The Washington times., 1903-12-20
PLACE TO BE MARKED
WHERE LINCOLN STOOD
Other Suitable Monuments
to Be Erected to Desig-
nate the Locations of
Troops at Time of Early's
Raid.

The national military park at the
battlefield of Fort Stevens. the only bat
tlegrodnd in the District of Columbia.
is to be a reality as soon as the au-
thorization OF Congress is given to Leg
islation now pending. This will be ac-
complished by the passage of the bill
introduced In the Senate by Senator
Proctor of Vermont, acting chairman of
the Military Affairs Committee, and re-
ferred to that committee for considera-
ton.
For years there has been an agitation
among civil war veterans to get legis-
lation for the purpose Of preserving and
suitably marking for historical and
professional military study the only
battlefield in the District OF Columbia
Il was at Fort Stevens that the advance
line of Confederate troops, under Gen.
Jubal A. Early. met the improvised
Union fOrces-then the sole defense of
WasningtOn-under Gen. A. Med Nc
Cook The Federals stoutly resisted I'M
til they could not longer contend favor
ably with the enemy's line. thus max
ing II necessary that they should be
until they reached the rife pits" where
they met a detachment Of the Veteran
Sixth Army Corps. commanded by Gen.
II g. Wright, whose timely arrival on
the battlefield. on <sle memorable day
OF July II. 1864. saved, at a cost of
many lives. the National Capital from
capture The park viii also serve to
make historic and patriotic the location
where Abraham Lincoln then President
OF the United States. stood and wit
messed the battle in progress.
The park is to be under the control Of
the Secretary of War, who will notify
the Attorney General OF the purpose OF
the United States to acquire title TO the
lands and roads described. and, upon
receiving notice from the Attorney Gen
eral that perfect titles have been Sc
cured. will at once proceed to establish
and substantially mark the boundaries
of the said park.
A Commission Of Three.
The affairs OF the park. subject to the
supervision and direction OF the Sec
rotary of War, Win be in charge of
three commissioners. one of whom shall
have been an officer of the army on
duty in the War Department at the
time OF the battle. and the other two
officers who actually participated in the
battle of Fort Stevens. all three TO be
appointed by the Secretary Of War; and,
IN addition. the Secretary will detail,
from among those officers best ac-
quainted with the details OF the battle
OF Fort Stevens. one who shall act as
secretary of the commission. The COM
missioners and secretary will have an
Office in the War Department Building,
and while on actual duty Will be paid
such compensation as the Secretary OF
War shall deem reasonable and just.
The commissioners will superintend
the opening and repair of roads neces-
sary to the purposes Of the park; ascer-
tain and definitely mark the lines OF
battle Of all troops engaged in the bat
tie and points OF historic interest con-
uected with the fertilization or defenses
OF the National Capital during the civil
war. so far as they fall within the
lines of the park or are located upon
any park, reservation, street, o. public
highway or other land now belonging
to. or hereafter TO be acquired by the
United States or the District Of Colum-
bia and situated within the District OF
Columbia. For the purpose of assist
ing the commissioners In their duty and
IL. ascertainiug these lines and points
of historic interest. the Secretary Of
War is given authority TO employ some
regard 70 the details OF the battle o;
Fort stevens. and who actually particI-
mated in the battle. and il shall be tie
duty Of the Secretary Of War to proceed
with the preliminary work OF establish
ing the park and approaches.
Where Lincoln Stood.
The Commissioners are directed 10
ascertain aid substantially mark the
hf frOOnG in
fantry. cavalry. and artillery. within
the boundaries of the park. and the To-
cation where President Lincoln stood
during the battle. and &c erect monu-
ments upon these positions as Congress
may provide in the necessary appropria-
tions. In the same way the Secretary
OF War may ascertain and mark the
lines Of battle within the boundaries
OF the park and erect plain and substan-
tial historical tablets at such points
in the vicinity OF the park and it's APP
proaches as will clearly designate the
positions and movements. which, al
though without the limits OF the park,
were directly connected with the bat
tie Of Fort Stevens.
Any State having had troops en-
gagged I'm the battle OF Fort Stevens
will be permitted TO enter upon the
lands and approaches of the Park for
the purpose of ascertaining and mark
ing the lines Of battle where their
troops were engaged. Before any such
lines are permanently designated. how
ever. the positions OF the lines and the
proposed methods Of marking them. by
monuments. tablets. or otherwise. must
be submitted 20 the Secretary OF War.
and receive his written approval. based
upon formal written reports. which
must be made TO him I'm each case by
4he commissioners OF the park.
Legal Protection Given.
In order TO protect the park and its
improvements a fine Of not less than s
nor more than $50, One-half 10 the uss
OF the park and the other half to the
informer. is provided for any vandal-
ism committed on the reservation.
This provision is made effective