Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-07-10

to protect the structure from acts Of yandal-
ism.
Just Complaints have been received that the
lawns are being destroyed. trees injured aud
Inat the chiidrens play ground IL ovcrrun by
vicious and improper persons: this once has
oeeh requested to take action 20 relieve the
grounds OF such chsractere and has been
sistance
IL Congress deems Il best TO continue the
privileges extended BY the act of August so.
Ioso' then rules aid regulations should be opre-
area assigning certain grounds for Young
cniidren. other portions for base ball. tennis.
loot ball. &c. and there should be regular
Ma,chmen ON duty at all hour. not Simply for
eight hours OF the day, whose duty should be
70 prevent improper characters from iuterfer-
ing with the amusements and TO see that all
proper regulations are thoroughly enforced.
In the further Improvement OF this import
ant reservation il is desired 10 provide. as soon
as possible. suitable approaches 10 the monu-
ment as direct as practicable with the contour
OF the grounds. and to otherwise improve the
park IN accordance with plans tho main
features OF which were approved six years ago.
An appropriation OF si0.0oo was requested a. .
sum that could be readily expended In
year, but only $4,000 was approprl-
ated. This Will unfortunately retnrd the pro-
gress OF this important work Rs the sum
available Is barely Sufficient TO maintain in
signify condition thirty acres of lawns already
defaced by trespassers and by base ball PLAYERS,
&c. ana TO maintain. IN good conditien for
travel, nearly six acres Of gravel road and walk
surfaces and several miles Of paved stone gut
tiers, with their connecting drain lodges, outlet
drains. &c.
FURTHER IMPROVEMENT OF THE oRouSps
These park grounds. including on their bor-
ders the grounds occupied by the United states
nsn commission. the propagating gardens and
the ourtau OF printing and engraving Is stated
IN the foregoing. cover an area Of about
seventy-eight acres; they present rolling sur
faces with pleasing contours the sately
shaft OF the Washington monument rising
from the principal knoll near the river 'front.'
Inc main features OF the plan prepared for its
improvement. only few Of which have been
carried ont. are the construction Of substantial
orNeways. over as easv grades as the contour
OF the grounds viii admit approaching the
monument and from thence connecting with the
roads OF adjoining parks and the surrounding
streete;t TO construct substantial walks with the
view OF afording the travelling public all
necessary facilities for approach 20 the monu-
ment IN rs nearly direct lines of travel ~ NAV
De practicable over the undulating lswns and
70 connect with other walks and roads which
wiii he carried generally through tine park in
the direction OF the propaeating gardens. the
U. 3. tsh commission lakes aud other points Of
interest
The planting will be mainly confined 20 pro-
yiding suitable park establishment and shade
Tor the roadways and walks through the
grounds. The roadways near the monument
shaft VIII be appropriately furnished With
groupings OF los-growing trees Of ornamental
character, and IN the vicinity OF The monument.
chiefly at the termination OF roads and walks.
simple groupings of dwarf towering shrubs
will be planted.
Flower beds will be laid ont in the trianeles
formed by the road and walk Intersections ana
few on the lawns at the monument A par
terre will be constructed around the lodge and
II 10 parposed 70 construct m a suitable Local
ton in the grounds q large tropical lily pond
with numerous ornamental fountain Jets. which
viii be heated in the spring BY means OF cream
pipes placed IN the basin. for which the exhaust
steam from the monument will be utilized.
and which il is believed viii be q great
attraction to the visitors 20 the parks
II Is earnestly recommended that the eiestrie
light system fnaugurated in 1889 in the grounds
south OF the White House be er-
tended throughout this park There
between street and the propaeating gardens
south Of the monument, between 18th aud I7th
streets, and In the interest OF morality and for
the protection Of persons necessarily crossing
these grounds at night lights are absolu teiy
necessary. Anestimate for electric lights n SUBJ
mitted with this report
PnoPAGATISe GARDENS, INCLUDING TEE eREEu
HOUSES AND suRsERY.
Extensive repairs were made to the various
green houses during the year and the large and
valuable collection Of plants WINS maintained in
good condition; all furnaces, boilers, nues ana
coalcellars cleaned hot water pipes repa ired
and packed where necessary, and large
amount Of shelving placed in position in the
autumn for use in plant propagation. and tlken
down and stored in the spring when the plants
were placed in the parks.
The shops and stcrehonses were repaired and