Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-06-21
Mr.. Macfarland's Views.

Commissioner Macfarand's Endorsement
on the papers in this case, which practically
settled the question, Commissioner West
unofficially announced Ills intention to vote
against the proposition several days ago,
was follows
Il have carefully considered the Engineer
Commissioners recommendation and rea-
sons, and also the statements made at the
public hearing and Tie facts observed in a
personal inspection of the neighborhoOd. l
agree with the Engineer Commissioner that
the water department stable ought to be
near the water department headquarters
now at the Bryant street pumping station
in the interest of economy and efficiency,
and that the site selected was the best
available from the engineer department
point of view. l agree that the proposed
stable on that site would not in any way
menace either the water supply or Mcmillan
Park. 1t is, Of course, incredible that the
Engineer Commissioner would propose any
thing that would injure the water supply or
Mcmillan Park, or that the Commissioners
would seriously consider any proposition
that would have that effect.
II agree that a matter of the present
the proposed stable would improve the ap-
pearance of the block containing the site,
now chiefly occupied by very poor build
ings, some Of which are about to be con-
demned as insanitary But l cannot agree
that the better built-up property to the east
and south would not be unfavorably af
fected in value to serious extent by the
erection of this or any other large stable
within a comparatively short distance.
Element of Doubt.
Beyond this l think there is sufficient
doubt as to whether there may not be
continuance westward of the building of
excellent houses such as are to be found
eastward to make it desirable that the
stable should not be placed upon the Bry-
ant street site, lest it might interfere with
such westward development While l
appreciate that the prospect of such de-
velopment is doubtful, so that the Engineer
Commissioner may well regard it as negli
gible, l cannot take that view. For these
two reasons l must vote against his motion,
with full confidence that throughout he
has done what he believed the best inter-
ests of the District required.
IF the stable Is not to be~put upon this
site l suggest that the site might be used
as a municipal playground by loan from
the District to the Playground Association.
and that the citizens of the vicinity should
be asked to contribute to its maintenance
as such playground
Mr.. West Opposes.
1.-The papers in this case have not yet
reached me-" said Commissioner West.
but as 1 announced some days ago l shall
vote against the location Of the stable on
Bryant street. Capt. Morrow has made a
strong and able presentation of the engi-
neer departments position in the matter,
but, at the same time. 1 am glad that Com
missioner Mcfarland has finally decided to
agree with me in opposing the establish
ment of the stable
Commissioner West stated that he is also
heartily in favor of converting the site into
a public playground and that he had
thought of the scheme several weeks ago.
However, this proposition is not likely to
materialize. 1t Is understood the prop
erty will be sold by the District depart
ment and a new site will be looked for