Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-01-25

After persistent agitation for forty
three years, the Mount Vernon Boule-
ward is to be built from Washington
City, which George Washington, Pa
Their of His Country" founded and per-
sonally laid out, to his estate and tomb
at Mount Vernon.
The action by the Presidents BIZ
centennial Commission at the White
House yesterday in selecting the lower,
or riverside route. definitely removes
the last barrier to the early construc-
ton Of this boulevard, which is des-
tined to be the finest stretch of high
way In the world It is designed not
only as a fitting memorial to Washing
ton and q inuch-needed approach to
the premier shrine of the Nation, at
Mount Vernon, for the increasing tide
Of tourist travel, or as an entrance to
the Capital City from the South, but
it is to be made the most attractive
gateway to any great capital
The act of Congress authorizing con-
struction of this boulevard at a cost
of $4,500,000 put the responsibility of
selecting the route upon the commits
sion, of which President Coolidge is
chairman, which is making plans for
the fitting commemoration of the two
hundredth anniversary of Washington's
birth. The riverside route has been
definitely designated, not only because
the road over this route will cost some
thing like 100000 less than over the
upper, or inland route. thus allowing
more funds for Identification of the
right of way, but because of the SUI
perior scenic attractions and as fitting
in with the general plans for develop
ment of the entire region about the
Capital. with palisade drives on both
sides OF the river from Forts Hunt and
Washington to Great Falls. This &C
ton was taken as the best thing to
do for posteritS. It has the hearty in
dorsement Of the Commission of Fine
Arts.
With $2.500,000 of the authorized
cost Immediately available, and with
the Bureau of Public Roads having al
ready made careful surveys of the en-
tire region, and with much of the right
of way already contributed, the Federal
engineers have assured the Bicenten-
NAL Commission that the road will be
built and ready for use when the world
comes here in 1892 to pay tribute to
the founder of this Nation. Pledge is
given that. work will be started imme-
diately.
The construction Of this boulevard
now is particularly timely because it
dovetails in with the completion of the
Arlington Memorial Bridge and is to
be the main Virginia approach to the
bridge.
The Bicentennial Commission is to
be congratulated on its timely action,
with broad vision for the future, and
the fact that the decision was made
in the White House, which Washington
himself located and Of which he laid
the corner stone, gives additional SEN
timental interest.
Credit should also be given to a man
still living, who originated, in 1886, the
idea of having the Nation build the
Mount Vernon Boulevard. This was
M. B. Harlow, then treasurer of Alex
andria. His plan included combina-
ton of the Appian Way and West
minister Abbey, with reservations along
the right of way where the several
States would erect memorials. Several
surveys have previously been made by
the Government of the territory be-
tween Washington and Mount Vernon.
One Of these was made under the d.
rection of Gen. Peter c. Hams, U. S. A.,
who reported to Secretary of War Proc
tor on the proposition.
The early completion of this boule-
ward will be visible evidence of the
magnificent way in which the natural
beauties and historic locations In near
by Maryland and Virginia are going to
be worked into an appropriate frame
for the National Capital, "the worlds
most beautiful city"