The Washington herald., 1909-07-28

to recommend to Congress a liberal con-
sideratiOn OF this matter by making
provision for obtaining available tracts
Of land in various parts Of the city suit
able for parks. either by their natural
beauty OF forest growth, and there are
several such tracts Of land that IS
rolling or having hills. that go SO far TO
add 70 the beauty OF parks.
L would favor the appointment OF a
commission composed as is the Rock Creek
Park commission. made UP or the Commits
sioners and the chief engineer IN charge
OF the Corps Of United States Engineers.
and the superintendent OF public build
ings and grounds, or any kind o. COM
mission that Congress. in its wisdom
might see 1T 70 appoint, charged with the
duty and authorized 70 eXpend q fund
not to exceed 100000 or more, for the
purchase Of park sites available, not
necessarily 20 be developed at once. but
secured at present market prices and de-
veloped at the pleasure Of Congress- thus
securing at reasonable prices lands that
in future years would cost double or
more
Attractive Purchase Prices.
There are park lands available IN this
city to-day that could be purchased for
the sum OF 100000 or less, which will.
double that amount
Il have In my mind a tract OF land
well covered with natural forest growth.
suitable for making an excellent park
which, II # had been purchased by the
government ten years ago, could have
been obtained for $4,000 but to-day
would cost $4,000 or more
i think It would be a wise policy 10
have such. a commission appointed, or
some one or moro OF the Commissioners.
or other person or persons appointed by
Congress, whose duty II would be 10
give the general park plan extension
OF the city their best thought If under
the direction OF such authority a map
OF the available park lands in the Dis
trict was made. the prices az which II
was held or offered obtained and the
commission authorized 70 expend 5000
coo or any part thereof as Il might see
fit IN its judgment for additional park
lands, Il would be an investment that
would save TO the government in future
years In the extension OF the park sys-
TEN millions OF dollars
Delay Is Costly to Government.
Every year that this matter is post
poned the cost 10 the government in
creases IN proportion 20 the limit OF tine
# is put on
There IS no question that the gov
eminent viii continue it's policy OF ex-
tending the park system, but believe
It should be done as I suggest, IN a gen.
eral, systematic way, and not by piece
meal It has been found that where one
or more bills for new parks have been
presented before Congress Il is 20
the disadvantage OF all OF the park
projects under consideration and I'D for
favor. With the commits
Sion plan In force this would be all elm
mated, the commission having authority
to consider tracts for parks and their
purchase"
Mr.. Williams Approves.
William =. Williams, financial clerk OF
the District Supreme Court. discussing
the movement 20 popularize Rock Creek !
Park, said he was heartily in favor OF |
the idea as It would benefit the whole |
community
"A movement like the one instituted by /
Tho Washington Herald TO popularize 1
Rock Greek Park must succeed. because |
L affects the welfare OF the great ma
iority OF people Of the District There h
pan be no valid objection to the scheme /
rom any point Of view, not even bv the i
companies BY making
he park accessible from all parts OF the /
,ity a great good will have been rem
Tered. which should have been rendered
Ong ago"
All. G. Buhrman. assistant clerk OF the
District Supreme Court, fully indorses the
1iews Of Mr.. Williams, and adds that
attention should be paid to the
outdoor amusement feature.
There is nothing so health-givlng as
Moderate outdoor exercise. There IS no
public place in this city where the people
AN assemble and enjoy themselves by
participating In or Witnessing baseball
tennis. golf. polo. and other games.
Throw Rock Creek Park wide open.
Ind let the people have all the
benefits which may be derived from that
beautiful spot I am especially in strong
ayor Of band concerts in the park. say
wo or three times a week during the
summer season. I also approve of the
dea Of erecting a restaurant pavilion.
where good meals may be had at popular
atesr