Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-01-18
THE GEOLOGICAL PARK.
Points From the Report Of the Com
mission.

The Geological park commission today trans
mitted report to the House of Representa-
tives on the proceedings of the commission.
The main points of the report have already
been printed in THE STAB.
The report speaks Of the first meeting Of the
commission on March Q, 1882 and of the re-
peated tours Of the members o,er the ground
to which they were confined. i. e., along Rock
creek between Massachusetts avenue and IL 9
point where said creek is crossed by the mill
tary road. Reference is then made to
the preliminary map prepared by
the geological survey showing the own
ershiP OF property: The commission
1t was necessary to show all the parcels Of
land, &c, and at the same time keep the total
amount within the appropriation.
On April Is a circular letter was sent to the
various owners of land asking what price they
held their property on the parts needed for
the purpose OF a geological park. The
answers were very unsatisfactory, being in
nearly every case largely in excess
of the real value of the property. Finding
it impossible 30 obtain information by this
means the assistance of various gentlemen
versed in the value Of land in this locality
was called in and data for reli-
able information was obtained
The report then speaks of the location of the
park. already stated at various times, and of
the satisfaction to the commission in being able
to secure 167 acres of suitable land, commenc-
ing at point less than two miles from the ex-
ecutive mansion.
On November q the final survey was fur
nished and the report continues that the COM
mission feels itself justified in the statement
that the site is commodious accessible and
adapted by nature to the special ends it is in
tended to serve in a degree beyond any be-
longing to any other city.
The commission is now proceeding to settle
as rapidly as possible with the owners whose
lands are to be acquired by mutual agree
ment
As already printed in The STAR, 131, las acres
are acquired in this manner at a cost OF $780,
$50. rs, and 166. 486 acres are to be condemned
at a cost of SIG, 1876.
The report continues that judging from the
progress the entire cost of the total site will fall
within the 100000 appropriated, even after
the originally contemplated area, as to leave q
balance which may be applied to necessary
preliminary expenses.
The report says that before the expiration of
the present fiscal year the commission will
have completed the duties with which it was
charged. and the title to the lands will be
vested in the United States.
The commission suggests that Congress enact
new legislation, as at present they have no
power to put up fences, lay out roads or
grounds or erect buildings, nor is it even GER
tain that it has the right to accept donation.
the construction of the ponds. lakes. &C.,
scientific direction will be necessary
and that any plans Of Congress could be best
carried out now when the foundation of the
park Is being laid. The Commissioners also
think that the collection of animals ut the
Smithsonian institution should be transferred
TO the geological park as soon as possible
after the government takes full possession.