The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-05-05

Declaring one ruthless order
swept away half Of Wasbngton's
beauty. Thomas Nelson Page, in an
address to the Society Of Fine Arts
at Continental Hall last night, de-
plored the lack of a harmonious
system Of improvement in the max
ing OF the most perfect capital in
the world.
He declared Statuary Hall is d
grotesque travesty, and those re-
sponslble for the destruction Of his
toric trees in Lafayette Park were
guilty of a crime.
Commissioner w. Y. Judson con-
CURED with Mr.. Page in his ar
raignment Of those who are so lack
ing in aesthetic appreciation of what
the Capital should be and who al
low II to be denuded Of foliage.
NEEDS CANAL EXPOSITION.
Much applause greeted the assertion OF
Glenn Brown that washington needs the
Panama Canal and can secure IL by en-
thusiasm and team work. and give the
world a leader in civic beauty.
Former Commissioner Henry B. +. Mac
farland championed the citizens Of Wash
ington for their unyarying interest In the
uDbuilding OF the city. He declared Wash
ingtonians have been maIigned by the
nation on account Of the fallacy that
they do not contribute 70 the Capitals
growth
Mr.. Macfarland also said the play
ground question had been misunderstood
He asserted If the playground proposition
had been labeled outdoor schools" there
would never have been a doubt as to the
passage Of favorable legislation.
Thomas Nelson Page, who is president
OF the society. presided over the meeting.
which was held for the "betterment Of
Washington" The audience of more than
800 followed every address. but gave most
interest 20 Mr.. Page on account OF the
emphasis Of his remarks.
Address of Mr. Judson.
On the subject Of municipal art Com
missioner Judson followed Mr.. Page.
Ours must be a government Of law"
he said. System and order are essential
Art must be brought into our affairs
through appropriate legislation. and we
must never lose sight Of this in urging
the passage Of bills by Congress.
"A certain bill that has received favor
able consideration from the Senate Com
mittee on the District Of Columbia, recog-
nizes that after all our city will be
largely built on private lands by private
capital This bill seeks to provide a
way advantageous TO themselves. I'm
which the owners OF property in anv
street can dedicate 10 the public the
right which it cannot otherwise Obtain
under our Constitution OF controlling the
exterior architecture OF buildings along
artistic lines. This bill provides for a
proper expert commission TO enforce its
provisions
In my opinion. the most important bill
which we have before Congress. OF TIE
passage Of which 7 arm very hopefui ts
one 10 provide FOR the expenditure Of
some $2o.oo0,ooO on our parks and other
permanent improvements.
In the next twelve years. II this hin
shall become law. we shall wipe out the
greater part Of our Indebtedness. and. at
a cost Of some S20OOOOle. accomplish the
permanent Improvements now crvir0 IN
oe lone, including the reclamation Of the
Flats, the connecting of Rock Creek Park
with Potomac Park. following the valley
Of Rock Creek and the practical consuro-
nation of the Mcmillan Park Commission
plan, besides many more strictly utilita-
rian projects essential to the health. han
piness. or convenience Of the people
IN addition 10 these very substantial
accomplishments. we shall have acouirad
the habit of spending an ever-lncreasjng
amount annually for the things that will
remain In evidence at the end Of the
year to make grand and beautiful and
fitting this nations Capital.
The public interest OF all the paorIa
Of the United States in Washington is
evidenced by annual contributions 10 the
District OF Columbia OF between e 600 200
and S6,OOoOOO. In fairness. the people must
find in Washington some quId pro ouo
When they visit Washington. or +ait- or
read about It, they expect as a .respIt %
their contributions. to contemplate a CITY
worthy OF the natural pride that has
induced such contributions.
In a sense the capital city of a nation
is symbolic Of its stability and aspira-
lions.
THE revenues Of the District Of Co
i;tmbia have been increasing RAPIDLY at
the rate Of abou: $4,000 per annun,.
thus the combined revenues have been
and are increasing at the rate OF about
10000 per aEnum Current needs. being
q function Of area and OF population are
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