The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-19
Frederick Haskin's Letter
OF Arrusl
A Playground for Congressmen.
Especial corresponcrnce Of

Washington, D. c., Oct 1S.-0ff-
cial Washington is at last going
to become acquainted all-around
Army chiefs are going to hobnoh
with congressman. Secretaries OF
departments will chat amicably
with senator's wives. What is even
more significant, senators will meet
representatives, and each will, per-
haps, learn something OF the 9TH
er's work and his point Of view.
Appreciation is going to take the
I place of antagonism between the
branches OF government
This millenium-like situation is
to be brought about by the Con-
gressional Country club which will
be opened about the first of De-
cember
The need for such a club to pro-
mote acquaintance is real. When
congressional committees call in
department officials to explain de-
partmental matters at hearings, the
atmosphere is apt to be slightly
chilly. The congressman, with his
eye on the federal budget, suspects
the department chief of wanting
more money or clerks than is nee
essary. The official testifying at
the end of the committee table
looks around and wishes that these
lawmakers would have to run his
organization for a week They'd
show more intelligence about it if
they did
The Congressional Country club
is to break the tradition that differ
ent branches of the government
speak different languages. On the
golf links, in the swimming pool,
on horseback, or around the open
fire, statesmen who have glared at
each other may soon be swapping
experiences and jokes.
The new club is needed in Wash
ington from another point OF view.
The capital has fewer country clubs
than almost any city of its size
Waiting lists of the three large
clubs are always long. II is said
that the city could easily build up
a new club from these lists alone.
A Needed Club.
The congressional club with its
membership of 1,500
will partly relieve this tense stu
alton. All congressman and their
wives, department heads and 40
credited press representatives will
be eligible. A few hand-picked out
siders will also be admitted on rec
of members. On the
whole. though. it is to be con-
gressional club with only congress
men for it's officers and board of |
directors.
The congressmen's new play |
ground consists of more than 400 |
acres of valuable land nine miles |
put of Washington. A big. 14-room |
country home, now on the grounds, |
IS to be the clubhouse until a new |
lne can be built. Bungalows are to |
be constructed. too. on the proper |
y, for members who may wish to |
-ent suburban homes and be close
o the golf course.
One alluring feature that is play
ID up by the members who are
starting the club is the scenery.
Fhe privilege of looking out on the
historic Potomac and the Virginia
Hills is alone said to be worth the
initiation fee Moreover, the high
way that runs by the grounds is
he old Braddock road on which
3raddOck is said to have marched
With George Washington before the
revolution.
With this picturesque back
round. the club hopes to develop
is property into an estate that will
ompare favorably with the best
ountry clubs anywhere.
Golf enthusiasts have pronounc-
Il
nusaal. Deyereux Emmett, the well
nown golf architect, may lay out
he course. When Mr. Emmett was
hown the grounds he was so i'm