Evening star., 1917-06-03
INTEREST IN THE WORK
Of DEVELOPING CITY
Fine Arts Commission, in Report to
Senate, Cites ''Noteworthy
Progress"

The fine arts commission, in its an
nual report for the fiscal year ending
June 80. 1916, transmitted to the Sen
ate yesterday, reiterated its keen in.
terest in the proper development OF
the National Capital.
During the past year." said the re-
port, noteworthy progress has been
made in the development of the plan
of Washington. The central feature OF
the plan is the space comprised be-
tween the Capitol and the Lincoln Me-
mortal an area 11,701 feet in length
This central composition is larger in
extent than any like area in any other
capital city, and also is more varied in
its significant features. At the head of
the composition are the Capitol
grounds. Extension of these grounds
have been made by purchase of land
between the Capitol and the Union
station.
Should Be Entirely Cleared.
THE lands have been cleared of
buildings except for struggling groups
of structures which are unsightly. The
lands should be entirely cleared. de-
termination of the kind of treatment
whether gardens or public building
sites-should be reached and consist
ent plan of development should be pre-
pared.
consideration should also be given
10 the question Of purchasing lands on
the south and west fronts of the Cap
itol grounds. so as to give that build
ing a harmonious and altogether dig
nified setting"
Taking up the question of the Grant
memorial, located at the foot of the
Capitol grounds and in part of the
Botanic Garden, the commission strong
ly opposes the plan which has found
favor in the Senate to enlarge the
Botanic Garden by taking in East and
West Seaton Park. The commission
advocates instead the removal of the
Botanic Garden to a site more suited
for 1t. preferably Mount Hamilton. 1t
also recommends the removal of the
Bartholdi fountain to a site where it
can have a setting especially designed
for 1t.
Suggested Development.
"After the space about the Grant
memorial has been cleared" continues
the report, 'the area now occupied by
the Botanic Garden should be developed
Is an open square. in which that me-
mortal should be the chief feature. The
Meade memorial. contributed by the
state of Pennsylvania, would then take
its appropriate place as further
adornment of this square. Other cor
responding memorials would find To-
cations in the same square"
Commenting upon the project for the
parkway between Rock creek and
Potomac parks. the commission says
that the work is going forward ia
vorably and acquisitions of property
are being made.
East Potomac Park. the commission
reports, when it's tennis courts golf
links, other athletic fields and field
houses have been completed, will take
its place with the three other great
island parks of the world.
Taking up the DEVELOPMENT of
Anacostia Water Park. designed to give
the eastern portion of the District a
park similar to Rock Creek Park on the
west, the commission reports that ex-
cellent progress IS being made.
Beautiful Sites for Residences.
"a marked improvement in the health
fulnesS as well as the sightliness of
the eastern section will result from
this development" says the report. '"The
hills beyond the Anacostia river pre-
sent as beautiful sites for residences
as are to be found in the District The
improvement of the city. The commits
sion has taken great interest in work
ing out these plans.
THE development of Anacostia Water
Park emphasizes the demand for park
way connections across the District on
Creek Park
Touching upon the question of statues
to be erected in Washington, the COM
mission says:
This commission has sought to dis
courage the erection of portrait statues
does not lend itself to artistic treat
ment- The commission is firmly of the
opinion that no memorial should be ac-
cepted that in itself does not add to
the artistic development of the city;
and also that severe scrutiny should be
exercised to prevent the occupation of
public space by memorials to persons
who have not rendered distinguished