The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1922-06-01
PLAN TO IMPROVE ARLINGTON

Plans for the improvement Of
Arlington National cemetery have
been submitted to Quartermaster Gen.
eral Rogers by the commission Of fine
arts. The quartermaster general APP
proved them and transmitted them to
h secretary Of war, who referred
them to tine Wal Memorials council.
This body also approved the plans,
whereupOn the secretary also gave
his approval, and they are now to be
made the basis for the development of
that cemetery.
Arlington is a national shrine,
sacred to the memory of the thou
sands of soldier dead, named and I'M
named, who lie buried under the
shade Of its trees. This sacred char
acter should be protected and fOStered.
Monument or treatment of a self-aS-
sertive or grotesque character should
be rigidly excluded. Quiet, simplicity,
reverence should prevail.
Of Historic Interest.
Arlington is also a historic place.
It's builder, George Washington Parke
GUSTS, vas the adopted son Of George
Washington. His father gave his life
for his country during the Revolution;
and he himself was reared at Mount
Vernon, where he lived until he COM
pleted Arlington house in 1904. AT
his death Arlington passed into the
possession Of his daughter, the wife
of Robert f. Lee, and was occupied
by General and Mrs. Lee until 1t came
into possession Of the government. Its
historical Importance should be con-
sidered in methods Of treatment.
Arlington prospectively is a portion
Of the great central composition of
Washington, extending from the cap
itOl through the mall to the mOnu-
ment and on to the Lincoln memorial,
whence the memorial bridge, already
authorized by congress-, will cross the
Potomac to the newly created park
area adjoining the Arlington estate.
Plans Of Development.
Arlington has certain dominating
features to be considered in the plan
OF development. Among them are:
The mansion house will stand as
NV '" - dAlo vi liz
memorial bridge, leading from the
lincoln memorial to Arlington. The
wooded slopes in front of the man.
sion are among the most beautiful
landscapes in Washington, and they
should be kept free from disturbance
of any kind. The plans for the man
sion house aim to restore it's orig
NAL character as a distinctive house
Of its historic period. These plans,
made in the depot quartermaster's
Office, should be carried GU in the
spirit in which they have been de-
viSed.
In the section devoted to bulials Of
soldiers, the treatment represented by
the uniform small headstOnes erected
in regular formation and completely
shaded by trees Is the one that should
prevail throughout the entire Gene
terry. 1t is these very t%ree-shaded
areas that give Arlington it's fine and
characteristic quality. Today these
shaded areas predominant; but with
the burials Of World-war soldiers In
open fields Arlington is fast losing it's
present distinction. No effort should
be spared to continue the planting
over the present bare and shadeless
areas.
More Trees Are Needed.
Both the World war and the Spanish
war sections should be planted with
trees that will produce shade TO cover
rho pnfira orno IN %hn yy
section a planting scheme should be
adopted in advance Of the scheme for
graves, or at least the two plans
should be simultaneous.
This means the immediate selection
n planting Of thousands of trees In
the now vacant spaces of Arlington.
Today these t~reeless portions, so out
OF harmony with the general appear
rance of the cemetery, give one the
Idea that the graves of our latest
heroes are being placed rather in a
potter's field than in an honored loca-
ton.
ut rules made several years ago
to regulate the character of monu-
ments marking the graves of officers
nave had a Quieting effect; but in
the newer area set apart for officers
there is need of trees. The regula-
tions against mausoleums, portraits.
and unusual designs should be en-
forced for the protection of the many
against the self-assertion of the few.
Inc Ofncers whose careers need eulOgy
on a tombstone should not be accorded
in Arlington the credit that history
denies.
Roadway Should Be Improved.
The road in front Of Arlington
cemetery should be improved and de-
veloped along the entire frontage.
The space should be leveled, the car
tracks raised to the surface n re-
located, and a boulevard treatment
should replace the present neglected
and uncared for conditions. The right
way to deal with the situation is to
have a comprehensive plan made for
the entire development of Arlington.