Evening star., 1948-10-13
Report Outlines
50 Celebration
0fD.C. Birthday
Commission Notes
Progress in Getting
Stotes' Cooperation

The NATIONAL Capital SeSqulcen-
tennial Commission outlined plans
for the 1850 celebration of the Cap
ital's birth today in progress re-
port to the District Commissioners
In its basic plan for the 222-day
event, the commission said the ses-
quicentennial not only will portray
history and tradition, but will pro-
ject many new aspects of our ma
tional life into the future" and will
tell the American story effectively
dramatically and realistically"
The commissions summary of
progress revealed it already has
taken large strides toward an
epochal success. 1t has contacted
Federal Government agencies, State
government heads and business firms
to assure cooperation from every
quarter.
Observance Starts April Is.
The observance will open April
Is with an address by the President
to a joint session of Congress, in
viting the Nation by radio to par
ticipate in the event. At the same
time Governors of all the States
will issue proclamations directing
attention to it.
For the closing event, November
%, 1850. the first Washington ses-
sion of Congress-the second session
of the Sixth Congress-will be re-
enacted in all the atmosphere of
that day.
President Adams will ride from
the White House to the old Senate
chamber in his coach to
address a joint session of Congress.
All the participants in the re-en-
actment will be in appropriate cos
tune.
Between the opening and closing
ceremonies are scheduled daily
events.
Symphonic Drama Planned.
One feature will be sesquicen-
tennial symphonic drama, carrying
the basic theme and to be produced
throughout the entire celebrations.
1t is proposed that the symphonic
drama, and other musical and dra-
matte offerings. will be presented in
an amphitheater to be constructed.
The building would accommodate
about 10000 persons and would be
q permanent structure.
Other permanent additions to the
Capital growing out of the celebra-
tions would be many exhibits in
art, aviation. industry and science
Some of these new interests would
be carried on permanently at the
art galleries and museums.
Temporary buildings are planned
near the Washington Monument
and possibly on the Mall or, West
Potomac Park for housing exhibits,
dioramas and futuramas, the report
said.
Honor Days Scheduled.
Honor days will be set aside for
each State and Territory and for
Pan American and other nations, as
well as for national holidays. Special
weeks will observe religious worship,
education, youth, the farmer, the
home, aviation, the United Nations,
and Government departments.
The events theme is: The finest
lesson in American history and
American tradition ever put before
the American people and the world" !"
The symbol is freedom" as exem-
plified by the Statue of Freedom on
the Capitol dome.
Among the special features will be
a souvenir book selling for ST. book
lets for distribution to schools, a
public school essay contest, special
postage stamps, coins and flag.
Laying of the Capitol cornerstone
will be re-enacted, a parade will
review $50 years, and there will be
a Presidents and Vice Presidents
ball, Miss Sesquicentennial" con-
test and a pilgrimage to Mount
Vernon