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THE DUTIES AND RELATIONS OF CONGRESS TO THE CITY OF WASH- 

 INGTON. PERSICO'S STATUES. 



LETTER No. XVL 



WASHINGTON, May 20, 1844. 

 GENTLEMEN : In order to show that Congress have exercised but 

 little liberality in their legislation towards this District and city, I 

 beg leave to suggest the following points : In the 1st place, Gov- 

 ernment, by an understanding between the parties, engaged to ap- 

 ply the proceeds of sales of the public lots towards making streets, 

 bridges, and other improvements, but has almost entirely failed to 

 comply with said agreement. 2dly. Government, in addition to 

 the violation of this understanding, has paid no taxes on its prop- 

 erty, amounting to upwards of $7,000,000, and scarcely contributed 

 any thing towards District and city improvements, but has left, al- 

 though receiving as a gift from the original proprietors four-fifths of 

 the land covered by the 'plan of the city, about 30 miles of streets 

 and bridges, and 2,000,000 feet of paved way, to be paid by self- 

 taxation by its citizens. 3dly. The plan of the city, made by Gov- 

 ernment without consultation with the settlers, creating avenues 

 and streets 100 to 160 feet wideband embracing an area of 7,134 

 acres, necessarily forced upon the inhabitants the necessity of sup- 

 porting great burdens. Of these 7,134 acres, Government retained 

 as reservations 4,118 for streets, avenues, &c. ; and of these 7,134 

 acres, paid the proprietors but for 512, at the rate of 25 per acre, 

 and returned to them half of the building lots, (1,058 acres,) thus 

 keeping 5,114 acres as a free gift. 4thly. Government having the 

 right of soil and exclusive jurisdiction in the premises, was and is 

 bound in consequence to make all necessary improvements, and in 

 so doing, places this city under no particular pecuniary obligations, 

 but simply complies with the dictates of duty equal benefits create 

 equal burdens and expenditures. 5thly. As no private efforts or 

 means could create sufficient accommodations for Government and 

 Congress, by making roads, avenues, streets, bridges, lighting 

 streets, &c. 3 &c., the duty did and does devolve upon Congress 

 and the nation. 6thly. The sum of $3,638,505 has been raised 

 from and expended by this city, in the benefits whereof the Gov- 

 ernment has had a large share. 7thly. Had Government paid taxes 

 in due proportion from the establishment of the Metropolis to the 



