Evening star., 1940-10-23
Holmes Park Planned
To Form Plaza for
New Court BUILDINGS
Preparations Go Ahead
For Memorial After
Presidents Approval

Plans for an Oliver Wendell
Holmes memorial park, approved
yesterday by President Roosevelt
are being SO prepared that the park
can become a central plaza for two
large court buildings to be con-
structed east of the Supreme Court
it was learned today.
The two buildings, which will
flank the new park, will house the
United States Court of Appeals for
the District of Columbia, the United
States Court of Claims, the United
States Court of Customs and Patent
Appeals and the United States Board
of Tax Appeals.
No money has yet been authorized
for the court buildings. but there
has been general agreement on the
need for them and on the general
form the buildings will take,
The work on the park will proceed
Immediately. however. Mr. Roose-
welt approved congressional reso-
luton which provided that Justice
Holmes estate. most of which was
left to the Government. be used
for the park and to publish a
memorial volume of his literary
works.
Lynn Preparing Plans.
At the same time, the President
indicated his willingness to approve
the construction of the court build
ings on the two blocks east of the
Supreme Court.
David Lynn. Capitol architect. is
preparing plans for the park He
said this will occupy his full time
for while and that he will not be
able to consider the court buildings
until the park plans are completed
However he pointed out that the
National Capital Park and Planning
Commission justices of the courts
involved and members of the board
had agreed on the general plans
some time ago.
Mr.. Roosevelt departed from his
usual custom in signing legislation
when he took pains to issue special
statement evidencing his pleasure
over tne memorial pans.
Centenary in Spring.
In his approval, Mr.. Roosevelt
noted that March 8. 1941, will be
the Tooth anniversary Of Justice
Holmes birth.
Il hope it NAV be possible" the
President said. Ito effectuate this
program OF Congress as part of the
celebration of that centenary"
"As younger man." Mr.. Roose-
welt said today, "it was nv privilege
to enjoy the friendship of Mr.. Justice
Holmes in that period of tranquility
when, although an old man. ac-
was yet in the prime of his powers
When I returned to Washington
one of nv first acts was to visit Mr.
Justice Holmes. who had then be-
come venerable sage, and to draw
strength from his stout heart in
those awful March days Of 1888
He was. Of course, a man of superla-
tive gifts. and his achievements In
law and literature form an enduring
part of the spiritual treasury of oul
country.
But transcending every other
contribution is the example that
Oliver Wendell Holmes set as a
patriot. Service to country was the
thread on which his life was strung
This devotion to his country and
faith in its Government were sum-
married. by final and characteristic
act of eloquence in willing the
substance of his estate to the United
States"
In making his announcement to
the press conference, Mr.. Roosevelt
added that he felt that the creation
of a memorial garden would be a
thing that would appeal to the late
justice most, a spot removed from
the noise and hustle of the streets
of the CITY,