The Washington herald., 1907-10-18

ton of some OF the ancient and historic
trees In the Botanic Gardens, the more
prominent architects of the city are, al
most to a man, in favor Of establishing
the Grant statue in the place designed
for It in the plans of the Park Commits
sion. and are able TO give good reasons
for their opinions.
Mr.. Glenn Brown, the well-known
architect, was seen in his office yester-
day. and talked at length upon the sub
ject, taking the ground that by the re-
moval Of the trees and establishing the
statue, according to the plans OF the
commission, a greater beauty Will result
than can be attained by the Botanic Gar
dens as they are, with their noble trees.
Mr.. Brown said few persons seemed to
understand why the site for the statue
was chosen. or why 1t should be placed
there. instead of somewhere else. Mr..
Brown believes that when these reasons
are we'll understood, the sentiment for
saving the trees will disappear in favor
Of carrying out the plans of the commits
sion.
Their Special Fitness.
Mr. Brown called attention TO the
special fitness of the men serving on the
commission. pronouncing them in their
several lines of work the leaders Of the
modern world. lie spoke OF these men
having served without remuneration, in
a spirit of true patriotism. 10 work out
a scheme for the beatificatiOn Of the
National Capital that would be worthy
Of the best city of the best couiN-y IN
the world. He said the members Of the
commission sacrificed their private work
for several months. studied the parks
of Europe. went over the ground and
brought TO bear on the Mall problem
the best light Of their great abilities,
study, and experience. Mr.. Brown then
said:
This report, made in 1902, was re-
ceived with enthusiasm by cultivated and
intelligent people in this country and
Europe. It's influence has aroused
twenty important cities in this country,
which have appointed expert commits
sions to make plans for their future de-
velopment. The American Institute Of
most capable of judging. has unani-
mously approved the plan and advo-
Gates It with enthusiasm for the deyel-
opment Of Washington. Baron Won Time,
architect TO the Emperor OF Germany;
Sir Aston Webb. architect Of the great
memorial to queen Victoria in London,
and owen Fleming, architect Of the
board for reconstructing London, have
expressed to me their high appreciation
of the beauty. dignity, and fitness OF
this composition.
y. NJ PouPinel, an eminent French
architect, secretary-general Of the Inter
national Congress Of Architects, in Mad
rid. London. and Vienna, and Baron Stub
ben, an authority on city development,
have both expressed their unqualified ap-
prOval Of this scheme. Il has been con-
sidered such a great artistic composition
that its publications are eagerly sought
by municipal authorities in all parts Of the
world
The commission started unbiased. and.
after mature study, determined that the
true solution was the development Of the
original plan, ignored for eighty years,
left Us by George Washington. Nothing
could show higher appreciation of the
intelligence and breadth OF view of our
first President than 10 Immediately make
effective his views on the future develop
ment Of the District Of Columbia"
Speaks of Union Square.
Speaking Of Union Square as a neces-
sary part of the composition. Mr. Brown
continued:
Those who have studied the question
intelligently fully appreciate that It Is
The square is necessary to prevent con-
gestion and give broad visual effect 10
the juncture Of Pennsylvania avenue
Maryland avenue. and First street. The
open space is needed 10 give greater dig
nifty to the Capitol; the broadening at this
point is needed as a base and starting
point for the great vista from the Capt.
tol TO Tire Monument, which was a funda-
mental feature Of L'Enfant's plan. and
dear to the heart of George Washington.
"The Park Commission designated
Union Square in the present Botanic
Gardens, as the site for the Grant statue
| The Washington Monument in the CEN
ter. the Grant statue at the east, the
Lincoln memorial at the west end Of the
Mall, and the three connected by the
broad, magnificent vista over the beauti-
full green sward, not over barren asphalt,
links the names Of our three great his
toric figures.
Gould the Grant monument have
more honorable site, and should not all
who honor his name insist on his me-
mortal being placed in this situation?"
asked Mr.. Brown
Turning to the subject Of trees, Mr..
Brown said:
"Al the valuable trees which are in
the way of this improvement can be
moved with little risk The planting, as
advocated by the commission, will greatly
Increase the number. dignity, and har-
mony between buildings and trees on the
east of the Mall, while on the west OF
the Mall. a great forest is proposed,
where now there is q barren waste.
THE composition for the development
OF the city given by the Park Commits
sion will make Washington the most ar
tistic city in landscape, parks, and build
ings in the world, a capital Of which
every American should Justly feel proud
VIII the American people allow this
scheme to be spoiled because a few
trees must be moved to attain the great
end? l have sufficient confidence in the
intelligence. cultivation. and business ca
pacity Of our people to believe that they
will not tolerate such move TO the
detriment Of their Capital City. simply
because of the misdirected zeal of a rev
people who do not appreciate what they
are doing"