Evening star., 1901-12-10
NEED OF PUBLIC. PARKS
NATTER DISCUSSED BY NORTHEAST
WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION.
Proposition to Give Ground for Street
ExtensiOn-W0rk of the Park
ing Commission.

Communications from several citizens as
sociations were received and read at the
regular meeting of the Northeast Washing
ton Citizens Association, held last night at
Northeast Temple. One of the communica-
tions was from the Cathedral Heights As
sccation, asking cooperation in the matter
ON ssGGring better service on the suburban
electric lines. The East End Association
asked assistance in its efforts to get
park at 18th and H streets northeast, the
site of the old Graceland cemetery.
Secretary Wood of the East End Associa-
tion explained that the association which
he represents has asked the District Com
missioners to provide for park to occupy
the space north of the Benning road as far
as K street and from the Bladensburg road
to 18th street. He explained that property
owners beyond this tract are willing to give
ground for the extension of certain streets
The trustees of the cemetery property, he
said, are not prepared to donate 50 per
cent of their property to provide for street
extensions. Secretary Wood said that Con-
gress has failed to give relief since the
condemnation of the cemetery. The prop
erty, he said, cannot be disposed of to adj
vantage because the streets to be extended
have been mapped out. An offer of $4,000
has been made, but the secretary believes
it Is worth at least $250,000. Until some
Maryland avenue will not be extended With
the territory beyond the Bladensburg and
Benning roads opened up property In North
east Washington will become more val
liable.
President Tucker of the Northeast Asso-
citation, speaking the question of ex-
tending Maryland avenue and getting a
park at the place stated. referred to Mr.
Thomas w. Smith, who was recently elect
ed president of the Board of Trade and
said he was the right man in the right
place. Mr. Smith, he said, Is an East
Washington man, who favors this improve
Grafton of the East Washington associa-
tions and Board of Trade will be necessary.
GraceIand Omitted.
Mr.. Wood said he had seen portion Of
the plans of the parking commission, and
no reference in it is made to the Graceland
cemetery property. A park Mulligan's
Hill, opposite Mount Olivet cemetery, and
another one near Langdon, will be recon-
mended in the report, he said, which is to
be made public the 1st Of January.
Mr.. Nash voiced his objection to the es-
tablishment of parks on the sites mentioned
He said protests should be entered at an
early date. The people of the northeast
section want brea athing place. He said
he desired to repeat his motion of last
year to include the space between North
Capitol and list and L and NJ streets north
east, which is now practically vacant lot.
This lot, he argued, should be set apart for
base ball and foot ball purposes.
Mr.. FriZzell called attention to the law
and to the work done by the parking COM
mission. He spoke of the Mulligan Hill
property, where 1t Is proposed to use sew
enty acres for a public park. the park to
remain in its present wild condition. After
further discussion the proposition was
adopted and referred to the proper commit
tSa.
Secretary Sowerbutts read a communica-
ton from the Federation OF Labor con-
corning the move made last month by the
Northeast Washington Association relative
to the enforcement Of the law requiring
seats for clerks employed in stores. The
federation will cooperate with the associa-
ton. and the members of the latter or
the matter will be called to the attention
Of the Central Labor Union.
DR.. Kirby said he had looked up the law
on the subject. and he finds 1t is matter
that may be enforced without any trouble.
DR.. Walter, chairman of the committee
on police, said he thought nothing should
be done until after the holidays. Mer-
chants, he said, cannot be expected to pro-
vide seats for the number of clerks who
are employed during the rush.
The matter was disposed of by author
izing the committee to act with the Fed
Grafton of Labor in seeing to the enforce
ment of the law.
Extension of an Avenue.
"A lIoul Tue NOTLuedS&
Suburban Association asking assistance
in it's efforts to secure the extension of
New York avenue was referred to the
street committee.
Mr.. FrtzzeII. chairman Of the committee
on steam railroads. referred to the ques-
ton of location for a union depot saying
the last plan proposed places the depot on
|. Massachusetts avenue northeast between
North CAPITOL and LIST streets The whole
matter, he said, is in chaos again, and
there is telling what the outcome will
be.
Mr.. Sowerbutts of the street committee
called attention to a letter that had been
written to the Commissioners with refer
ence to the dangerous condition of the
asphalt pavement on North Capitol street
between 1 and X streets. After the con-
struction Of the railway line the asphalt
was repaired, and there Is a fall there of
one foot In eighteen inches.
Mr.. Holster suggested that an effort be
made to compel the railway companies to
provide protection for the motormen
Mr.. Nash. referring to the street cars
attacked the combination vehicles charac-
terizing them as an intolerable nuisance
Mr.. Flemming said the combination "re-
frigerator' cars had been placed on the G
| street line. The Capital Traction road, he
said, is contemplating some Improvement
In the matter of placing vestibules on it's
cars. In Baltimore. he said the companies
have been required to give protection to
motormen.
Other routine matters were discussed be-
fore adjournment.