The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-03-21
The Proposed National Capital
Park Commission
BY BILL PRICE.

The favorable egat1ve position OF the BaLangley bill
for the creation Of National Capital Park Commission is
most encouraging all Washngtonians and all Americana
wherever they reside who want to the District and sur
rounding territory become the Nation Beauty Spot belonging
to all the millions Of citizens of this great country
is not surprising that the American Civic Association
and other civic bodies back Of this BILL which Intended
to preserve for poery and for greater America areas
OF land suitable for park purposes and which swiftly
inevitably falling into the hands Of real estate promoters
The main object Of the commission Congress BILL
will be to provide method acceptable Congress- for
acquiring park lands which are threatened with destruction
and to the local forests that give steady flow Of
water to Rock Creek well to other that might
be selected for park purposes Another object prevent
pollution Of Rock Creek AnaCOss river and other streams
The water flow In Rock Creek for example, greatly reduced
and the springs and streams entering it preserved
the creek will eventually become bed Of dry rock.
Senator BALL and Congressman LANGLEY deserve the
praise OF all good Americans for their vision future
washington Senator Balls report to the Senate the bill
severely ccises tho long neglect park development in the
National Capital and points out that this neglect will continue
unless there is definite organization like the Park Com
mission to take charge Of and direct development orderly
systematic manner, with the cooperation Of Congress- which
presumed view the interests Of the National CAPITAL
In broad way views the interests Of the whole
nation.
The Fine Arts Commission created to direct the ND
building Of Washington in architectural manner but it
has assumed powers park development That COM
mission composed Of patriotic Americans who look upon
Washington the Nations City, would unqueonably CO.
operate to the fullest extent with proposed Park Com
mission Cooperation Of the two commissions would fact
produce most harmonious and beneficial for the
tinued Identification Of the District
The natural scenery surrounding the District
In beauty but it will not be preserved with onrush of
building development unless there centralized authority
TO protect and it. Congress- entire
nation should insist the preservation Of these beauties
nature for future generations do unless
creates agency that represents and constantly on
guard Some ve plan be provided before it is too
late
the beautiful natural scenery around the District
OF beauty and art would make the preservation Of these places
sacred duty, in which FrenChman would Join. The
material nature Of the American people has caused
shut their eyes to such things here
The Potomac river from Great Falls to Mt Vernon and
below winds its historic through panorama
grandeur that is nowhere duplicated in the leg
ave step has been taken to any portion
this for future generations
Within the District many beautiful spots which should
be acquired for park purposes Besides those which
been mentioned and considered by Congress there dozens
OF others which have time other been suggested
In the vicinity Of Brookand rapidly developing
where the hand Of the mechanic should be halted that land
may be set aside for parks In the southeast section of the
District winds the pretty stream known 0xon Run, next
to Rock Creek the largest stream within the District It
empes into the Potomac opposite Alexandria, through
territory that would be charming for park building The
lands could be acquired at comparatively cheap prices
but in few years will enhance in value because Of
home construction At the terminus Pennsylvania
splendid that would yield park beautca
tAon but which fast going the real estate market after
being gubdivided
Congress would not Of course provide immediate appropr
Of money to all places desired for park purposes
but could sanction systematic plans for yearly expenditures
that would be approved by the nation.