Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-02-19
intendent of the Capitol. Many members

intendent of the Capitol. Many members
of the lower house of Congress appear
to be in accord.
The precise location is not set forth In
the Mccall bill. Nor is the design die
tated. The recent decision Of Congress
to purchase the tract of land between
the Capitol and Union station will UNI
doubleday affect the elaboration of this
especial plan, allowing of wider latitude
in the selection of site. but in conformity
with the original proposition.
Among the schemes under considera-
ton in connection with this plan was
for peristyle encirclng the plaza. a
colonnade on Delaware avenue was also
suggested. A further idea was Of a tri-
unphal arch.
The Highway to Gettysburg.
A great highway from Washington to
Gettysburg, with a monumental portal
to be erected within the limits of the
District of Columbia, is the other inn
portant proposition. This comes within
the purview of the commission, which is
confined in it's deliberations to the con-
sideration of location within the city
of Washington, In view of the idea OF a
monumental structure to mark this end
OF the highway.
Representative Lafean is the sponsor
in Congress for the Gettysburg highway,
to approach in dignity the great Appian
way. Mrs. John B. Henderson, wife of
former Senator Henderson, is the ex-
ponent of the idea for a monumental
portal, which she proposes should be
erected on Meridian Hill. great stone
arch 1G0 feet to it's apex, in form similar
to the Eiffel tower. and spanning the
fifty-foot roadway Of Sixteenth street
and with cross span over Mount Pleas
ant street, is her tentative idea of a
proper monument. Mrs. Henderson and
her associates in this project are engaged
at present in preparing designs to sub
NIT to the commission.
There is q fourth proposition which
may assume greater Importance, but that
has not yet been put before Congress in
any concrete form. This proposes the
erection Of a memorial building in Wash
ington. containing a great hall. available
for the assemblies OF patriotic societies,
such as the Grand Army OF the Repub-
lie. 1t is also suggested that the me-
mortal building should contain rooms
Union where each state might deposit
mementOs OF the civil war. The museum
idea Is the central feature Of this plan,
and further consideration OF its details
is calculated to bring to it's support
veteran organizations and individuals in
and out OF Congress. The museum feature
is not impossible Of adoption in either of
the three better known plans and may be
incorporated In the scheme to be evolved
by the commission.
Home for the G. A. r..
THE Grand Army OF the Republic is
coming to a time when 1t will need per-
manent quarters said Capt. Oldroyd,
who is author Of the Lincoln museum
idea. ut has funds and can provide
home adequate to it's needs. Washington
will undoubtedly be the location.
There are reasons enough why the
government should provide such a home
for the Grand Army Of the Republic. and
it is fitting that it should be the Lin
coin memorial. The old soldier is fast
dying and would need such meeting
place only short while. But he would
leave behind him q wealth OF historical
accumulation.
:"rhe building should be a splendid
structure. and the location should be
appropriate to its dignity. A great as
sembly hall should be provided. where
the thinning ranks Of the Grand Army
patriotic bodies could meet. The
museum features should be the great
consideration. Here the records Of the
Grand Army could be preserved. If
the various departments Of the Grand
Army would undoubtedly transfer to
them their treasures. The department
of New York has in Its possession
the emancipation proclamation ats ,. which
archives. The Lincolnia Of Congression-
al library, and contained in the house
in which Lincoln died. II acquired by
the government, could find an abiding
place therein.
The Meridian Hill Arch.
In support of the Meridian Hill site
for a Lincoln memorial. Mrs. Hender-
SON advocates its superiority as offer
ing commanding extensive views de-
-,.~A1o co. monumental effects
"Where in the world is another such
opportunity for an impressive great
memorial? Here we would have tie
most important monumental features
az the town. distinct unto themselves.
and everything ALONGSIDE Wouid oe mere
nortance. as is the Grant statue. hear
the Capitol.
"shaii the Lincoln memorial be on
high ground. or on low er q, IN ,.sos Snan
shall it be an adjunct to something
larger and higher. as the Capitol or the
washington Monument?
The idea OF an arch on MERIDIAN Hun
base a span of fifty feet over the road
wav. a square lookout surmounting
the arch. accessible by steps within or
without; another story Try ABOVE ae ot that ana ana
aarth' A statue Of Lincoln. seated.
would ornament the arch. probably
placed above the center OF the span and
IN front Of the lookout" Statuary
groups and tablets Of bronze ron on which
sneach the emancipation proclamation
and other public utterances Of Lincoln
would adorn the four pediments. Groups
Of electric lights are ert to ,liumine the
a great circle about the arch Is an
other tentative suggestion. Mrs. Hender-
CON advocates the acquisition of land
eoual in extent to Meridian Hill Park.
adjoining it. on the western side OF
10th street.
Memorial Gardens.