The Washington times., 1904-03-20

city and its surroundings. the breadth
and magnificent possibilities of the
problem were quickly appreciated; be-
fore the eye opened a great amphi-
theater. formed by hills. with the beau
tiful city in the valley and two splendid
rivers enCircling the site-nothing could
be more inviting to an artistic mind. \
journey down the Potomac and up the
James. where many of the old conditions
remain. was of great value, as it put
the commission more clearly in touch
with the spirit of the founders OF Wash
ington City.
I'm attacking new problem the first
tendency is to solve it on new and
startling lines, but study proves that
no lasting results are attained by things
new and startling. Art is gradual
growth. The strongest man deos the
best work with the means already pro-
vided.
George WashingtOn's Scheme
1T was surprising to find how broadly
and thoroughly Washington and / En-
FAINT had grasped the subject This is
clearly shown in the skeleton map OF
the city which they have left us After
careful study and consideration II was
thought best 10 adopt the broad prin-
ciples OF President Washington
scheme This decision. when the char
acter and ability Of the commission are
taken into consideration. should have
the greatest weight with the country.
Conditions have changed in the past
hundred years. and many and great
problems were left TO the commission
for solution. The Potomac River is not
now where II was a hundred years ago;
reclamation Of swamp area has thrown
II half a mile further west: the Wash
ington Monument is not located on the
cross axes Of the Capitol and the White
House as contemplated, and the design
OF the Monument is totally different
from the equestrian statue authorized
by the Congress Of the Confederation.
Although the scheme as presented
in the plans Of the commission is a
development or the original plan. and
is an appreciation OF the work done
more than 100 years ago. the addition
Of the area west Of the Monument. the
needs Of the Government for new Of
flee structures park areas and connec-
uons. statuary and water surfaces.
have caused the commission 10 solve
such problems OF utility and interest
according 70 the methods shown IN the
drawings and models that are now on
'-N'' az e'~ A~4'AeA4S VI AohSI Us.
Must Not Fail.
The scheme has been presented:
when will it be executed? IL does not
seem in the realm Of possibility that
IL viii fail. A great or good thought
recorded eventually wins its way Shall
we or our children see the finished re-
suits? That is question for the
American people TO determine We have
a condition in this country which never
existed before. The economic develop
ment is far in excess OF and quite diff
ferent from all presidents Of the past
With this development will come the
desire and pride Of the nation I'm the
Improvement Of the National Capital in
a rational and artistic way The ap-
probation Of art is steadily gaining in
the country, as the result Of increased
culture and refinement. produced by the
education and travel due to financial
Why should not this pride
produce great results IN the Capital OF
the Nation?
"A great step I'm the development Of
the Mall is assured by the removal Of
the Pennsylvania Station and railway
tracks, contamination not hoped for
two years ago. With these distractions
removed the Mall can be brought into
an artistic condition by following a
plan that will involve the treatment