The Washington times., 1917-02-09
Advocates of Municipal Ideal
Gather at Fine Arts Society
Meeting.
WANT ARTISTIC CAPITAL
States Urge Development of
Washington as Pattern for
Rest of Country.

Those who have dreamed of Wash
ington becoming the most beautiful
of cities, the municipality where
things material and spiritual have
reached the apex of their perfection.
left the public meeting, held under
auspices of the Washington Society
of Fine Arts in Central High School
auditorium last night, with at least
one lasting impression-how near
these dreams are to realization.
The meeting held to discuss The
= City of Washington as an Artistic
Composition" was strictly national in
character. Speeches were made by
Secretary of War Baker, Col w. W.
Harts, superintendent of public build
ings and grounds; Congressman James
L. Slayden, chairman of the Library
Committee of the House of Repre-
sentatives; Commissioner Oliver p
Newman and Glenn Brown. president
of the Washington Society of Fine
Arts.
Urged by States.
Those who attended the meeting
came away astounded at the compre-
hensive plans for the Identification
of the National Capital; the remark
able steps which are being made in
the uGNGlOpLnCHl VI lHcSS pldhss anu
the sentiment in favor Of their de-
velopment which exists throughout
the States
Portraying the Potomac as being in
the future to Washington what the
Seine is to Paris, Secretary of War
Baker, dwelt at length on the effect
of an artistic Washington on the
country's future -generations.I He
cited how good environment was con-
ducive to lofty principles in the minds
of the nations children. He told how
the people of every State in the Union
have their eyes fixed on the develop
ment of their Capital and said the in
terest in the project was rapidly
growing.
Practical Art LOvek.
y am a perfectly practical person
about art / believe that while we
must build our bridges beautiful we
must build them in such a manner
that they will carry our traffic and
NIL all practical purposes.
The artistic side of city building is
vastly more practical than many peo-
pie think it to be. The unconscious
influence of art on the present and
future generation in the way of ere
ating higher standards of morality
pie is much greater than we imagine.
Let us make our American cities
beautiful, for to show your children a
beautiful house is an inspiration to
them to attain to higher standards.
Let us make Washington so COM
pellingly beautiful that all Americans
Will marvel at 1t and will return to
their native towns and cities inspired
with a desire to pattern after it and
thereby raise the level of their own
economic and social centers."
Major L'Enfant.
Colonel Harts told of the dream of
the man. who planned Washington.
Major L'Enfant He explained to
what a great extent the original
plans of the city have been followed
and told OF the near accomplishment
of much of the present plans. Views
OF what Washington will be were
greeted with vigorous applause.
Congressman Slayden. who is chair
man of the Congressional Committee
on the Library, evoked considerable
mirth by his witticisms about the
work OF the committee with reference
TO the Capitals statuary. The speak
er's address was replete with humor-
Gus statements about the things
which some Americans would per-
petrate in the name of art
Americans are in too great a hurry
TO memorable their heroes" declared
the speaker. Some people want
statues for everybody, for some who
have done something, for some who
have done nothing, and for some who
would have done better had they left
undone that which they did.
"PetrIhed CavaIcade.'
Some of these people would make
Washington a petriied cavaIcade. 1
think we have enough men on horse
back in Washington"
Congressman Slayden concluded by
advising Washingtonians to build
their own convention hall. He said
that of the people of the Capital
would do something for themselves
they would be able to have Congress
do more for them.
Commissioner Newman outlined the
aims of the present Commissioners
of the District to put a soul in the
workings of the municipal govern
ment. He cited the police department
as an illustration of what has been
done in this respect under the super
vision of Major Raymond Pullman.
Mr. II. II. Freeman, organist of st.
Johns Church rendered several Or