Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-02-18
Bill to Connect Potomac and
Geological Parks.
SENATOR WETMORE'S PLAN
Measure Carries With It Appropria-
ton Of 100000.
TO MOVE BOTANIC GARDEN
Commission Authorized to Set Apart
Adequate Land for That
Purpose.

Tho purchase Of land lying along the
banks of Rock creek between Potomac
Park and Geological Park, SO that the
two big public reservations will be con-
nected by beautiful parkway, is pro-
posed In bill which Senator Wetmore
of Rhode Island introduced today.
The bill directs that commission,
composed Of the secretaries of Treasury,
War and Agriculture, shall acquire the
land by purchase or by condemnation;
and an appropriation Of $1,000, 600 to pay
the cost is authorized.
An incidental feature Of the bill is a
transfer Of the Botanic Gardens from
their present location, near the Capitol
grounds. to new site within the limits
of the parkway to be acquired.
The land other than that used for the
Botanic Gardens is to be paid for. half
out of the District revenues and half out
of the federal treasury; but the District
is to pay It's share In eight equal annual
installments, with interest at 3 per cent
on deferred payments.
Successful in Getting Bills Through.
Senator Wetmore has been successful
in pushing through Congress bills for en-
larging the park system of the National
Capital. He proposed the purchase of
the land lying between the Capitol
grounds and the Union station plaza, and
last year he succeeded in getting con-
gressional recognition of the plan and
an appropriation of $5OO,OUO toward Its
contamination.
The plan for connecting Rock Creek
and Potomac parks has been proposed be-
fication of the city. and it has received
the approval Of the President
The bill introduced today provides:
THAT for the purpose of connecting
Potomac Park with Geological Park anu
Rock Creek Park and providing new 10
garden, q commission to be composed of
the Secretary of the Treasury, the Sec
rotary of War, and the Secretary of Ag-
riculture Is hereby authorized and direct
or otherwise the land in the District OF
Columbia. shown on plans on file in the
office of the Engineer Commissioner OF
the District, dated February H.
1911, and lying on both sides
Park at total cost not to exceed $2,-
coo, 600, which sum is hereby appropriated
out of any money In the Treasury not
otherwise appropriated.
.'All lands now belonging to the United
States or the District OF Columbia lying
within the boundaries of the land to be
acquired by this act are hereby appro-
priated to and made a part of the park
wa and new Botanic Garden site herein
authorized to be acquired.
Moving Of Botanic Garden.
THAT the commission shall set apart
such portion as they may deem adequate,
of the land herein authorized to be ac-
quired, for a new location for the United
States Botanic Garden, and one-half of
the cost Of tho remaining portion shall
be reimbursed to the Treasury of the
United States out Of the revenues of the
District Of Columbia, In eight equal an
nual installments. with interest at the
rate of per centum per annum upon the
deferred payments.
That should the commission decide to
institute condemnation proceedings in
order to secure any or all OF the land
herein authorized to be acquired. such
proceedings shall be In accordance with
the provisions of the act of Congress APP
proved August 30. 1890. providing a site
for the enforcement of the government
printing office"
The land in question runs from Poto-
mac Park to the Geological Garden. 1t
takes in the stream and the valley and
as much other land as is deemed neces
sary by engineer officers to make
complete extension of the park system.
creating a complete connection between
Rock Creek Park and Potomac Park. 1t
is understood that the Commissioners will
favor this bill to their utmost power.