Tonight, when you go walking around Washington, I hope you will look at the lights critically, and weigh my comments against what you see. Most of it is pretty typical, and pretty awful. Many years ago, the Commission on Fine Arts saved historic fixtures in the federal triangle and nearby districts, but only a few of these around the mall and Capitol are now fitted with white light. The best light is off the beaten track, up in Cleveland Park, and other spots in the lush, rich northwest, where you will find some streets with dim incandescent light of the very highest quality, in the simplest of fixtures. Under them walking at night is pleasant, because of the light, and safe, for many reasons including the light.

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