Evening star., 1948-08-01
Water Gate Season Enjoys
Good Weather, No Rain Checks

Of an appreciation Of natures love-
illness along with other intangible
things Of the spirit Is what is the
matter with the world today.
Site Rich in History.
But there Is more to this particu-
lar section of the Nations Capitol
than what nature provides. The site
is rich in the kind Of history that is
growing more precious to Ameri-
cans as the years pass by. 1t Is the
gateway to a shrine. The lighted
figure of Abraham Lincoln, while
not turned toward the concert pub
lie, broods nevertheless over the
site. Across the river is hallowed
ground where repose other martyrs
for liberty, and stately pillars gleam
through the darkness from the home
of another great man, Robert E
Lee. On the left is the Arlington
Memorial Bridge, a symbol of the
reunion of the North and South
fulfilling the words of Lincoln's first
inaugural address: I'VE are moi
enemies but friends"
The choice of the site for the
Lincoln Memorial, to which the
Water Gate provides one entrance
was not haphazard. 1t was selected
after years Of study by a specially
appointed commission. 1t was in
fiuenced by the desire to give q
place Of importance to so beloved
an American. one that would re-
main untouched by encroaching CIV
ilization and one that would ex-
emplify the lefty stature Of the
Great Emancipator. Potomac Park
was designated finally, "a park which
even in its partially developed state
has become a place Of great popular
resort and which is destined to be
the chief center of outdoor reunion
in Washington" as stated in the
commissions prophetic report.
Landmarks of Democracy.
In a straight line, almost through
the barge on which the summer
events are staged, the eye can fol-
low the landmarks OF our democracy
from the Capitol past the Wash
ington Monument through the Me-
mortal to the man who saved the
Union, to the Arlington National
Cemetery where lie those who died
in the service of their country. The
dedication ceremonies of the Lin
coin Memorial were accompanied to
music by the Marine Band. Guest
of honor was Robert T. Lincoln
eldest son of the martyred Presi-
dent. The prayer" by chaplain in
chief, Bishop Samuel w. Fallows
with these words, Pro
tect it and let it endure and into
the latest generation may its in
huence be for the education of the
for the honor of civil life,
for the advancement of the Nation. 4"
Chief Justice William Howard Taft,
chairman Of the commission, told
the assembled throng when making
the presentation; Here Is shrine
at which all can worship"
1t is In these surroundings that
the people Of Washington have the
privilege Of listening to great mu-
sic. 1t is here that spiritual sus-
tenance can be had if they turn
their minds to the meaning Of the
site while their ears hear the in
spired strains Of gifted musicians
All this is worth preserving to full
fill the ideals of the man at the
steps of whose Memorial music
lovers gather.
1t Is not impossible to provide
some covering for audiences when
needed and perhaps this will be
the next consideration of the Ma
tional Park Service which has con-
tributed already so much. II
scientific minds could find a solu-
ton to the shelter problem, the cost
would be surely no more than the
erection of 4 shed elsewhere. Some
thought in that line would show
that this generation cherishes the
greatness of the past which has nc
visual reminders Of such beauty
anywhere in the United States Al
can be found at the place We. dis.
miss so lightly with the name
Water Gate.