Evening star., 1899-02-06
PUBLIC RESERVATIONS.
They should BE Protected From Being
Marred by BufIdtngs.

To the Editor Of The Evening Star:
1t is generally conceded that Washington
is the most beautiful city In the United
States. That this is true should be a source
of sincere qualification to every patriotic
American citizen, since it is the capital city
or one OF the greatest nations and of one
OF the most enlightened and progressive
peoples on the face of the Garth
Aside from the magnificent public build
ings. which are an object OF interest to
most visitors, one of the principal attrac-
tions Of the city is the numerous parks
and grounds, abouuding in many instances
with variety Of trees flowers and shrub
bery Some of these reservations are as Vet
IN comparatively unimproVed condition
but are stlh more or less beautiful. and of
considerable comfort during the summer
months TO large numbers of residents es-
peclaiiy those who are unable to 20 to the
seashore or mountain resorts for rest and
recreation. There is no doubt thar in
course Of time these grounds Will be Dron-
erly improved and beautified. and will COM
pare favorably with similar areas in any OF
the great cities OF capitals of the world In
the meantime 1t is of the highest imports
ance to preserve them in the best possible
manner.
There seems, however, to be a growing
tendency TO mar the natural beauty which
they already possess. The Smithsonian
park is perhaps one of ne most fiagrant
examples of this character A few Years
ago the space south of the Smithsonian In
sututon was utilized for geological nur-
poses. Pens and Enclosures of various kinds
were erected, IN which number OF animals
belonging to that collection were kent The
animals, otherwise very interesting being
quartered in clos, proximity to b street,
one OF the nnest res idential streets in the
southwest section OF the city became an
nhmltgated nuisance, and their presence in
Ihat locality an imposition upon the people.
leaving The unslghtliness of the exhibit our
OF the consideration the stencil which fIleS
the AR during the heat of the dav i'm sum-
ner and the noises which continued
through the night We're well nigh unboar
aple. A more suitable location was finally
secured and the nuisance removed
II was then hoped that no further desc
Sialoh OF this park would be committed:
nut the eXigencies of science seem TO have
no limit in the direction of public nni
sahces; On the very same area there have
SINCE been erected a number of small
Iialne buildings for various PURPOSES one
OF these is apparently a coal shed ana tbo
otnerS are said To be used for workshons
w hateN er the utility of those huIldIng7e
M, oiis? are certainly not ornamental. On The
contrary, they seriously disdgure, tho narI,
the public buildings and the n.ighborhood
Whefe they are situated. One of tben
pears strong resemblance to the negro
cablnS so often seen I'm some of the country
settlements down In Virginia tba farailia,.
red brick chimney being on the outside,
"A stranger visiting the Smithsonian Irsti-
,ulloi ana National Museum would doubt-
ltSs De somewhat perplexed In his concIu
slofls regal ding this motley aggregation Of
buildings. He would scarcely he abla 70
decide whether these two large structures
with the group OF shanties adjoining. vere
lor the increase and diffusion OF kpourI
edge among men" or for the increase ana
alnuslon of spring chickens and freshly
lald eggs, The entire surroundings at the
present time being far more suggestive of
well-ordered hennery on a grand scale
Win an the necessary accessories for The
operation OF mcubators, than of the seat Of
scIehce IN the United States
Inc time has come whom
Is TO maintain its reputation of being tba
most beautiful city In the country and prao
seLt becoming appearance as the capitsI
OF the nation, vigorous action nust ha
taken TO clear the public parks of the nm
slghtIy structures which have been erected
IN them The movement in this direction
OF which notice was given i'm The Star on
the Isl instant, is highly commendahIa
aho should receive the support of the n,,b
hc-spirlted business men of the CITY ana
members OF Congress and result I'm Ies,isia-
uoh Whlch win not only cause the ohiec-
uonaDle buildings to be removed. but also
protect the public reservations from a r,sne1
ution of the Cffense TAXpAVE6
February 6, 1899 iN