The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-18
PERMANENT WORLDS FAIR
AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL

years for national expositions-sufhcien
to lay out the grounds and erect per-
manent buildings for an exposition
grander by far in size and effect than
those at the famous Dream City, of
Buffalo. More millions will have been
spent to produce the exposition at st.
Louis. These great sums of money will
have been spent for mere temporary
structures and for laying out the
grounds.
1t looks like a prodigal expenditure
stand only for short time, to then be
torn down and sacrificed to second
hand dealers for a small fraction OF their
original cost. 1t is a foolish and I'M
necessary waste in view OF the posi-
bilities of achievement with the same
money wisely used for permanent re-
suits. There should be a permanent ex-
position established in one place. None
better could be suggested than the Cap
ital OF the nation
Let the first exposition held here be
in temporary structures, or mostly So
with some exceptions. Let the plans be
SO carefully prepared at the start as
to provide a liberal allowance for fu-
ture needs, while regardful of harmony
in the whole. Let all the architects in
this country compete, and plan select
ed magnificent enough in its conception
to satisfy the most liberal mind At
stated periods, say at the close of each
administration, let there be a grand
worlds fair held here, and in prepara-
ton for it let some of the temporary
structures be replaced by substantial
buildings of stone. marble or cement,
as may be decided.
1t Will not be a difficult matter to
plan the grounds and buildings at the
start on such a sufficiently broad, COM
prehensive and magnificent scale as
should be for project OF this kind
The admirable plan of L Enfant for lay
ing out the City of Washingten he's stood
the test of practical experience and the
criticism of a century. Engineers agree
that it could hardly be improved upon.
II, then, such a thing as planning ahead
so comprehensively and so well a hun
dred years ago was possible, certainly, in
the light of our experiences with great
expositions, we should have no difficulty
in selecting the ideal plan for a per-
manent exposition, such a plan as viii
meet with the favor of all posterity.
There would be an advantage In erect
ing temporary exposition at the start
in that the general effect could be seen
at once, and any necessary or desirable
changes be made before final erection
in permanent form. Being replaced grad
ually by permanent buildings, the
growth of the whole would involve but a
gradual outlay and be at less expense
than if all were torn down and rebuilt
at once. or each time, as in the case of
the temporary exhibitions to which we
are now accustomed. The consideration
OF assurance of permanency in location
and constant improvement and accre-
ton Is worthy OF careful thought. Then,
too, think OF the Improvement and ag-
grandizement OF the National Capital
and Its early realization through this
means-a collection of great buildings
being valuable factor in producing a
stupendous effect. Think what would
be added to the architectural grandeur
Oh the CITY II "Oulu UGcOLlS tue HOiOer
of the world
Because of the benefits accruing to
the advance of their trade and COM
merce the several States and, 1 believe,
even individual manufacturers, might be
induced to<make regular contributions
toward the early realization of the COM
pleted whole even as they now, in a
measure, do in the case OF the tempo
rary exhibitions.
a great worlds fair held at the close
of each administration would give fresh
enthusiasm TO the placing OF new ex-
hibits, displaying the improvements
made and the progress and activity Of
the country during that administration.
Each inauguration brings thousands
here to attend the ceremony, and with
the fair here they would have 4 double
purpose in the journey. In this country
time moves fast and much is accom-
plfshed within a short period.
Washington with a permanent exposi-
ton. great national galleries Of history
and art. the great Congressional Libra
ry, its universities, schools. museums. a
conservatory OF music, public baths.
public buildings monuments, parks, and
It's broad. beautiful streets would be
greater and grander than ancient Ath-
ems or Rome ever dreamed of being.
No reasonable objection can be made
that Washington is not the logical loca-
ton for a permanent exposition. 1t IS
the National Capital; the shrine of our
patriotism; the center of our civic and
political life; the Mecca to which all
patriotic citizens at some time journey.
"All roads lead to Washington" 1t is
destined to become the most beautiful
city in the world. 1t is even now the
city Beautiful" and those who attend
a permanent exposition here will have
more to interest and instruct them out
side OF the exposition than could be
found in any other city in the Union. It
is an exposition of our national great
ness in itself.
The exposition should be constantly
open for inspection of permanent exhiD-
its, which might be made a source OF
income to the exhibitors IN sales and
orders for goods and for the exposition
In the rental of space and the great OPP
enings every four years Will bring our
10 In