The Washington herald., 1909-07-18

All Washington is rapidly falling into
line in support of the movement maugu-
rated by The Washington Herald for a
Rock Creek Park which viii be the proud
possession OF the masses as wen as OF
the classes.
Reinforcing the strong support given by
many officials OF the national government.
two Cabinet officers voiced their approval
OF the campaign yesterday-Attorney
General wickersham and Secretary Ma
gel OF the Department OF Commerce and
Labor. Both spoke without reserve on
behalf CT a public which has never been
given adequate facilities for enjoying the
beautiful resort Of the Capital
In accordance with the united public
sentiment which has crystallized in the
campaign. plans for efectlng the peoples
will are springing up on all sides. Ideas
are multiplying The Commissioners are
watching the pulse of the public by CIV
ing thorough consideration to many plans
which viii serve 70 popularize Rock Creek
Park IN the shortest and quickest way.
Most Promising Plan.
One of the most promising plans sprang
into being yesterday, and citizens 10
whom IL was preached became enthusias-
tic. It is proposed TO take advantage Of
natural conditions by establishing a bath
ing pool just beyond Kllngle Ford road.
on the edge of the park To the south
are the Geological Gardens. Here is a
depression, with long and sweeping
curves and with no sharp declivities- II
IS a shallow basin with such gentle slopes
that a bathing pool Of concrete fed by
the springs OF the park will be compara-
lively easy 10 fornl.
Commissioner West believes the plan
is practicable. and win make a trip Of
inspection tomorrow or Tuesday. To
establish bathing pool near the Kiln
glcfOrd road viii give impetus TO the
public appreciation OF Rock Creek
Park. Transportation facilities VIII be
furnished when the demand becomes
strong.
Cabinet officers. ministers. physicians,
business men. are all uniting IN the
movement, and the public spirit Of
Washington is being exemplihed. Those
who have enjoyed the delights OF Rock
Creek Park TO the full extent are the
most determined that the general pub
lie. denied the automobile and the
horse, shall be given means TO fore
gather al the resort, so long considered
remote and inaccessible.
Wickersham AppIauds Idea.
Speaking OF the plan inaugurated by
The Washington Herald 10 open up and
populariZe Rock Creek Park, Attorney
General Wickersham said:
" am most favorably disposed toward
the present project Of making Rock
Creek Park better known and appreci-
IT.
al its natural beauty and facilities for
providing a place Of rest and recreation
for the citizens Of the city. Rock Creek
Park should be utilized to the utmost"
Secretary Nagel. OF the Department Of
Commerce and Labor, said:
I am rot familiar with the existing
conditions IN regard 10 the Rock Creek
Park question, but whatever they are I
can say this much with certainty: That
any park should be easily accessible to
all the citizens, and that they should
have the greatest possible amount Of free
dom in the use Of IT.
A vigorous Endorsement OF the project
was given by Rev. Ulysses G. B. Pierce.
chaplain Of the Senate, and pastor OF the
All Souls Church.
Rock Creek Bark belongs TO the peo-
pie" he said. While no one would
question this as being theoretically true.
II can only be made practically true by
the extension Of car service which makes
Il easy Of access. It IS a public reserva-
ton, but its beautiful hills and dales
should not be held aloof from the touch
Of the many. for that would be equivalent
70 the failure Of its mission.
Such park Is a moral and civic in
sPiration- II 1t were brought within the
reach Of all the people, believe it would
prove potent factor in combating many
OF the present evils In Washington Il
is a paradox that, in this city Of park
ings, there is not one great resort which
is open 70 the people. II is time that
this condition IS remedied"
Mrs. VnIesh Urges POpuIarizatiOn.
Mrs. Eva Mcdonald Valesh. secretary
Of the National Civic Federation. said:
Il have long thought that il would be a
good thing 10 make Rock Creek Park
as popular as the other parks Of the
city. Anything that viii effect this. and
that viii place at the complete disposal
Of the people such a piece of beautiful
woodland as that around Rock Creek is
most praise-wOrthy and should be done
at once"
DR.. George Tully Vaughn. one Of the
best-known surgeons in the country.
said;
The citizens should have the greatest
possible benefit from all the parks in
the city, without exception. Rock Creek
Park has for long time been practically
closed 10 the greater mass OF people of
the city. and / heartily indOrse the
movement that has been set on foot by
The Washington Herald 10 make the
park better known and more easily &C
cessible. There are certainly a number
OF restrictions now in vogue with regard
to its use that should be removed"
Convinced that II is an important factor
IN civic and economic development. Rev.
J. Henning Nelms. pastor Of the Church
OF the Ascension. yesterday gave his ap-
proval TO the project OF bringing Rock
Creek Park within the reach of the peo-
pie
Il speak only from a theoretical point
OF view; I do not know any Of the de-
tails Of the present plan," he said But
whatever has for its purpose the opening
OF Rock Creek Park for the people OF
Washington should receive the support
Of every citizen Of the city. II is one OF
the most beautiful resorts In the United
States.
Miss Delightful NOOIzs.
1T Is strange that the one great park
OF Washington should be so inaccessible
believe the Washingtonians. as a whole
scarcely know Ii. Within its boundaries
are some delightful hooks and recesses
but t is impossible for one to reach then
unless one is fortunate enough to possess
an automobile or carriage. am heart
ily IN favor OF the movement No plar
before the Capital Is so worthy OF united
effort
Or. G. Lloyd Megruder. a prominent
uhvsfciau of this city said.