Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-07
GEORGETOWN AFFAIRS
CITIZENS MOVEMENT TO SECURE
A PUBLIC PARK.
Advocate Conversion Of Old Cemetery
Grounds Into Public Space
General News.

Inc Georgetown Citizens Association at
ITS regular monthly meeting last evening at
the offices Of the First Cooperative Build
| ing Association in 32d street. took pre-
iiminary steps looking to the acquisition of
public park or playground for the bene-
mt OF the residents Of that section by the
appointment Of committee Of three to
ascertain upon what conditions the historic
Presbyterian cemetery. one of the land
marks of Georgetown. can be purchased
and to formulate bill for presentation TO
Congress. asking that body to insti-
tute condemnation proceedings against the
cemetery property looking to Its CONVEX
sion. as stated above, into public square.
The action of the association was the
direct result Of discussion upon the ne
cessity and advantages of providing breath
ing spaces for the people which was be-
gun by the Rev. Zed H. Copp, who averred
tnat the burying ground. in which repose
the remains of many of the early mem
titled with the District affairs many years
ago, had developed into an eyesore to the
community and menace to public health
he further stated that the cemetery
grounds could be easily adapted to recrea-
ton purposes. He offered resolution ask
ing for the appointment of a committee
and Messrs. A. X. Paris, Smith Thompson
and Rev. Zed H. Copp were named by the
chair to take charge of the matter.
Other Sites Suggested.
The adoption of the resolution precipi-
tated further discussion, and as a re-
suit many sites were suggested. Mr.. John
Leetch, who is a leading member of the
West Street Presbyterian Church, which
owns the cemetery property, informed the
association that the church officials were
willing to part with the property upon pro-
vision being made that the purchaser would
exhume and RENTER the remains resting in
nc also to tod hot nIorr
five years ago an attempt by real estate
dealer to purchase the property met with
serious opposition from some of the mem
bers Of the congregatio of the West Street
Presbyterian Church., and In consequence
the idea was abandoned. Mr.. Leetch
stated, however. that so far as he could
learn the membership of the church had
concluded that the cemetery should be re-
moved and that for this reason he thought
there would be no difficulty in acquiring
the ground. He suggested that the task
could be materially lightened If Congress
could be prevailed upon to institute con-
demnation proceedings.
Upon the motion of Dr. George w. Wood
the park committee was instructed to in
vestgate the adaptabilty of that section,
known as Cherry HILL" and extending
from Grace street south, west of SD street
and to the river, as public park. 1t was
also believed by a number that the ground
of the Western High School on George
town Heights might be converted into a
public park and in accordance Herewith
resolution was adopted asking the Com
missioners to allow the citizens of George
town the use of the school grounds for
children and their nurses.
The association granted the request of
Mr. Leetch that an investigation be insti-
tuted concerning the dscontinuance of
the night school at the Curtis building.
Resolutions were also adopted extending
a vote of thanks to the executive commit
tee of the association for it's services in
connection with the recent reception to
Commissioner West, and asking the Com
missioners to order the improvement of the
roadway of T street from 33d to 35th
streets; Both street, from U street TO 35th
street. and Both street, from the canal to
X street.
Funeral Of Mrs. Gertrude Cox.
In the presence of large assemblage
of friends and relatives requiem mass was
celebrated this morning at o'clock at
Holy Trinity Church over the remains of
Mrs. Gertrude v. Cox, who died at her
residence in Georgetown Sunday afternoon
The interment was made at Oak Hill ceme-
terry The deceased was the wife of Mr.
John F. Cox and the daughter of Mrs.
Harriet J. and the late James 8. WEIGH.
Sudden Death.
Joseph Murray. forty years of age an
oiler at the Potomac electric light power
house. became suddenly unconscious while
DIT WITH dUOul O.OU u CHUCK last evening.
A fellow-workman. Herman McWhrt, no.
ticed his condition, and summoned the pa
troll wagon of the seventh precinct, but
Murray died before the Georgetown Hos
pital was reached. Coroner hewitt view
ed the remains and gave a certificate of
death due to heart failure, from which
the deceased had been a sufferer His
body was cared for by his sister, who re-
sides at 4O6 Virginia avenue southeast
Brief Mention.
While responding to a call at the Aque-
duct bridge yesterday afternoon the patrol
wagon of the seventh precinct station col
lided with dogcart driven by E. P.
Hutchinson of Falls Church. Va. The wheel
of the cart was broken and the step of the
patrol wagon was bent.
William Deal. twenty-seven years old,
employed by the park commission, was re-
moved from his home. 1927 M street, to
the Georgetown University Hospital last
evening for treatment for injuries caused
by being kicked by mule several days
ago.