Evening star., 1940-03-03
SesquicentennioI

The proposed celebration on a
national and international scale. in
l95O, OF the SeSquicentennial of the
establishment of the National Cap
1tal in Washington is discussed in this
section of today's Star in the final
article OF a series dealing with the
probable growth and development
OF the National Capital during the
decade which has just begun and
which will terminate in that year.
Such an occasion in the life of
any nation is worthy of observance.
In the state of world affairs today,
with an apparent life-and- death
struggle in progress between demo-
cratic and dictatorship forms of
government, so important an ami
versary in the life of the worlds
greatest democracy becomes even
more significant.
1t has been suggested that the
various States contribute to the cele-
bration by constructing in Washing
ton permanent State buildings of
types for which the city planners
already have made tentative arrange
ments and for which proposed sites
have been designated along East
Capitol street. These buildings might
serve to house permanent ex-
hiblts of the arts, sciences, manu-
factures and natural products of the
States; to serve as information CEN
ters and meeting places for visitors
from the States and as a meeting
places for State societies or even, as
has been suggested, as temporary
homes for Governors or other State
officials during official visits to the
National Capital.
1t also has been proposed that the
1850 Olympic games and other major
sports events, such as the Army
Navy football game and possibly the
World Series games, be brought here
that year, together with great ma
tional and international congresses
and conventions. The Federal Gov
ernment, it is proposed, should hold
an open house for the people of the
Nation and their friends from abroad
during the year, providing exhibits,
which properly should become per-
manent, of the manifold activities of
our Government. In addition, there
should be national exhibits, concerts,
pageantS and dramatic presentations
representing the finest in American
culture after more than a century
and a half of independent develop
ment.
If such celebration is to be held,
1t is none too soon to begin planning
and preparations. The permanent
development of Washington would
have to be accelerated by the con-
struction of such projects as the
proposed national sports field, pag-
cant ground and stadium at the east
end of East Capitol street, a national
auditorium. Federal departmental
museums of the Interior Department
and proposed Navy Department type,
and motor parkways necessary to
handle increased traffic and provide
dignified, beautiful approach to
the National Capital. Invitations to
international and national organiza-
tions which might meet here should
be issued years in advance, since
many of them select their convention
cities and make plans as much as
three and four years ahead of time.
It goes without saying that a vast
majority of American citizens are
proud of their Nation and it's insti-
tutions and of their National Cap
ital. If this Nation continues its
path of peaceful leadership among
the nations, American pride should
continue to grow during what prom
ises to be one of the most eventful
decades in world history. If all goes
we'll with the American Nation and
the world during the next ten years,
the 1850 celebration in Washington
might we'll serve as the focal point
for a true outpouring of national
gratitude and thanks in which we
could invite the whole world to join.