The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-16
TO IMPROVE THE AVENUE
The Public Building Scheme Re
ceives Hearty Support.
Members of Congress Endorse the
Plan - Handsome Buildings and
The Commissioners Discuss the
FINANCIAL Aspect of the Proposition

The sentiment among members of Con-
gress In favor of locating public buildings
and parks on the south side of Pennsyl-
yania Avenue is unanimous. Every mem
Der of the Senate Committee on the Dis
trict of Columbia believes that the Avenue
between the Capitol and the Treasury
should be relieved of the homely objects
that now MARI its beauty.
There is a strong feeling that the south
side OF the Avenue should be dedicated TO
public buildings and beautiful parks.
There is general fear that the property
owners who would be affected might de-
mand exorbitant prices for their holdings,
but the general answer is that condemna-
ton proceedings would keep prices at a
fair level.
1t has been pointed out that the site of
the new postoffice building cost consider
ably less than the site of the old Capital
Traction power station on the avenue,
which was bought at private sale.
The old question of foundation has been,
1t is also said. answered by the new post
Office building. Leaving out the question OF
Its architectural acceptsbility 10 critics,
Il is one of the heaviest structures in the
country.
Senator Lodge said yesterday that he
favored the purchase of the land south of
the Avenue and north of the Mall He
thought the south fronts of the public
buildings which should be erected on the
Avenue should look out upon the great
national park
Senator Mcmillan, Chairman OF the Dis
trict Committee, thought the plan of max
ing Pennsylvania Avenue the grandest
hos far in 10 y,nrld mid hp
ing Into effect the wishes and designs of
the founders OF the city and the Father OF
the Republic
Senator Gallinger believed that the
buildings 10 be erected should be built on
Pennsylvania Avenue This would serve a
double purpose-to beautify the city on
lines contemplated by the Fathers and also
TO provide eligible sites for those buildings
The other members OF the committee
faporing the plan are Senators Hausbrough,
Proctor. Fritchard. Baker. Stewart,
Wellington. Martin, Kenney. Mallory. Sul.i-
van, and Clark of Montana. Other Sena-
tors seen yesterday by reporter VINO
favor rcdeeming the part of the city indi-
Gated were Messrs. Allison, Cocirell, Hale,
and Hear.
Sentiment In the House.
1.-THE proposition to erect further build
ings for the Distric; and the General Gov
eminent on the south side OF Pennsylva-
MIA Avenue. from Third to Fifteenth
Streets. meets my hearty approval" said
Representative Mudd of Maryland. and /
am contemplating the introduction of q
bill for that purpose. | doubt If the mat
ter can be put in shape for definite action
this session, but / am satisfied that at no
far distant day the south side of Penn
syltania Avenue will be occupied by public
buildings"
Chairman Babcock. OF the District Com
Thittee, said he would Ike the Government
Ito acquire the property on the south side
of Pennsylvania Avenue TO be used for the
erection thereon OF public buildings for the
use OF the District government and the
General Government. He believed the peo-
pie OF the District favored the proposition.
Representative jenkins of Wisconsin
thought it would be an excellent plan TO
place public buildings hereafter TO be erect
ed on the south side of Pennsylvania Ave-
nue.. The way to secure them. he said. was
to agitste the subject. IL was doubtful IL
this property would be purchased or
authorized to be purchased at this session
of Congress. But he felt the time would
soon come when Congress would take some
positive action toward identifying Penn
sylvania Avenue by erecting public build
ings on the south side of that avenue.
Views of the Commissioners.
The District Commissioners yesterday
expressed great interest in The resolution
passed by the Senate calling for an APP
praisement OF the property on the south
side OF Pennsylvania Avenue. and be-
tween IL and the Mall.
We have moi yet received the official
resolution said Commissioner Ross. in
commenting on the matter. land we only
know what has been published in The
papers. The carrying out of the PROPOSE
ton depends very largely on the cost in