Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-03-30
The Nation and the Capital.

While 1t is not desirable that Congress
Should continue indefinitely to debate with
out action the question of the proper loca-
ton for the public buildings in this city it
Is nevertheless gratifying to observe that
every time the bill now pending in the SEN
ate to provide a new departmental struc-
ture is brought up for discussion the sentf-
ment for the emplacement of all future
structures upon the south side of the ave-
nue. becomes stronger and more manifest.
Yesterday this sentiment was so pro-
nounced that 1t would seem from a reading
of the Record that an amendment to write
positively into the law the principle that all
future constructions shall be in the Mall
avenue triangle might easily have been car
ried by a good majority.
Senator. Teller struck very high note
on the subject of capital Improvement in
his remarks during the afternoon. His
speech should be printed and spread broad
cast through the country. He put the ques-
ton of the development of the capital city
on strictly national plane. as when he
said:
Il know there are things more importan!
to nation than even it's capital, but, Mr.
President, a nation that does not have
pride in it's capital is on the downward
road to death. A nation that does not feel
interest in the place where it's legis
lature meets and where it's executive lives
is not a healthful people,"
Such a sentiment is the truest expression
of the great work which the people OF
Washington have been in their way and
within their. limitations helping and urging
for many years. They see, as perhaps do
few others, that the capital should stand as
the national symbol. Gov. Shepherd saw
and opportunities he laid the broad founda-
tions for such capital. He was abused
and slandered in consequence, being almost
a generation ahead of his time. though by
no means early enough in his works to pre-
vent the accumulation of the debris of
many mistakes In capital making and main
tenance. The national legislators did not
Immediately awaken to the duty which this
intrepid local executive thus clearly indi-
Gated. Years were wasted and when at
length the great truth was again uncovered
largely through the instrumentality of the
late Senator Mcmillan. that Washington
the capital had been shamefully and I'M
periodically neglected, the work of i'm
provement presented certain obstacles
which appalled, the economists i'll Congress
and appeared insurmountable.
But there is nothing prohibitive about any
phase of the work as it stands today. 1t
Will cost millions of dollars to be sure but
the ends to be gained as seen from
such a lofty point of view as that
OF MIR. Teller well worth many
times the outlay. The chief propositions
now in contemplation to be executed are
lew and easily stated A comprehensive
building scheme which will rescue the cap
itals most important and conspicuous thor
oughfare, a great national street from its
present deplorable condition. is one of
these. The governments building needs.
which are seriously pressing fit into this
prime necessity with such nicely that it is
1olly to plan for other ends than the en-
Placement of all future public buildings. SO
Tar as the space will permit, within this
so-calied Mall-avenue triangle. The devel-
opment of the parks-not their spoliation
by being utilized for economical reasons as
building sites-is required in the interest of
a tremendously beautiful capital Proper
municipal maintenance falls within the
SCHEDULE On this score the taxpayers of
Washington stand ready gladly to do their
share. provided the partnership principle to
which the government Is formally pledged
is strictly preserved.
A federal capital evolved from the ma
tei1ais In hand, upon the ground thus well.
prepared. and In the spirit voiced so eIo-
quently and impressively by Senator Teller
yesterday, will be truly worthy of the ma
ton an inspiration to all citizens. a center
from which will radiate influences for the
moran. mental and physicalJuplift of the
whole Deoule