The evening times., 1902-07-22
BatherS Enjoy It Even
Without ConVenienCeS.
MORE MONEY IS NECESSARY
Tells How Superintendent Stevens Has
Worked Place Up From Nothing.
Understanding That Commissioners
Have Tabled Complaint Of Smith" "

The controversy stirred up several
davs ago by. a complaint TO the Comrnis-
sionArs Of the District regarding the
nanasement of the bathing beach by Su-
perintendent W X Stevens is still agi-
tatiug the minds Of Mr.. Stevens many
admirers and supporters. despite the fact
that the complainant. who signed him
self Smith has evidenced a desire TO
sink into oblivion and have the incident
closed
The reply made to the query Of the
Commissioners, based upon Mr. Smiths
communication. has been noted" by
Commissioner Macfarland, the President
Of the Board, and practically laid on the
table. where IL viii die natural death.
In the Language Of the Office, it has been
DJaced upon Mr. Ross desk TO await his
return, but when IT Ross again re-
sumes his duties he viii find so many
urgent matters awaiting his attention
that it is doubtful If the complaint in
question viii ever again be heard from
Letters to The Times,
Letters continue to reach The Times
concerning the incident. the latest being
from Mr. William L. speiden, a we'll
known architect. who writes.
Editor Evening Times:
AS q subscriber to The Times, know
ing the outspoken fairness which char
acteTizes your paper, allow ne few
words with reference to q recent article
IN your morning edition entitled Sharp
Comments in re Bathing Beach
IF the writer of the complaint to the
Commissioners which forms the basis Of
the article referred to, knew something
of Superintendent Stevens connection
with the beach and the generous public
spirit exhibited by him throughout the
history of the enterprise. ne would
doubtless. have been more moderate IN
his expression
The undersigned was one OF the young
men Of fourteen years ago who found in
Mr.. Stevens an agreeable and insJTuc-
tive companion ready TO expend time and
money for their enjoyment Among 9TH
er things Mr. Stevens provided q small
tent on the site OF the present beach
where the boys could disrobe and don
their bathing suits prepaTatc- to taking
swim
Spent His Own Time and Money.
This tent beeam- lite popular, and
the donor. wishing TO accommodate all
comers. enGeayored TO enlarge the facili-
ties, and IN so doing spent much OF his
time. strength. and means, often work
ing Ike iaborer under the summer sun
at the risk OF his health.
All who knew the circumstances at
that time were wen aware that EEr
Stevens was not working for pecuniary
advantage but was inspired solely by the
desire 10 afford the patrons OF the
beach. who were beginning 10 number
hundreds. the great enjoyment, which
was evident TO everyone who looked upon
the scene on summer afternoon.
The appropriation finally obtained
was small and Il IS not surprising that
the superintendent, IN his efforts TO
stretch il TO cover so much, should
have found the rents in the bathing
suits unavoidable The same reason
may be given for the broken spigot, IN
adequate locks and other things COM
plained Of.
Overlooked Inconvenience.
Most Of the bathers appreciated the
free accommodations and overlooked
slight inconvenience so long as they
could get into the water and have q
good time. using their best efforts to
DopulaTiZe the enterprise and thus
awaken an interest which would bring
larger appropriations and increased IA
ciIities-
IN view Of TIE above facts the re-
ported admonltion to the Commissioners
TO make that old Superintendent come
down and do something, seems very
harsh and uncalIed for and IT, as thc
complainant stated. he represents e
bunch Of Washington bathers. let us
hope that the bunch is not large.
IN the opinion OF some persons tbc
fact that q, man is paid for it places
him beyond any show Of consideration,
regardless Of his past record or the cir
cumstances under which n IabOrs Let
Us wish for Superintendent Stevens, his
able corps OF assistants and the beach
less criticism and more appropriation:
then We can promise. among other good
things. new spigot on the barrel, a
combination lock On each door, and al
least one bathing suit without holes"