Evening Star Newspaper, May 24, 1890, Page 13

— ¥. THE EVENING STAR: WASHINGTON, D.C., SATURDAY. MAY 24, 1890—SIXTEEN: PAGES. 13 THE NATION'S DEAD. How Memorial Day will be Ob- served Here, WITH FLOWERS AND POETRY. Programs to be Followed at the Cem- etery—The (Chosen Orators and Poets— Order of the Day Issued by Depart- HEN next Friday comes it will be just twenty-two years since the Grand Army of the Republic firat decked the graves of its own dead with Sowers snd marked many a previously neglected spot with miniature “stars and stripes. Many thousands of the veterans who were active when the beautiful custom first obtsined have been placed in their parrow beds, but there is no lack of willing bands and sympa- thetic hearts, and Memorial day, once « purely military commemoration, has been dignified into » national holiday and made the occasion of @ nation’s outpouring of floral affection apon the tombs of soldier and civilian, warrior and non-combatant alike, GEN. LOGAN'S ORIGINAL ORDER. In the original Memorial day order, Gen. John A. Logan, the then commander-in-chief, said: “Weare organized, comrades, as our reg- ulstions tell us, for the purpose, among other things, of preserving and strengtheniug those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion, What ean aid more to assure this result than by cher- ishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasis # barcicade be- een our country and its foes? Their soldier lives weve the reveille of freedom to a race in ehains, and their deaths t tattoo of rebellious tyranny inarms. We should quard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation tan add to their adornment and security is but # fitting tribute to the memory of her slain de- fenders. Let no wanton foot tread rndely on such hallowed grounds, Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visit- orsand fond mourners, Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, tontify to the present or the coming generations that we have forgotten as « people the cost of a free aud undivided republic. “If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack and other hearts cold in the solemn trust ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain tous. Let us then at the time appointed gather around their sacred Soudan and quciaat tee pussionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in thie solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us, a sacred charge upon a nxtion’s gratitude—the voldiers’ snd sailors’ widow aud orphan.” DEPARTMENT COMMANTRR URFLL. There will be uo neglected graves in the Dis- trict of Co!umbia when the sun goes down next Friday eveuing. Loving loyalty ie as clentiful as spring flowers in the nationat capital, and combined will do great work. Department Commander M Emmet Urel. bes just issued the following order: Heapgranters DeraeTMeNtT or rue Porostac, Granp Anuy oF raz RePuBLic, Wasurxorox, D.C., May 21, 1890. General Orders No. 8: Tu compliance with article xiv, chapter ¥, of the rules and regulations of our order, Friday, the 30th instant, will be observed as “Memo- rial day.” « It is fitting that once a year, on “Memorial day,” when the fragrance of earth's choicest blossoms fills the air, when the robes of usture are revealed to sight, when the birds csrol their dulcet melodies and the earth seems filled with joy and gladness, all in whose hearts patriotic impulses are ensbrined should ause @ moment in life’s fleeting journey to do ioe to the memory and reverence at the tombs of those whose self-sacrificing devotion to country and principle renders the perfume sweeter, the garments more beautiful, the melodies more pleasing and the joy and glad- ness purer, when is contemplated a republic saved, a nation redeemed. To us who bivouscked, who marched touch- ing elbow to elbow, who drank from the same canteen, and who fought side by side, with those of our comrades in whose former homes now stands the vacant chair, the memories of the past alone retain; and these memories re- mind us of frieudships made, of hardships en- dared, of glories achieved and of the sad, sad partings when the long roll sounded and death summoned them to the other side, The sacredness of these recollections should impel us to keep them alive by watering from the springs of affection, by heating from the sunlight of love. and by reverencing the na- tion's “Memorial day,” when we place our tribute together with freedom’s loved symbol o'er those lowly spots of earth whicb mark the patriots’ resting placa, May our demeanor be snch as will show to others how cherished are these reminiscences, and thereby bry in the minds of the risia, generation that lofty sense of patriotism whic sbail cause it, when taps shall bave been sounded for allof us,to ember on each succeeding “Memorial day” by and through whom the inestimable blessings of liberty en- foyed by it were maintained, and teach, by ex- ample, succeeding generations to tread in the footsteps their fathers AT sRLIVOTOR, Programs for the varions services are not yet all complete, but the principal features of the ceremonials can be distinguished. De- artment Commander Jreli will have charge at Arlin, thon w: be by Repre. sentati Bouteile’ of ) Maine, = sailor whose fighting record is good enough to bear men- tion at any time. Capt, Routeile smelt powder in 1962, shortly after he had been appointed Bee an acting master in the United States navy. He served in the North and South Atlantic and West Gulf squadrons; took part in the block- ade of Charleston and Wilmington, the Poco- taligo expedition, the capture of Saint John’s BOUTELI.E, Bluff and occupation of Jacksonville, Fla., and while an officer of the United States steamer Sassacus was promoted to lientenant “for gal- lout conduct in the engagement with the rebel iron-clad Albemarle,” May 5, 1864; afterward in command of United States steamer Nyanza participated m the capture of Mobile aud in receiving surrender of the confederate fleet; was subsequently assigned to command of naval forces in Mississippi sound and honor- ably discharged at his own request January 14, 1866. DE WITT C. SPRAGUE. From the beginning it has been customary to have as @ part of the memorial services at Ar- lingtom & poem as well asen oration, The list of Arlington poets in- clade names of world- commence as soon as possible after the hour of} EXTENSION OF CITY STREETS, noon. THE SOLDIERS’ HOME CEMETERY, At Soldiers’ Home Cemetery matters will be in_ charge of Senior Vice Department Com- mander 8. V. Faunce. ative Massachusetts, who was @ soldier in the fourth Massachusetts during the war of the rebelliot ‘under Gen. Butler in Virginia and one year ender Gen. Banks in Louisiana, He is well REPRESENTATIVE MORSE. known as an orator, and is in mach demand on public occasions, MISS POTTER, The only Iady who will take part in the oratorical exercises is Miss Jennie O'Neill Potter of New York.who will read the poem at the Soldiers’ Home. Miss Potter's readings ~ in this city have been 7/7 very kindly roceived. Miss Potter is a prodact of tbe west, her home g having been in Minne- apolis for many yeurs. Her first public reading §} was in a Grand Army hall for veterans in that city, and for years she has made it # point to be there and take part inthe exer- cises on Memorial day. MISS POTTER. She is known as the “Daughter of the Regi- ment,” having been #0 christened by Gen. John P, Rea when he was commander-in-chief of the GAR. Miss Potter. is petite, with blue eyes and short curly bair, and has a wonderfully magnetic voice. She has been for the past two years in New York city and has declined sev- eral flattering offers to go upon the stage, pre- ferring to continue in the role in which she bas heretofore had sach success, Miss Potter is but little past twenty and a lively specimen of western euterprige and energy. CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY. Junior Vice Depart- ment CommanderCalvin Farnsworth, who will control affairs at Con- ‘essional Cemetery, has is program complete, Services there will com- mence at 9 o'clock, 80 that persons who attend may have an opportu- nity to reach Arlington in time to witness the elaborate cererconials in that resting place. Rep- resentative William Mason of Chicago will REPRESENTATIVE Mason.deliver the memorial address, The poem will be by Comrade Geo. B. Fleming, a veteran whose verse bas always been appreciated. GEO. B. FLEMING. The order of exercises at | the Congressional wil Fallen Heroes,” Web- % er’s band; calling the assembly ‘to order, Jr. Vice Dept, Com. Calvin Farnsworth; invocation, Rev. J. D. Wilson: “Low in the Ground,” 74 Mozart Club; “Nearer My God to Thee,” Web-/ ers Band; poem (orig-{ inal), Cor oration, Wm. E. Mason, M. C., Go, B. FLEMING, third Illinois district; “Safe in the Arms of Jesus,” Weber's Band; benediction, Rev. J. D. Wilson; “The Star Spangled Banner,” Weber's Band; decoration of the graves by the commit- tee and visitors, The vocal music will be by the Mozart Club, Prof. J. H. Hunter, director; Miss May Hunter, accompanist, Instrumen' music by Weber’s Band. The committee which will do the decorating is com: d of the following: Mrs. M. W. Fuller, Mrs. Alice Brendel, Mrs. A. M. Dykes, Mrs. W. H. Brayton, Mrs. C. A. Kibby, Mra. A. A. Russ, Miss Jessie Van Doren, Mrs. Eliza H. Hunt, Mrs, Gladyes Thompson, Mrs, Lydia Barnes, Mrs. Calvin Farnsworth, Mrs, M. F. Holder- man, Miss Ethel Dinsmore, Comrades C. B. Haring, W. M. King, J. B. Peake, J. F. Thomp- son and Daniel E. Terry; J. B. Gross, superin- tendent cemetery; H. M. Cross, assistant super- intendent cemetery; Comrades C. P. Bundick, Chris. Storm and Peter Faulkner. AT OAK HILL AND ELSEWHERE, At Oak Bill Cemetery Comrade D.W. Hough- ton wili have charge of the decorations, but there will be no services, nor will there be any at the Battle Ground and RockCreek cemeteries, where Comrade H. H. Moler will, with assist- ants, sttend to the graves, The isolated graves will not be neg!+cted, Comrade R. D. Goodman will care for them this year just as he has in yeare past. ‘THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The executive committee on memorial serv- ices is constituted as follows: Department Commander M. Emmet Urell, chairman; 8. V. D. Commander Solomon E. Faunce, J. V. D. Commander Calvin Farns- worth, ‘Asst. Adjt. Gen. John C. 8 Burger, secretary, Asst. Quartermaster Gen. A. H. G. Richardson, P.D.C., treasurer. Past Department Commanders Frank H. Sprague, Benj. F. Hawkes, Geo, E. Corson, ‘arrison Dingman, Chas. ©, Royce, Wm. Gibson, Samuel S. Burdett, D, 8, Alexander, Newton M. Brooks, Jerome B, Burke, Charles P. Lincoln and Wm. 8. Odell. Jno. A. Rawlins Post, No. 1—A, 8, Taber, mander; C. G. Bollinger. Kit Carson Post, 2—Geo, Mackay, commander; T. J. Bur- reli. Lincoln Post, No. 3—M. T. Anderson, commander; John F. Vinal, ©, P. Morton Post, No. 4—Geo. D. Graham, commander; E. J. Colvin, Geo. G. Meade Post, No. 5—W. M. Potter. commander; N.B.Prentice. Jno. F. Rey- nolds Post, No. 6—N. D. Adams, commander; A. H Van Deusen. Jas. A. Garfield Post, No. 7—E. A. Fenton, commander; D. W. Houghton. Burnside Post, No. 8—D. F. McGowan, com- mander; D. J. Evans, Chas, Sumner Post, No. %J. P. Quander, commander; R. D. Good- man. Farragut Post, No. 10—A. F. Dinsmore, commander; H. H. Moler. Chas, P. Stone Post, No. 11—R J. Beall, commander; G. C. Harris. U.8. Grant Post, No. 12—H. L. Joun- son, commander; H. H. Brower. Jno. A. 3 Post, No, 13—4. B. Frisbie, commander; J, H. Dony. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, An important committee is that on finance, of which William Gibson is chairman. The mem- bers, with the field in which they may collect contributions, are as follows: D. F. McGowan, Treasury and Departmen: of Justice, D, J. Evans, Navy Department; W. Department; T. J. Burrell, Post Ofice Departmert; A. H. Van Deusen. Interior De- eats N. B. Prentice, Pension Bureau; john White, Census Bureau and Burean of Railroads; Georgo C. Harris, city post office; 5. 4. Brown, State Department; B. F. Hawks, W. S. Odell and A. Hart, at large. IN CHARGE OF DECORATIONS, Tho committee on decorations and grounds is composed of A. F, Dinsmore, chairman; A, 8. Taber, T. J. Burrell, E. D. Adams, A. H. Van Deusen, E. A. Fenton andG, C. Harris, N. M. Brooks is chairman and Harrison Ding- man and N. B. Prentice are members of the committee on transportation. Music is in charge of A. 8, Taber, Geo. D. Graham and J. T. Thompson. ; Mrs. Rose E. Ferree is in charge of tho ladies who wili decorate the graves. There will be two ladies from each post and two from each relief corps assigned to this duty. THE RECEPSION COMMITTER. The reception committee is as follows: Department Commander M. Emmet Urell, Senior Vice Commander Solomon E. Faunce, Janior Vice Commander Calvin Farnsworth, Medical Director Horatio N. Howard, M.D., Official jstaff—John C. 8. Burger, assistant adjutant general; A. H. G. Richardson, assist- ant quartermaster general; Abraham Hart, in- spector; John M. Keogh, judge advocate; Henry | Chaplaia Rev. James H. Bradford. j Jenkins, chief mastering officer. it department commanders—Frank H. Sprague sie Benj. F. Hawkes (1876), A. H. . Richardson Ga7), Geo, Corson (1878), Harrison Dingman (1879), Charles Rayos (1880), Wm. Gibson (1881), Samuel 8, Burdett (1882-83), Newton M. Brooks 1885), Jerome B. Burke (1886-87), Charles P. incolu (1888), William 8, Odell (i609), and the comma of the various mmand- Dr. Naylor to attend a On A Bill to Make Suburban Thorough- fares Conform to the Existing Plan. ‘THE MEASURE THAT MR. REMPHILL 18 AUTHORIZED TO BRING INTO THR HOUSE—A COMPREBENSIVE BILL—THE ABLE AND EXHAUSTIVE REPORT ‘WHICH WILL ACCOMPANY IT, As heretofore mentioned in Tar Star Mr. Hemphill was last week authorized by the House District committee to report favorably the bill providing for @ permanent system of highways in that part of the District of Colam- bia lying outside of the cities, This bill is combination measure intended to embrace the best points of the many bills which have been introduced on this question. It directs the Commissioners to prepare a plan for the ex- tension of a permanent system of highways over that portion of the District not included within the city limits of Washington and Georgetown, the system to be as nearly as pos- sible in conformity with the street plan of the city of Washington. ‘The highways are not in any case to be less than ninety feet nor more than 160 feet wide, except in cases of existing highways, which may be established of any width not less than the present and not more than 160 fect, PROVISIONS OF THE BILI. The bill then goes into details and provides that the plans of such street extensions shall be prepared from time to time in sections, select- = first such areas as are covered by existin suburban subs ions not in conformity wit the general plan of the city of Washington. The Commissioners in making such plans shall adopt and conform to any then exist- ing subdivisions which shall been made in compliance with the provisions of the act of Congress approved August 27, 1888, or which shall, in the opinion of the Com- missioners, conform to the general plan of the city of Washington. ‘henever the lan of any such section shall have been adopted y the Commissioners they shall cause s map of the:same to be made showing the boundaries and dimensions of and number of square feet in the streets, avenues and roads established by them, the boundaries and dimensions of and number of square feet in each, if any, of the then — highways in the area covered by such map and the boundaries and dimensions of and number of square feetin each lot of any then existing subdivision 1d by private per- sons, and containing such explanations as shall be necessary to s complete understanding of such map. In making such maps the Commissioners are further authorized to lay out at the intersec- tions of the principal avenues and streets thereof circles or other rese: sponding in number and dimensions with those now existing at such intersections in the city of Washington, A copy of th map, duly certi- issi hall at once be of the surveyor of the District of Columbia, and after any such map shall have been so recorded no further subdivision of any land included therein shall be admitted to record in the office of the sur- veyor, or in the office of the recorder of deeds, unless the same be first approved by the Com- missioners and be in conformity to such map. Nor shall it be lawful when any such map shall have been so recorded for the Commissioners of the District of Columbis, or any other officer or person wyerees the United States or the District of Columbia, to thereafter improve, repair or assume any responsibility in regard to any abandoned highway within the area covered by such map, or to accept, improve, repair or assume any responsibility in regard to highway that any owner of land in such all thereafter attempt to lay out or es , unless such land owner shall first have submitted to the Commissioners a plat of such osed highway and the Commissioners shall found the same to be in conformity to the mi nd shall have approved such plat and caused it to be recorded in the office of the surveyor, When any such map shall have been recorded it shall be lawful for the owner of any land in- cluded within such map to adopt the subdivi- sion thereby made by a reference thereto, and to this section, in any deed or will which he shall thereafter make, For the purpose of making surveys the Com- missioners and their agents and employes are authorized to enter upon any lands through or on which any projected highway or reservation may run or lie, The Commissioners are authorized to name all streets, avenues, alleys and reservations laid out or adopted under the provisions of the act. Within thirty days after any such map shall have been recorded which shall alter any high- way in any then existing subdivision in the area included in such map or which shall dis- pense with any bighway or any part thereof, the Commissioners shall make application to the Supreme Court of the District in a special term by written petition praying the condem- nation of a permanent right of way for the pub- lic over all the land lying within the limits of such subdivision not already owned uy the United States or the District of Columbia or dedicated to public use as a highway. Upon the filing of such petition the court shall pro- ceed to condemn « pcmnent Tight of way for the public over such land, Asto any highway or part of any highway laid down upon any such map which shall not lie within the limits of any axisting subdivision, the Commissioners at any time thereafter, when in their bac the public convenience shall require the opening of the same or of any part thereof, may make application, as afore- said, to the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia for the condemnation and opening of the same, and the court shall thereupon con- demn the land as before. In such case, how- ever, the court, after public notice been given, shall first hear eviden whether the public convenience does in fact require the immediate opening of the highway described in such application and shall deter- mine that question on the evidence submitted to it, and if the court shall as to any part of the land sought to be condemned decide such ques- tion in the negative it shall proceed no further as to such part at that time. When any right of way is to be condemned the court shall cause a jury of seven judicious, disinterested men, not related to any person interested in the proceedings and not in the or employment of the District of Co- lumbia or of United States, to be sun- moned bythe marshal. Thecourtand the jury shall hear and receive such evidence as may be offered on behalf of any person having any in- terest in the proceedings, after which the jury shall render a written verdict, Where the use of « part only of any parcel or tract of land shall be condemned in such a pro- ceeding the jury in assessing the damages shall take into consideration the benefit the purpose for which itis taken may be to the owner or owners of such tract or parcel by enhancin, the value of the remainder of the same, an: shall give their verdict accordingly, ‘The verdict of the jury shall state as to each parcel of land involved in the proceeding only the amount of reins spcaneerey jess the benefits, if any, which it shall award in respect thereof, and shail not contain any finding as to the ownership cf ths lend or the persona entitled to the sompensati yn. Each of said jurors shall receive a compen- sation of Cad pet y for his services during the — be'shall be actually engaged in such serv- cos, One-third of the amount awarded by the court as damages for each highway or reserva- tion, or part thereof, condemned and estab- lished under this act shall be charged upon the land benefited by the laying out and opening of such highway or reservation, or part there- of. The same jury which shall assess the dam- ages caused by the opening of any highways or reservation, or part thereof, or by the abandonment of an existing hi; bway, or part thereof, shall ascertain and determine what Property is thereby benefited and shall assess —— Carr parcel which it bern aeae to ve fa enefited its proper proportional part of the whole of said ootd, of the damages: Pro- oe A making such ore en ne! @ jury shall, as to any tract a of which shall’ have been taken, make allowaio for the benefits to the remainder, When confirmed by the court the assessment #0 made shall be a lien upon the land assessed and shall be collected as special improvement taxes, and shall be payable in five equal annual installments, with interest at the rate of four per centum per annum from the date of the confirmation of the assessment by the court, When theroaball be no controversy as to the persons who are entitled to receive the damage the court shall decree such payment to be made, All such payments shall be made from sny money in the Treasury. The entire Semen howover, must not exceed $1,000,000, one-hali of which shall be charged to the District of pre #8 ice SBF be charged against the revenues of the District of Columbia. Asa part of yop g ees Com: shall pay the cost of the pro- ceedings of condemnation and nssessment, ‘MB. HEMPEILL'S REPORT ON THE SUBJECT is extensive, and goes into @ considerable his- torical analysis, The report says: Immediately after the cession of the District = es ge United ge 1790 “ene Di 2 * maki erran, nm for the plan of a eFede vay” wit the Jimits of the District’ He employed eminent engineers to assist in this work, and took great personal interest therein. In 1791 each: of the — of the land upon which the city of ‘ashington is now located conveyed his farm a representing the United States in That all the said lands hereby bargained and sold, or such part thereof as may be thought necessary or proper to be laid out, together with other lands within the city limits, for s Federal city, with such streets, squares, parcels, and lots as the President of the United States for the time being shail spprove. These deeds further provided that the United States might reserve for its use forever “all the said streets,and such of the said squares, parcels and lotsas the President shail deem proper for the use of the United States,” and that the remainder of the Isnd should be di- vided between the United States and the re- spective proprietors. On the 13th of Decem- foe 1791, aes bah rrem toes epee jongress a pl of the posed ‘Fe: city” which be had caused to be laid out in accordance with the terms of the conveyances referred to, The map so submitted to Con- gress is substantially the map of Washington as it exists today. It contained the wide streets, the broad diagonal avenues and the occa- sional circles, squares and other reserva- tions which have made the capital what it is today. From » point where now exists the bridge over Rock Creek at P t to a point at the eastern end of Mary- land avenue, a distance of over four miles, the city, as thus laid out by President Washington, was bounded by a highway named Boundary street, commonly called “the boundary.” No provision was made for the subsequent exten- sion of the city over the remainder of the Dis- trict or any part thereof until the actof 1888, referred to below. For seen years no diffi- culty was experienced on this account, be- cause the city as laid out was so extensive and the population so small that there was little oo- casion for laying out streets outside of the limits of the city itself, TRREGULAR STREET EXTENSIONS, But about twenty years ago the process of building up the city caused the boundary to be reached and passed. The owners of the land adjoining the boundary from time to time bdivisions of their land, and recorded @ in the books of the surveyor of the District, Each land owner made a subdivision to suit himself, Many of the streets in these ubdivisions were narrower than the corre- sponding city streets, Some of the streets run- ning north south were laid down as exten- sions of the existing streets; some were not; generally the diagonal avenues were not pro- longed. ‘The cross streets were laid out at vari- ous angles, Adjoining subdivisions differed from each other so thatastreet upon one would have no extension on its neighbor. As the country and city grew it became apparent that Wash- ington at no remote period will practical: occupy the entire District, and that the “Fed- eral city” laid out by Washington will be only the nucleus of the capital of the United States. Itwas scen that the process of subdivision above described, if allowed to continue, would destroy the symmetry, beauty and usefulness of Washington—that the great and wise pur- pose of the founders of ine city in creating the magnificent plan -which President Wash- ington submitted to Congress would be de- feated, VARIOUS REMEDIES WERE SUGGESTED from year to year, and the matter was brought to the attention of the District committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, but no action was taken in this direction until Congress passed the act of August 27, 1988, en- titled “‘An act to regulate the subdivision of land within the District of Columbia” (25 Stat- utes at Latge, 451). That act required the Commissioners of the District to make regula- tions governing the platting and subdivision of lands in the District and provided that no such subdivision should be admitted to record until approved by the Commissioners, and that no future subdivision of land in the District out- side of Washington and Georgetown should be recorded in the surveyor'’s office “unless made in conformity with the general plan of the city of Washington.” The information obtained by the committee leaves upon their minds no doubt that the act of 1888 has been productive of great benefit, Many subdivisions conforming to the plan of the city, comprising thousands of acres of land, have been made snd recorded under that act and the regulations adopted thereunder, and 80 far as future subdivisions are concerned that act of itself, wisely administered, pro- vides in our opinion all ‘necessary safeguards against the evil which it was intended to meet, It contains, however, no provision authorizing any interference with existing subdivisions, nor does it provide for the compul- sory taking of lands for highways where a public necessity exisis for such taking the land owner refuses to make a subdivision or to donate the land re- Opies for the street. The act of 1888 also fails to provide for the making of authentic maps of the extension of the city of Washing- ton growing out of the making of subdivisions and the building up of the same. Of the features omitted from the act of 1888 the most important is the power to deal with existing subdivisions not in conformity to the plan of the city. ‘the result has been that in some instances the streets of subdivisions iaid out since August, 1888, conforming to the city streets do not join or connect with the streets of subdivisions lying nearer the city proper which were laid out before that time and which do not conform to the city streets—so there are STREETS AND STREETS, BUT NO THOROUGHFARE. In other cases, while the streets in the city and its prolongation in the new subdivision are of one width, 4 part of the same street lying between, within an old subdivison, is narrower. Justice to those who have been required to subdivide their Jand under the act of 1888 and the regulations adopted thereunder re- res that the old subdivisions should be coaapan su as to conform as nearly as practica- ble to the plan of the originul city and the sub- divisions made under the act of 1838, Proba- bly a complete rectification of all the misfitting subdivisions cannot now be made without greater expense than even so desirable a result would justify, but in most cases it is our opin- ion that the requisite alterations can be made without unreasonable cost, DESIRABILITY OF PROMPT ACTION. In conclusion, the committee consider it their duty to emphasize the importance of this matter and the desirability of prompt action, It has been suggested that before authorizing the work of reforming the subdivisions in ques- tion, a plan should be prepared for the entire work and an estimate obtained aa to its proba- ble cost, But the making of such a compre- hensive plan and estimate would necessarily consume many months—probably years. In the mean time the cost of the work would peonaby be doubled. And when the plan shall ave been prepared and an estimate submitted, many months will necessarily Congress can take final action and the required appropriation will become available, and months more would before the jury, or commission, organized to assess the damages could finish its work. In the mean time the value of the land to be taken and the number of buildin; to be removed wouid increase to such an extent that the estimate would be worthless, It has seemed to the committee, therefore, that the proper course is to proceed at once to make the 8 oe alterations in existing sub- divisions and to do the work in sections, so that it will not be nece: to delay beginning the changes until a plan of the whole work shall have been adopted. The streets in the city and those laid out in conformity thereto, either before the passage of the act of August, 1888, or under the opera- tion of that law, sufficiently indicate in many instances whore the new streets through incon- gruous subdivisions must go, and in such cases nothing is tobe gained by delay, Indeed the committee is convinced that if’ the work shall not be entered upon at once and carried through with all possible dispatch, the difficulties in the way of the work at all will become so great it Probably never be done, The evil reached its present magnitude because of the failure to take action when it was first felt, Had the act of 1888 been enacted twent 1e srapeaiice ofa i 0! authorized, even when the act of 1868 waz passed. the work would have cost one-half what it cost now. afew visions, a H i ll | | A ZUNI FOOT RACE, Interesting Contests Among the Indians ‘When Planting is Finished. THR RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES CONNECTED wiITE THR EVEXT—ENDUBANCE, SPEED AND KICKING THR STICK THE REQUISITES—GOOD TIME MADE HE FOLLOWING interesting de scription of a Zuni foot race was read by Mr. F. Webb Hodge of the Bureau of Ethnology before the Anthropological Society Tuesday eveung: “When the sun priest announces the arrival of planting time and the herald proclaims from the house tops that the Planting has been done the seasons for foot racing in Zuni are at hand. “The first races of the year, while interesting ceremonially, are by no means as exciting as those which follow later in the season when the planting is finished. These preliminary races are over ashort course and are partici- pated in by a representative of each of the six estufas, Six prayer-plumes and an equal num- ber of race sticks are made by the priests of the bow, the latter of which are placed in the trail about two miles from the starting point. When the time for the race has been decided upon, which may not be until three or four days ‘after the race sticks have been depos- ited by the priests, the six representatives of the estufas run to the point where they are and each man finds and kicks one of the sticks in a small circle homeward. This race contest between the six individuals comprising the racing party, and no betting is engaged in. “The great races of Zuni and those in which the chief interest is centered occur after the planting—the time when nearly all the men are at leisure. In se- lecting the participants in these races the swittest-footed of the young men of the north- ern half of the pueblo are matched against those of the southern, or of the western half against the eastern. The number of racers on ® side varies from three to 1x and the degree of interest taken in contest depends upon the reputation of those engaged in it, and par- ticularly upon the extent to which betting bas deen indulged in HRAVY BETTING. ‘As goon as the choice of sides has been made the wagering begins, and increases with good- natured earnestness until the time for the foot race arrives. Every available hide and pelt is brought to light from beneath the piles of stores secreted in the back rooms and cellars, to be converted into cash or gorgeously colored calico, and the demand upon the trader for goods is unequaled except when a great dance is ee Money, silver belts, bracelets and rings, shell necklaces, turquoises, horses, sheep, blankets—in fact, anything and every- thing of value to the Indian are offered by s resi- dent of one side of the pueblo in support of his favorites against something of equal value held by @ champion of the opposing side. PRELIMINARY CEREMONIES, “On the evening of the day before a long race takes place the participants repair to a se- cluded spot in one of the mesas some miles from the village, where a hole a foot or two in depth is excavated, in which is deposited, with due ceremony, a quantity of sacred meal and two cigarettes made of native tobacco (ah-na- té) rolled in the-husk of corn, When this por- tion of the ceremony has been concluded and the hole filled the Indians move away for a short distance and sit for a while withont beer ¢ above a whisper, when they start for the pueblo. On their way should a roosting bird become frightened and take flight, or the hoot of an owl be heard, the sign is a warning to defer the race. But if lightning be seen or a shooting star observed the omen consid- ered a favorable one and the race takes place on the day following. ‘The racers are greeted on their return by a priest, wh fersa blessing. Asingle cigarette is made and passed around among the num- ber, after which one of them recites a prayer. The preparatory ceremonies now being com- pleted the racers retire into the house of the riest, who extends his hospitality until after e it. a THE DAY OF THE RACE. “The following morning, the day of the race, the runners arise even earlier than usual, take a short run and return to await the time appointed to start. In the meanwhile they make bets with one another or with any o o may happen in. Aboutan hour before start- ing they partake sparingly of paper-bread (hé-we) soaked in water, after which they doff their every-day apparel and substitute breech cloths, the color of which is either entirely white or red, dependent upon theside to which the wearer belongs. To prevent the hair be- ing an impediment to progress itis carefully and compactly arranged above the forehead in aknot by one of the priests of the bow. To this knot or coil an srrow-point is invariably attached as a symbol of flight, or perhaps as a charm to insure to the runner the swiftness of the arrow. The arrow-points having been thus placed the same priest, holding in each hand a turkey quill, pronounces a biessing and leads his charges to the starting point. Without, the excitement is intense. The women discuss with one another the probable outcome, and engage in betting as spiritedly asthe men. Here may be seen a fellow who has wagered all he possesses—if he wins go much the better, and if all is lort he takes the consequences philo- sophically and trusts success will visit him next time, er may be seen who has ventured all his own property as well as that of his wife, and if he fails to win a divorce is imminent. ‘The small boys also are jubilant. When the race was first proposed they sought their com- panions, selected sides, and staked their small possessions on the results of their own races with a zeal that would have become their fathers, “The articles that are to change hands at the close of the race are placed in a heap in the center of the large dance-court near the old Spanish church. Around thig pile of valuables a crowd gathers, on horseback or afoot, to take advantage of the few moments that remain in which to make their final wagers. As the runners emerge from the house, under the leadership of the priest, they are followed by the excited crowd to the smooth ground on the opposite side of the river, from whence they usually start. PREPARING FOR THE START. “A Zuni foot race is not entirely a contest of awift-footedness, although much, of course, depends upon that accomplishment, In pre- paring for the start the members of one side arrange the! ives several paces apart in an irregular line in the course to be pursued, in euch @ manner that the movements of their leader at the point of starting can be readily seen, those of the contesting party posting themselves in @ similar line a few feet away. The leader of each side. p) across his foot at the base of the toes a rounded stick measured by the size of the middle finger. Just before the sig- nal is given to proceed a mounted priest goes ahead sprinkling the trail with sacred meal, At the signal each of the two leaders kicks his stick as far in advance as possible, when the racer of his side who happens to be nearest its place of falling immediately rush for and again it, his companions running shead in order to be in readiness to send the stick on its further flight, This operation is continued throughout the entire course, the racers in the rear each time running in ad- vance as rapidly as possible that they may kick the stick as often as their companions, “Not meni fem the first kic! of the sticks sends them hen doch the h of the second and even the ‘d racers in advance and fall near each other. The excitement at this occurrence is very great, for none of the dozen young men spare themselves in scrambling over and yp one another in order to secure the stick and send it on its course, No difficulty is experienced by a racer in recognizing the stick of his Party, that be- Sei cen sale Savin» bend a red + around the center, the other an sddi though narrower stripe around both ends, @00D xICKEns, “Considering the extreme lightness of the race stick the distance which it ive favorites. If the season is ary the = made by ee ged creep ap racers continue, apparently as unmin : the ana that : most na: repiring bodies as if they were within bute } os steps of victory. OW THE TRACK. “On they go from the point of starting over the southern hills, thence eastward to Thunder mountain, slong the western base of which they to the basaltic rocks through which the Zani river runs. Keeping close to the mesas that form the northern boundary of the valley the racers cross the river on their return at a point about two miles west of the pueblo, from whence they continue to the west- ern end of the southern hills first crossed. These having been skirted they over the low, sandy corn fields to the goal, followed by the yelling horsemen, who wave yards of brii- liant calico as they dash f ‘d with the final = of the racera. When the goal is reached the first racer of the winning side takes the stick into his hands for the first time since starting. With renewed energy the indi- viduals members of the successful party put forth every remaining effort to be the first to arrive at the central plaza of the pueblo. He who gains it first is considered the | et racer of all, and} he honor is indeed well earned) Running as rapidiy as ible once around the heap of stores, at same time breathing from his hand the ath of life,” the victor, stick in baud, continues at » running pace to his home, “Curiosity B eam me me to note the time oc- cupied in performing this feat, which was found to be exactly two hours, “Like almost every undertaking of theZuni the foot race has more or jess of « religious siguifi- cance, as will be seen from the initiatory cere- monies. The opposing racers, who await the eig- nal to give the stick its first toss, place turquoises or shell beads beneath the stick that they may be sacrificed at the first lifting of the foot. In the belief of the Zuni the stick has a tendency to draw the racers on, as long as it can be nce their success is, of course, as- cause thus follows the effect in the same manuer as it does when, in Zuniland, the summer comes because the butterflies appear = “g departs because the birds take their ig “Training for a Zuni foot race begins at child- hood. At almost any time a naked youngster of four or five years may be seen playing at Kicking-the-stick outside the door of his home, or, if a Figo or two older, coming from the corn field, where he has been dutifully engaged in frightening off the crows, tossing the stick as far as his little feet will allow him.” ae DIVIDED SKIRTS AND CORSETS. Washington Women Adopting the For- mer, but Lacing the Latter Excessively. “Washington women are adopting divided skirts," said a dealer in such feminine equip- ments to @ Stan reporter yesterday, “Only last week two ladies of cabinet families bought them here, I will venture to say that 500 women in this city are wearing them today, and within a year there will be 5,000. For riding especially they are coming into favor, and the freedom of motion they allow recommends them for dancing. Some people imagine that the divided skirt is a substitute for the dress skirt, but of course it only takes the place of the petticoat. Several makes have been intro- duced, both English and American; but any woman can manufacture such things for herself, having once obtained the pattern.” he corsetiere said that dress waists as a sub- stitute for corsete were coming steadily more and more into use among Washington women — result chiefly due to the persistent crusade against tight lacing. “But is it not true,” asked Tum Stan re- rter, “that, notwithstanding this oft-raised owl, the women who really lace injuriously are very few nowedaya?” WOMEN'S FIGURES NORTH AND SOUTH. “Not in Washington. Farther north tight lacing has gone out of fashion to a great ex- tent, and it isan exceptional thing to see an artificially small waist in New York or Boston, but south of Philadelphia women begin to pull in their stays, and in this town it is almost a universal practice, as it is all over the southern states. Such points I have absoluiw knowledge polntment of a gens Uewoman’s tollet Our New Cates loene mated apea reeipt of request eT HUBBARD AYE Min AvENUL Curxese Sruw Marts. JaPANESE STRAW MATTINGS. We are offering the langest and most complete Une of Straw Mattings ever shown in this city. The Stock comprises ali the latest coloriugs and designs, Those contemplating the purchase of Straw Mat- Ungs should call and eramine our stock, ‘Prices all marked in plain frures, ‘The following are few of the special bargains. 800 Rolls White aud Check Mstting st €3.50 per roll of 40 yarda 200 Rolls Faucy Matting at @4 per roll of 40 yards, 100 Rolls Fancy Jointiess Matting at €7 per roll of 40 yards, 100 Rolis Extra-beavy Jointicss Matting st @10 per roll of 40 yards, ‘76 Rolls New Patterns Damask Matting, @12 per roll of 40 yards. We have s complete assortmen® of Scotch Floor Linens of all widtha Estiustes for covering floors furnished free of charge. Tt ts Just as mportant to cover your carpeteas your furniture for the summer, KEEP OUT THE FLY. We baveall the best appliances for Wire Window and ‘Door Screens in the country. Seeour2lo, Screeu, which will ft any ordinary sized window, Seud for estimate for our Cabinet-made Screeps and Doors, They are in many of the finest residences, LOOSE COVERS FOR FURNITURE ‘The largest assortment of stuffe and the best force of cutters and makers tobe bad. We cut, make and of, because it has been the business of my life- time to study them. Curiously enough, there is less reason why southern women should lace than there is for their northern sisters adopt- ing the practice, inasmuch as the female figure in the south is better than it is in the north. It is fuller and better developed, as @ rule, with more of the curves that render the dress | maker's work less arduous. And yet another contradicti found in the fact that women in Washington and elsewheze south are much more addicted to padding. The plump and roun figures you see on the streets here are not infrequently — out by artifice. Ob- viously my notion such matters must be pretty accurate, for as to things of that sort a woman always makes a confidant of her cor- set maker, Within certain limitations I my- self highly approve of padding. For instance, the most common defect in the female figure is & hollowness under the arm, where it ought to ad pgs Nearly all women have that defect and a good dress maker will always supply it by & pad sewn into the dress.” OORSETS AND LACING, “The women who lace confess the fact to you, of course?” “Hardly ever. That is one thing which they do not appear to own up even to themselves, asarule. Women come in here every day to be fitted who insist that they never pull them- selves in, thongh I actually break the new laces in trying to get their corsets tight enough to suit. However, I make no remarks, though I can’t help thinking what a mistake it is, My point of view is not that of the physicians, who talk of the injury to the constitation oc. casioned by tight lacing. I look at it from my own professional standpoint, simply as a ques- tion of prodacing beauty. From observation I know that it is apt to make the nose red and to ms the complexion; also, it pulls the shoulders forward in an ugly way and increases the size of the abdomen very much. Every women who can afford the luxury should wear corsets; they know how to cut them over there in a mauner that is not at all under- stood in this country. Young women with ideal figures are employed in the factories as modeis to fit the corsets upon before they are sent out, areal ce of French stays, in fact, is made to fit perfectly the ideal figure of the bust meas- ure it is registered for. Ladies who buy them, not possessing ideal figures usually, have to have them refitted for themselves at the shops.” casera ctmuedine ~oenuoestinrdinicl - THRIFT, HORATIO! A Buffalo Undertaker Swaps Coats With a Corpse. From the Buffalo Courier. A few days ago George Wild, « citizen who was fairly well known in the seventh ward, died at his home, No. 288 High street. The death certificate was filed at the board of health yes- terday morning and some time later an eminent physician called st the office and told a some- what surprising story about the case. When Wild died one of the first things done was to secure the services of an undertaker. Henry Wedekinst was engaged. He supervised in person the preparation of the body for bur- ial, and at lest, when all was ready, the widow was brought into the room to take a last look at the remains of her husband. As she looked | she discovered that something the body, She looked again and then turning to Undertaker Wedekinst she said: “This is not George's coat. There must bea 6.”” “I think it is,” said Wedekinst, “It is the one that was given me for the p “No it isn’t,’ furnish materials for full size parlor suites from 810 Up and guarantee a perfect ft. W. B. MOSES & SONS. or. 11th and F su nw, FURNITURE, CARPETS, UPHOLSTERY GOODS, INTERIOR DECORATIONS, WALL PAPERS, ETC. See Our Refrigerators, See Our Baby Carriages. See Our Tricycles. Bee Our Cedar Chests. Bee Our Camphor Chests. See Our Hammocks, Bee Our Tents. See Our Hammock Support aud Canopy. Bee Our Mosquito Canopies, myo Is Tus You Bur If you want anything m Fu Tim Ware, et forks, W fing, O11 Cvoth, &e., it will pay to read over tue following list lost ou tue street Ly abappy bargain ture, Chins, Glase w Shades, Mat- Mra CLOSELUYER Bought of Grasty, the Pusher. 1 Parlor Suite, 7 pieces, silk €40.00 2 Sold Oak mint 17.95 1 Hair Mattress B30 1.00 6 3. 1 ay a Bou 1 24% i Oak Side 12.00 iB Thin Lund S 5 ‘bo 6 2 i We take the liberty of ju lishing Mra Closebuyer's Dill Decause we feel “con hat itis worth some- bins to ube w were they can get the “anostest coud Everybody is talbing abo..c 1.0 well may isten at what other they want to beep pot away uan's growing busivess ix slurring at bim. Weare here tortay 21 trade, ho matter wLere ou live. Ai. C GRASTY, 11O-12 Th hw, nts may. Ofcourse evidence of a 229-6m Sree Asp Sessa: Hass IN CASSIMELE, DELBILS AND STRAWS. DUNLAP'S NEW 30.1 WATS, Oth Avenue Styleg BOYS’ aud MISSES’ STRAWS at 50c., 750, 61.00 and upward. MEN'S STRAW HATS et 0c. and upward. A large lot of GENUINE MACKINAW STRAWS a 81.00, worth $2.00, $2.50 aud $35 00. WILLETT & BUOFF, my20-3m 905 leonsylvanis ave, Eprorrs Appnecraten. OUK BUSINESS LAST WEEK PROVED TO US THAT BUYERS OF FIXE READY- MADE CLOTHING KESPOND TO OUR AN- NOUNCEMENTS. TO KEEP UP WITH THE PROCESSION OF LAST WEEK WE GIVE WITH EVERY SUIT A SINGLE OR DOUBLE- BREASTED WHITE OR FANCY VEST.