Or
leans) or near here. -. Half the fighters
in the country from Slavin to Tommy
Oanforth are here, newspaper corre-
spondents are thick as bees, and almost
every profession has delegations" Fftz-
simmons was favorite in the betting, and
justified the confidence Of his hackers
by knocking down Maher IN the first
round and knocking him out In the 18th.
Postmaster General John Wanamaker
ut this time envisioned the incorporation
of the telegraph and the
Postol telephone into the postal
ProposoI system: The Star of Feb
ruary a. 1892, reported:
THE Postmaster General expressed
confidence that the telegraph and tele-
phone will become important adjuncts
to the Post Once Department within
very few years. He says that there
would be no dificulty in blending teleg-
raphy with the present postal system,
using for service the force already under
pay. This accomplished, kilograms
would be sent between any two points for
q cent q word" NOTHING was ever done
about this proposal, although in Great
Britain the telegraph service for many
years has been . part Of the postal serv-
ice, and messages are accepted at post
ofnce&