Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-05-15
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
The PEOPLES Park

Editor Star:-I have read with much interest
the able communications OF ARTIST" and Claw
YER" and would also express my opinion, that
nothing could possibly add more to the attrac-
tiveness Of the national capital than grand
park, encompassing the Rock Creek region.
yet 1t lacks the great charm Of running water,
and, moreover, 1t does not belong to the people.
and Is closed on Sundays Lawyer" says: '*
vited to visit and explore this romantic local
lty, ETC." Very good; bat the trouble is that
this region is very difficult to be explored, par
ticularly by Mr.. Driver and Mr.. Rider, because
the finest and most romantic portions of it are
inaccessible and have no roads or even paths
leading through them. The roads that do exist
are rugged and narrow, and by no means in
Now, have a suggestion to offer. Mr.. Editor
which, If carried out, will, am certain, go very
far towards bringing about the desired object
this: Let wide, fine, graveled carriage road be
made by the proper authorities, to commence
near P-street bridge or else near Oak Hill Gem
etery, and to run all along the banks Of Rock
Creek, passing by Pierce's Mill and the next
mill (where the creek makes turn to the weSt)
until it reaches the military road. From here
parties driving or riding would return to their
starting point by way OF Broad Branch road
ana Bladen's road both Of which ought to be
w1dened and improved.
Thus the people Of Washington would have
magnificent, cool, circular drive along Rock
Greek and its branch. some fourteen or sixteen
miles In extent. Our public at large would
then. ere long. be thoroughly In love with their
Rock Creek region, and general clamor for a
park would arise, not likely to cease before the
popular wish should be gratified. Doctor.
Over-Dressing i'm School.
Editor Stdr:-I notice In Wednesday s issue of
THE STAR, in an account Of the proceedings of
the school board, that the trustees have deemed
1t necessary to refer to the matter OF 'dreSS" in
the public schools. The evil is doubtless greater
even than the remarks quoted by your reporter
indicate. Just why such a state OF affairs should
exist, however. does not appear upon cursory
view of the subject and it Is the object of these
remarks to point out what seems to be the cause
OF the evil to which the trustees refer. This
The principle underlying the establishment of
public schools and the ever potent argument in
their favor has been that they are intended to
afford opportunities OF education to the poor;
to place educational advantages within the
reach OF those who would otherwise be deprived
OF this inestimable blessing. But 1T seems that
the real object of these schools has been lost
sight OF. They are not devoted to the education
OF the poorer classes. In fact the needy are
crowded out by the butterflies of fashion, who
are also the disturbing element OF which the d.
rectOrs complain. The over dressing Is certainly
not among the children OF the poor. for whose
exclusive benefit these public institutions are
established.
1t is no answer to claim that the payment of
taxes by the wealthy entitle their children to
the privileges of these schools. There are other
public institutions supported In like manner,
hut have not heard OF the rich seeking admlS
sion to them, either for themselves or their
1t would. perhaps. take too much Of your
valuable space to amplify these remarks, but
venture to predict that many OF your readers
will agree with mein the opinion that the cause
crowding Is due to the presence of a class OF
scholars who are out OF place In the public
schools Yours, REASON.