Evening star., 1909-02-26
Author of Mall Extension Bill
Has Amendment.
TO PUSH 1T THIS SESSION
Makes the Owners of Property Bid
ders for Money.
CONSIDERATION NEXT WEEK
Provides That President May Ac-
cept Most Advantageous Offers
Within a Certain Limit.

4 new plan to acquire for the use OF
the government the property lying be-
tween the Mall and Pennsylvania avenue
and the Capitol grounds and 10Th street
northwest was presented to the Senate
today by Senator Hepburn of Idaho,
author of the original Mail extension bill.
which has passed the Senate several
times, but has not reached consideration
in the House. The proposition Is con-
tained III an amendment proposed to be
made Ia the sundry civil appropriation
bill. which will be considered by the Sen
ate next week. 1t makes the property
owners bidders for the money of the gov
Crnrnent instead of the government bid
der for the property.
a like plan is included In the amend
ment for an extension of the Capitol
grounds to the Union station.
Wants Adoption This Session.
There is evidence that a strenuous fight
will be made TO secure the adoption of the
amendment at this session.
Senator Heyburn's proposition calls for
an appropriation of two million dollars to
be used in acquiring portions of the Mall
property and one million dollars for the
extension of the Capitol grounds. The
new plan is stated In the following provi
sion: D
And the President of the United States,
through the Secretary of the Treasury
and the aid of experts. is authorized to
have a valuation made of said blocks.
and after such valuation is made and ap-
proved by the President to announce that
offers will be received of the whole or any
part OF said blocks at prices within such
valuation, and that thereupon the Pres
ident is authorized to accept the most
sidvantag geous offers within the limits of
the above appropriation, and to pay for
the property SO accepted out of appropria-
tions."
Extension Of Capitol Grounds.
The extension of the Capitol grounds,
which is proposed. includes about sew
enteen blocks, bounded by New Jersey
avenue on the west and Massachusetts
avenue on the north. The eastern boun-
Diary of the extension runs from the
Capitol grounds northward on Delaware
avenue. thence eastward on street,
south on 1st street. east on D street to
second street.
Senator Newlands of Nevada, who is
very much in favor OF the amendment,
explained the plan to a Star reporter
this afternoon.
Il heartily approve of Senator Hey
burns amendment to the sundry civil
appropriation bill providing for the ex-
tension of the Mall to Pennsylvania ave
nue. and to the Capitol grounds to the
Union passenger station by the gradual
acquisition of the land required he said.
Senator Heyburns bill for the acquisi-
fion of what is known as the Mali tri-
angle. lying between the Mall and Penn
Sylvania avenue. has passed the Senate
two or three times, and understand the
sentiment of the House is favorable to it.
in case it comes up for action. Repre-
sentative Mccall has introduced bill for
the extension of the Capitol grounds
toward the Union station and the erec-
fion thereon of a Lincoln memorial. This
bill has many supporters in the House
among the leading men there.
Eliminates Memorial Suggestion.
=. Il think the general sentiment is In
favor Of the extension of the Capitol
grounds according to the Mccall BILL
but there is decided objection to the
construction of the Lincoln memorial
there. The excellence of Senator Hey
burns bill is that it provides for the
acquisition OF the property near the
Union station without committing the
government to the memorial sugges-
tion. I think almost all will agree that
the Capitol grounds ought to be ex-
tended to the Union station and that
this large area now vacant should not
be covered with unsightly buildings.
Parks. Fairgrounds. etc, are needed in
that locality, and the space would operate
as d fire protection.
senator Heyburn's amendment also
meets the present condition of the Treas
nry. 1t does not call Immediately for the
large sum that would be required for the
immediate purchase of these properties,
HI
prices 1t declares the purpose of the gov
eminent to acquire these lands, and gives
those who are willing to sell at a rea-
sonable price an opportunity to receive
immediate payment, while at the same
time 1t makes the land owners bidders for
1he governments money instead of max
ing the government bidders for the land
owners property"
The amendment was referred to the
committee on appropriations