Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-02-03
FOR PUBLIC BATHS.
Congress Asked for an Appropriation to
Make "A Bathing Beach.

bill will be introduced in Congress in
structing the District Commissioners ito con-
struct a beach and dressing houses upon the
east shore Of the tidal reservoir against the
| Washington monument grounds and to MAIN
tain the same for the purpose of free public
bathing under such regulations they shall
deem to be for the public welfare: and the Sec
rotary of War is requested to permit such use
of the public domain may be required to ac-
complish the objects above set forth" The bill
provides for an appropriation of $1,000, to be
Immediately available for the purposes of the
bill.
Accompanying the bill a petition will be
sent to Congress signed by w. X. Stevens. pres
ident; W. l.. Phillips, vice president; j. b.
Clark, secretary, and p. l.. Tate. treasurer of
the Washington beach association. az follows:
In presenting the accompanying bill for
your consideration the undersigned. officers of
the Washington beach association beg leave to
state concerning its object and the necessity
for its enactment as follows: Every year many
persons are drowned in the Potomac. Some
because they could not swim, others because
they stole away to get out of the policeman's
reach and were consequently beyond help in
their time OF need. Every person over five
years old should be able to swim so we'll as to
feel perfectly at ease in deep water.
Besides the residents of the city there are
hundreds of persons employed in the depart
ments who cannot leave their duties to go to
the sea shore in the heated term and who
would gladly avail themselves of the luxury OF
frequent bathing if a suitable place could be
had In open water. Even home bath tubs cam
not be had by ALL and they do not offer to any
that invigorating tonic which comes from the
relaxation of open water bathing with family
| and friends to help enjoy it. This subject has
been more or less discussed in the papers every
year. but none took measures to accomplish
the desired end until this association was
formed with the following stated objects: To
enable ladies, girls and children as well as men
and boys to obtain the benefits and pleasure of
open water bathing. TO form suitable beach
for bathing purposes at point on
the Potomac river convenient to the
Washington public. To maintain order and
decorum upon the beach and its surroundn gs,
and to enforce such regulations as tend to the
free enjoyment of the beach as a bathing place
for all respectable and well-disposed persons.
The first necessity was a place where there is
no current to enter the water location was
selected beside the monument lot. narrow
strip of the bottom and shore was graded and
covered with sand; small rough house was
built with two compartments for dressing. and
this little beginning was the lively scene from
morning till night even until the weather
too cool for comfort. Over $50 boys
day on an average bathed freely on
this beach even though the house was not open
to them and they had to hide in the tall weeds
to dress. The experiment was a success and
met with universal appreciation and large
promises Of membership fer the coming sea-
son. But now more roOmy beach is desir-
able in order that the whole public may enjoy
it freely under proper restrictions as to cloth
ing and conduct. BY consulting with Col.
Hams, who heartily endorses this move. we
have ascertained that the expense of forming
the sea-wall and making the fill required ac-
cording to the present plan of filling the flats
would grade beach 100 feet wide from line
feet deep under water at low tide and cover
the same with sand and gravel to the required
depth to maintain its stability, and build suit
able dressing houses with separate personal
compartments. To make a beautiful beach for
500 feet along the shore, graded from the level
OF the ball ground to deep water, cover it with
sand and provide houses to accommodate 100
bathers at a time would cost only $4,000, and
about that much would be spent ON that shore
without the beach. Under the direction of the
Commissioners Maj or Moore furnished police
men to patrol tins region and the boys bathed
III safety under restraining hand. We now
ask that the said Commissioners be instructed
by Congress to take charge of the whole mat
ter for the public benefit.
This matter should be acted upon without
delay. because work is now being done which
might be saved by the beach plan of construc-
ton"