Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial. (Wilmington, Del.) 1878-1928, 1922-08-18
MEMORIAL FOR HISTORIC CROSSING

Warrington, Aug. 1s--An ambitious
nroiect TO commemorate Washington.s
Crossing the Delaware mas oeen
launched. Numerous ideas for marx
ing this historic sIte and event nhVs
been presented, but IN the past there
has been no organized effort TO be-
s,n the work. Now there IL con-
crete plan and preliminary steps have
been taken toward carrying II out.
A natural park with memorial roans
leading to it and monuments ana
buildings dedicated to national heroes
lis contemplated under this plan, whicn /
was outlined at the recent state /
Parks Convention. Charles X. Ham !
lmitt a representative from Trenton, |
N. j.. fAthered the idea ana IN ex-
planning It pointed out that not only
ls the site situated In q picturesque
portion OF the upper Delaware, but tnat
liz ia also in the heart OF section ricn
In historical interest.
"wash,ngton's Crossing ana en-
vironment combine natural scenery
with a great national sentiment dear
I,o the hearts of the American people,
said Mr.. Hammtt. ut II O suitable
| shrine for patriotic devotion; natural
(. mecca for every American wherever
: horn. II ia conveniently accessible
{ 10 many millions OF the population OF
the Middle and New England States,
: and fully as accessible TO a vast ma
. ,orlty OF the rest CT the country as the
, remote western parks.
cd h .
> wisdom Of establishing and main
tanning national parks and mas riiahe
enormous reservations 10 preserve
forests and natural scenery, chiefly In
e the far west, 80 remote from the center
>. OF population that only very small
e percentsge OF its citizens can ever
I hone TO enjoy the BENEFITS. Vast sums
4 of money have been spent with the
y approval Of the entire country, Tor
g these forests and this natural scenery
n constitute great national asset well
worth conserving and Of growing i'm
- portance with increasing population.
For more than las years this great
:. historic spot, this great national as
% set. has remained substantially un-
developed--not from any lack Of In
!, lied driving force and few earnest
y leaders to crystalline public sentiment
,e and guide In the development. In re-
~ cent years a growing demand foi
VI action has become manifest. Botf
-, Pennsylvania and New Jersey hav'
y. recognized 1t and their Legislatures
= have made initial appropriations q
~ acquire land and commence develop
- ment, in the hope that the nationa
~ government win join in the erection
a suitable Memorial Bridge uniting
i. the two States sections Of the park.
.,r National Park Project
er More recently the idea OF a grea
he National Historic Park has taken roc
he and plans for this are under consider
ms alton. This idea has taken the shap
on of restoring part OF the land 10 IL
CHI original condition; for the States @
ny Pennsylvania and New Jersey TO q
at their part and to acquire sufncien
I'd additional land to make. first, an al
llotnent to the other eleven orfgina
r. Colonies 20 develop IN their ow
oi- characteristic manner under gen
as eral plan, and. second, similar allo7
ed ments to other States which have sine
entered the Union"
h AZ tho plan has been developed |
Sn present II IL proposed that mon,
&c, ment representing Washington &C
err uaIly crossing the Delaware be erec
ice ed in nadstream and that the NJ
ict mortal Bridge have a section devot'
Its 70 each Of the thirteen original col
on. niee. Various organizations. patriot
ain professional, commercial, religion
ice scientific, fraternal, and industr1'
On will be permitted TO build suitaf
monuments suggesting their progre
and their contributions TO the grow
Of the country.
~, Then II Is proposed to encourage Z
building OF fine highways, beautifi
IN populous sections, leading to {
park from all directions, particular
rou from Philadelphia through Vail
Forge to Washington's Crossing al
over the various routes OF march
er. the Colonial forces. These highwa
Will would be suitably marked for pu
on? lie information.
she In addition 10 the monuments 10
erected by the States and organic
red tons II is suggested also that mon
ments, busts. or tablets be erect
YES Of men and women who have CO
<. tributed notably toward the welfa
OF the nation by their services in mi
hat tary CT civil pursuits.
A Funds for the project viii COZ
ms largely from the Federal treasul
, 1t from the seFerai states ana from
numerous organizations of the CHI;
acter mentioned. but individual ci
,b,s zens Will be offered an opportun
---.I to make voluntary contributions. II
Is proposed through the formation
a Washington's Crossing Natioi
Park Association, life memberships
o Is which may be secured by contrib
70 ing sums OF one dollar or more.
isht 1--WE are approaching period
the celebration" said Mr.. Hanlmitt.
discussing this phase OF the prof,
which will extend for many We
| at and continually remind the Ameri,
here people Of the struggle fcr liberty. II
/ OF Will bring TO mind the price p
lrks. which will doubtless result In insl
,om- Ing more fervent patriotism throu
for out the land and IN making pee
for more anxious TO visit such an hist,
nsas cal spot as Washington's Crossir
Phnadelphia's Celebration.
nrrha casautcAorenota, a. Dhxto.