The Washington times., 1909-05-16
WILL USE CAPITAL
AS Object LESSON
City Planners to See Wash.
ington Presented in
Dual Role.

Washington IS to appear in the dual
roles OF horrible example and the civic
Ideal before the first national congress
on city planning. which begins its scs-
Eions here Friday.
With its many insanitary houses, un-
lighted and ill-smelling alleys, its un-
Improved water approaches. the Capital
OF the NGtton has many of those things
that the congress has been called to
eliminate from the schemes of things
municipal
On the other hand, in its beautiful pub
bic buildings, in the plans of the Park
Commission, I'm the plans already under
vayfor the extension Of the park system,
tic broad streets, and the system OF
street cleaning, lighting and shading.
the peoples city has many objects of
Interest to the civic improvers which
they viii study with view OF returning
TO their home towns and doing likewise.
VIII Help Washington.
While the congress IS to be a national
affair, IL IS believed here that the city
Of Washington will receive direct and
Immediate benefit through the wide
spread discussion of the conditions ex-
listing here that are sure to form the
principal topic of many days sessions.
The Endorsement that has been given
hy President Taft TO the work Of max
ing Washington the model city In the
country Will so a great way toward
bringing about the action most desired.
With this emo in view, the District
Commissioners are prepared to go be-
fore the delegates with weil-defined
plans on which they desire action-not
only formal approval. but the awaken
Ing Of an interest that viii make itself
felt when appropriation bills come up
for discussion next year
While there are several general
schemes that win receive more or less
attention two or three of the pro jecrs
that viii be discussed Will, il is hoped,
secure immediate approval and the ac-
tive support of the delegates. The i'm
provement of Rock creek from Massa-
chusetts avenue to the Potomac Is one
of the things the local authorities have
been endeavoring 10 put through nun
Der OF years. The construction OF a
park on both sides of the creek, doing
away with the unSanitary and unsightly
conditions that have always existed will
cost $4,000. The Commissioners want
this appropriated in small annual sums
Will Increase Values.
Net only will the accomplishment Of
This project enhance the beauty Of the
surrounding blocks, but it viii increase
the value of property along the creek
and give value TO property which is
row worth nothing.
The improvement OF the hsrbor is
another scheme that is dear to the heart
Of the Washington improvers, and has
been brought prominently 10 the attcn-
ton Of those in authority lately through
the unqualified condemnation Of tho
present conditions by Engineer Commits
sioner Judson- It Is purposed TO tear
down all the existing structures along
the river front and build new bulkhead
walls and docks that will be rented
Tor passenger and freight traffic
The Government receives an annual
revenue $1,000 from the water front
property. and Il has been suggested that
this be applied TO the work Of improve
ment- The cost OF the contemplated
new work is estimated at s.. 800. .OO0 Con-
gress was asked for 100000 last year.
but the appropriation was not made