The Washington herald., 1907-11-11
Want MALL SITE FOR STATUE
Architects Adopt Resolutions on
Grant Memorial Question.
Feasibility of Removing Historic
Trees 10 other Locations Is
Pointed Ont.

At the meeting Of the Washington
Chapter Of the American Institute Of
Architects on November I, the following
resolutions were adopted.
In view Of the recently publicly ex-
pressed comments upon the proposed To-
cation of the Grant Memorial. adverse
10 the site, and condemning the destruc-
ton Of trees, and a general denuncia-
ton of the whole plan Of which the
location of this monument is a part. if
seems proper for q local association Of
men practicing a profession involving the
study and decision OF similar problems
10 express their opinion In regard 10
this criticism, and 20 point out what
they deem 70 be misconceptions OF the
dominating plan, and inaccuracies re-
garding some of the details.
We are in hearty accord with an ef-
forts 70 preserve trees. both IN the parks
and streets. and will render an aid In
our power TO avert The destruction OF any
OF them We suggest. however. that
records viii show that trees can be
moved with safety when occasion de-
mands 1t. and We assume that due con
slderau0n was given 10 this question. ~
the case OF the location Of the Grant
Monument. and that the trees under dis
eussiOn We're found by some compet4nt
authority 20 be unworthy Of the labor
involved % me .e them. We can under
stand ard syrnpathiZe with the aversion
TO a change on the part OF those who
planted them and have watched them
grow 10 maturity II is a misfortune not
only 20 these individuals. but 20 the
city, that no guiding hand pointed out
their proper location. in accord with a
general scheme for the whole extent OF
the Man. IN the lack OF which separate
and unrelated paintings have been dotted
IN II. these paintings having IN each case
their main axis crossing that OF the
Mall
We are in favor OF the location Of
public buildings on the south side OF
Pennsylvania avenue. which is a part OF
the plan as recommended by the park
commission. We deplore the fact tnst
this commission has not the legal stand
ing 20 which its plans and its member
ship entities H. and We regret that this
primal recognition has not been given.
To US, however. the dominating need
IS that the laying ont Of the roadways
parks. SC, and the location Of the pub
lie buildings, statues. &c. shall be
made IN accordance with coherent and
complete plan; coherent in that II shall
provide for the proper and seemly reIa-
lions of the parts one 10 the other. com
piete. IN that II shall provide for all of
the various needs present or anticipated
for. the Capital City OF a nation prom
ising the future that we look forward
10 for ypur own.
his Cir1- ic Forfrrruf, i,
born by such a plan which has been re-
viewed by a commission composed OF
men whose qualifications cannot be stc-
cessfully challenged. and they have rec
commended its readopton. No other plan
similarly considered has been presented
Therefore. Resolved, That the Wash
ington Chapter or the American Insti-
tute OF Architects indorseS most heartily
the wisdom of the park commission in
adhering TO the original plan Of L'Enfant.
as indorsed by Washington and jefferson. /
and is extending its principles in their
plans for the greater Washington.
That this chapter considers the vista
treatment OF the Mall as contemplated
by them. a return to first principles.
and by far the most logical. effective
and monumental treatment vet suggested.
and that a strict adherence TO their
plans viii give 20 the American people /
the possibilities for the most beautiful
Capital in the world
We affim that. proceeding under a
fixed plan, the amount Of expenditure
involved IS less than would be required
in proceeding. as has been the custom. /
without coordination Of the units or the
cooperation Of those controlling them.
We are confident that the necessity
FOR the adoption Of a comprehensive
plan Will be generally recognized. and
would call attention 10 the fact that
when adopted. the first step toward its
fulhllment shall be the planting Of trees (
in their allotted places, for. while road /
ways and buildings may be constructed
as needed. trees are the planting of one /
generation for the enjoyment OF their /
successors.
Resolved. That this expression OF our /
views be sent to the honorable Secre- /
tary of War as the representative Of the |
government on the Grant Memorial Com /
mission in charge OF the work Of its /