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

Capitol, one or two fine sycamores and
elms still survive IN the yards bordering
on some of our streets, holding on still
to precarious existence.
II say precarious, because what is pos
sibly the finest tree in Washington came
near falling a victim to the indiscrimi-
nate ruling of some park commissioner
but few years ago and was only saved
by the united efforts of the membership
of the Cosmos Club, whose windows =
fronted, and OF the public press and such
few citizens Of Washington as took inter-
est in the matter.
THE reclamation of the Anacosua fats
and the extension of the benefcient work
already begun around to the eastward OF
the city; the Improvement Of public
school buildings, the creation OF play
grounds for children; the creation and Inn
provement Of lesser parks and gardens
and parking along our streets.
Among the details win probably be
the endeavor to secure the appointment
OF a broad-minded and competent art
commission, composed Of men who by their
! experience, their reputation, and their
taste shall be held universally competent
10 advise in such matters as those 70
which I have alluded. Men who have no
other motive than the passion for art
working as the handmade Of patriotism.
Mr.. Glenn Brown, chairman Of the civic
art committee, talked about what the
citizens can do for the betterment OF
Washington He said that 1t lies within
their power TO arouse the sentiment of
the nation 10 such a pitch that the city
can get what it needs to make 1t as near
perfect as q municipality can be-
! Mr.. Brown said: 1T may surprise you
to hear that the citizens OF Washington
had little 10 do with securing the park
| commission. and have failed 10 defend the
scheme against many attempted varia-
, tons. which would have destroyed the
harmonious growth and beauty Of the
city.
The successful campaigns 10 prevent
changes and alterations have been con-
, Quoted largely through citizens OF the
States who have an interest In the Capt.
tai OF the nation
The civic committee OF the Society Of
the Fine Arts feel that our citizens, the
ones most vitality interested. should take
part, an active part. in these great
questions so important TO their citys
welfare.
We have secured a great plan. which
has been effective as a moral influence
The citizen, by constantly keeping Il
before the public. can make it a legal
accomplishment
The citizen can help by Importantly
to secure a much-needed commission.
The citizen can keep a watchful and
Jealous eye on all OF the proposed I'M
provements. and see that they conform
10 the scheme.
/ The citizen can urge the prompt pas
sage Of bin now before Congress for
retaining marshes and can insist that
it be treated according 20 the Park Com
missions plan.
Riverside Park along the broad and
beautiful Potomac is already showing
how attractive il may be. but IL should
be laid out as part Of the great system,
20 fit in with the Mall and Rock Creek
( Park. I regret 10 say that much has
been done here without reference 10 the
| system as a whole.
portant elements in the future Of the
city's development.
THE citizen can save the river shore
20 the crown OF the hills so II will be a
pleasure to our own and future genera
tons.
The dock frontage OF our river IS now
a mass Of ugly dilapidated and decaying
wharves. This can be made an attractive
| effective, and impressive river entrance
to the Capital, equal 10 what We SEQ
in many foreign cities
III the beautiful Rock Creek Park is 70
attain and maintain its greatest perfec-
tion. It will be necessary to acquire many
small areas 70 keep the fringe OF trees
along the crests Of hills from being de-
stroyed. and there are many small valleys
and picturesque dells needed which would
add to Its charm.
The citizen can see that this necessary
ground is added to the park for our en-
joyment
Washington needs the Panama Exposi-
ton, as it offers an opportunity for con
structing the park commissions plan a,
a part OF the exposition. Much Of it coulf
be permanent and provide buildings FOL
the government and park Improvement.
for the city.
The citizen. by enthusiasm and team
work, can secure the Panama Exposition
and give the world an opportunity 70 Sc,
Washington developed as it will be,
THE citizen will. l feel confident, exer
all his energies TO secure the passage o
the Newlands bill. which will give US
, fitting memorial to Abraham Lincoln, il
accord with the park commission plan"
| David Fairchild, president OF the PEG
{ pies Gardens Association, criticised tn
! sky line of Washington He said III,
, most noticeable blot on the perfection o
the city is the river front. A httinl
Z frame Of foliage, he declared, would turi
this evil feature into a thing Of beauty
2 He championed the cause Of the park
3 ings and asserted nature can do more TO
ward identifying the city than men,
e given an opportunity.
t Mr.. F. D. Millet, secretary OF the fed
) GRAFTON, gave an account Of the advance
! during the year just past in overcomin
the obstacles that stand in the way o
making Washington the Capital OF al
Z capitals. He was optimistic for the fu
ture. and said Congress is co-operatin
: in the desire Of the citizens TO carry on
Z every plan that will make the city a
s ideal residence place.
: Miss Leila Afechlin. president Of tn
league for the decoration Of public school.
told what the school children are dom
j toward the common scheme OF beautif
! cation. She said education has much {
, do with artistic aims. and predicted tina
a the coming generation viii carry out tn
plans of the federation.