The Washington times., 1906-03-18
ROCK CREEK PARK
MAY Be BROUGHT
NEARER THE CITY
Proposition for the Pur-
chase of One Hundred
Acres.
APPEAL TO CONGRESS
Charles c. Glover Frames
Bill Asking for Appro-
priation.

Enlargement of Rock Greek Park on
a magnificent scale is provided for in a
bill which will be introduced in the
House OF Representatives tomorrow with
the Endorsement OF the Commissioners Of
the District OF Columbia
The tract which the bill proposes to
add to the park at a total cost OF $42z,-
900. embraces an aggregate Of about 100
acres, situated to the southwest OF the
Geological Park. and extending from
Rock Creek, 4O00 feet westward along
Massachusetts avenue.
Charles c. Glover, banker and real es-
tate man, who has long been known
here for his interest in public affairs
and especially for his ambition to en-
large and beautify Rock Creek Park,
il the author OF the present plan 10 ex-
tend this pleasure ground TO such an ex-
tent that 1t win be within easy walking
distance for the greater part Of the
people Of the National Capital.
Mr.. Glover Holds Options.
Mr.. Glover has obtained options on
the land mentioned from three differ
ent parties and makes the generous offer
precisely the price named to him. The
whole acreage involved Is contained in
three parcels of eighty-eight, eight and
one-half, and two seven-tenths acres.
respectively. The total area begins
with a sharp point south OF Connecticut
avenue. it's eastern boundary line ex-
tending along Rock Creek southwark
10 Massachusetts, avenue. Along this
60
ward as a point some distance west
Of the Naval Observatory.
Intersecting this addition to the park
are projected seven thororghfares, five
Of them running all the way through
the land in question, according to the
present plans for the enlargement of
the park.
The eighty-eigbt acre lot is the
Thompson syndicate tract, which forms
the body OF the greater part of the ad-
dition, extending from east to west.
In the upper corner is the Wagsanan
tract OF eight and one-half acres, and
near the center on the south is the
Jackson, Edmonston. and Dulaney
tract, consisting of two and seven
tenth acres. Immediately west Of this
last mentioned lot is small parcel OF
land already owned by the Govern
ment. consisting Of fourteen acres.
This also, according 20 the plans of the
bill, will be included in the park
proper.
viii Continue Park Westward.
The practical result OF the addition
will be to continue the Geological Parl,
westward to the Naval Observatory
and almost to the Episcopal Cathedral
grounds In this way the park grounds
will be much nearer TO the body of the
city's population, and there viii be oh
Waited the necessity Of peoples being
compelled TO ride on street cars to
reach the open grounds af..1 cool shades
or the park IL the hot summer months
IL has been pointed our by many that
the price. $422, ,000 is remarkably cheap
and, it has been said in support of the
bill, that Congress ought to pass the
measure and give the Government the
advantage Of the good bargain Should
Congress neglect this opportunity and
later decide to enlarge the park as in
dicated by the plan, a much larger sum
viii have to be paid for the land. It is
now obtainable on the terms OF Mr.
Glover's option, an average OF about
$4,000 per acre.
Commissioners Are Enthusiastic.
The District Commissioners have
framed the bill providing for the Gov.
ernment's purchase OF the tract. and
they are in favor OF the plan In every
way. Not only will they report 10 Con
gress to this effect, but they will. after
nat, do all in their power to have tn,
bill passed.
1t Is eminently fitting that the present
plan TO enlarge Rock Creek Park should
he fathered by Charles Carroll Glover
for the present park is a monument to
his name more than IL is to any other
individual He has played a part in the
formation and preservation Of this
pleasure ground more prominent by fal
than that OF any other citizen in tht
District, and his attempt now TO add Ic
its area Is but the natural sequel to his
endeavors along this line ever since 1888
The idea OF Rock Creek Park is fort,
wears old. AS far back as 1866 the peopl,
OF the National Capital saw that tn,
beauties Of the land along the banks o.
Rock Creek could best be utilized By
preserving them as a breathing plac,
for Washingtons inhabitants. The city
was practically a unit in taking thii
view OF the matter, and It was Ggftatet
IN the press and some mention of tn,
plan was heard in Congress.
Various Bills in Congress.
In 1861 the first Rock Creek Park bill
was introduced IN Congress. but ther,
were no lasting good effects from II
Similarly fruitless attempts TO hav'
Congress Great the park as Government
property were made in 1880 and 1888 tn
period between these years and the frs
bill having been punctuated by feverisl
and Intellectual agitation on the subject
II was in the winter of 1859 tha
Washington rose in her might and de
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