Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-06-27
FOR THE CHILDREN
A Playground Allotted Them on the
White Lot.
COL. WILSON'S REGULATIONS
How to Apply for Permission to
Use the Grounds.
WILL BE OPENED MONDAY

WILL BE OPENED MONDAY
Col. John NJ. Wilson, the engineer officer
In charge of public buildings and grounds,
has perfected arrangements for the estab-
lishment of a play ground for the children
of the District in the beautiful ellipse south
of the White House He has assigned a
liberal portion of the grounds at the south
or street end of the ellipse for the use
of the children and it will be opened to
the public on Monday next. No bound
aries have yet been fixed. That is matter
that can be determined best when 1t is
known how great the demand for space
| will be.
Official Authority.
The establishment of this public play
ground is based on a provision of the sun
dry civil appropriation act, approved March
=, 1898. After providing for the care and
maintenance of the various public parks
and reservations, the section provides fur
ther, follows:
And the officer in charge of pubIic huIld
ings and grounds shall authorize the use of
a portion of the ground within the circle
south of the Executive Mansion for a chill
aren pay ground: under regulations to be
prescribed by him."
This provision of law takes effect on the
lst of July next.
Col Wilson has made regulations in ac-
cordance Herewith. They are brief and to
the point. The main provisions are that
permits are necessary to the use of the
grounds, and that those who are granted
the privileges of the park will be expected
to observe the usual rules of good order
and decorum.
Regulations for Its Use.
Children desiring to use the play ground
will be required to make application in the
following form:
WASHINGTON. D. c.,
Colonel JOHN NJ. WILSON.
Corps of Engineers. u. S. Army
In charge of Public Buildings and Grounds
War Department, Washington, ID. c.
Colonel:
l have to request authority for party
OF chiliren TO play lawn tennis and croquet
upon the ellipSe south of the Executive
Mansion during the season of 1895.
The party vii, consist of the following:
CThcn follow spaces for names and ad-
dresses).
l hereby promise that the children. will
fully comply with all police regulations
governing the proper protection of the ell
hpse and the trees end shrubs in its vi
cinity- Yours respectfully,
No. ........ Street, .....'
The writer Of this letter is personally
known TO me and 1 am satisfied will carry
out all that is promised
........-.---.-..------.,
....--...... Street, 1890.
AS indicated by the above blank the ap-
plication must bear the Endorsement of a
citizen OF good repute.
1t being satisfactory a permit will be is-
sued in the following form:
Office of Public Buildings and Grounds,
Room "a. War Department,
Washington, D. C............, 1S9
Under the terms of the act of Congress
approved March 2. 1885 (sundry civil bilD,
authority is hereby granted to the follow
Ing named children, to play lawn tennis
and croQuet upon the elpse south OF the
Executive Mansion during the season of
1885:
dresses.)
This permit is granted with the under
standing that the parties named will COM
ply with all police regulations governing
the ellipSe ard the trees and shrubs in its
vicinity, and is revocable for cause at any
time. JOHN NJ. WILSON,
Colonel of Engineers, u. S. Army.
No Violent Games Allowed.
The usual park regulations will be OBJ
served. Rough and violent games will not
be allowed. Base ball and foot ball are
expressly prohibited and it is not antici-
pated that any enthusiasts will apply for
permission to use the grounds for golf
or polo.
Quiet, orderly behavior is expressly en-
joined the part of those granted the
privileges of the park. Disorderly conduct
will not be tolerated. Persons violating
this rule are liable to arrest and will GER
tainy forfeit all chance of further favors
IN this regard
No trouble on this score is anticipated
from those holding permits for the simple
reason that their entire responsibility is
sine qua non TO the issue of the permit
The playground will be under the conf
stant supervision OF watchman clothed
with the powers Of a SPECIAL policeman
He will see that the children confi2e their
games TO the territory set aside Tor their
benefit and ne will protect them from
all molestation. Congress made pro-
vision for the employment OF watchmen
for this duty, and the extra work perforce
falls upon the single watchman assigned to
day duty in the extensive grounds south
of the Executive Mansion.
No Adults Allowed.
These grounds set aside expressly as
a play ground for children. Adults, regard
less of sex. have no rights there whatever.
Col. Wilson anticipates no difficulty in deal
ing with the juvenile portion of the COM
munity and will do all in his power to
facilitate their pleasure. His only require
ments are that they shall obtain a permit
to the grounds, ana that they behave
themselves. Permits VIII not be issued to
adults or Objectionable characters, and prop
er measures will be taken to preserve order
and protect the children in their inno-
scent enjoyment. He heartily approves the
project and viii do all in his power to make
1t successful. His only regret is that Con-
greSs gave him no money TO employ ad-
ditional watchrnan>or to properly prepare
the grounds for the laudable purpose TO
which they have been devoted. The gov
ernment furnishes the grounds, and those
using them will be expected to supply all
the necessary apparatus for their games.