Evening star., 1902-03-17
A Great Terminal Planned.

For MANY wears the railroad stations here
at the capital have been a source of cha
grin and shame to public-spirited citizens
who had faith in the possibilities OF the
federal city and pride in its attractions
While In other cities great terminal sta
tions were being provided. with due regard
to the increasing demand for architectural
finish as well rs mechanical equipment,
Washington's terminals remained shabby
and Inadequate. fortunately out of the i'm
mediate range Of the great vistas from con-
spicnous points of view, but inevitably In
evidence to all the thousands pouring in
and ont of the capital. This sense Of dis
satisfaction has been one of the most po-
tent factors in keeping the people persist
emily at work for the solution of the local
steam railroad problems. even though the
chief motive was furnished by the steadily
recurring contributions to the death-de-
mands of the grade crossings
At last the prayers of those who have
hoped for an adequate, artistic railroad
terminal are apparently to be answered
The plans for the proposed new union sta
tion exhibit ed at the Capitol Saturday are
of a character and scope to please the most
ardent believer IL the possibilities of W ash
ington as the worlds most beautiful cap
ital. According to these designs the sta
ton building will be monumental In size
it's face stretching over more space than
the greatest dimension of the Capitol COW
ers. Massive and beautiful. of white mar
ble this building will probably prove to be
the finest railroad station in the world.
The long years of delay have brought their
fruit.
1t is especially gratifying to find the rail-
road corporations planning thus on the
largest scale for the provision of their joint
station building. Not only is the character
of the city thus recognized. but the govern
ment's own plans for it's Improvement re-
ceive a stimulus. The railroad station Will
probably prove to be the first of the pro-
jected great buildings which are to stamp
Washington with the unmistakable mark
of American greatness and progress.
There is a striking appropriateness In
thus planning for the capitals front door.
Through 1t will come innumerable thronss
In the future. From 1t first-comers Will
derive their initial impressions OF the cap
ttal. Departing guests will leave with the
thought of Nashington's greatness and
beauty firmly fixed. Before this attractive
building of giant proportions, Will extend
a plaza inlet by radial streets. which will
afford at first glance clue to the char
acter of what, under the influences Of the
commission which has just completed its
plans should in a few seasons become
known the world over as the city of parks.
A striking feature of the design is that
1t IS a high type of the classic school OF
architecture. The main entrance is marked
by three great archways, which were pro-
portioned by Mr.. Burnham, the architect,
from one of the finest types of construction
the world knows today, the arch of Con-
stantine. The best thought that the art OF
the ages can suggest or inspire, given the
best form that modern engineering and
science and enterprise can afford is none
too good for the city which under an en-
lightened policy Of public improvements Is
destined soon to develop into the archi-
tectural marvel Of the century.