The Washington herald., 1909-08-21

! One Of the cars which the International
Auto Sightseeing Transit Company de-
sired to put In operation through Rock
Creek Park was examined by Commis-
sioner West and Acting Commissioner
Kelly, and owing 10 its size they declared
that the project was impracticable The
application for the permit was with
drawn, and the applicant stated that he
would make arrangements to procure a
smaller car.
/ Other persons interested I'm making the
park better known TO those who do not
have their own motor cars or carriages
hove suggested that d tally-ho line be
established. such coaches have been in
successful operation In parks in other
cities. and have been found TO be popular
and profitable The District Commis-
sioners. who are now in the city. have
| Expressed themselves favorably regarding
this suggestion and would welcome def
mite propositions.
Speaking Of the plan to popularize Rock
Creek Park, Charles A. Langley. presi-
dent OF the Master Builders Association
OF the District OF columbia. said that the
proposition was most praiseworthy and
would appeal to every right-thinklug per-
son.
Expense 10 Washington.
Certainly he said. Rock Creek Park
should be developed 20 the utmost and
made of use 20 all washington. since it is
! al the expense OF all Washington that the
reservation IS kept up. Baseball dia-
monds. tennis courts, golf courses. and
( the like should be installed IN the park
wherever practicable. This is done in all
! Of the large parks in other cities. such
as New York, Philadelphia. and Balti-
more"
Garry Carter. president OF the Carter
Motor Car Company. said yesterday that
/ g. seemed strange 20 him that move
ment 10 enable the public 10 make some
! good use Of Rock Creek Park had not
been started long ago.
THE park at Rock Creek" Mr.. Carter
/ said. AS not only unknown TO a great
/ proportion Of the citizens OF Washington.
but a large number OF those who do know
! OF it seldom go there because there is
nothing in the park 10 attract them out
I side Of the natural beauty Of the woods.
/ You viii find very few people who are
willing TO walk four or five miles through
/ the grounds OF the park merely for the
! sake OF satisfying the sense Of the es-
I thetic. On the other hand, n q bus line
we're installed IL would be as busy as the
/ little bee In the fable carrying visitors
! through the grounds.
II have no doubt that among these vis-
I itors would be many lifelong residents OF
/ Washington"
High Standard Desired.
James Mckee. a prominent resident OF
the city. expressed himself yesterday as
being heartily in favor Of the project 20
raise Rcck Creek Park 70 the same stand
ard Of usefulness to the public as the
/ large parks Of other cities. There is no
question IN my mind, he said. ''but what
Rock Creek Park VIII soon be the most
! popular resort for the general public in
the city following the carrying out Of the
/ present plan"
Joseph Richardson, OF the firm OF Rich
/ ardson & Burgess. contractors. charac-
terized the movement TO open Rock Creek
! Park as a good work
While I have not gone into the mat
] ter thoroughly Mr.. Richardson said
/ yesterday. I approve without hesitation
OF the project TO give the citizens of
/ Washington a real park, with all that the
name signifies. Rock Creek Park would
/ be this II the present plan is carried out
as I have no doubt 1t viii be.
( Il would like however. 10 point out
one great evil 10 be avoided in its devel-
opment That IS. do not make the park
la place for only one or two classes OF
I people Let II be for all without excep-
/ tion. II the athletic fields are all run by
/ private athletic organizations, then there
/ Will be a tendency on the part OK these
/ organizations 10 exclude certain persons
I from their grounds. Even Il they were
not able 10 do this, the feeling would be
there and would create unpleasantness.
/ TIE government should itself build suit
able athletic fields there. and should
maintain them. These would be open to
all
L am also in favor OF a bus line run
! ming through the park and think that
such thing would be most valuable