Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-12-06
Extension of Jurisdiction
Into Virginia Advocated

1t is desirable that the necessary area
be acquired for the preservation of the
present picturesque features of the Sec
tion known as Khngle Ford valley, includ-
ing certain land on the west side Of Con-
necticut avenue. opposite the entrance OF
the Geological Park, and land lying be-
tween the western boundary of that park
and Connecticut and Cathedral avenues.
containing a little more than "a acres.
The impressive natural beauty of this
tract and its proximity to the Geological
Park suggest its fitness as a part Of the
system to which that park belongs. 1t
would be deplorable If the omission to Sc
cure 1t for that purpose in the near flu
ture should lead to its conversion to pri-
vate-residence or business uses.
The Commissioners have asked for leg
islation to provide for it's purchase. and
hope the necessary authority will be
granted during the present Congress.
Extension Of District Limits.
In the judgment Of the Commissioners
action should be taken in the near future
for the re-estabishment Of the jurisdiction
Of the United States over such portion of
the right bank Of the Potomac river with
in Alexandria county. in the state of Vir-
Einia, as may be essential to the proper
development and maintenance of the Ma
tonal Capital
The Commissioners do not consider that
Of the state Of Virginia or Of the United
States, that the whole Of Alexandra
county should revert to federal control.
~ there appears to be good reason for
limiting. the area Of the District of Co
l9mhia to the least amount that will en-
able the, District to fulfill its function as
)ocus OF. the seat Of the national govern
ment.
But there remains the very important
consideration that those parts of Alexan-
dria county adjacent. to the Potomac river
and In plain view of the capital, especially
the portion embracing the palisades of the
Potomac below Chain bridge. might easily
become unsightly and mar, the beauty of
the city which confronts them, as quar-.
rtes. both active and abandoned, are al
ready disdguring the green slopes and
ravines of the Virginia shore. The need
to have regard for the esthetic relations
OF these environs with the National Capt.
tai yearly increases with the development
of the city by buildings, parks and the
IKE. OF monumental character, whose
outlook should be in keeping with their
intrinsic artistic importance.
Whatever would essentially benefit the
city OF Washington would corresponding
~ tnure to the advantage OF the contigu-
Gus section Of the state Of Virginia. The
area involved In the proposition is about
1850 acres. but over 1.o8S acres Of that
extent IL embraced In the Arlington ceme-
terry, Fort Myer, and the experimental
farms OF the Agricultural Department.
Potomac Water Power.
In compliance with a request from the
Commissioners the Secretary of the In
terror has intrusted the geological survey,
which Is bureau Of the Interior Depart
ment. with the preparation Of a pre-
lminary report. with plans and estimates
AZ to cost, upon the feasibility of trans
hitting to the District Of Columbia the
necessary power for municipal lighting
purposes from the Potomac river above
Washington.
In report made on July IS, 1894, to
the Secretary Of War EEK. Doc. No. I54,
sd Cong, I'd sess.) by Col. George IL
Elliott and Capt. John G.. ID. hnight of
the Corps of Engineers of the United
States Army, in response to a resolution
OF the Senate dated March l. 1884, it is
stated:
I'VE find that electrical power can cas-
lily be transmitted from Great Falls to
Washington; that there can be construct
ed At reasonable cost a power canal
around the falls and q power plant below
est stages of the river $685. horsepower
without storage Of water above the falls
in the Seneca reach Of the river and S64S
horsepower with such storage"
The improvements in electrical and hy-
draulic machinery and appliances since
that report have doubtless Increased the
advantages that would be derived from
the development Of water power near
Washington.