The Washington times., 1910-03-02

s Call It Ignorance.
John Joy Edison. B. h Warner.
Charles j. Bell. c. c. Glover. A. Lisner.
william r GUIDE. and citizens of like
standing, stated separately. though with
pointed unanimity. this morning that
this condition Of mind vas no doubt the
cause Of the present situation, and arose
through ignorance Of the reason for any
appropriations at all from Congress for
District needs
The citizens who 20 from the mass
meeting this evening are to carry in
strQcuons 10 see that such situation
cannot exist when the conference reporU
IS made up for consideration tomorrow.
The fact that Congress pays half the
expenses Of the District in exchange
far the protection of and exemption
from taxation OF more than half of the
taxable property in the District. as well
asr.for its own convenience and well-be-
Ing these men say, Will be very care
fUfty explained with the idea Of creating
new condition OF mind among the
Legislators.
The indignation of the weu-known
business men who have been referred
rto as well as Of many others is re-
eHeeted in their own conception Of the
kitpauon as explained 20 The Times
today.
Essential As Schools"
In my judgment Fairgrounds are as
essential as schools and should ulti-
.-nlately be made an integral part Of the
school system"
This was the statement made this
anlorning by Otto Luebkert a director
of the Washington Fairgrounds Asso-
acfation. and one OF the Capitals best
known business men.
Eslt'I regret exceedingly TO learn Of the
tconfeTees' action in cutting out the ap-
deportation OF Fairgrounds. said Mr..
q h.
maintenance Of these Fairgrounds
Should depend upon efforts and cOnIri-
Buttons OF comparatively few Of the
scity's citizens Congress has committed
itself TO the playground policy by ap-
-proprtating money for their purchase
It is clearly the duty Of Congress to
provide means 10 maintain them.
Charles J. Bell, president Of the
american SecurItg and Trust Company,
wRo has always been a strong advo-
cate Of Fairgrounds said:
- Thinks Policy Shortsighted.
81 think the oversight by Congress IS
very snortsighted policy. I am a
great believer in Fairgrounds. and I be-
-lisve every thoughtful citizen appre-
GATES the need of giving children every
opportunity for exercise. Congress
should support the movement"
a. Lisner, proprietor of tho PalaiS
ROYAL, characterized the failure Of Con-
s1ress to provide a playground appro-
priation as "a regrettable display OF
thoughuessness or neglect
'-tI am sorry 10 note the omission OF
Congress NJ Lisner said. Il am a
strong advocate of open air and free
exercise. / Tlu sorry to see Congress
SO negleCtful OF the Districts needs.
That Washington is relegated to the
back pew Of American cities by Con-
gross neglect is the opinion OF John
.. Sleman, jr
Other Cities Liberal
sIf the House Of Representatives
wants 20 put Washington at the end Of
the line Of American cities" he said.
lit should persist in its attitude toward
the playground question. Every otner
CITY in the country is appropriating
money IN large amounts Tor plac SrOunc
uirposeS. Congress seems TO take the
position that the Capital Is not sup
posed 20 hold up its head with other
eines Of the nation in this kind OF pro-
gFessive. work.
ness men filed protests today against
the omission Of playground appro-
priation.
failing 10 take into account the growth
OF the CITY. and i'm failing to get a hold
on the ground we need now, Congress IS
moi displaying any great amount OF
foresight or wisdom, declared the Rev.
John Van Schaick. jr., pastor OF the
Church Of Our Father
Washington no longer expects gen
eFesitv at the hands Of Congress, but
re expect and demand fair play. The
District seems 10 he bore 10 Con-
eress and we are generally looked upon
a. lot of beggars Any attempt TO
provide for our children seems 20 be re-
Sented BY them This is not true Of all
dfe members, but the spirit OF the ma
5erity is shown in the action yesterday
s.m Superintendent Stuart's Views.
was expressed by a. T. Stuart, Superin-
tendent Of Schools.
"Congress ought TO make provision for
fairgrounds as one Of the first things it
does. The movement is not one for
recreation. but it is highly educational"
r. Golden Donaldson. one Of the City's
most prominent attorneys. also flied
- don't know Of any institution that
sioUld he more generously supported.
ftsis. of untold benefit TO children Of all
glasses, and is a boon to the poorer
cidts T. will be deplOrable If Con-
Eress turns down the appropriation"
~ Extremely Unfortunate"
~ L. Siddons. Of the firm of Ralston &
sitdons, attorneys. declared the action
was extremely unfortunate"
- think the action is extremely IN
fortunate, TO say the least" he said,
t|ANdA Ab4lAAC1e EA4bulu =ANC lllt play
ground movement such a setback
seems TO me a grave sociological error
III can only hope that Congress will
take some steps 10 reconsider its &C
tioh" declared Milton Z. Allies, Of the
Rfggs National Bank. THE movement
deserves the heartiest commentator.
It-deserves the best that Congress can
give II"
rhat Congress did not realize the i'm
portance Of its action is the opinion of
William F. Guide, president Of the
EhBmber of Commerce
.rThe men up on the hill should
Know he said, that the movement is
one th2t affects their own children as
well az ours. I can't help thinking their
oVersisht was through carelessness
much more than through disfavor of
the movement"
"0nly One Side"
-sss'rhere is only one side to the play
ground question" said John JOY Edison
today. There Is only one argument
that can be made in connection with it.