Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-30
SITE FOB UNIVERSITY
SHEHMAN-BAHBER TRACT HAS
BEEN SUGGESTED.

The Columbia Heights Citizens Associa-
ton has determined to make q strong ef-
fort to induce the faculty Of the George
Washington University to locate its new
home on what Is known as the Sherman
Barber tract. This land lies between
Florida avenue and Clifton street and 18th
and 18th streets. The plot contains about
twenty-one acres The proposition has been
advanced that 18th street from Florida
avenue to Clifton street might be closed
and added to the tract. If this should be
done total OF twenty-three acres would
be secured.
Justice c. s. Bundy. president OF the Co.
lumbia Heights Citizens Association, has
appointed committee to take charge Of
the matter for the association. This COM
mittee will confer with those having to do
with the selection of q site, and IL there
appears to be possibility that the Sher-
man-Barber tract meets with approval,
will at once make an active canvass Of
Columbia Heights. Mount Pleasant and the
adjacent territory with a view to securing
subscriptions to the fund that the univer-
sity is attempting to raise.
In discussing the matter today Justice
Bundy said II was glad to read in the
papers recently that President Needham
declared in favor of new site for the
george w aSllnStOn University IN tno
heart Of the city and not in the suburbs.
The Sherman Barber tract. reunited. fills
this requirement completely. Although 1t
lies one-half mile to the west of the center
of population. all the rival sites are still
further west and further from the heart
of the city.
Regarded as Conspicuous Site.
''The site we propose is the most con-
spicuous. Resting on the brow of the
highest eminence overlooking the city, and
visible from every point. its buildings will
always be landmark to attract the notice
of tourists and call atten ION to the rela-
tionship of the university to the last will
and testament of George Washington, for
whom Ii was named
This site also has the advantage OF &C
feasibility. both the street railways skirting
IT. one on the eastern and the other the
western side. 1t is protected from the
blight of the liquor traffic by the act of Con-
gress which prohibits the establishment of
saloons within one mile of the Soldiers
Home. 1t seems to me that the size of the
tract Is a strong argument in its favor
Tn. Van Ness tract just sold by the univer-
sity is a little less than five acres in extent
The Dean tract. which, I understand. is
under consideration. is a little over nine
acres while the Sherman Barber tract is
over twenty-one acres in extent.
The only objection yet heard to this site
Is that twenty-five years ago the predeces-
sors of the present trustees of the univer-
sity might be charged With shortsghtedness
because they sold valuable and conspic-
nous site a short distance from that we are
discussing. This is unreasonable They
invested the proceeds where they have in
creased MANIFOLD in value. and by means
whereof they are able now to buy an equal
ly eligible site. and also to erect suitable
and adequate buildings thereon for the
needs Of great university. 1t has been a
process Of evolution. or transition from the
weakness Of infancy to the strength of ma
ture manhood. So far from being a ground
OF reproach. 1t IS cause for exultation. The
university has passed through certain
stages OF development until 1t Is now able
to realize the ideal of its founders on the
very spot of its origin"