The Washington herald., 1910-03-26
WOULD ESTABLISH
STATE EXPOSITION
j. H. Nelson Submits Plan
for Identification.
PERMANENT BUILDINGS
In Communication to Commissioners
He Outlines Scheme for Exhibit of
Various Products of Country on
Potomac Park, site 10 BE Set Aside
by the Federal Government.

Elaborate plans for the identification
of the city has been received by the Com
missioners from John H. Nelson. 1929
Monroe street, who advocated the set
ting aside by the national government Of
building site for each State, whereon
magnificent State buildings can be erect
ed. These buildings would not only pro-
vide assemblage places for visitors, but
would permit of a permanent exhibit Of
various products of the separate States.
While the Commissioners do not feel
that II is within their power to take any
action, they have perused the communi-
cation With much interest and hope that
something practical will be accomplished.
Mr.. Nelson's letter follows;
Benefit to States.
II beg to submit for your consideration
and action the following plan for increas-
ing the attractions of this city in connec-
ton with incalculable benefits TO the
States.
Il respectfully suggest there be estab-
hshed within the District permanent
state exposition. and that it be located
in Potomac Park, east OF the railroads.
and founded and developed in accordance
with the following plan:
THAT each State erect on ground dedi-
Gated to it by the Federal government
a suitable building for the permanent ex-
position OF its mines, products, industries.
resources, health resorts, and other fea-
lures, and maintain bureau of informa-
ton for the dissemination Of knowledge
respecting its natural advantages and all
other items that may be the subject Of
inquiry.
'rThat each State be limited "a parcel
Of ground of equal dimensions, and 10
the same amount for expenditures for the
cost Of its building. so as TO preserve
equality and prevent emulation and rival
~ in the splendor OF the structure. all of
which can be regulated by the board Of
governors.
Revenue for maintenance.
That each building be at least three
stories. and that the first floor be de-
voted to exposition purposes exclusively;
the second 10 halls and convention rooms
for the people of that State living in
" dSAlllE ABlt. tl tlEl z o. NA7ANbANu VI AllaN
said second floor be used as a hotel,
especially for women from that State. to
the end that a small revenue be raised
for the maintenance Of each building;
the third story for a living apartment
for the custodian OF the building and ex-
hi5lts.
THAT the plan for the arrangement Of
the group Of buildings be submitted 10
the architects in competition, adhering
generally 10 the scheme OF detached
structures with three facades, TO be To-
Gated in a park sufficiently extensive to
permit the growth OF trees and shrub
berry. to betraversed. by serpentine roads,
or developed on the theory Of a labyrinth
garden typical Of the unity Of the States.
That each State shall design its own
building and. as far as possible, typify
in its architecture its history and other
local Characterization.
Entails Small Appropriation.
THE plan is practical. because II en-
tails an inconsiderable appropriation by
each State for the cost of the structure.
the plan contemplating that each build
ing viii be practically self-supporting. It
will produce a strong sentimental attach
ment for and foster the pride of the peo-
pie in the home OF each State at the
National Capital.
THE benefit TO the nation in having a
close assemblage Of the States and their
resources permanently should obtain the
interest Of Congress. and the great ad-
~ IL
an adornment should Insure the aid and
contribution by the municipality and Con-
gress to the extent Of providing the ground.
The Commissioners for the District or Co.
lumbia are regarded as the proper au-
thority TO take charge OF and prosecute
this plan"