Evening star., 1932-05-20

ments of 100000 q year, starting
with 1882
Letters in opposition to the House
restriction were read by Senator Bing-
ham from the American Society Of
Landscape Architects, American Civic
Association, American City Planning
Institute Arlington County Chamber
Of Commerce and from Frederic Delano.
Col. Grant said the Congressional
Record indicated nlisapprehension ex-
listed in the House as to certain features
of the Park Commissions plan for de-
veloping parkwayS along the Potomac
and Rock Greek, and he made expla-
nations of them.
Correets Misunderstanding.
Col. Grant said that one erroneous
impression in connection with the House
amendment restricting expenditures
from funds already available under the
parkway development law was that the
Park Commission was planning to build
q road along the Potomac that would
parallel the Mount Vernon Memorial
Highway The colonel said the law pro-
vided for a highway on the Maryland
side of the river, but it was specifically
stipulated that this road would be built
by the State of Maryland as part Of its
regular Federal aid highway program
and not under this law.
He also said there was misappre-
hension to the effect that the Park
Commission intended to have a road
paralleling Conduit road A third mis-
understanding he said he wanted to
correct was that the memorial archways
were being built at the entrances to the
District for the Bicentennial celebration.
In response to questions from COM
mittee members, Col. Grant said the
Virginia Legislature already has author
lied $50, 900 toward that States part Of
the cost OF the memorial parkway prof.
ect, half Of which is from the State
funds and the rest from county funds.
He also outlined what Maryland has
done toward cooperating in carrying
out that part of the Cramton parkway
law which contemplates extensions Of
Rock Greek and other parks to the
north Of washington into Maryland.
The plea being made to the Senate
Committee Is to remove the House
amendment which would tie the hands
Of the National Capital Park and Plan
ming Commission in utilizing approx
mately $4,000 already available in
carrying out the cooperative park pro-
gram in both adjoining States and in
the District.
Marylands Action.
The steps that have been taken by
Maryland we're explained in detail TO
the committee by J. Bond Smith, gen.
eral counsel of the Maryland-National
Capital Park and Planning Commission.
After setting forth the terms of the
agreement existing between the Mary
land and the national commissions,
Mr.. Smith summarized the situation as
follows:
"On compliance with the basic agree
ment and its enabling act, the Mary
land commission has issued bonds in
the full amount of the advances made
by the national commission from ex-
isting appropriations
Arrangements Explained.
Mr.. Smith then explained detailed
arrangements that have been made cov-
ering portions OF the Rock and Sligo
Creeks projects.
Mr.. Smith said that when the basic
agreement was made between the two
commissions assurance was given the
dQbkAO1lJlC Illdb dPPA
ly $1,000,0 900 would be made available
for advancement to the Maryland COM
mission from existing appropriations,
and that there remains outstanding
more than 100000 which the national
commission, while not legally obligated
to pay, would seem to represent moral
obligation and commitment. On the basis
Of the total sum in the mind OF the
contracting parties on the date OF the
execution Of the basic agreement, the
Maryland commission has proceeded to
make certain expenditures from the
State appropriation and the 7-cent tax.
Mr.. Smith further pointed out that
as further units of park land are &C
quired under the basic agreement the
result will be to release money already
expended or included in the existing
commitment by the Maryland commits
sion and that this money, thus re-
leased, will be Immediately available
for development and maintenance, IN
cluding the building of roads and
other works which will tend greatly
to relieve the present unemployment
problem In greater Washington.
Other witnesses who appeared be-
fore the committee today urging the
removal Of the House limitations Wnlcn
would prevent expenditure OF the parks
iuOLicy were. Slldiico f. OOAAooNi " SAAS
Washington Board of Trade; Horace
Peaslee, vice president of the American
Institute of Architects, and Miss Har-
lean James, secretary of the American
Civic Association. Peaslee and Miss
James said they also were authorized
to oppose the House restriction on be-
half of q group of IL national organl-
cations, including the Garden Club OF
America.
More Funds Needed for Parks.
In response to questions by Senator
Bingham, Col Grant concurred In the
belief there is need for more adequate
allowance for maintenance OF park
areas, particularly for the care OF trees
and shrubs. This need was brought to
the attention Of the committee several
days ago by Mrs. Frank B. Noyes.
George s. Wilson, director of public
welfare, testified to the need for resto-
ration of q number Of items cut from
the bill In the House for various vel
fare institutions including an addi-