Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-08-10

tCOU AAttAi A. t'e go
the extremely hot weather Of our Sum
mers. hundreds. including many large
families. seek relief from intOlerable
home conditions on warm nights m
the fresh air of Potomac and Rock
Greek Parks The undersigned IS
definitely averse to denying them this
relief merely because some immoral
persons take undue advantage OF their
freedom to indulge in indecent acts.
However, should like through the
columns Of your paper TO warn those
concerned that more effective measures
will be taken from now on 10 orI1g
to punishment persons who so outrage
public decency in the parks, and tnat
whatever measures are necessary ana
legal to protect the public's proper en-
iovment of the parks will be taken
without any avoidable interference with
those whose behavior IS within the
| law.
In general it is only the practice
of the Golden Rule and an observance
of the elements of good manners that
are REQUIRED, and obviously these are
only to be had by securing the CO.
operation of the public itself. As the
parks are intended primarily 70 orlng
the space and the feedom OF the COIN
try, as we'll as its fresh air and natural
adornment. to the doors 'of CROWDED
city homes, and as they are used oy
a public in search of relaxation and
recreation. it IN evident that any more
police supervision and Government reg
ulation than the minimum absolutely
necessary for the preservation OF order
and the public safety would be ineor-
sistent with their essential purpoSesand
vet few persons, Il-nlannered or
without regard for the effect OF their
conduct on others. can make the pafN
in their vicinity almost intoseTabie ior
others.
IN some other cities the press has
been able To build up such strong
public sentiment in favor Of good park
manners as to enhance the beauty and
usefulness of the public reservations
10 the majority of users and 10 mate
rally reduce the cost Of maintenance 10
the taxpayer In Washington, where
the parks are one Of the major orna-
mentS of the National Capital and arc
visited by thousands Of strangers, who
naturally base their estimate OF the
citys inhabitants largely on what the
see during their few days SolOurn. the
interest OF the local population III help
ing TO maintain the parks III specially
good condition is matter Of primary
Importance.
Sets Forth Code.
Civilization is, after all but the Will
ingness of individuals 10 exercise that
control over their own actions which
makes them inoffenSive to their neigh
hors. All that is necessary is for each
person who uses the parks 10 assume
q pledge with himself or herself To
follow some such simple code OF rules
as the following;
4. / will refrain from leaving any
litter in the park where I have been
ENJOYING myself. being careful to gather
up all papers, boxes, remains OF food
and other such refuse and place them
i'll the receptacles intended therefor
.. will refrain from using more
table space or benches than I really
need and will be considerable Of tbs
rights Of others 10 what they need
3, | will treat benches, tables, Shel-
terS and all other public facilities Of
the parks with as much consideration
as If they were my own. and Will re
frain from any use Of them likely 20 IN
lure or break them
A. I will refrain from picking or in
Juring flowers, shrubs and every other
living thing. leaving il in is natuFsl
state for the pleasure II viii give r.
others and TO bloom another year with
out being manned,
5. l win not start any fire. cxeep
IN the fire places especially prepared
Tor cooking. and viii refrain gYnr,
throwing cigarettes. matches or other
such articles where they could set ags
To dead leaves, wood etc.
Dogs and Horses.
e II with dog, I viii keep +.
from running wild and frightening chill
dren and old persons whose right to the
use Of the park and the pursuit Of hap.
pineSs | recognize and win at all times
and In al ways protect
u, II ON horseback. l viii Stav strict
" ON the bride paths. and nowhere
run or rush at such a speed as Ia fright.
en other horses aud eudanger uedeS
TRANS.
y II IN an automobile I Viii Oh
serve eonSeientiously the tyafllc Yrgu,s
IonS ana the rules of the read and vii
not enter upon or park oN Sagt sround
N any other place where I would in-
lufe lawn or meadow OF any other
public prOnerty
! VIII refrain from any action
posture et public display Of anarouSness
thaf might he offensive g others ~
coald set 4 bad example 20 the children
Tor whose hsneft the parks ara most
especially l1eeelNS