Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-01-08


the lake and the street-car landings. II
| is remarkable that this simple provision
| for the comfort of visitors has not been
! made long ago; II Is remarkable, too. that
the public has been so very accomplishing
on this score. But now that the whole
subject has been brought to the attention
OF the people-now that II Is CONCEDED
that there Is no good reason why the
north side OF the park should be unsup-
piled with drinking water-we trust the
committee will see to II that hydrants are
placed there before the hot weather comes
upon us.
We ought also 10 begin TO lay the foun-
dalton of geological garden at the
Reservoir Park. We should have done
so ten or fifteen years ago; but now 10
defer further action would be worse tnan
inexcusable. The Dispatch cannot say
that the primary work in this cause ought
10 be put upon our water-works cihciais'
1t would be better to form an organ
izatlon of public spirited ladies and gem
tlemen to secure small COLLECTION OF
animals and offer II as free gift to the
city. With this as starter Though II
should be nothing more important IMAM
n cage Of monkeys-there could be httie
doubt Of enlistlng the attention ana Sc
curing the aid Of the city authorizes.
We believe this to be a highly suspicious
time for making a beginning. We believe
the nucleus OF a ZOO" may be obtained
without difficulty Think Of what an at
traction It would be to a park that Is now
singularly void of attractions!
There are many thousands OF families
here that do not leave the city during the
summer and fall. For these the Reservoir
Park might be made highly attractive as
a resort. The shade-trees there are now
beginning to afford protection from the
heat Of the sun and two street railways
make It easy for the masses to visit the
grounds. Yet, to be candid, 1t is not an |
attractive spot.
How can it be made attractive? Well |
certainly, a 400" would draw the chill
1ren and the nurses there by thousands.
And that would be a great comfort 10
heads of families. Especially would IL
be comforting to parents, nearly all Oh
whom would much rather their nurses
should take their children 10 the Reser-
voir than be wandering with them,
heavens knows where. So let's try 10 give
, snecial interest TO the park. Let's nave
thinking water in all parts of the GROUNDS
n abundance. Let's encourage the peo-
,Ie-men. women, and ohildren-to hock
here and make use Of the hundreds OF
.cres that we have bought and malntaiiieu
t large cost.
So far as the general public Is con-
orned hut q few acres OF the park are
rougbt into use. We would that IL were
tberwjse We wish there were some
God way Of running the street-cars down
o. the rivers edge. where the most beau
ful views are to be had; where the
oolest spots are TO be found In summer
nd where the air is laden with the u.
fragrance Of the forest. ,
We would not have any Of the existing
pads and carriage drives marred in the .
asst. We would not have street-car ,
mes brought too near them; but we +
mould like TO know that a suitable street ,
ar route could and would, be found q
nat would in no wise interfere with the ,
lrriages and buggles, and yet would 2
low Of the landing Of street-car passen- Q
ars on the bank of the river. :
However that is a subject that Is not s
kelly TO receive much attention just o
IVY: but it will come up again. 1t Will
, sufficient for the present for the city
improve that portion Of the park lying
tween the embankment and the street
lr tracks. We have suggested two i'm
,ovements that may be made there. No
,ubt other plans will occur to our coun-
linen. :,
There ought TO be no more delay; no "
ore putting off. With a combined effort ;.
ION the part Of the public and the city =,
ithorities the Reservoir Park this year
uld be made to afford comfort and
nusement to three persons where last
ason It performed that service for one. .
MT that an object worth striving for? :,
e think so. And we trust the Commit -,
@ on Water and councilmen, generally, =,