Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-10-25
FAVOR REBUILDING
WASHINGTON RELIC
Engineers Would Tackle Po-
tomac Canal Job as Tribute
to First President.

A recommendation that the recon-
struction of the Potomac Canal be I'M
dertaken by the engineering profession
in this country as its participation in
the George Washington bicentennial
celebration In 1882 was passed this
morning by the Administrative Board
of the American Engineering Council
which is In session at the Hotel May
flower.
The action Of the board and the
1880 engineers II represents Will de-
pend upon the passing OF the Cramton
bill providing for the acquisition OF the
canal by the Government as part OF the
land included in the proposed washing
ton memorial parkway area. The board,
which is composed of 80 of the cour-
try's leading engineers representing the
az national, local and State societies In
cluded in the council, Endorsed the
Cramton bill.
The Potomac Canal. according to
Gardner S. Williams. Michigan engi-
neer, who drafted the recommendation
is the only relic left in this country of
WASHINGTON as an engineer. The canal
was built by the first President to take
boats around the Great Falls of the Po-
tomac River.
Built by Washington.
1.-THE canal is the only existing struc-
tlire known to have been built by Wash
ington, the engineer" said Lawrence w.
Wallace. secretary of the council. "As a
tribute to our profession to fellow en-
glneer, and memorial to the first
President of our country. we would
restore the ruins on the Virginia side
after making survey of the remains
and preparing a restoration project. We
are interested only in the restoration OF
the relic. If our plans are completed
the canal will be maintained and OPP
Grated by the Park Commission"
The American Engineering Council
has made a preliminary study Of the
remains Of the canal and a topographic
map Of the site has been prepared.
The board also favored additional leg
tslation by which the Government could
acquire the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
as far as Cumberland to be used as
park and recreation center, but did not
officially act upon the question. since
IT was called foreign to the proper in
tereSts Of the council.
Airport Aid Approved.
The board also approved the sugges-
ton OF the committee on research of
the council that a group of experts be
appointed by Arthur W. BerreSford,
president of the council, to cooperate
with the Bureau of Aeronautics of the
Department of Commerce In making a
study Of the problems involved in the
designing Of airports. The committee
of experts according to DR.. Harrison
Z. Howe. editor of Industrial and Chem
ical Engineering and chairman Of the
research committe, will present mate
rial to prospective builders of airports
indicating the Importance of scientific
designing and planning of them.
mo attempt will be made to solve
any specific technical problems" con-
tinued DR.. Howe. I'VE will offer service
concerning all aspects Of airport design
ing. 1t 1t Is true that 1000 of the 1.100
airports In the country are designed by
real estate promoters and lawyers, our
chief service will be to indicate the inn |
portai1ce Of engineering advice in build |
ing airportS."
It was decided by the board to hold
the annual meeting Of the American
Engineering Council in washington
next january. Ti1e session Of the ad- I
ministrative board win close tonight. Il