Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-12-01

is surrounded by small dwellings, markets.
provision stores, cattle and horse bazaars,
and factories. The creek or canal was
gradually used more and more as COM
mon open sewer. This evil was unbear-
able, 50 it was arched over and hidden
from sight. Where the plan Of Washington
and L'Enfant has been followed, the artis-
tic effect has been successful; where devil
ated from, 1t has been a failure
The original plan can be commended for
other reasons than those of beauty. 1t has
every advantage in point of economy in
maintenance. repairs. supervision. inter-
communication, transportation, and ac-
feasibility of the departments to each other
and to the public. To carry out the orig
lnal plan, OF one closely allied thereto in
the erection of future government build
ings, is feasible, but the probability of such
wise action without a competent bureau
Of fine arts is infinitesimal
The squares between Pennsylvania and
Missouri avenues, and between Maine and
Maryland avenues, were originally a part
Of the park, and should still be govern
ment property. II the erection of build
ings, as originally intended, on the border
of the park, should be considered objec-
tionable, an equally good effect could be
obtained by the purchase Of the property
on B street, north and south, and the 10
cation of future structures upon 1t. An ad-
dition Of a very few squares 70 this prop
erty would give the government the south
side of Pennsylvania avenue between The
Capitol grounds and the Treasury Depart
ment. where property Is now compare
lively cheap.
Power of a Corporation.
In addition to increasing the beauty Of
the city, such an acquisition would be the
means Of removing the most Objectionable
feature in the city from a moral. artistic.
and sanitary standpoint In Plan No.
have shown by Matching the squares which
it would be necessary for the government
to acquire to carry out the plan suggest
ed. The original boulevard could be car
ried through the mall without materially
affecting the buildings at present located
in the park The hothouses and outbuild
ings of the Botanical Gardens are the
only ones which IL would be necessary pos
itively to remove. A competent bureau or
commission would probably recommend
the removal of many Of the buildings
which have been erected from time to time
in these parks
The Pennsylvania Railroad Company has
it's grip SO firmly fixed on the center of
the mall that neither the Commissioners,
who are the board Of governors in the
District. nor Congress are able TO pry II
loose. The least this company should be
made to do in a regeneration of this COM
prehensive plan would be the erection of
depot in conformity with the federal build
ings. and the total concealment of its
tracks where they pass through the park.
The railroad tracks can be effectually COW
cred by placing retaining walls on both
sides Of 9th street, running from b street
north TO street south. and grading the
park TO a sufficient height, and covering
the street within the limits named. This
would allow the railroad company ample
room for tracks and switches, as well as
giving them shed room for passengers. at
the same time preserving the beauty Of
the park.
A plan of the kind mentioned. If carried
out under the direction Of artists. equal to
the corps employed at the worlds Column
bian exposition, would give the country
parked avenue in Washington unequaled
by anything In the world-a triumph of
the arts.