The Washington times., 1913-06-08
JUSTICE DAY PLEADS
FOR BARBER ESTATE
Is Strong Advocate of Plan to
Save Tract and Convert It
to Public Use.

Although he could not attend the
mass of yesterday, when men and
women prominent in tta affairs of the
District pleaded for the preservation of
Belmont, the old Barber estate, Justice
William r. Day, of the Supreme Court,
is a strong advocate of the plan to save
and convert this beautiful tract to pub
lie uses. Justice Day expressed his
sentiments in a letter to Mrs. John A.
Logan, regretting his inability to par
ticipate. In this letter he said:
MY Dear Mrs. I.ogan.I have your
communication concerning the meeting
to be held on Saturday afternoon, the
eth instant. in the interest of the pres
ervation of the Belmont estate. 1 regret
that official business will prevent my
attendance.
Il am heartily in favor of the adop-
ton of some plan which may save the
beauties of Belmont from destruction
II there were no other consideration.
the cutting down of the fine old forest
trees, the like of which are seldom seen
and which cannot be replaced, would be
little snort OF public calamity.
In Parks.
Much of the attractiveness of Wash
lnston is found In the parks and
squares which abound in many parts of
the city, but of which there Is a woeful
lack in the section surrounding this
beautiful estate. With little expense
Belmont can be made one of the most
attractive and beautiful breathing places
in the city. 1t can readily be converted
into a public park-and the house can
be used for meuseum of art or his
torical collections or be devoted to both
purposes.
This. l think. would be the ideal dis
position OF the property. II is not less
suitable, however for a children's home
or residence for the Vice President Of
the United States. One thing is certain,
II ought to be preserved in its present
condition as nearly as practicable
Wishing You and those associated with
1 am. sincerely yours.
'wILLIAM r. DAY"
On an improvised platform under
the noble oaks of Belmont MANY
prominent men and women pleaded
yesterday for the preservation of the
estate. After they had been heard.
the mass meeting by rising vote pass
make a sufficient appropriation to
buy the estate for the public
Makes Concessions.
Harry Wardman. present owner.
who had planned to erect a block of
sixteen apartment houses on the site.
made generous concessions to those
working in the cause. He told those
assembled that he appreciated the
estate and the worthiness of their
object. He said that he would post
pone his building plans for one year.
provided that those interested would
pay $4,000, the cost Of carrying the
property that length Of time. Being
interested with them. he offered $1,000
OF this from his own pocket.
Justice Anderson, of the District Su-
preme Court presided, and at the close
of the meeting he appointed a COM
mittee of seven TO make plans for the
acquisition of the property. Those
named are Henry B. F. Macfarland,
r. III. Droop, w. II. Saunders. D. J.
Callahan. w. V. Cox, Clifford Pinchot,
and Judge c. S. Bundy.
Mrs. Logan, who launched the move
opened 1t with an address Justice
Anderson, Mgr. Mackin, william B.
Todd, w. E. Andrews. Treasury De-
partment Auditor; w. H. Saunders,
Arthur c. Moses. and the Rev. George
Dudley, pastor of St Stephens Epis-
copal Church, followed him. Letters
were read from former Commissioner
f. H. Droop, and John J.
Edison.