The times., 1897-05-09

While temporarily here from the West
carefully study the essential features of
the Capital City, and have become fasci-
mated, not only with It's present manifold
attractions, but withits future possibilities.
1 have naturaily viewed everything from
the Western standpoint, and in this way
have noticed, particularly, an astonishing
defect, which, for some unaecoantable rea-
son, mas not long since been cured by
legislation. / refer 10 the lack of adequate
governmental reser vations for future pub
liz buildings.
In the States and Territories west Of
the Mississippi River Uncle Sam owns
unimproved country lands to the extent of
$4,000, 900 acres, or 92s,oeo square
miles
This is al area as great as the com
bined areas OF England, Scotland, Ireland,
Wales, France. Germany, Italy, witzer
land and the Netherlands.
In Montana alone he owns II 100000
acres, an area more than double that OF
New York State.
For elbow room he has, in the great
West, prairies and plains, mountains and
valleys.
For breathing spots he has great ma
tiona parks, such as the Yellowstone,
Yosemite, Sequoia and others, with
area greater than the State of Con-
necticut.
But at his own official home-the Federal
City-he owns no available corner, OF
other lots, suitable for the proposed new
department buildings so greatly needed
today, to say nothing of the many other
Government buildings that will be
needed during the coming century.
According TO the official reports of the
department officers, there are now needed
new and enlarged buildings for the In
terror Department., Patent Office, Postofflce
Department. Agricultural Department, Hall
OF Records, National Museum, and for other
purposes This demand for more office
room at the Capital City will steadily In
crease as the nation grows in population,
wealth, and power
1t is an astonishing state of affairs-a
lack of business foresight, on the part of
Uncle Sam, which 1t s difficult to explain,
busy with other subjects To carefully con-
sider the future needs OF the Government
In this respect.
II is true he owns a small park a rea near
the center of the city around which most
of the present department buildings ale
clustered But this area will always be
needed for park purposes, such as the
Executive grounds. Monument grounds,
Botanic Gardens, Smithsonian grounds, etc.
With the exception of the enlargemenJ OF
the Museum on the Smithsonian grounds.
it is doubtful II any more public buildings
will be allowed on the reservations men
toned. Hence the future buildings OF the
Government must find room elsewhere.
Fortunately there is around this cen
trail park, commonly called the Mall,
available private property. part unim
proved and the rest with but few build
ings Of much value, which can be ac-
quired by purchase or condemn alton.
Most assurediy it is the part of good
public aud business policy, as well as
economy, to make such acquisition be-
fore costly Improvements are made by
the present owners And the acquisition
should be large enough for the needs of
the Government during the coming cen
tury.
BY reference TO the accompanying dia-
gram, clear idea may be obtained Ct
the Mall and its surroundings, and the
location of the principal public buildings
The dark or double shading surround
ing the Mall represents the available
private property which can and should
be acquired without further delay for
the future use OF the Government.
First in order OF Importance is com
paratively unimproved area Of over zoo
acres, extending from the State Depart