Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-10-13
A LITTLE PLAIN TALK


slope from one end OF the oity to
the other. that doubt would be re-
solved by walk along the Front steps
at the present time. In the absence OF
any definite plan of treatment the ter
race has been regarded as something
which might someday, in some fashion.
be given some attention. But when
such distinguished visitor as Philan-
der c. Knox grows enthusiastic in
praise of the splendid river front treat
ment and all the city's visitors wax
eloquent in their admiration of the
unique steps and walk along the water
front, 1t is high time that our own
people realize the importance of doing
something definite in the way of pro-
tecting this embankment.
1t would appear that the Depart
ment of Parks should adopt a settled
policy respecting this matter. There
has been enough backing and filing
and dawdling. City Commissioner Gross
seems to have utterly failed in appre-
citation of the Importance of doing
something. Outside of rambling sug-
gestions he has accomplished little in
the direction of permanent treatment.
Notwithstanding the fact that sew
eral thousand dollars remain of the
last park loan, ample for the purposes
of protective work along the embank-
ment. the months have been allowed to
pass without any real effort to do what
is urgently needed.
Let any citizen who questions the
absolute necessity OF protecting this
en- mbankment make an inspection from
the lower walk and see for himself the
conditions which now exist. Gulleys
have been cut in the bank from the
top to the bottom by the rains of the
year: large willow trees overhang the
walk; no planting of any importance
has been done; deposits of the Spring
floods are still upon the granolithic
prom enade, and there is throughout
the river front general appearance
of neglect Surely. the people of Har-
risburg do not want this sort OF thing
to continue
The Susquehanna Basin. Is an asset
OF which the city is proud. and while
visitors applaud what has already been
done they also recognize the need for
completing tho job Thousands of
plants are growing in the city nursery
and Thousands of these plants should
have been placed along the slope this
year wherever the proper grade has
been established. The guIleys along
the embankment must be filled. else
still greater destruction will follow
through the topping of the upper
walk. Between the Walnut and Mar
ket street bridges great stones have
been allowed to obstruct the grano-
iithic walk. No real effort has been
made 70 create permanent conditions.
Every thing suggests an atmosphere OF
indifference. not TO say incom potency.
Unless and until specific policy
shall have been adopted for tho treat
ment of the river slope these conditions
will persist. If it is not possible,
for lack of sufficient appropriation,
to place the river frontage in proper
shape at one time. then 1t ought to be
easily possible to make a start at n
given point and complete the work
from year to year until the embank-
ment in Its protection and planting
shall be beyond further damage from
high water and other causes. II Is no
wonder that the people are complain,
ing when so little has been done this
year. They have a right to complain
and the responsibility must rest where
It belongs.
Thank heaven. it's over, No more
late papers to worry Telegraph sub