The Washington times., 1914-08-21

people, although having cost 81. 100000 as
though II had never been purchased.
About that time Congress commenced to
appropriate annually some small amounts
of money. / don't think the appropri-
alton has exceeded $4,000 a year, and
several Of them have been as low as
$4,000 a year. From these appropria-
tions we have secured u few bridges
and several exceedingly narrow and
dangerous roadways with sharp curves
and overhanging bushes, SO that 1t is
almost worth ones life to walk, ride
or drive through the park. Some
bride paths and footways have been in
extensively provided. and they are
quite satisfactory. There is plenty of
land out there, and consequently no
reason apparently why these roadways
should not be Of ample width to protect
life and property.
Car Service Necessary.
with street car facilities. thousands
of epople will surely visit the park and
enjoy 1t. Today, many without bob
tailed horses or automobiles have never
seen IT, and perhaps never will under
existing conditions.
I'VE are advocating, and i hope you
will urge that the Marine Band should
play out there in season, either at the
suitable site. This, of course, would
attract the attention of a great number
of men, women, and children, to hear
the charm of music among the great
trees overlooking beautiful Rock Creek.
where the music afforded by nature
from the tumbling waters Of this stream
over the rocks with which it is adorned.
would blend with that of the band.
1T is a great source Of satisfaction
to know that a portion of this park,
now practically cleared land, will be
utilized as a, botanic garden. I am
familiar with the location on Military
road, near Brightwood. and feel that
any one who becomes acquainted with
Il would indorse the selection Soils Of
varied qualities are to be found there,
water in abundance, low.and. HIGHLAND,
and exposures from the north, south.
east. and west can be secured. Thus
the Government will be able to provide
cultivate. and advance all species Of
ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, and
flowers. No other portion of this Dis
trict is so suitable, and then. too, the
establishment of the Botanic Garden
there will become an educational fea-
ture and attract the attention Of thou
sands OF visitors.
Should Encourage Move.
Certain representatives in Congress
ought to be much gratified to encour-
age this. because they will have the
satisfaction of utilizing territory ad-
m1rable ana suitable 1Or th6 purposes OF
the Federal Government. half the cost
of which has been imposed as bur-
dcr upon the few thousand taxpayers
of the District Of Columbia. while The
millions which constitute the nation
have been obliged to bear only the 9TH
er half.
"One member Of Congress suggested
that the people of the District should
be charged with the cost of moving the
Federal Botanic Garden from its old
site to the new. 1t would be about as
consistent to talk about moving the
United States Capitol building 70 some
other hill top and charging the expense
to the District. Some one also alluded
10 the fact that to place the Botanic
Garden in Rock Creek Park would
cause the destruction of some of the
trees. I happen to know that there is
ample cleared land out there for the
purposes of the Garden, which can be
utilized without destruction of trees. |
When located, il will popularize the
park. educate the thousands who visit |
annually, greatly benefit |
the United States. and beautify that |
portion of the park which is now and |
has been for many years barren and !
unsttractive.''