Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-03-03
Preserve the Parks.

The Centennial Avenue proposition is a
G.Stirct violation of the park principle. the
maintenance of which has made Washing
ton Cre # the beauty spots of this CONT
nenJ. The great Mall with its succession
Of bread areas devoted artistcally to COM
binatiGns Of lawn and wooded growt1s.
forms enc of the citys most distinctive
features. Its arrangement was in accord
auc.. with the careful designs of A ].
Downing. the distinguished architect and
landscape gardener, who in 1851 was called
L Washington to lay out the public grounds
al the national capital He was recognized
through ut the country and abroad as the
chief American authority on rural art" and
. lis admirable designs for the Smithsonian
grounds with choice tree groups, graceful
winding drives and pleasant shaded walks
resulted in making that line of parking a
beauty spot and subject of admiration to
all visitors. With the Botanic garden at
end and the Monument grounds at the
uth r. this great stretch stands for a tang
ihl- evidence of the theory upon which the
capital is founded. that in the making of a
seat of government there can not be too
much parking too much care in preserv-
ing it from encrcachment.
The plan now is to cut a straight avenue
through this Mall. at one side. in diagonal
line. not in harmony with any of the natu-
raj artificial features of the great park.
nor in accordance with any of its present
proper uses. IL IS further proposed to
utilize the ground lying adjacent to this
avenue sites for public buildings yet to
be erected. thus violating the sanctty of
tn" parks. which has been preserved. in the
main, by dint of the most strenuous en-
deavOr and some sacrifices. The avenue
will not partake of the graceful nature of
Will ruthlessly cut. Straight. uncompro-
m.z!Gg. ugly. it will be mere street
through what is now series of woodland
parks IL will soon take on all the charac-
teristics OF thoroughfare. which are in
.mpatible with the park nature.
Already the Mall has been invaded by
buildings because of the parsimony of Con-
sTeSs. There was but feeble objection to
The Introduction OF the Smithsonian Insti-
tuition there. for its nature betitted it to
the secIuSinn Of the park and its architec-
ture blended tremendously with the dense
foliage of the forest growth. The Depart
mrnt Of Agriculture. however, mis-
Take. while the National Museum was only
To b. excused on the ground of its likeness
in nrgaHiZd rionaI character to the Smith
spnian. u bis"uit-toss away. But for the
S,vrniy practical, forbdd!ng Medical Mu-
scum there was never valid excuse and
the capital has always deplored this in
vdSion and violation of the park principle.
II was hoped that these four buildings,
constituting group OF scientific Organiza-
lions. would remain the solitary occupants
OF the Mall aside from the Fish Commits
sion office. doomed to early removal. and
the magnificent memorial shaft at the
western end. destined for significant per-
nau-nce.
Now comes the plan to despof the park
70 locate all the future public buildings
within its limits. to cut ii in twain by an
irartiStic street. and to change its original
character entirely. 1t is no wonder that
the scheme is rejected by the most add
vanced public spirit of the citizens. as I'M
worthy the great occasion with which it
is associated. and positive detriment to
the artistic and the material progression
OF the capital There is room in plenty for
the buildings yet to be built. without in
vading the parks. There are grander OPP
portunties for city adornment than this
which represents such a direct sacrifice
Of principle and public space. The only
course Of safety is to stand firmly in oppo-
sition to the plan. Once it is adopted
there Is no guarantee for the future.
Whereas now Congress is chary about buy
ing sites for public buildings, always count
ing the cost and the difficulty of selection.
with the park-site principle established
there will be no barrier to prevent the fire.
quent and lavish expenditure of this beauty
and breathing space for public building
uses
1t is only by the maintenance OF high
ideals that great ends are achieved. The
great end here is the evolution OF a CAPT
tai worthy the country and the times, a
city of rare beauty and convenience. of
dignity and good government. The Cen
tennial Avenue project means a loosening
OF the grip upon this ideal. and is, there
fore. a retrogression wholly out Of keeping
with the historical significance of the oc-
casion. There are better ways of mark
ing the centenary. constructive instead of
destructive. progressive rather than re-
dictionary Let them be adopted and urged
and let this misconceived scheme be
dropped without further ado.
Senator PETER might find it in his heart
10 remind Lord Rosebery that severing old
connections in order to be political free
lance is risky business.