Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-12-15

roundings. For many years Ii bore suita-
bic comparison with the sidewalks in front
OF 1t and those leading to the mansion.
but as the former have been replaced
with a granolithic pavement and the latter
Will be replaced In similar manner this
summer, it is hoped he says, that hand
some wall with an ornamental railing
will soon be authorized on the north side
of the mansion.
Drill Grounds.
In regard to the proposed Improvement
Of the Presidents park, south of the
White House, Col. Wilson says:
Tt Ia oval In form, and is surrounded
with smooth. wide gravel roadway,
which has recently become one of the prin-
cipal drives OF the capital. 1t was designed
by the celebrated landscape artistic gar
dener, A. j. Downing, with the view of
having on the public grounds an open area
OF suffcient extent for military evolutions,
parades. reviews, ETC., and 1 earnestly hope
that 1t may never be disfigured with struc-
lures or any character.
1t has been frequently used for drills
and parades by our citizen-soldiers, and
by visiting military companies from other
cities. Some years since a competitive
drill lasting several days took place in the
park, and recently the ground was occu-
pied by the Grand Army of the Republic
IN their memorable reunion. On all of
these occasions 1T has been apparent that
a wide walk around the parade would be
a desirable feature, and afford safe stand
ing room, out of the way of passing We
h1cles, for spectators, as well as a path for
pedestrians visiting the locality. With this
object in view 1t is proposed to construct
an asphalt walk, fifteen feet wide, around
the outer portion of the ellipse, separating
IL from the carriage road by a parking
thirty feet wide.
The American elm trees now bordering
the parade would afford partial shade TO
this walk, as we'll as to the roadway; at
Ol1fl atS Of hn L. 70
surrounding streets wide walk openings
would be made to connect with these
roads, and walk outlets for the convenience
of the public
1T is estimated that the approximate
cost OF this walk, with it's approaches,
necessary drains, drain lodges, ETC., will be
Slo,oD. Its construction is earnestly recon-
mended.'
Overhead Wires.
Attention is again invited to the fact
that 1t is becoming more and more difficult
to operate the government overhead tele-
graph system. owing to the growth of trees
along the lire, which interrupt the electric
currents, especially during wet and windy
weather. Col. Wilson says that the neces-
sity for either replacing the present poles
with taller ones or constructing a system
or underground cable Is so apparent as
scarcely to need argument in it's favor. He
adds that the time for obstructinR the
streets with telegraph poles and a network
or wires has passed, and it Is earnestly
urged that the necessary appropriation
Tor the underground system of telegraph
connecting the Capitol with the various de-
partments and the government printing
Office shall be made available as soon as
practicable.
IL Is earnestly recommended that the sys-
tenn or electric lights now in operation up
on many OF the streets and avenues of the
city or Washington be gradually extended
to the public grounds. With the gas lamps
now IN use in the parks the illumination is
far from satisfactory, Col. Wilson says
and In the interest of morality, as well as
the welfare of those visiting and passing
through the parks after dark 1t Is desired
to make then as brilliant as possible at
night.