Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-09-25
THE ROCK CREEK PARK.
The Conference Report Called Up In
the House This Afternoon.

Mr.. Hemphin today called up in the House
the mnch-expected conference report on
the Rock Greek Park bill. The report,
rs already printed in TuK SrAn, SUBJ
mits o substitute bill containing many
of the provisions Of the old measure
but further developing the manner Of condem-
nation and providing for the assessment Of
benefits on adjoining property to the amount,
of said benefits. The name Of Columbus Park
is dropped and Rock Creek Park Reconstructed
oPRovIsIoSs OF THE BILL.
The bill provides that q tract OF land
not exceeding 1000 acres in extent, lying
on both sides OF Rock creek, beginning
at Klingle Ford Bridge and running
northwardly. following the course Of said
creek, OF a width not less at any point than GOO
feet nor more than ]. 200 feet including the bed
Of the creek, of which not less than 200 feet
shall be on either side of said creek. south Of
Broad Branch road and Blagden Mill road and
OF such greater width north of said roads as the
commissioners designated in this act may Sc
lect, shal! be secured and be perpetually ded:-
Gated and set apart as public park or pleasure
ground for tho benefit and enjoyment OF the
people OF the United States to be known by the
name OF Rock Creek Park
Tho new bill appropriates 81, zoe, 900 to pay
the expenses OF inquiry, survey. assessment,
penses incidental thereto one-half TO be re-
imbursed to the Treasury of the United States
out OF the revenues Of the District of Column
bia in four equal annual installments. with in
terest at the rate of per centum per aunum
One-half Of the sum to be annually expended
Tor the maintenance and improvement of the
park shall be charged against the District
The commission to do everything for the
park is to consist of the chief engineer of the
United States army, the Engineer Commis-
sioner Of the District of Columbia and three
citizens to be appointed BY the President, by
and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
The substitute contains practically all the
provisions of the bill as it passed the House.
the Senate having acceded to the House
amendments.
Mr.. HEMPHILL ANSWERS oUEsTIoSs.s
After the report had been read. Mr.. Buch.
anan of New Jetsey asked il the conferences
report provided for the borrowing of 100000
by the District from the general government
MIR. Hemphiil said II practically did.
MIR. Cannon thonsht the committee on con-
ference should provide for additional taxation
in the District to provide for such an expendi-
ture.
Mr.. Hemphill SAID property was SO increas-
ing in value in tho District that the income
Of the District would be greatly increased.
MIR: Cannon thought the report should be
sent back to the conference, with instructions
income OF the District was to be, whether il
would cover the expenditure, and if not report
some means Of additional taxation.
Several gentlemen asked whether the gov
eminent was i'll any way assured of the pay
ments.
Mr.. Hcmphill said the payments we're amply
assured.
Mr. buchanan asked if Mr.. Hcnphill did no.
know that every democratic paper and orator
would charge this Sl,20O.000 appropriation up
to republican extravaganza.
Mr.. Hemphill said he not responsible for
what the democratic Newspapers
would say on tue question. but for
himself he would sag that there
could be found no more proper or useful way
to appropriate money.
MIR. Buchanan asked if he could quote the
gen leman to that effect, and was told that
he had full permission to do SO.
THE VOTE.
The vote was then taken on the adoption oil
the conference report On standing vote the
result Stood ayes, 80; noes, A.
The ayes and hayes were demanded and or.
dered
he vote by ayes and hayes on the Rock
creek conference resuited-ayes l25, hayes IS.
The report was therefore adopted.