Evening star., 1900-12-15
WASHINGTON
It is Considered in an Aesthetic
Sense by Authorities.
SEEKING THE PROBLEMS SOLUTION
A National Commission Believed
to Be the Best Aid.
INTERESTING PAPERS READ


Contributions intended to assist in the
solution of the greatest aesthetic problem
that confronts the American people--the
Identification and artistic completion of
the national capital-were made Thursday
night by recognized authorities in their re-
spective fields before a cultured gathering
in the lecture hall of the Columbian Uni
versity. The occasion was the session of
| the American Institute of Architects, de-
voted to considering this theme: The
Grouping of the Public Buildings, Land
scape and Statuary in Washington City,"
and four papers We're read, with introduce
tory remarks by Mr. j. c. Hornblower.
President Peabody introduced the contrib
utors.
Mr.. Hornblower reviewed the general
subject of a new Washington along ia
miliar lines and was followed by Mr.. c.
Howard Walker of Boston, who is we'll
known and brilliant contributor to artistic
and architectural publications. His sub
ject was THE Grouping of Public Build
ings in a Great City and in reading it he
took his hearers on very interesting
trip through European cities which have
recognized the artistic in seeking the prac-
teal
Initial Scheme Best.
His conclusions regarding the plan of
Washington We're about summarized in the
following words:
"A great city resembles an articulate ami
mall it is made up of number of parts
jointed to each other. 1t grows in that
way. Each part must, however, be com
plete in itself, though subordinate to the
general scheme. Let us apply this reason
ing to Washington. BY looking at the old
pan of the city it is seen that there was
a marked and definite scheme. Two great
centers were created one the Capitol and
the other the White House; from these ra-
dated the avenues like spokes of wheel.
The main axes. however, of these build
ingS, which were at right angles to each
other, were broadened into great parks eX
tending west from the Capitol and south
from the White House to the river-the
park from the Capitol being naturally
much larger than the other.
ut was manifestly first intended to erect
important public buildings upon either side
of this long park; in fact they are indi-
Gated on the plan. This would have Gre
some ways 1T may be regretted that this
scheme was not carried out; in others 1t
may be the better in the future tnat 1t was
not, as the plan was unnecessarily formal
and uninteresting. The only buildings
erected on the southern side of the
park and beginning at the east are as fol-
lows: Fish Commission, Medical Museum,
National Museum, Smithsonian building.
Agricultural building. They bear no rela
ton to each other, but from east to west
are gradually pushed forward toward the
central axis of the park. They do not,
however, in any way interrupt it or inter-
fere with 1t. and can be SO far isolated by
trees that they in no way conf ct with each
other. So that these buildings may not be
disturbed ttney are to an extent venerable
and with tradtions) all treatment of the
park up to the Monument grounds should
be entirely upon the central axis and con-
fined largely to surface treatment; that is
to central fountains, monuments and
formal reaches of path accertirg the axis
and f1anked by statues or eXedrae.
i do not know to wnat eA.ou, IL is desir-
able to erect buildings these grounds;
they are eminently fitted for them but if
they are to be erected they should be
placed on the northerly side, opposite the
existing buildings and on their cross axes"
Museum of Architects.
Mr.. Edgar V. Seeler of Philadelphia, who
has been chosen as a judge in the awards
OF government buildings under the Tars-
Eey act was next introduced and address,
ed himself to the Monumental Grouping Of
Government Buildings in Washington. I"
After repeating the well-know history of
General Washngtons consuming interest
IN the projected capital and the plan he
evolved that stands unique in magnificent
possibilities Mr.. Seeler said:
Now, II ever, IS the supreme oppor-
tunlty for the national organization of the
architects of the United States to speak
and advise concerning the national capital
of the United States"
National Commission Urged.
He gave his views at length on the treat
| ment of the mail from the Capitol to the
proposed memorial bridge and concluded as
follows:
The most immediate hindrance to the
proper carrying out Of any such boulevard
scheme is not the inability or the unwill-
| ingness of the government to provide
money for buildings and sites, but the lack
of information on the part of those in
whose power the selection of sites for new
buildings lies.
AS very recent example the proposed
building for the Department Of Justice,
which is temporarily held in allegiance, is
estimated to cost two and one-half mil
liors, a large enough sum to pay for a
handsome structure. but 1t is to be placed
| out of relation to any other building, built
! GU. to the property line, left without any
setting and liable to injury by the erec-
| ton of anything on the adjoining proper
| ties that their owners may see fit to put
there.
Those in authority require advice, and
| advice of that special nature which can
| only be given by those whose training and
| experience specially qualify them for it.
No department of the government should
| De permitted To CHOCSe q site OF decide upon
| q building without the advice and consent
| of expert counselors. Through the Tarsney
| act this has been accomplished in part in
| the Treasury Department. But when the
| monumental reconstruction of the city of
Washington is to be considered; or, rather,
when the prodigal is to be welcomed home
and reset up in his fathers house, the oc-
casion is V hch cries for the appoint
| ment of a special commissioner body of in
dividual workers, with power and means
| to employ the best talent In whatsoever
| lines their judgment shall direct. whose de-
| cisions shall command the respect of the
nation and shall be authoritative by rea-
son of their feasibility and their artistic and
practical excellence.
In addition to the direct representatives
| of the government and of the city of Wash
| inston. such a commission should be COM
posed pre-emnently and in a majority Of
| the most distinguished architects, sculptors
and engineers of the country. The Ameri-
| cai, Institute or Architects should pledge
| itself to the formation of a commission,
pc werful, authoritative and beyond question
| in its judgments, in whose hands the artis-
| tic development of the city of Washington
shall be placed. and whose decisions shall
i