The Washington times., 1894-06-28
BOULEvARDs AND PARKS.
Senator Gallinser Suggests Some Grand
improvements in the National Cap
ftal and ITS Vicinity.

Senator GalIinger Suggests Some Grand
improvements in the National Cap
ital and Its Vicinity.
Senator Gallinger, OF New Hampshire, one
Of the members Of the Senate District oi
Columbia Committee, who Is deeply inter-
ested In all measures to beautify and Inn
prove the Capital CITY, in suggesting to q
representative of The TINES yesterday that
much ought to be one In the near future to-
ward the construction Of new boulevards and
extending the outlying park system, said:
~ favor the construction in the near future
OF one or more magnificent boulevards, and
also an extension of the present park system.
l do not see why magnificent driveway
might not be constructed which should prac-
tically enrich the city and rival some OF the
famous boulevards of the same character
abroad. There is no reason why the Capital
of the United States should not have all In the
way Of adornment and beauty that the other
great capitals Of the world have.
Naturally improvements In the extension
OF streets should follow along the general
plan passed by the last Congress. This would
extend beyond the boundary and ultimately
over the whole District. This work ought to
be pushed as rapidly as possible, with the
double purpose of greatly beautifying the city
and giving employment to labor.
Beyond a question it would be wise and
In the end economical to make large appro-
priation and finish such improvements prop
perly. But the probability Is that it will
have to be done gradually and with due refer
ence to the financial condition Of the govern
ment. 1t Is also reasonable that the consider
alton OF other needs OF the District should not
be too long deferred.
specifically, l favor the speedy construc-
tion Of the proposed Memorial bridge across
the Potomac to connect Washington with
Arlington, and cannot understand why Con-
gress hesitates to make the necessary appro-
priation for that purpose. When such bridge
is constructed the roadways leading out to it
should be SO extended as to make a magnifl-
cent pleasure drive 10 Mount Vernon. Moth
ing could possibly contribute more to the en-
joyment Of visitors to the National Capital
than a driveway OF this sort, and there is
especial fitness in thus connecting the city
with the historic spot where the remains Of
Washington rest.
"Another improvement Of q similar charac-
ter. which favor, would be the construction
Of a driveway along the Potomac to Cabin
John bridge. The scenery along this portion
of the river is exceedingly fine, and il an ele-
giant avenue for driving purposes should be
constructed along the Potomac between these
two points 1t would rival the famous River
side drive in New York or that along the
Wissahicken at Philadelphia In due time
such q driveway will doubtless be made.
"Of course, the maintenance Of boulevards
cost something. When they are in the city,
especially, 1t is necessary to have them well
sprinkled, but believe that nothing should
be spared to make the city-what it is fast be-
coming-the most beautiful one in the world.
II have always been sorry that our public
buildings were not placed on the beautiful
plateau extending east from the Capitol, in
stead OF scattered throughout the city. Per-
haps now an effort ought to be made to group
them along Pennsylvania avenue, following
the example set in putting the new post Office
building there. The condition OF the Avenue
from the Peace monument up to Sixth street
northwest is such that 1t would be great
improvement certainly to place new build
ings there, In place of the present ramshackle
twC-story buildings. This would greatly
add to the elegance OF what is otherwise a
beautiful thoroughfare.
$50 far rs the park system OF Washington
is concerned. it is magnificent as it is. but as
the city grows, and new streets are added
hope the same liberal system Of expenditure
that now exists will be continued on even a
greater scale OF liberalitv."
S
Wanted 10 form a small orchestra for amuse-
ment Address MUSICAL DIRECTOR, 2c9