Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-12-18

The measures introduced yesterday by
Senators Hoar and Mcmillan looking to
he adornment of Washington should
forms the basis of a broad effective enact
n-ant ut this session of Congress The pre-
sentation of the admirable report of Mr.
Parsons relative to the Mall and the con-
iiection between Rock creek and Potomac
parks serves as a starting point for what
eyer enterprise may follow on compre-
hensive scale. Mr.. Parsons project Tor
the Improvement of the Mall has met the
approval Of the people in its main features,
but it requires experimenting and develop
ment by some such body as that proposed
ny both the Hoar and Mcmillan measures,
i'm order to satisfy the fun needs of the
District.
Whatever body may be formed Tor this
purpose. whether a special board of experts
or an advisory board of public works, it
should be given Jurisdiction over every pos
sible line of public improvements In the
District II should be authorized to con-
slider plans for the adornment of all the
parks and for their preservation from flu
1ure encroachmentS; for the condemnation
uf the great triangle lying between the
Mall and Pennsylvania avenue as site for
future public buildings; for the erection
of such necessary structures as new EX-
ecutiYe Mansion and bureau buildings to
replace the present rented quarters. and
for the provision of some system of park
connections which will permit continuous
approach from one reservation to another
under park conditions. There is no rea-
son, however, for the RELOCATION of the
Memorial bridge to a commission for fur
Their consideration. That project is now
we'll enough understood and It's need Is
sufficiently appreciated to warrant imme-
date action with direct appropriation to
permit the work to be begun at once.
Senator Hoars bill specifically suggests
that the condemnation of the lands south
of Pennsylvania avenue be referred to the
body proposed by him. This ought to be
the keynote of any legislation which is
PASSED along these lines The time Is at
hand for the undertaking. There is really
no need for a prolonged discussion of the
project by either a special commission or
by the houses in the absence of fresh re-
ports The proposition is plain. The gov
eminent needs more building space at pres
ent. and will need much more in the future.
II is obvious economy to secure the lands
now which will meet this demand for all
time and prevent the diminishing of the
park space, while removing a condition
which stands today a disgrace to the
capital Piecemeal purchases of land will
prove costly. for as the government buys
for building purposes here and there in
the area selected by common consent as
the only proper place for future public
structures the value Of the residue will rise
in proportion. thus leading in a short time
TO an inordinately high price for lands
which today can be bought for a compare
tive song
All these things, however. should be con-
sidered In connection with the citys ar
tistic needs in order that whatever enter
prise is initiated may be advanced system
atically upon broad basis. The Senate
ought to consolidate the Mcmillan and
Hear propositions at early date and
send the resultant provision to the House
for concurrence in order that the report
upon the needs and opportunities may be
laid before Congress early In December
next for action without delay.