The Washington times., 1934-09-21
The Regatta
Reclaiming a Natural Asset


Washington today is proud to greet water sport en-
thusasts from the entire country gathered here for the
imposing program of the Presidents Cup Regatta
The regatta with its attendant aquatic sports and ma
rne parade has to be one of the outstanding tea
lures of the entertainment year OF the Nauona Capa
THE GROWTH AND PROGRESS WHICH THE
REGATTA HAS MADE IN THE DOZEN YEARS IT
HAS BEEN HELD IS, IN A WAY, sYMPToMAT1C
OF THE GROWTH AND PROGRESS WHICH IHE
CITY ITSELF IS ENJOYING
II is this regatta which has been largely Responsible
for restoring to the city one OF us great '"D
tages the Potomac River
when the Capital was located here in what was then
derness the founders believed that the river would
make the city great commercial port and that us pres
od afford recreation and sport for the residents
Unfortunately after brief squirt during the early
wears of the nation the dream as to the poentaes OF
the river was permitted to fade away
washingtonans paid less and less attention TO tne
river It's commerce abated Neglected. the river failed
to attract sports lovers
T. became only somewhat muddy stream along whose
banks were found decrep buildings and dllaploateo
docks
A few years ago group OF MOTOR ooat Enthusiasts
created the Presidents Cup Regatta.
vr1oPED INTO A TREMENDOUS CIVIC ACTIVITY
TT ATTRACTED NATIONWIDE INTEREST AND HAS
BROUGHT TO WASHINGTON THOUSANDS OF MEN
AND WOMEN WHO SEEM TO APPRECIATE THE
ADVANTAGES OF THE POTOMAC RIVER MORE
THoR01JGHLY THAN DO MANY OF OUR OWN RESI-
DENTS.
The enthusiasm created by the regatta has oeen tne
turning point in the life of the Potomac.
The indifference of our city to the river has given way
tn lively determination that the stream IN all It's beauty
and grandeur shall be reclaimed and placed once more
in the crown of advantages which the National Capital
offers to the people of the nation
CITY AUTHORITIES, BACKED BY AN AWAK-
ENED PUBLIC INTEREST, ARE MOVING IN GIANT
STRIDES TO RECLAIM THE RIVER AND TO sTIM-
ULATE ITS USE BOTH FROM THE STANDPOINT
OF BUSINESS AND OF PLEASURE.
Eight million dollars is about to be spent upon project
which will clean up the stream and make it more attrac
tive and useful.
Citizens are also seeking to obtain authorization for
the expenditure of another million dollars which
will make it possible to improve the condition OF the
channel and which will make it possible to eliminate
MANY of the unsightly structures along its banks.
With the expenditure of these sums pleasure boating
in the Washington area will into its own. The i'm
provements which will be made possible result of
the expenditures will likewise make the river attrac
tive channel of trade and will stimulate the city water
borne commerce.
These developments will mean much to the city from
business standpoint. They will give to city which
has virtually industry and constantly growing
business
IT IS TO THE PRESIDENTS CUP REGATTA IN
LARGE PART THAT THANKS ARE DUE FOR MAX
ING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RIVER POS
SIBLE. THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO COOPERATE
AND HAVE COOPERATED IN STAGING THE RE-
GATTA ANNUALLY HAVE MADE OUR CITIZENS
AND OUR OFFICIALS CONSCIOUS OF LONG
NEGLECTED NATURAL ASSET.
An Anniversary
CONGRATULATIONS to the Fox