Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-15
The Capital

The inauguration Of President at
four-year intervals serves, among other
purposes, to bring together an unusual
assemblage of representative men and
women: an event not without value it
self. Among them are the great and
distinguished Of the land. hordes of
sight-seers and just average everyday
people.
1t would be interesting to know what
collective impression these folks carry
away with them, for. after all, the eff
feet which the Nations Capital makes
upon its citizens is of more than
passing consequence In country as
great as this, with such a part to play,
it would be well If the seat of govern
ment were an example of order, suit
ability and beauty.
Although George Washington was
father of the Capital as we'll as of the
Nation, more than one patriotic citizen
has criticized his choice of location,
Situated on the hanks of the Potomac
River. the city contains much low land
and Is very hot In Summer. But as
the years go by, the wisdom of Wash
ington's choice. geographically speak
ing, becomes more manifest. What were
once marshes and tidal fats have been
filled in and Handicapped into beauty
Streets once filled with mud and wal
lowing hogs have been paved: the Cap
ital is no longer somewhat dirty and
unhealthful, If picturesque. village: it is
great modern city of impressive spaces
and noble vistas.
With the coming of the automobile it
is found that Washington as whole
is not fiat at all, but is a city of hills.
ravines and a generally broken and
rolling terrain. Confined in early years
to small low section near the river
it has now spread far out into distinctly
varied territory. Probably few cities
anywhere have within such a short dis
lance the opportunity of so picturesque
and valuable a park project as the
rugged gorge of the Potomac River and
the cataract known as Great Falls
Only a few miles above the city the
river changes from the peaceful ap-
pearance of tidal Virginia and Mary
land to the striking and imposing
scenic effects which are associated with
the Far West.
Each year that passes adds value to
the historic traditions of the Capitals
location. The army of pilgrims to
Mount Vernon increases steadily aad
taxes the mere physical facilities. 1t is
ward, or memorial highway, along the
river, connecting the Lincoln Memorial.
Arlington Memorial Bridge, Arlington
Cemetery and Mount Vernon, will be
finished by 1882, in connection with the
tWo-hundreth anniversary of the birth
OF George Washington.
In every direction are reminders of
the Civil War-battlefeldS, crl,mbling
forts. bridges, river fords and towns
with r-to-be-forgotten names. The
very city itself is surrounded by chain
OF Civil War Notifications most of them
sadly neglected until very recently; al
though in at least one of them, it Is
reported, Lincoln was under fire.
Gradually all are now becoming parks
and in time they will be connected by
boulevard. Annapolis, with its vital
part in national history, is very near,
and WILLIAMSBURG, one of the earliest
of colonial capitals. is less than days
automobile ride. The same is true of
Monticello, the home of Jefferson, now
restored to the Nation. The birthplaces
of Washington and of Robert E. Lee
are nearer the city, and when they have
been restored in a few years will be
meccas for thousands.
X
But Washington is far from being
complete or perfect city. There, as
elsewhere, civic complaisance Is sure to
cost the whole people dearly. The plans
are magnificent indeed, not only those
of Maj. L'Enfant of a century ago but
or Secretary Mellon, Senator Smoot and
the National Capital Park and Plan
ming Commission of today. Among the
proposed developments-all on the
grandest possible scale--are those hav-
ing to do with the Union Plaza, the
Triangle and the Mall Work has actu-
ally started on the great Triangle de-
velopment; in reality, whole new city
Of monumental Government buildings.
All the plans are majestic enough,
but 1t will take patience, tact and pub
lie support throughout the country to
carry them through. 1t Is the same in
washington as elsewhere. People do
not become aroused until the damage
has been done, until dissertation Is an
accomplished fact. Land that could
have been bought for song few
years ago for park purposes is expens-
i've now; 1t may cost far more in years
to come.
Too often the public assumes care
lessly that any wooded open space is
available for park or recreation pur-
poses. when in reality it belongs to pri-
vate owners. A large and beautiful is
land in the Potomac River, completely
commanding the Lincoln Memorial, be-
longs to a gas company, which might
erect large tanks thereon. In any city
the utilities must needs be provided
for; their proper location requires care
and thought. Whether the Great Falls
OF the Potomac can be utilized for pow
err without destruction OF their scenic
grandeur is another of the delicate
questions to be faced.
Like other cities, Washington is lop-
sided in its development. Large areas
close to the very heart of Nations
lawmaking are still in farm lands,
while feverish oveNdevelopment takes
place In far more distant sections with
no greater natural advantages. pc
culiariy intricate as we'll as unusual
financial and taxation problem makes
public improvements even more difficult
than elsewhere. Thus it is no easy sled
ding to make the Capital an example
to the country of fitness and beauty.
It belongs TO the whole people, and 1t
will become worthy of the ideal which
they unquestionably have set up only
as they take an interest in having that
ideal realized.