Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-08-08

MILLION OF DoLLARs-
As stated in yesterdays STAR a report by Col
Peter c. Hams has been forwarded to the Sem
ate in response to a resolution Of that body
calling on the Secretary of War to report upon
the practicability and the probable cost of lay
ing out and constructing an avenue for the ac-
commodation, separately, of persons foot,
on horseback and in carriages, along the Po-
tomsc river as far as Rock creek, thence along
Rock, creek and as near to it as may be conven-
lent, to the Columbian Park and thence into
the Soldiers Home, connecting the reservation
in front of Washington monument, the Column
bian Park and the Soldiers Home.
Col. Hams says: 1.-The resolution calls for a
report, first, on the prscticability of construc-
ton and second, the probable cost. As to the
practicabillty there Is no question. 1t is per-
fectly practicable to construct avenue such
as the resolution refers to and on the route
prescribed.
las to the probable cost it is necessary to
state that the resolution of the Senate carries
with il no appropriation of funds to defray the
cost of a survey, and without one it is not prac-
ticable TO locate the road with accuracy to
make close estimate Of the cost. am famil-
lar with the ground. however, and through the
kindness of the superintendent of the coast
and geOdetic survey have had access to the
maps of the District of Columbia recently pre-
pared in that office. The estimate submitted
muSb Oc uHutESbOOu rs very one.
In order to prepare an estimate of any kind it
was necessary to Tx an approximate location,
the maximum grade and the width OF roadway.
The resolution determines the route in gen.
eral terms. 1t Is to connect the reservation in
front of the Washington monument, the Co
lumbar Park and the Soldiers Home. 1t is
also to pass along the Potomac river as far as
Rock creek, thence along Rock creek. and as
near to 1t as convenient. to the Columbian
Park. and thence to the Soldiers Home. As
the road will he for nleasura
and not in any sense a traffic road l have as
sumed u gradient of feet in 100 the maxi
mum; and for the purposes of an estimate /
have arranged for a total width Of ITO feet di-
yided so to give a road for horseback riding
with turf covering, 20 feet wide two roads for
carriages, "a feet each. and two lines of park
ing. Within the limits of the latter. and in the
shade of the trees that are supposed to be
planted and growing a brick walk 8 feet wife,
Is provided for persons on foot. There will
thus be As feet for carriages, 20 feet for per-
sons on horseback and 16 feet for persons on
foot
DETAILS OF THE ROUTE.
THE point of starting is not definitely stated
In the Senate resolution. but assume that it
10 intended to start from some convenient
point In front Of the Washington monument
such point may be taken at about 800 feet
southwark of the monument, near the old
shore line of the Potomac river; thence across
part Of the newly made ground. known as
the IOlOudc mats, 10 the north Dank OF the
tidal reservoir; thence following the bank of
said reservoir in a westerly direction to a point
near the bank of the Potomac river; thence
curviDg nOrtherly. crossing the sewer canal ON
bridge near its mouth; thence along or near
the bank of the Potomac river to a point near
where 18th street extended southwark and New
York avenue extended westward intersect;
thence along 25th street to Virginia avenue;
thence along Virginia avenue. westerly to it's
intersection with 9th street; thence following
an mr. nos he nat hunk Of Roalr oil
near the point of crossing of oath street; thence
across the creek to a point near the street
bridge; thence along the right bank of Rock
creek to Lyons mill, crossing the creek at this
point on a bridge, and thence following along
the banks of the creek, sometimes on one side
and sometimes on the other. to the crossing Of
the hllngle Ford road, which il il understood
will be the south end of the proposed Column
bIan Park. From this point follow the left
bank of Rock creek to the mouth of Piney
branch; thence follow nearly the course of the
latter stream to the crossing of the 14th street
road; thence on or near the line indicated. In
an easterly direction to the main entrance of
Soldiers Home.
OVER THE POTOMAC FLATS
From the point of beginning to the intersec-
ton of 25th street with New York avenue the
construction is simple and easy and not expen-
sive. Ultimately the Potomac flats win no
doubt be laid out as park, and the road herein
described, lying within its limits, would
naturally form part of the system of roads
But from this point it would not be judiclous.
IN my opinion, to follow closely the shore line
OF the Potomac river, as that would interfere
with business interests already established
along the river front from Easby's Point to the
mouth Of Rock creek, and would be of no COM
mensurate advantage. i have accordingly
laid out the line along 18th street, which would
have to be widened to its intersection with Vir-
ginia avenue. The latter is wide enough to its
intersection with 27th street From this point
the high ground should be followed without
regard to streets.
1T may be question whether it would not
be better to follow the line of 18th street from
the intersection with New York avenue all the
way to Lyons mill. II the project to convert
kock creek from Lyons mill to PENNSYLVANIA
avenue into large sewer be carried out and
the valley OF Rock creek be filed the line of
18th street would seem to be the best Below
the crossing CT street bridge. which is only
about 1000 feet from Lyons mil. Rock creek
Is no better than an open sewer ANYWAY so
that there Is no particular advantage in fol-
lowing close to its banks until Z street ia
crossed.
In laying out the line, which is done only
approximately, no effort has been made to
shorten distances, the idea being that as the
road Is designed for pleasure, beauty of land
scape was more important From the point
where the road leaves the Potomac river TO the
crossing OF the Z street bridge the surround
lngs are neither pleasant nor beautiful and
they could De made so only at heavy expense
TO the government. but beyond L street bridge
the valleys of Rock creek and Piney branch
are particularly noted for beauty Of scenery.
ESTIMATE OF THE COST
'The following is an approximate estimate of
the cost OF a roadway such as have described.
its total length being about 80 900 feet. or Is
miles:
Grading and filling. 1900 900 cubic Yards. at
~ ce nts, S36O.OOO; protection of slopes $40 900:
bridges, slj0.000; l52.00) linear feet CURLING
at Sl.5O SIPS, ZOO, 202. 600 square Yards mae
adam and gravel roadway, at Is cents Sl5l 500:
&IO.OOO bricks IN paving at SIS per thousand
1880; soil. trees, &c, in parking, $4,000:
CONTINGENCIES, 10 per cent, Sl02,OO0; total
sl.l22.OOO.
No allowance has been made in the above es
innate for acquisition of land This would be
large item.
III the carriage roads be paved with asphalt
me cost would be increased about $500 Co.,"
ne petition t's tOfdys STA X dgdinst the surrender
ne hees and property Of the people Of south
bdShugton TO the Pennsylvania railroad
CHEAP EXCURSIONS To ATLANTIC CRY VI.
The IL. AND O.-On Friday OF each week dur
ing June. July and August the Baltimore and
Ohio railroad will sell excursion tickets to At
Iantc City, good going on train leaving Balti
more and Ohio depot at II O'Clock noon and
good 10 return ON any regular train to and in
eIudlng the following Tuesday at rate of $500
Tor the round tri The Ilalt