New-York tribune., 1907-11-11

block at the foot OF the Capitol. which, accord
ing TO the plan of the park commission for the
artistic development of Washington, was TO be
converted into an open square. giving entrance
to the Mall
Certain trees planted by dedicated to the
memory Of former members Of Congress grew,
unfortunately upon this site, and when IT be-
came apparent that they would be sacrificed an
outcry went UP from the superintendent OF the
garden and others which not only prevented the
progress Of the work but aroused unreasoning
opposition 10 the plan for the treatment Of the
Mall which was the backbone Of the compre-
hersive scheme Of Improvement By the gradual
fulflnent Of a great plan. SO strong is the
feeling manifested that il has been thought best
10 summon the statue commission to meet again
IN Washington next Tuesday, November H. 70
reconsider the site for the monument. II is pos
sible that this commission having authority
from Congress and its specific permission TO
place the monument on any unoccupied ground
within the Botanic Gardens. will determine to
continue the work proposed transplanting
the historic trees which have caused the trouble:
but If so the matter Will he taken TO Congress
and the fight continued there. This viii give
opportunity far those who for personal reasons
oppose the plan TO block for indefinite period
important work-one which should be
ried out with the utmost expedition.
The park commission, composed % Messrs.
McKim. Burnham. Saint-Gaudens and Olmstcd.
was created by a Senate resolution in 1901 for
the purpose OF obtaining a plan which would
enable the future development of Washington 10
proceed along the lines originally planned
namely. the treatment Of the city as a civic
work Of art and form the outlying parks into a
unified system. In year their work was ac-
complished and report rendered. This gave
great impetus to city building and from It dates
the organization Of similar commissions for the
artistic development of other great munich
paties. Chicago, St Louis. St Paul New Or
leans, Buffalo. Cleveland. New York and Boston
are all profiting by the example set by the ma
tional capital through this Senate commission.
The plan OF the park commission is not new,
nor is il initiative, but reverts 10 the original
plan drawn up under the direction Of Washing
ton and Jefferson by TEnfant, and restores the
notable features from which divergence has been
made. It's merit sufficiently patent and
convincing TO induce President Cassatt of the
Pennsylvania Railroad to change at no small
sacrifice the location Of the terminal station
recently completed, and TO call forth the COM
mendation Of Sir Aston Webb the distinguished
British architect, and others Of note in Europe
IL restores axal relations between the Capitol
and the Washington Monument and between
the monument and the White House and Gre
ates on these lines splendid vistas. 1t contem-
plates the use Of the Mall as a setting for public
buildings, for which IL originally intended,
and provides for its preservation as a unified
formal park No great expenditure of money is
requred-no destruction of buildings trees.
and even though the Botanic Gardens must be
displaced they are not to be despoied. The
place to carry on horticultural experiments It
was recognized, IS not at the foot of the Capitol
in the heart Of the city.
There is a general feeling that Washington is
not city OF itself. but the city OF the nation.
and what affects its wellbeing must be of ma
tional concern. 1t can he made the most beauti-
full city in the world an example for all time for
city builders, il is said it can, as Jefferson
once said. become monument of our bar
harisTn !"