The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1902-01-24

States.
NO ATTEMPT TO FIGURE TIE COSTS.
"Obviously it is impossible to make
any detailed estimate of the cost OF
carving out the plans submitted.
Nor is such an estimate necessary.
From time to time new public build
ines must he construct, d, public spaces
must he secured and improved, and
those facilities which city life demands
mus, bc supplied. So fast as those
needs shall he realized let the work he
done in accordance with plans that are
at once comprehensive, simple, ade-
uuate. and disnified. In such manner
only can there be development of the
District of Columbia worthy OF the
nation
The report starts off with a reference
to the creation of the seat Of govern
mcnt in the District of Columbia, the
frs, consideration in the planning of tue
city being the location OF the public
buildings and the grounds relating to
them. In determining these locations
every site was selected in reference to
every other site. THE lines OF COM
munica,ion between the various de-
pa ltmcnts." says the report, "wcre
carefully studied, and care was taken
to provide not alone for convenience,
but also for b auty and dignity. The
orie einal plan of Washington, having
stood The test of century, has met
universal approval. 1t is the depart
ures from that plan that are to he re-
GREETED and, wherever possible, RENE
died"
The reclamation of the Potomac
flats is mentioned as adding TO the
public grounds Il considerable area,
one portion OF which must lie treated
as a continuation of the Mail and the
Monument Grounds, while the section
living in the river opposite the Wash
ipo,on channel is susceptible of indi-
vidual treatment. The purchase OF
10 acres in the valley of Rock Greek,
and of 1000 acres for the Zoo. the pro-
posed reclamation of Anacostia flats,
comprizing about 100 acres, and the
valley Of Rock Creek are likewise men,
toned, after which the report adds:
ROCK CREEK AN UNsIGHTLY STREAM.
"The valley OF Rock Greek from the
mouth of that stream to the Geological
Park is unsightIy to the verge of ugll-
ness. Congress has had the situation
studied with a view to finding 4 solu-
ton of the difficulty, either by cover
ing the creek entirely or 10y creating a
parkway throughout the valley. The
need of definite plan of treatment is
shown in striking manner hy the
fact that on the line of Connecticut
avenue bridge is in course of con-
struction, while on the line of Massa-
chusctts avenue culvcrt is building,
the Obvious intention Icing to fill the
entire valley southwark to the mouth
of the creek. A decision should he
reached as to whether the creek is to
be covered or is to remain open, and
and also to the treatment OF the space
in either case.
"The development of Potomac and
Rock Greek parks, the creation OF 4
park along the Anacostia, and the in
creasing use of the Soldiers Home
grounds for park purposes, all call for
Il study ola means of connection among
the parks so as to bring into one sys-
tenn the diversified attractions that tn"
parks, when developed, will offer. The
positive squalor which to day mars the
entrance to almos. every one OF the
parks is too al parent 10 ECed discus
sion"
The importance of utilizing the pub
lie spaces as AN Indispensable means OF
giving dignity to governmental build
inus is emphasized, as we'll rs the
changes necessary from the original
design, owing to the slow and un quail
development Of the city during cen
tury. The report states that tortu-
na,clv nothing has been lost that can
not he leyained 1T rasonahlr cost,
while lie city has been tnn"li'h hy
tie enlargement OF the Capitol build
| inc and the cr. c,ion OF the Washington
Monuln, mt.
CONNECTION BETWEEN THE PARKS.
"Doubly fortunate, however, 1t con-
tinucs, sis the fact that the vast and
successful work of the engineers in re
deeming the Potomac shores from un
hcalthful conditions gives opportunl' y
for charging the scope of the earlier
plans in manner corresponding tC
the growth OF the country. At tho
the same time the development o.
Potomac Park both provides for con
nCction between the parks on the wesl
and those on the east, and also it may
readily furnish sites for those memo
rails which history has shown to bt
worthy a lice in vital relation to the
great buildings and monuments erected
under the personal supervision of thu
founders Of the republic
The impetus given to the presen
movement for identifying the city 10y
the centennial celebration here of :
little over a year ago, as well as th