Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-05-29
THE ROCK CREEK PARK.
The Plan Suggested Years Ago by
Gen. MiChler.

THE STAR stated day or two ago that Mr..
W. W.Corcoran and Judge Strong spent several
hours with the District Commissioners discuss
ing the Rock creek park project. It appears
that the discussion was upon the plan SUBJ
mitted to Congress with q typographical sketch
of the environs Of Washington suitable for q
park, drawn up some years ago by Gen. Michler
In compliance with the contents of q letter ad.
dressed to him by Hon. B. Gratz Brown, at that
time chairman of the Senate committee on
public buildings and grounds. This plan EN-.
braces about 5000 acres, including both sides
OF Rock creek for some four miles or more, to
be made into one vast park with suitable pro
tains, grottOes, and all the ornamental features
usual In such places. The point urged was that
nature had already done SO much In the forma
ton OF this park that q vast outlay of money
would not be required at one time, but that the
improvements could be accomplished by de-
grees as necessity demanded. The first thing
requisite was to obtain the land, which it was
urged could be done, as money could be OBJ
tanned at per cent interest for the work of i'm
bring the matter before Congress as soon as
possible. The Commissioners did not think
the finances OF the District At the present time
would warrant them in beginning this expen
Siye improvement and expressed the opinion
that they could do nothing more than recon.
mend 1T at the proper time. In his answer TO the
committee OF the Senate Gen. Michler stated
that latter careful examination OF the many
beautiful localities to be found in the vicinity
Of the capital, and having caused an accurate
and detailed survey of its envirOnS to be made
L now have the honor to submit for your con.
slderat1on the conclusions to which have ar.
rived. In connection with this report two pre-.
liminary maps have been prepared, which will
show more plainly than words can express the
required information and the respective advan.
tages OF the different sections. The Senate reso
luton would seem to imply that one and the
same tract of land should be designated for q
site for ground for a presidential mansion as
well as for public park; but as 1t is not def
nitely stated, it has been judged best by me
to separate the subjects. Should such not be
the Intention OF your honorable committee, il
will be easy to combine the two, when SO many
splendid situations present themselves from
which to make a selection" He then goes into
great natural advantages Of these grounds for
healthful recreation and exercise for all classes
OF society, or tor the qualification OF their tastes
whether Tor pleasure or to satisfy curiosity.
ITO accomplish these ends" the report said,
''there should be a spaciOusness in the extent OF
the grounds, not merely presenting the appear.
ing many miles Of drives and rides and walks
all independent Of each other, and either open
or protected SO as TO be suitable tor the dieren,
seasons. There should be q variety of scenery
happy combination OF the beautiful and pic
turesque, the smooth plateau and the gentle
undulating glade vieing with the raggedness OF
the rocky rayine and the fertile valley, the
thickly mantled forest contrasting with the
green lawn, grand old trees with Towering
shrubs. Wild, bold, rapid streams, coursins
their way along the entire length and breadth
OF such a scene, would not only lend enchant
ment to the view but add to the capabilities Of
adOrnment While nature lavishly offers sue
cession of falls cascades and rapids to greet the
eye, as the waters dash through some romantic
dale, the hand of art can be used to transform
them into ponds and lakes as they gently glide
through the more peaceful valleys, thereby
rendering them the means of pleasure and
recreation for boating or skating. What SO use
full as an abundance of water or SO ornamental
when converted into fountains or jets to cool
the heated atmosphere? 1t furnishes also op
portunities tor the engineer and artist to dis
play their tastes i'll constructing ornamental
and rustic bridges to span the stream"