Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-06-16
BeausIfying the City.

ConS1der1ng the ODJectlOnS maze In many quar-
ters to the number OF equestrian statues occupying
prominent places in Washington, and in view OF
the further fact that other memorial structures
are certain TO be erected here, from time TO time,
the suggestion Is respectfully offered that whole
some departure In that line could be made by sub
shutting an imposing and handsomely decorated
arch for the conventional statue, whether eques-
trian or pedestrian. site for a structure Of this
character should OF course be the highest suit
able ground attainable, and ir should also be made
to span an important street or avenue These are
Indispensable and fnSeparable conditions. IL
should OF course be massive in its proportions, and
durable In its material, and 1t could be built
plainly, or profusely ornamented with groups of
statuary, relefs etc, according to public wish
as the funds available for the purpose would
allow
Few things are more pleasing to the eye or more
suggestive TO the mind than a fine archway, as
those who have seen the principal structures OF
that class In Europe uniformly testify. 1t will be
remembered that at the time Congress was con-
sidering the question OF finishing the Washington
Monument the project TO take down the unfinished
shaft and construct from It's ma terials grand
trfumphal arch instead found a number Of very
ardent advocates both IN and out Of that body.
The propriety of finishing the column as originally
contemplated seemed to be generally conceded,
however, and so the project was dropped In that
connection 1t has not been forgotten, however,
and the suggestion is made, now, in the hope that
Its merits may be fairly considered and means
finally adopted to carry 1t out when the oppor-
tunity offers. The undertaking would perhaps be
too great 10 be assn med by such an organization
eS one OF the Army societies; but IL Is greatly to
be regretted that all these associations had not in
the beginning united their means and energies
and reared a common memorial structure Of this
Character, which would have been at once
worthy memorial OF themselves AMI monument
OF which not the national capital alone but the
whole country might well be proud 1t is OF
course too late now to carry cut the idea In this
form; but 1t Is to be hoped that the time and the
occasion are not far distant when 1t may be put
into tangible shape.
Another suggestion, to which no one can object,
and the realization Of which would cost a COM
paratiVely small sum OF money, is that hand
somely seulptured fountain shall be erected at some
suitable and conspicuous point In the city to the
honor of Major Pierre Charles LEnfant the distin-
gushed engineer, to whom the national capital IS
indebted for Its system Of beautiful broad and
convenient streets and avenues. The charm and
advantages OF his noble plan now apparent,
and they are being appreciated more highly every
day, both by citizens and visitors; yet cOmpaPa-
lively few Of either class know to whom they are
Indebted for the great blessing now SO much en-
Joyed The remains OF the far-seeng French
exile lie buried In an obscure place near this city,
and IL Is as well perhaps that they should remain
there; but surely the people OF Washington ought
to be willing to show their gratitude for and their
appreciation Of the good work he did for them by
erecting fitting monument in his honor Who
will take the matter in hand? II undertaken by a
proper committee, we have no doubt the necessary
money for the purpose could be raised by popular
subscription In a very short time. Who VIII start
1t?