The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-08-22

Although II has been consistently advo-
Gated as the first step IN the populariza-
ton Of Rock Creek Park. the proposed
bus line is still in allegiance. and the
project is progressing slowly
When II was first preached it was de-
clared that the bus line could be IN
stalled as soon as the Commissioners
approval was obtained. But the large
toging buses have been barred from the
park. and any plan which includes them
has been put out Of the question.
SO far no permit has been granted but
the Commissioners have inferentiauy ad-
vocated the plan and are willing TO grant
any operator a permit for transit in the
park. provided the conditions are com
piled with.
Definite word as 70 whether any request
for permit would be made for the
smaller size car, seating six 70 ten per-
sons, could not be gained yesterday. II
is conceded that the cost OF operation
would be large and that the pecuniary
return for private management would
be much smaller than under tae original
plan.
Profits Questioned.
A question has arisen as 20 whether
the bus line could be made to Yield any
profit pending the installation Of popular
attractions in the park As a stlmulant
OF interest, It would undoubtedly be sue
cessful, but Il is doubtful II any ree1I-
lar schedule could be maintained by the
smaller size touring car in the absence OF
any popular drawing cards" al Rock
Creek Park.
But the rich endowment OF nature Is
the chief attraction OF Rock Creek and
TOT thousands Of the Capitals citizens no
otner charm need be offered These Gift
Zehs' however, necessarily limit their
visits 10 the park for the majority are
not provided with motor cars or Other
Vehicles. They regret the present condi-
tlons. and doubtless would seize the ON.
portunity offered by a bus line.
Those who believe the masses OF waee
earners should share in the rare nrivi-
leges Of Rock Greek. however. do not
believe the bus line offers a solution az
their problem. They point out that the
transportation rates will unouestionahiv
De beyond the resources Of the average
' workman en'aiiing both, street car and
For the great crowds Of school children
IN the poorer districts. Rock Creek Park
should have great areas devoted 10 play
grounds, which would not be al ali AZ
iected by the vicissitudes Of the bus line
project. The meadows glver over 70
sports and games should be adjacent 10
the traction terminals. and should be IN.
corporated In the general Fairgrounds
movement, which is proving so successful
IN other parts Of the city.
Two Factors ReconciInbIe.
Rock Greek Park as an athletic factor. and
Rock Creek Park as an economic factor
are not irreconcilabie. and those who fear
that the presence Of thousands OF poor
mothers and their children will destroy
its beauty should baFTsh their appreben-
sions. That Rock Creek Park win he
come a great recreation center and pleas
! ure resort Is certain.
At the present time Rock Creek has
undoubtedly fewer visitors than any other
park approaching its splendid proportions
IN the world. said Representative Hef-
tin. Of Alabama
Take Central Park. in New York:
Humbold or Jackson parks, in Chicago.
Paramount Park, In Philadelphia. or an5
other OF like magnitude and you find
them alive with children throughout the
summer. It is sometimes difficult 10 d.
agnose conditions in Washington. because
there is no precedent for them I'm otter
cities. But that our splendid park
should much longer remain neglected and
unpeopled is uncomfortable"