The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-01-19


My Dear Mr. Smith: The letter % ex-
Senator Henderson concerning the Halls
Of the AncientS has my cordial approba-
ton He appreciates the purpose CT their
construction; their educational value 20
Washington and the nation; their novelty
and beauty.
My only purpose in promoting the
Halls was 10 exploit the idea &C The Ma
tional Galleries shall be glad TO con-
tribute a large proportion OF the cost OF
the Halls. say $50. 900 toward their pur-
chase by the Gov srament as a public cdu-
cational institution and in further pro-
motion Of the grand scheme of the Cal
Ieries Of History and Art.
with Mr.. Henderson I urge that your
ten years study and efforts should now
consummate in progress by the establish
mont Of the HaIis-uniqua il the world in
illustration OF ancient architecture. art,
religions. and mannerS-aS a public mu-
scum of antiquity. Another issue now
presented TO Congress should foliow-that
is. a commission 10 devise initial plan
for the grandizement of Washington IN
accordance with suggestions in Senate
document 2G9 last session
While those comprehensive ideas may
seem inpracticabla TO those unfamiliar
with the facts involved. l believe the ex-
pedient Of joint commission Of public
works, embodied in the bill presented by
in the House is the only feasible solution
Of projects that have forly gears been ag-
itated without result. They have been
steadily anticipated az TO come in time
When shall there he commencemen
Il lot now-in a centennial year-in abund-
ant prosperity?
TINS. precedent quoted therein from tie
Park Commission Of Massachusetts, that
without pay for seven years rendered il
lustrIous services TO their state; secUr-
ing about 10 coo acres Of parks TO thirty
six cities and towns; planting seventeen
miles of continuous encircling boulevards;
condemning and parking the banks Of two
rivers defending them forever from i'm
purity and transforming them into de-
.ectablc prom nades for the people. This
precedent is q conclusive example for
suitable ard final development OF Washing
ton
Would not such commission also pro-
vide land for the galleries you designed
upon the 100 acres now unoccupied ada
cent 70 Observatory Hill waiting such use
since its assignment over The signature Of
WashingtOu-the best possible stte2
-'Of your design the world has no frac-
tion Of a counterpart. Our country has
nothing whatever as 4 substitute while
Europe has disbursed millions TO gather
ready for utilization in reconstructions at
the hands Of scholarship in the New
World The Halls OF The Ancients demon
sJrate this ready feasibility.
The fruitage Of the Commission pro
posed VIII be the perfection OF the City
Beautiful" Then educational trains will
speed to the Capital from the States. TO
gather the fruits Of knowledge. dinusIng
them along their course on return.
Then will Washington stand pTe-emi-
nentIy forever in the world as residen-
tial metropolis Like the groves and pOr-
tIcos OF Athens. free from the din and
rush of trade and commerce it viii be
unriyaled for architectural and artistic
beauty; for resources OF instruction that
shall develop the highest attainments OF
rational domestic life and social culture.
Yours very truly.
$. WAITER INVOLUNTARY