Evening star., 1925-03-19

under discussion the poor termin al
facilities along the water front on
the north side OF the Washington
Channel and it's unsightly appear
ance. A clause ir the river and harbor
bill directs survey OF that condl-
ton. and a submission of plans with a
view not merely to the full CONNER
cial use of the river at that point but
to the Identification of the Shore.
Last June there was statute
passed contemplating a very ample
expansion of the District park and
playground system. 1t set up a com
mission which, among other things, is
authorized to acquire land for park
purposes on either side of the river
in Maryland or Virginia Just before
the adjournment. an initial appropria-
ton of $500, 900 was placed at the dis
posal of the commission, and as its
activities widen out further appro-
priations will be made. 1t is probable
that this will lead to guardin &
against the waste and spoliation OF
the palisades and forests along the
Potomac between Washington and the
Great Falls.
"Of outstanding interest is the
guarantee of the construction of the
bridge connecting the noble Lincoln
Memorial with the heights of Airing
ton. There is a limit of five years
for tie completion of the bridge itself
and limit of ten years for the COM
pletion of the approaches. We are
assured by the architects and artists
who have worked out the plans that
when all is done there will span the
Potomac the most impressive bridge
structure in the world. with the most
splendid parks and driveways afford
ing access TO il.
Favored by Mckinley.
Admiral Rixey, the physician of
President Mckinley, tells me that on
the eve of the Presidents starting on
his fatal trip to Buffalo, while talking
of some of the things he wished to
accomplish. he said, with emphasis.
We will have the Memorial Bridge
built to American patriotism, uniting
as never before the North and the
South
provision was made for the res
toration Of the Arlington manson in
the condition in which II was when
occupied by the stainless gentleman
and matchless soldier who led the
armies of the Confederacy.
"On his own motion. the Secretary
OF the Interior appointed a commits
sion to.visit the Southern Appalachian
Mountains and report on the expe-
dIency of establishing a park or a
series of parks. Following the re-
port, an appropriation was made TO
cover the expense of securing accu-
rate data and recommendation. The
report vividly and enthusiastically
recommends the Blue Ridge as the
outstanding and logical place for the
creation of the first national park in
the southern Appalachians.
"The commission states that 1t
would surprise the American people
10 learn that national park site, with
fine scenic and recreational qualities.
can be found within a three-hour
ride of our National Capital and
within a days ride of 100000 OF
our inhabitants.
"In dealing with this matter of cre-
ating a national park not far from
the Capital City, the action of the
commission and of Congress gives
high hope for what will be one of the
brilliant achievements of the not dis
tant future.
THE record of the last session of
the Sixty eighth Congress, which l
have outlined. will constitute a land
mark in the progress of Washington
and of the nearby States, which are
bound together by so many fine and
enduring ties of common interest"