Evening star., 1902-02-06
With symboiical figures Of the strong quail
ties that rfare hringS infn MAY and

with symboiical figures of the strong quail
tiles that warfare brings into play, and
with representations of the crucial events
in national history, would be the same in
a peaceful people aroused by war our
single shaft to Washington is the worthiest
monument to individual greatness which
human genius has yet executed. 1t is not
proposed that the establishment of the
bridge shall now be provided for, but it is
urged that its ultimate memorial character
shall be considered in the first designs and
earliest appropriations"
And lastly 1 quote this memorable para
graph, favoring the bridge, from President
McKinley's message sent to Congress, De-
cember 3. 1899, which reads as follows:
Congress at its last session appropriated
5000 to enable the chief of engineers of
the army to continue the examination of
the subject and to make or secure designs,
calculations and estimates for a memorial
bridge from the most convenient point of
the Naval Observatory grounds or adjacent
thereto, across the Potomac river to the
most convenient point of the Arlington es-
tate property In accordance with the pro-
wilson's of this act, the chief of engineers
has selected four eminent bridge engineers
to submit competitive designs for bridge
combining the elements of strength and
durability and such architectural embellish-
ment and ornamentation as will fifty apply,
to the dedication, "A Memorial to American
Patriotism. The designs are now being
prepared and as soon as completed will be
submitted to Congress by the Secretary of
War The proposed bridge would be
convenience to all the people from every
part of the country who visit the National
cemetery, an ornament to the capital of
the nation and forever stand as monu-
ment to American patriotism. I do not
doubt that Congress will give to the enter
prise still further proof of it's favor and ap-
proval."
Will there ever be a more opportune time
to build this bridge? For many reasons
the bill now pending in Congress should be
Immediately passed and the Secretary of
War authorized to commence the construc-
ticn of this bridge: First, because it is a
military necessity and the government and
the people of the whole country desire its
construction at the national capital. as i,
memorial to American patriotism;' Sec
ond because there is a surplus of money
in the treasury at this time. brought about
by the war tax, ana this bridge would be an
appropriate monument to our warrior dead,
who sleep the sleep that knows no wax
ing at Arlington. and should now be built
out OF this surplus money; third, because
this bridge would add and connect the Ar
Ington estate, which belongs to the gov
ernment, containing 1,175 acres of land, to
the proposed great national park in Wash
ington, making it one of the largest parks
| in the world, thereby greatly enhancing the
beauty and healthfulnesS of the nation s
capital.
I hope that some of these thoughts may
| find favorable lodgment in the hearts of
our national lawmakers, and bill may be
speedily passed authorizing the construction
| OF this exceedingly appropriate memorial
of American patriotism.
JAMES E. CLEMENTS.