The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1923-10-27
PLAN.
Gets new
IMPETUS
Acting Mayor Of New York
Suggests East Potomac Be
Made World Playground.

L
Renewed impetus to the move
$50 to improve athletic facilities in
East Potomac Park that in future
such great contests as the OIym-
pic games and international polo
matches may be played in Wash
ington has been given by letter
of Acting Mayor Hubert. of New
York to President Coolidge sug-
Igesting that the park be dedicated
to the memory of the late Presi-
dent Harding.
Col. SherrfIPs Views.
This was the opinion expressed
today by Lieut.. Col. G. o. sheriff.,
superintendent OF public buildings
and grounds
II knog,soE course, OF no, formal,
official Movement sto dedicate East
Potomac Park to Mr.. Harding" he
said. But anything that will aid
us in finishing the plans drawn for
the tract is most acceptable"
Col. Sheriff. with the limited
| funds placed at his disposal by Con.
gress has wrought wonders IN q
reservation which less than two de-
cades ago was a snake-infested
swamp. For several years the eff
fort has been made to secure SUI.
ficient appropriations to build a
great stadium there. AS soon as
the present economy wave has
spent itself it is felt that the money
| will be forthcoming.
In this proposed stadium the an
nual Army Navy football game
could be played, and the athletes
| OF all nations could meet in their
quadrennial games that mot Only
have brought out the athletic talent
| of the world, but have cementcd
bonds of friendship between the
peoples.
Baseball Statue Waits.
At present, a 100000 statue, con-
shutting a memorial to organized
baseball awaits only the formal au-
thorization of Congress for emplace-
ment at the entrance to the park,
near the Southern Railway tracks.
| In his letter to President Cool
| idge, Hubert reviews the develop
ment of East Potomac Park which
occurred subsequent to his intro
duction of bill appropriating
funds for the purpose while Ne was
a member Of the House of Repre-.
| sentatives in 1916.
The measure called for $1,545, 397
for improvements, and after a pub.
lie hearing before the Committee On
Appropris tons, an initial sum of
| $4,000 was allowed for the con.
struction of field house Mr..
| Hubert re-introduced his bill Cor
| the full sum the following year, but
the onset Of war caused the project
to be laid aside.
It is felt that within the next
| two years the development will he
pressed.
"It would be particularly oppor.
tune at this time" wrote Hubert,
''to expedite the completion of this
project. Not only would it give
notice to the world that the United
States has officially recognized gen
eral participation in amateur ath-
| letics. in which respect we are far
behind other great nations, but It
would also be an incalculable value
III SIlIHuIdIIHS the pTeDdIdllOn Oh
an American team to participate In
the eighth Olympiad, to be held in
Paris next July.
Nation Behind Move.
"T am sure that favorable action
| bV Congress at the session to begin
| this December will receive nation
wide Endorsement and be especially
| appreciated by the American Olym-
pic committee. of which you are
honorary president"
Mr.. Coolidge so far has not made
public any reply to Mr.. Hulbert's
letter IT is known that he is
deeply interested in the develop
ment of Washington's public res
ervations, as we'll as the con-
struction of much-nneded public
buildings. While the incoming
Congress will have strict economy
as it's slogan, there is thought to
be some chance that initial ap-
nronriations. at least for tho
| building Of the much-desired
st"dium. may no secured.
The plans for the East Potomac
Park scheme were drawn by Col.
w. w. Harris W lille he occupied
the post now held by Colonel
Sheriff.;
|
N~~,r4NL44 HI,,L - ~