Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-03-07
ARCH FOR ROCK CREEK
HEARING GRANTED TODAY BY
THE COMMISSIONERS.
Discussion of Bill introduced in the
Senate by Senator Cullom-
It's Provisions.

A public hearing was granted by the DIS
trict Commissioners to Richard }. Beaii, ST.
of Georgetown today relative to the Dill IN
troduced in the Senate at the request OF MT.
Beall by Senator Cullom, providing for the
arching of Rock creek from L street to
Connecticut avenue extended. In addition
to Mr.. Beall, Gen. A. c. Hawley also spoke
briefly with reference to the proposition.
The project for arching Rock creek as
proposed by Mr.. Beall was reported on adj
versely by the Commissioners. The bill
which was before Congress authorizes the
Commissioners to carry out the plans of Mr..
Beall. The arch is to be twenty-four feet at
the base and twelve feet high. and the grad
ing of several streets is involved
The cost of the project is limited to $T75,-
900. Mr.. Beall is given authority to use
surplus clay from the street grading to
make bricks to be used in the construction
of the arch, and Mr.. BeaIl is given the ex-
elusive right for ninety-nine years to use
the waters of Rock creek from Connecticut
avenue to the north side of l. street, at an
annual rental of 81 200
= Gen. Hawley, the first speaker, declared
that something ought to be done to improve
the present condition of Rock creek. At
present, he said, 1t is used as a dumping
ground for dead dogs. cats and everything
else" He thought Mr.. BealFs project a
feasible one. but did not believe 1t could be
executed for the amount named in the bid
Col. Biddle's Comment.
Col B1ddle mentioned that the Commits
sioners have recommended tunnel along
Rock creek south of @ street, and that
they have covered all the points men,
toned by Gen. Hawley. Commissioner
Mcfarland also stated that it has been
estimated that the tunnel project can be
executed for something over 5000, 900,
while the Beall bill aprpopriates $775,-
900 at the start. The Commissioners, he
said, have given very careful considera-
ton to all the projects for improving
Rock creek and that they have decided
that the tunnel plan is the best.
Mr.. Beall told the Commissioners that
he is a practical mechanic and engineer
council of Washington. He said he has
been studying this project for the past
forty years, and he has come to the def
mite conclusion that if he can get the
contract he can perform a work that will
be greatly beneficial to future genera
tions.
Il propose" said Mr. 'Beall, Ito construct
a big dam across Rock creek that will form
a fine bathing place in the Geological Park.
and this Will be of great value to the health
of coming generations Children can then
have a safe and suitable place in which to
learn to become expert swimmers
Mr.. Beall then told at considerable length
of his early training in swimming, and he
declared that this exercise laid the founda-
ton for his good health. Mr.. Beall also
stated that he would put in a mill at the
dam.
What kind of mill do you propose to
instal?' asked Commissioner West
20, 1 am not welded to any particular
kind of a MILL replied Mr.. Beall. II will
leave that to the suggestion of the Com
missioners."
Mr.. Beale's Interest.
Il am very anxious to accomplish this
project" continued Mr.. Beall. Il am a
practical mechanic and engineer I know
exactly how to commence this project and
how to finish it. AS to the Commission
ers' plea-why. the idea, 1t provides for
condemnation after condemnation, while
that My plan is the most economical
Many people have said to me, Mr.. Beall. If
you get that scheme through and arch
Rock creek, We'll build monument to
you"
How high do you propose to build your
damY' asked Colonel Biddle.
about forty feet above the bottom Of
the creek" said Mr.. BeaIl.
THAT will result in the flooding of all
the low lands in the Geological Park, then"
replied Colonel Biddle.
Mr.. Beall did not believe the low lands
would be flooded to any considerable extent.
When the hearing closed Commissioner
mcfarland mentioned that the Commits
sioners will gladly consider Mr.. Bealfs plan.
others have been carefully gone over by
the Commissioners and that the tunnel
project has been decided upon as the most
feasible and economical.