The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-03-24

harmony with the systematic develop
ment of the city
If Rock Creek Park is expected to at
tain its greatest beauty, an additional
area should be acquired taking IN the
crest Of the hills and providing for
proper connections with other park
areas: this would prevent ruthless de-
struction of many Of its natural beau
ties by real estate spectators. Rock
Greek valley from the park to the river
has great beauty. and is the natural
link between the Hall and other parks.
The beauty Of this valley is rapidly
being destroyed by individuals using it
as a dump heap and the railroad Ike
approaches to the culvert by which
Massachusetts avenue Is carried across
the creek. To prevent further destruc-
ton prompt measures are necessary.
Retaining walls, bridges, culverts, and
similar architectural accessories are be
ing and will be constructed within Rock
Creek and other parks. which, without
artistic direction, may easily destroy
the beauty OF the landscape
The Riverside Park, reclaimed by fill
ing the Potomac fats, affords oppor-
tunities for broad water and landscape
effects with its relations to and contrasts
with the formally treated Mall. To
bring it in relation to other parks. now
is the time to see that it is planted and
laid out with good Judgment. The 10
illogical Park is progressing without
having a definite scheme on which it
shall grow. The Palisades of the PotO-
mac are rapidly being destroyed by the
quarries which are now being developed
along the river, and. to prevent com
plete destruction Of their beauty, needs
wise guidance.
The bills which are now pending be-
fore Congress for the acquisition Of ad-
ditionaI parks show the clashing OF
various interest and the lack of har-
mOny between advocates of different
unea sures. The need Of expert advice
Is clearly demonstrated If the money for
such purchases is to be judiciously ex-
pended and If it is expected to have the
result rebound TO the credit Of the city
and the country.
The Importance Of an advisory com
mission is not confined TO Government
work in Washington city. Private indi-
viduals, for the good OF all. need such
guidance if we hope TO secure beauty
and harmony In private structures.
Questions relating 10 height, uniform
styles, parking, planting. and roads
needs careful study so that they may Mt
in as part of the systematic beauty
which we should have in the Capital
City.
The e. yenditures of the Federal Gov
ernmen, Will require no greater sum
70 secure work executed In an artistic
and systematic way than IL will to pro-
gress according TO the past haphazard
and uuartistiC methods It may be safely
stated that such work viii cost less If
executed under an advisory commission
who will see that the various parts
are subordinate to and have their proper
value in relation TO the whole compost
ton.
Large sums VIII be spent in the future
development of the city Of Washington
as well as in other parts Of the United
States. The plea for an advisory COM
mission Is that this money may be spent
in a judiciOus and economical way and
that the country and people at large
may get the advantage Of the beauty
and economy which VIII result from eX-
DerienCed advice.