Indianapolis Journal, Indianapolis, Marion County, 24 January 1897 — Page 3

THE INDIANAPOLIS JOimWAL, TSUND AY, JANUARY 2-1, 1807.

ANNUAL PARK REPORTS

A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS MADE DURING THE LAST YEAR Engineer Elaborates Further on the Fall Creek System Project-Green-houses at Meridian and the Creek. The park commissioners filed their " annual report with the mayor yesterday.- It is part as follows: This commission was organized April 22 1895 consfuuently this In th first rr.nni covering a full years business. When we tooK charge of the iv.rk lands owned by th.- city and the squares the State-per-mitu-d to bt used lor pars purposes, wh i io ij uMa ior pars purposes, we them partly improved and uncared lielnff limited by your appropriation ior. i-.t'ini? iiiniieu LV vour nnnrnnrf: decided to use what turul ji edful and permanent improvements, such jis will prove to be satisfactory In the future. Over three-fourths of the money we revived has been used in that manner, unions which we call your attention to the Mor.e roadway bridge in Garfield Park, de-s-itrned by J. Clyde 1'ower, the board s engineer, a Ftono dam acio?s Pleasant run, making a beautiful lake, covering four acres of f .-ound; an additional propagating greenhouse, widening existing drives and walks, constructing now ones, increased the water supply in all the parks and squares by a system of underground pipes vith hose, connections at regular intervals, building cement walks, placing drink!r:g fountains, supplied with pure water from driven wells in University and St. Clair squart-s and Gartteld Park, substltated eiectric llshts for g3 In Military l'ark and University Square, built cement an a Iks in all tho North Side parks .and squ ires, cutting the dead woci from the t;d trees and planting new ones, enlarging and increasing the numoer of flower IfJs. including a pond of llliea !n Military 1 ark, a large central fountain jjid basin in University Square,- furnishing swings for children in all tlifs. iarks and squares, as v.fll as other minor Improveri ents for the purple of making thej grounds more attractive and capable of giving pleasure to ihoe who vis.lt them. have had surveyed and prepared the plans for a system of squares, parks and boulevards commensurate with the izo and growing Importance of our city, which will, if carried out. afford the resi-!--nts of Indianapolis much needed pleaslire grounds, drives and breathing space, :is well ;is visitors an opportunity of grasping the beauty, importance and growth of our city. '"The advantage of a comprehensive nark system to a city or community cannot be measured or estimated. The necessity is admitted by intelligent people in all parts of the civilized world, and the authorities cf every growing city in this country and Uurop recognize public parks to hA a necessity of pressing Importance, and they jire annually acquiring additional acres for that purpose, with a view to their use for public recreation, and us the population Increases the urgent need for parks is more plninly felt. They havo distinct and powerful iniluencc along tho line of good citizenship, carrying blessings alike to the rich and poor in sickness and health. The wealthy classes aro not dependent uion parks for a:i .outing during . the summer months. They can cross the. ocean or visit the northern lakes, mountain and seaside resorts as -they prefer, but the' thousands of poor people who do not know what a vacation means, need these beautiful spots for recreation and pleasure, as well nx for their health-grvlng and strength-renewing powers and afford their only opportunity for a summer outing and a refreshing rest from the monotony of their daily lives. "An outing In a park, whether by a Sunday school, family or social picnic party, or an athletic club, where everybody is free to visit when they please in search of Innocent amusement in rowing, sailing, walking, cycling or riding, will prove a. pource of pleasuro to all classes, especially for children, ........ NEED OP A BROAD SYSTEM. "The board realizes the necessity for a broad and. comprehensive system of parks Rnd boulevards that shall afford the residents of every section of the city breathing space easy of access, and have given the question their best thought and study, some of their members having visited and personally inspected the leading parks in this country as well as Europe. They have Inquired into the physical conditions of this city and familiarized themselves with its needs and possibilities in that direction. ' "While some of the lands selected are on' the outskirts, the rapid growth of the citywarrants the belief that it will all be near the center of the resident population within a few years, and it can be readily added to when the necessities shall require, and if deemed desirable in the future can be piade into a park reaching from West Washington street to Irvington on the east and to Gartield Park on the south, affording the strongest contrast that can be had for city scenery. The oldest and best landscape engineers in the country have examined the territory in and about this city and have pronoin?ed it to be the best that could be selected, having for its leading feature a. park and boulevard, the only plan that will afford a drive along the line of White river and Fall creek from West Washington street to the State fair grounds, six miles in length, by the side of a llowing stream and artificial lakes, water falls, cascades and beautiful lawns, with facilities for rowing, sailing, bathing and skating, while surrounded by forest trees, with their wealth of foltage and the freshness of woodland air, plants, llowers and attractive landscapes, converting an unsightly stream vith its rugged banks, by terracing, plartlag willow trees, shruBs and Uower beds, into a beautiful park that will be appreciated more and more by our citizens each succeeding year. "The history of every leading city In America proves that parks as investments, are immensely protitable by reason of the rapid increase in the value of real estate in the portion of the city where they are located, while the increased tax receipts on such property in many instances pays for their maintenance. "The annual reports of commissioners of public parks in .the leading cities of this country are full of examples showing the increase in value of property and revenue derived by municipal corporations as the result of park development, many of their number paying for the improvement long befcre its most zealous advocates thought it would, affording striking proof that welleonsiderea improvements of this kind are profitable investments. "Our proposed park system is in such condition that. we feel that the present opportunity should bo taken advantage of that we may secure the only available land we have been able to find that is suitable for the purpose, as we are convinced the citizens of Indianapolis will find parks an increasing source of pleasure and profit. "The construction of a system of public parks Is a problem that demands the best thought and rtudy, as much of its work is planning for the future and each year develops new possibilities that give rise to new problems;' hence we feel warranted in urging early and favorable action on the recent recommendation made by us to yourself and the City Council, which we believe is approved o and support ?d by a large majority of tfce taxpayers of this city, in order that plans may be matured for a comprehensive system. We believe the expenditure of a comparatively small sum will come back in the Increased valuation of adjoining property, as well as in increased health and happiness to our people. "Immediate steps will be taken to improve Greenlayvn Cemetery, recently turned over to our care by the Department of Public Works, wrlch will be cared for in a manner in keeping with the sacred purpose to which it was originally dedicated. During the present year our work will be governed by circumstances. If new grounds are purchased they will have careful attention." HOW APPROPRIATION WAS SPENT. Secretary Holloway's report shows that S34.&C9.5o of the $35,000 appropriation was spent, 43 cents reverting to the treasury. The greatest monthly expenditure was $10,in May. The Garlkld Park pay roll for the year was $-.305.7S. The stone bridge there cost $C.(H3.h5, and the apron to the dam $:C4.4). The Military Park pay roll was $1,8:3.73. Cement walks in this park, cost $1,712.17. while those in University Square cost and in St. Clair square $1,113.09. The engineering pay roll on the proposed system amounted to $2,037.73, and the appraisers were paid $310. The pay roll in the park board oflice was J2.S71.S3. The total office expenses were $I,V79.5D. The recapitulation of expenses is as follows; Garfield Park ,..J13.irS.53 Military Park 4.S..S.14 University Square 4.41S.9 St. Clair Square -M-32 lirookslde 2,7i.6S Fnrt Wavno Piac3 22.0) Engineering c-te., on park extension 2.779.12 ; Cmce. secretary ana engineer .- Amount crvtred into the. treasury ... .45 Total 1 .VlOOM Of the Garfield Park amount $2.50a of this expense should be portioned between the various parks to cover tho expense of the

greenhouse, which is located In G.rfleld ark. the llowers for all parks being propagated there.

Till: EXGINEEIl'S REPORT. Work Done In Pant Year The Jected Syntem. Engineer Power's report, in part, follows: At Garfield Park 72..0 plants were grown andjplanted during tho season.- It w?i3 found necessary to have more space for. floriculture and the city built a new greenhouse costing $733. The drives of this park were not properly constructed originally and were too narrow. About one half of! the total length of these havo been widened from twentytwo to thrity feet. After every rain these roads have bene rolled with a 2.50O pound roller, but on account of the original construction It is almost impossible to make them ideal roadways. The banks of Eean creek were dressed and much undesirable brush removed. Two ripples or small dams wero built of bowlders, making very nice wading pools and which add much to tho beauty of the place, and has been much enjoyed by children. In one of these pools has been planted a number of common water lilies, J?C , leJe Elven to the parks by Mr. Ilatnid of the U. S. Arsenal. The old wooden S?7se-r Ileau creek was repaired at a Z?. I '5: a small wooden bridge built over Pleasant run at a cost of jr; and a iorty-feet masonry arch of. oolitic stone JirIJeil? creek at a COs5t ot $'.043.C. The construction of this bridge has done more ..2., Pullc? tho bei"ty of this park than any other improvement, with the exception Sfin ,akei though not a largo span. Vi . V as handsome a structure as is con- . ine in.,any Park ln th,s country, and one i5 , w V a'wa's Increase in beauty as it grows old. The entire cost of the bridge ?..apProa.cnes wus Just S2-65 above the VertNIn P thlS W3S pald for ad" iJil,iowof.v,"ater ovpr the dam was considerable during the winter and the paving L0PV' was not neavy enough to withf.i f,urce- Oreat holes were made bcnm' fS da,m' rYlanKering both the dam anu the old roadway brldg?. and it was SSM,iA!7."to bul,d a masonry apron to the tTIifV118 'as done at a cost of $-44.4(. . llair barrels were made Into vases, eighteen of which havo been placed along the drives on posts about three and a half feet above tho ground and filled with plants Swil ,new "adway along the south rn i?f nn ,ake was sraded, graveled and roiled. All seats were put together, painted and distributed to the other parks. Trees were trimmed all over the park, brush was cut and burned, grass was cut on tho open meadows and several tons of hay were stored away. MANY NEW TREES. Several hundred new trees were planted during the season, consisting of sugar maples, lindens. Oriental planes, Eombardy poplars, pin oaks, weeping mulberries, weeping beeches, weeping . cherries, weeping willows, weeping larch, hollies, tulip trees, magnolias and Japanese maples. Many new shrubs, plants and vines were planted, consisting of hydrangeas, calycanthus, berberries, wiegelias, trltomas, yuccas, paeonas, eulalias, spirens, deutziiis, andromedas, phlox, rosa wichuriana, lycium chinensis, empelopsis veitchii, clemaV.l an.l dateria. These are hardv. and with the planting of perennials in designs c reated a Uower garden in this park worthy of great admiration. Several children's swings and two swings for general use were. put' up and were in great demand all summer. Sixty new seats were placed in the park, making a total ?vor two huna?d. and tnese are not sufficient on some days.. One hundred and twenty-seven dead trees and many stumps were removed, which furnished forty-five cords of good wood for greenhouse fuel. Several hundred loads of manure for mulching were hauled and placed around the trees and plants. The street railway extended its lines to the west entrance of the park, making it, for the rirst time, easy of access. Everv Sunday cn which the weather was good these earn were crowded with people, and on hot summer evenings many went to the park, .aany picnics, both private and public, were held here during the season, and in some Instances as many as ten thousand people were on the grounds at one time. Among those who held picnics are the following: June 21, Seventh Day Adventlst Church; July 4, German Lutheran St. Paulus Church: July 22. German St. John's Evangelical Sunday school; July 22 Youn .If13 of ,tho SacnMi Heart Church; July S Evangelical St. John's Church; Aug. German Reform Hope Sunday school: Aug. 13. Protestant Deaconesses' Home and Hospital: Aug. 21. Trinity M. E. Church; Aug. 2. Sixth Presbyterian Church; Sept. 7, Ladies' German Aid Society. During the fall I took the park team and hauled J2. good trees, which were obtained from farms near the city, principally hard maples, fifty-nine of which were planted in this park and the balance in the other parks. The grounds about the greenhouses have been kept in excellent condition, and. in fact, the whole appearance of the park during the past season has been beautiful Many persons visiting this park for the first time in several years have been surprised and delighted at the change taking place. Military Park has been kept in good condition and has been enjoyed by many people. The children's plavsroundi under th care of two matrons, is one of the bet features of this place. The park is supplied with swings, turning poles, sliding boards etc. Grass seed was sown on the lawns and twenty-one beds planted with blooming and foliage plants. The trees were trimmed and the dead wood removed. The lake was enlarged and a number of water lilies planted therein, which produced a nice effect ln connection with the llowers on the Island. Three bronzed electric light poles wer erected and the park lighted with electricity, doing away with the old gas lamps The water service was extended at a cost of $r,3.45 and the entire park may be sprinkled with the large hose and wagon The hose used in this work is condemned 2li-inch hose from the lire department The early blooming of crocus and tulips gave the lawns a beautiful appearance, bat it being something new, some difficulty was experienced in keeping people from pulling them. There was no trouble-.with people who frequented the park, but with casual visitors. A number of shrubs were planted some trees transplanted and several thousand crocus and tulip bulbs. THE SEVERAL SQUARES. University Square is one of the handsomest squares in the country. One year ago it was a mudjly. ragged-looking place, but the addition of cement walks on the principal lines of travel, a fountain basin with a temporary water display, four bronzed electric Hghr pillars, the removal of ugly shrubs and old trees and the trimming up of the remaining trees have made a wonderful change in its appearance. An oval with a curbstone edging was around- the Colfax statue, and this, with three others corresponding to It on the other approaches to the center, were made with the cement improvements. These ovals were tilled, sodded and planted with design, beds and foliage plants, which were very beautiful and refreshing to the eye. Tho fountain basin was supplied with water pipes and a six-inch sewer, which was laid from the fountain basin to a connection with the Meridian-street sewer. A bronzed drinking fountain was erected through which was forced water from a deep driven well by means of a water motor, operated by city water. New trees have been planted to take the place of those removed and dead. Among these are thirty-eight Norway maples, fortyseven hard maples, two hickories, one burr oak, one black walnut, three weeping mulberries and three weeping cherries. This square had several thousand crocus and tulips In bloom and several thousand more have been planted. St. Clair Square has been greatly improved. The fountain basin was repaired and a six-inch drain laid from it to the sewer on St. C.air street. A water motor was connected with tho driven well and the water forced through a bronzed fountain. All trees were trimmed, several dead trees removed and three maples and one elm transplanted. A number of new trees were planted, comprising seven Norway maples, twenty-eight hard maples, one ash, one hickory, one burr oak. one red oak. rive weeping mulberries. summer and the people in its vicinity have i tt It rrir1nnlt luirl brllr u-ilt-e along its outer edges, but these were taken up and the lawns graded out to the curb and sodded. Many crocus and tulips were planted during the fall for spring blooming. The outer lines of the triangle had been planted with Oriental p'.ane trees, and I wish to comment upon the exceedingly thrifty habit which they have shown during the v ist vear. A number of shrubs and three large flower, beds were planted, which looked very well during the season. vrt Wxivne Place, a small triangle, was Fort trraded. bcti tnree uuiu ... 4 . ...... u t of crocu3 and tulip bulbs. Water was introduced for sprinkling purposes and the lawn bed. three hard maple trees ana a number

was kept in good condition. The area of the triangle is about one-third of an acre. The following shows the number of soft plants planted in the different parks during the reason, all of which were grown In the greenhouses in Garfield Park: Garfield Park. 4I.S71 : Military' Park." 8.310; University Square. 7.377; St. Clair Square, 10.K."; Iirookside Triangle, 2.071; Fort Wayne Place, 181. PARK EXTENSION. My partial report of December, 1S93, dealt with the parkway and that portion of the territory between Washington street and the Michigan road, and this report embraces from there to Hammond's Park. East of the Michigan road I have to recommend that the land lying between Fall creek and Twentieth street and from Michigan road to the alley lying west of Senate avenue, together with the land south of the creek and between the creek and Capitol avenue, north of Fourteenth street, as indicated on the maps, be taken, excepting a smalt portion lying between Michigan road and Paris avenue and between Seventeenth and Mystic streets. This piece of land has a fine grove of trees lying on the high land near Twentieth street, and from which the entire park may be seen. With the necessary dredging of the creek through this park, to get material, for the construction of the parkway, a good water area will be formed, and a small dam at the Michigan road would give the water sufficient depth for a pretty lake. Through this park the plans show a cut-off for Fall creek,, following about the lines of Sixteenth street. Should this cut-off be made, the change will be of great benefit to that part of the park system lying below the Michigan road. It would allow the water to be cleansed of its grosser impurities and prevent the gradual filling up of the lakes by deposits of slit, etc. The head gates could be kept closed during times when tho water was turbulent and the rise and fall of the lake surface reduced to a minimum. It would also obviate the necessity of building a large dam at Indiana avenue. From Capitol avenue to Meridian street only sufficient land is taken to allow the passage of the parkway, and this at a reduced width. My reason for reducing the width here Is that some of this property is built upon now, and its cost would be much increased by these improvements. Near Capitol avenue It Is Intended to take part of the property known as the "Cottage by the Sea." As Meridian street is the main thoroughfare to the north part of the city I would suggcet that the main offices, greenhouses anil propagating gardens be located here, and, with this end in view, together with other ideas. 1 have selected on the north bank all the land lying between the creek and Twentieth street, and from Talbott avenue west to the alley east of Illinois street. MODERN BUILDINGS. On thi3 land should be erected the most modern and tasty buildings and the gardens should be as lino as it is possible to make them. The greenhouses should be on an equal plane with other cities and be veritable tropic gardens. They should be on such a scale that they would attract the attention of visitors and that citizens would take pride in , exhibiting their beauties. From this point to old Twenty-second street a strip sufficiently wide to accommodate the parkway and for the embellishment of the surroundings has been taken in. Along this part the stream presents many very pretty points, which if developed by proper treatment of its banks, the construction of pools and the planting of trees, shrubbery, etc., would indeed be a picturesque section. North of Twenty-second street Is a body of land which will admit of the most handsome Improvements. I would suggest its boundaries as follows: Reglnning at th corner of Rohampton anil Twenty-second streets, thence north along the east line of Rohampton street to the north line of old Twenty-third street, thence west along the north line of Twenty-third street to the east line of Eroadway. thence north along the east line of Rroadway to the right-of-way line of the Citizens' street railway, thence along this right-of-way line until it corners line ot the Citizens street railway, thence along or near the edge of the bottom land to the road east of the State, fair grounds, thence along the east line of said road to the right of way of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, thence in a southerly direction along the west right-of-way line of said railroad to Western avenue, thence by the west line of Western avenue to Twenty-second street, thence by the north line of Twenty-second street to the point of beginning. This land Is partially covered with a fine growth of timber, and the high and rolling character of the land on the east side of Fall creek gives a variety of appearance and rusticity so essential in suburban parks. I have selected these lands as being the most advantageous for the proiosed system of parks. In several places I have selected sites for dams in order to have good bodies of water for utility and pleasure, as well as for the beautitication of the parks. The total area of water surface from the mouth of Fall creek to the State fair grounds is about 313 acres, as fhown by the outline plan. This Involves the widening and deepening of the stream for nearly the entire distance, but the excavated material is just what is needed for the construction ot the parkway, drives and walks, which the consttuction plans would show. A question which, at first RUince, would seem to be a menace to the system is the fact that three .sewers will have their overHow into Fall creek, but after a study of the conditions I do not believe this will have anv bad effect other than to assist the growth of algae. This would occur without the overflows, where bodies of water are exposed to the light, and there can be but little difference in this respect, whether the overflows exist or not. These overflows will be ln use only when the Intercepting sewers aro taxed beyond their capacities, and this would occur only during or after storm periods, and but few times each year, and as these overflows would be In operation after the Interceptors and main sewers had been flushed and cleaned, but little objectionable matter would pass into Fall creek. The addition of fish to these lakes would materially assist in purifying he water. In the matter of city squares, there have been a number selected; one on the corner of Seventh street and Capitol avenue; one on the corner .of Marlowe and Archer streets; one on the corner of Dillon and Meek streets: one on the corner of Sanders and McKernan streets; one on the corner of Chadwick and Ray streets; one on the corner of Madison avenue and Coburn street: also, three city parks, one lying along Pogue's run. known as Rrookside; one lying south of the Celt railroad, between the Bluff road and White river: one north of the junction of Knglish and Michi

gan avenues, and an aduuion ana entrance ii from Shelby street into tjarneiti Jt'arK. PARKS AS AN INVESTMENT. To get a relative idea of the value of parks to a city I will refer to the eleventh annual report of the park" commissioners of Boston, whose park system is more elaborate than any other American city. It contains a comprehensive exhibit of the increase of valuation resulting from what is known as the Back bay Improvement, and states that from 1S77 to 18ST the increase cf this valuation was $11,935,443, which made an increase of revenue of $152,773. The value of new buildings erected upon th?s territory during this period was nearly $10,o;0.oi.nj. In Brockline, Mass., the pecuniary advantage is proven to be great. Beacon street was widened into a parkway at a cost of $C15.0X and in six years a strip just five hundred feet wide upon either side of this parkway throughout lt3 entire length, gave an increase of $4.3J0.O'jO. This park ay paid for itself long before its advocates thought it would. There is no longer any question as to the profitable investment in parks and the increase to a wonderful degree of the value ,of real estate, not only that Imfmedlately 'adjacent, but for long distances around. New York is an example. In PC6 the assessed valuation of the three wards adjoining Central Park was $20,423,563; in 1S73 It was $236.USl,"d.", a gain in seventeen years cf $215,051. "0. The natural increase of three other wards in the city, taken from all the wards except the one adjoining the park, showed only $53,000,000, making the earning capacity of the park $1S3.0S1.513. In Brooklyn in 1SC4 Prospect Park. 515 acres, was acquired, and the increase in valuation ln three years was 3S per cent. This is the history ln all cltie-. I have visited all the park systems of tnla country from the Back bay in Boston to the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, and have many times driven over the famous Wissahlckon drive near Philadelphia, but I believe that Fall creek and vicinity possesses enough variety to make this one of the finest drives as well as one of the tintst park systems of tho country. The work of getting all the surveys has been tedious, much of it being done during the winter, when the weather was very cold and disagreeable. Up to the present time nearly one thousand miles have been run In making the topographical surveys of the lands selected for parks. In .conclusion I wish to call attention to the very unsightly bridges over Fall creek. From my point of view only masonry arches of artistic design should be built over streams within or near a growing city. Masonry is there for ages, while iron or steel bridges require repairs, paint, etc.. constantly, and in a few years must be replaced by another structure. It Is true that the first cost Is somewhat greater In the masonry arch, but in a few years the steel bridges have exceeded the masonry in total expense. THE WATER QUESTION. A question which will in a short time he considered very seriously by the citizens of Indianapolis, will be that of the water

supply. While means and methods may be found by which this city may own It own water plant, that is only the beginning of the expense, if this-city could see ahead and know the cost which will be necessary to obtain and perpc-Utate the water supply, the revolt of citizens .against the purchase of the water works plant would be overwhelming. These are things which must be considered, and they are more serious than most people imagine. A part of our water suppiy would be provided for' by the plan of park improvement if carried out, and this at no lurther cost than that which is necessarily made on the parks; and I desire to present a few facts connected therewith, some of which are taken from a report made in July, on this subject. The gauging taken by the water company In the driest season shows 4.000,000 gallons flow in Fall creek in twenty-four hours, but 1 have every reason to believe from gauging taken myself at different intervals in the low water periods that the construction of a dam above Indiana avenue bridge would produce not less than five and a half million gallons flow In the dryest time of the year. A gauging roughly taken cn July 24 shows a flow of twelve and a half million gallons in twenty-four hours, not, including any estimate of the subsurface flow. This flow Is considerable, but with the cutting of the stream down to Mdid foundation much of this flow will bo forced to the surface. On some work on w hich I . have been engaged I havo seen good water supplies produced by cutting the beds of streams, which were perfectly dry before the dams were built. Of course some, of the five and a half million gallons would be lost by evaporation, but if these lakes are a good depth the evaporation will not be as great as If the water be shallow. Percolation is another way of loss, but a great portion of this would find its way to lower reservoirs, or in case of the Indiana-avenue dam it would find its way to the water company reservoir. The number of lakes which we have in view would act as good storage basins, to be drawn on in case of need. The Fall creek water shed comprises a little more than three hundred square miles, which, with the average annual' rainfall, would supply a storage basin of 7,500 acres, Wi feet deep, while on our. plans we show storage lakes or basins holding about live hundred millions of gallons, with only 313 acres of water area. Should the water company in any one or more ways desire to take over four million gallons of water from the Indiana-avenue lake it could do so with safety, as the gates of the upper reservoir could be opened . and the deficiency supplied. In any. event, at a depth of six feet for the lower lake, the withdrawal of four million gallens would only lower the water one and one-fourth inches, if there was no feeder, but being constantly supplied by the five and a half million gallons of water, that amount would have to bo exceeded daily to produce any appreciable lowering of the lake surface. In addition to the reservoirs or lakes, planned for the park system, there is a location further up Fall creek, rear Mount Nebo, which Is favorable for the impounding of a large body of water which could be drawn upon at any time to feed the lower lakes, should they occasionally be drawn upon for the entire city, supply. The volume of water in these impounding reservoirs would be so great as to preclude stagnation and the Board of Park Commissioners havo the power to prevent their pollution. Last summer, when taking my vacation, tho board ordered that I visit Cleveland and Detroit and examine their parks. This was a source of considerable information as well as pleasure. In Detroit the most picturesque spot Is Belle Isle Park. This constitutes about seven hundred acres, and is enjoyed by the people as much as any park I have ever seen. Commodious buildings of all characters have been built clubhouse, police station, shelter house, bath houses and casino. These buildings are modern in design and in all their details. The floral decorations are both elaborate and handsome. Everything on the Island appeared to be doing well except . the j .centaureas, which showed the bad effect of wet weather, while the drives, lakes and gardens of this park are finished pieces of Improvement, a large part of the island is left in a thoroughlv wild state, -a good portion of it swampy. The zoo is' a great attraction here, but the one point of more than usual interest is the bear pit. Crowds are standing before this place all day long, seeming to enjey the sight. The boulevard passes through the resident nnd suburban portions of the city, and with the exceptions of the corners turned is In straight lines. It Is entirely devoid of any . natural beauty, and will in no way compare with our proposed parkway. W will have the advantage of stream and lake .vlew.s.with ample opportunities to erentrniPttstico natural beauties in the surroundings. In December, 1J06. with one of the appraisers, I was directed to proceed to Minneapolis nnd get such information as was obtainable on the plan of assessing benefits against property being benefited by being close to and adjoining parks. Under the Minneapolis plan the whole cost of park land is paid tor bv these benefits assessed against contiguous preperty. while under our law only a small part of the cost will be assessed against adjoining property. Our plan is unquestionably the best and most satisfactory. One instance of the increase of the value of property adjoining park land is that of a gentleman who fought against the taking of a narrow strip of his land and shutting him off from the lake which his land bordered. It was tried in the courts, but the commission having taken iKssession of his property, his remaining land became so valuable that he deeded" the condemned land to the city without cost. t It needs no argument to prove that parks add greatly to the city's beauty, and it has been proven elsewhere that when a city has a park system worthy of a name it attracts many people who -desire to make it a place of residence. Parks promote higher moral tone to all classes of people, places before them ennobling works of nature and are places where they may learn much, which, carried to their homes, make them brighter. In New York city a movement is being made for certain days to be set apart on which teachers may take the school children to Centarl Park and teach them things of nature which is impossible within the confines of a school. This will have its effect in many ways which will be a benefit to all thoe with whom-they come in contact as they grow up. The rapidity with which this city is growing causes certain sections of it to become more densely populated and statistics show that in towns which do not have parks the death rate is higher than where ample pleasure grounds exist. R NEW PRIVATE HOTEL.

Hie "Delano to He Erected on Michigan, Xear Penimylvniilu Street. The "Delano" is the name of a modern private hotel which is to be erected by Charles F. Itobbins on the south side of Michigan street, between Pennsylvania and Meridian. Mrs. Ella Talbott has a long lease on the building," which will be completed and opened Aug. 1. The Idea of the bulling originated with C. A. Wallingford, architect, and will be carried out by him. The contracts have been closed and Indianapolis labor and material will be obtained as far as possible, the architect believing that local Industries produce grades of material equal to .anv. The style of tho building, which is to be of three stories, a basement and a roof garden, will be that of an Italian villa. The foundation is to be high and of Bedford stone, the superstructure to be faced with Roman press brick, with terra-cotta embellishment, both of a golden hue, an elaborate copper cornice to cover the whole. There will" be about forty rooms in the structure. On top of the building will be a summer roof garden in Moorish design, with canopy above and flower-adorned screens at the side. A fountain will also be placed there and in the summer time the place will be made a bower. On entering the building will be found a commodious reception and stair halls, parlors, toilet rooms and gentlemen's smoking room. There will be suites,' Including large private parlors, with' bays- and manteis, one or two chambers, with very large closets and luxurious private baths to each, with outside windows and permanent wall cabinets, complete as to sanitation and ventilation, and supplied with soft water from reservoir cisterns. , The bachelors' apartments are to be disconnected from the remainder of the building.. with rooms single or en suite. Servants' quarters are detached and reached by separate stairs. In the basement will be the large heating apparatus, fruit and vegetable spaces, trunk, storage, laundry, drying and Ironing rooms and bicycle storage and repair rooms. The walls and floors are to be deadened. There will be artistic decora--tions throughout, with hardwood floors and finish, plate glass, incandescent light, Venetian blinds, screens and awnings. A Numidlan onyx fireplace will be In the light and airy dining room; and the mantel, sideboard and other woodwork, with the art glass and decorations of this room, will be executed in the rococo stjk-e. having mirrors for both walls and ceilings, and finished in white and gold, with original electric-light effects. There will also be a small dining room. , A large driven well of extra depth furnishes water, which is drawn through a filter from a cylinder -with Ice around It and not coming in contact .with the water, thus furnishing a supply of the greatest possible purity. The contractors for the building aro Salisbury & Stanley.

SALE OF M0N0N ORDERED

JUDGE "WOODS ISSl'ES DECREE FORECLOSIXG THE 3IORTGAGES. "W. A. Vn llorfn .nmfd n Special 3InMter Sale to lie .Made About the .Middle of March. Judge Woods 3'csterday noon issued a decree foreclosing the mortgages, of the Louisville. New .Albany & Chicago Railway Corapan3 In the consolidated case of the Farmers Loan and Trust Company and John H. Baker, trustees, et al., against the road. United States Commissioner W. A.. Van Buren was appointed special master to mike the foreclosure sale. He is to flx the date of the sale himself. Mr. Van Buren said yesterday it will probably be made about the middle of March, contingent on circumstances that may arise in the meantime. There were no intimations yesterday of an appeal from the decree. In the decree the court found that there is interest due and unpaid on the mortgage of Jan. 1, 1SS0, to the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company and John II. Baker, to Oct. 1, lSif6. $141,000; interest to date of decree, $2,63S; on the mortgage of May 1, 1S90, to the Central Trust. Company of New York and John H. Stotsenburg, interest due Nov. 1, 1S96, $70,000; to date of decree, $359.6S; on the mortgage of Sept. 1, 1S04. to the Central Trust Company of New York and James Murdock, interest to Dec. 1, 1S9G, $17,725; to date of decree, $134.3S. The court also found that there Is to become due on the mortgage bonds of Jan. lf i,700,000, with Interest at C per cent, from Oct. 1, 1S9C; on the mortgage bends of May I. 1S90, J2.S00.000, with 5 per cent, interest from Nov. 1, ISM. and on the mortgage bonds of Sept. 1, 1494, $70y.000, with interest from Dec. 1, 1590. An order was entered requiring the Louisville, New Albany &. Chicago Railroad Company to pay the various amounts of interest due on th three mortgages up to date of decree within ten days, such payments to be made in gold to the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company of New York or the clerk of the court for the benefit of the parties entitled. In case of failure of the company to comply with this order tho special master is to proceed with the sale. The court also found that the mortgage to the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company and John H. Baker, trustees, dated Jan. 1, 195. a valid and subsisting lien upon the Monon property in Louisville, Ky., and In this State, extending from New Albany to Chicago, and including all branches, as wed as on 9,99'J shares of stock ln the Chicago & Western Indiana, 2,399 shares In the Belt Railroad of Chicago, 11,990 shares of the Bedford & Bloomington and 2.990 shares of the Orleans, West Baden & French Lick railroad companies, now held on deposit by the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company. This mortgage was declared to bf subsequent and subsidiary, however, to the liens of two prior mortgages, one dated July 1, 1SS0, to John C. New and Washington C. De Pauw, as trustees, covering a portion of the property, and one dated Aug. P, 1SS1, executed to John C. New, , trustee, covering another portion. The lien of the Farmers Loan and Trust Company is, however, found to be prior to any other lien upon the property of the defendant road in favor of any other party to the suit. On Dec. 12. 1S9G, to further secure the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company, the Orleans. West Baden & French Lick and the Bedford & Bloomtleld roads made confirmatory mortgages conveying the road of the Orleans road in Orange county, seventeen miles in length, and the Bedford & Bloomington road, forty-one miles long. It is held that the mortgage of Jan. 1. lSS. was thereby. extended to cover both roads. The mortgage to the Central Trust Company and John H. Stotsenburg is also held to be a valid and suldsting lien, but secondary to the mortgage ot" the Farmer' Ioan and Trust Company and the other prior mortgages to New and Do Pauw. The same finding Is made as to the mortgage of the Central Trust Company and James Murdock. excepting they are declared to have a first and prior lien to five parcels of equipment, consisting of 300 boxcars, valued at $110,010; 250 llatcars, $36,250; 200 coalcars. $102,750. and 1,000 fiatcars, $370,000. all purchased from the Haskel & Barker Car Company and 300 boxcars, worth $293,221, purchased from Oliver Adams, agent. EQUITY OF REDEMPTION BARRED. By the foreclosure of the mortgages "all equity of redemption of the defendants, and of any and all persons claiming by, through or under the said defendants, or represented by any of the persons to this suit, (except the interest of the Central Trust Company of New York and James Murdock, as trustees, under said mortgage dated Sept. 1, 1S94, in and to said five parcels of raiU road equipment hereinbefore mentioned and described) of, in and to said mortgaged premises" Is to be foreclosed and cut off and forever barred. The special master Is to make the sale without valuation, appraisement or redemption nt public auction to the highest bidder at the roundhouse of the Monon road in this city. The lowest price he may accept Is $2,509,000 for the rallroaJ property and $5'W,0C0 for the equipment. The bidder must deposit $25.0iO with his bid on the railroad property and $5,000 on the equipment, eit her in cash or certified check. I'pon failure to comply with the terms of the-sale this is to be forfeited. Unto the court is reserved tho right to reject all bids and to resoll the property4 on the failure of the purchaser to obey orders relative to payments. Until the sale Is made .nd confirmed by the court and finally disposed of. Receiver W. H. McDoel will continue in charge and operate the road. Proceedings ln the foreclosure were had in Judge Woods's chambers. A large number of attorneys, among them representatives of interested parties living in New York. Chicago and Louisville were in attendance, as well as Indianapolis attorneys who have clirats in some way Interested. W. II. McDoel, receiver, and Samuel Thomas, president of the road, were present. St. John Boyle, of Louisville, objected to the foreclosure. He represented the Louisville Trust Company, holder of S125.UUO of bonds of the Richmond, Nicholasville, Irvine & Beattyville road, which were guaranteed by the Monon. Mr. Boyle was given leave to file an intervening petition which relates the facts relative to this transaction. It says that the L., N. A. & C. road was authorized by the laws of Indiana and Kentncky, under which it was incorporated, to guarantee the payment of the interest and principal of the bonds of the Beattyville road. Upon the strength of the guarantee made by the Monon, the. Louisville Trust Company became the holder of 125 bonds of tho par value of $1,000. The petition charges that no interest has been paid since 1S91 and that under the terms of the bonds the entire debt is now due. In his argument Mr. Boyle asserted that the earnings of the road have been diverted from the general creditors for the benefit of the bondholders. In his petition. Mr. Boyle asked leave to appear for the trust company and others having similar claims, in order that proper steps might be taken for the protection ofv their rights. Leave was granted him. Harry J. Milligan and Isaac H. Crim wero also given permission to file intervening petitions. Milligan recites that he sold a tract of land near the junction of Washington and Liberty streets, this city, to the Monon road. He alleged that the company took unlawful possession of more ground than was conveyed and asked that his Interests be protected. Crlm says that he became surety on a bond for $50,Ck in an injunction suit against the road while he was agent at Bedford, ln 1SS1. He also asks to be protected. John . 11. East, of Ulooruington, a member of the Legisla-. ture, appeared before Judge Wood, asking leave to Intervene. A VALUABLE SET OF DISHES. A Wo inn in Charged with Stealing; It IMece by I'lece. A woman was arrested yesterday on the charge of grand larceny. For some time past the New. York store has been missing various articles of a valuable set of dishes. Orre day a trap was set by which it was hoped the shoplifter would be caught into betraying herself, but the trap and other dishes were taken. It . became evident that the person ' taking the dishes was determined to carry away the entire set, piece by piece. A watch upon the dishes was therefore placed, and at no time during the hours the store was open did the watcher take his eyes off the set of dishes from which the stealing was being done. Yesterday a woman was caught almost in the act and was arrested. She had one dish under her cloak, and at the police station declared that was all she had taken. Detective Stout went to her house and found about $70 worth of dishes like the one she acknowledged taking.

The Win. Ho Block. Co. Special Offerings for To-Morrow

ibjlvaok: dress goods PRIESTLY'S HENRIETTA Silk Warp, our l.3S quality, for SICILIAN pure Mohair, inches wide, 89: values

COJLVOKJXJ) NOVELTY SUITINGS, Silk.Wool and NOVELTY SITTINGS, J 1.50 and fi.75

SILKS FAILLE FRAXCAIS, extra quality, white, cardinal, myrtle, naw, nrown, 51.25 value, for 78c SATIN DUCHESS, 22 inches wide, Nile, cardinal, sky blue, $1 value 01c Litien Specials J Blankets and Comforts

Crash, Loom Damask, 20c value, for.. 12c Crash, Glass Check, 24 inches wide, extra fine 25c quality lCc Damask Loom, exceptional quality, 72 inches wide, 1.23 value, for SSc Table Covers. Scotch Turkey Red, 8x10. $2.2r value, for 51.45 Towels, all linen, hemstitched, real Huck, lSxSS. plain and fancy borders, 35c kind, Monday 21c Towels, Huck. ah linen, fancy borders, lSxSS, 20c quality lic

Hope yard-wide Bleached Muslin to-morrow, 5,ljC, ten yards limit. Berkeley Cambrics, 10c kind for 7c; 15c kind for 12c; 20c kind for 15c. Dwijrht Unbleached Sheetings at the following reduced prices: 45-inch, 8c; 54-inch, lOc; 9-4, 14c; 10-4, 16c.

Kid Gloves

Knit Underwear Ladies' Vests and Pants, pure natural wool, ribbed skirt, our $1 garment. Tor Ladies Vests, white wool, Jersey ribbed, our 75c garment, for 4Se.

4-hook and 4-button Prime Schmaschen Glace, in black, red. tan and brown, our $1.20 leader, for' SSc. Mocha Gauntlets, 2 clasps, $2 kind, for OSc.

BMBROIDBRIES Our line of medium and fine Embroideries is all in and very complete; attractive prices. Special for Monday: Cambric Embroidery, 7 inches wide, iSc value for 10c.

MEN'S FURNISHINGS Gloves, Adler's Reindeer, 1.75 kind for $1. Gloves, real Mocha, Fisk, Clark and Flagg; make, $2. so kind for $1.25. Collars and Cuffs, Karl & Wilson's E. cc W. brand; Collars, 19c; Cuffs, 29cand 19c Half Hose, Sttittgarter, sanitary wool, 50c kind for 19c Suspenders, the genuine 'Guyot, 50c kind for 25c.

. Fcrs and Sm.s They rp going pretty lively at the present prlos. and no wonder. We are practically giing stuff away. Specials for Monday: Lot 125 garments that were $-5, $10, $12 for T Lot 2100 garments that were $10, $15, S1K !?! : ' ' J Lot 3100 garments that were $12, $15, $21) Lot 4 100 trarments that were $20. $25. $7.00 .m $35 for $10.00 Above includes Misses' and Children's. Fur Capes. French Coney. 24 inches loni?. full sizes, for $4.50 Electric Seal Double Cape, edged with real Chinchilla. $55 garment. for ...$14.50 Mink Cape. 27 inches long, full sweep. $100 garment, for $42.00 Otter Cape, 20 inches long, trimmed with Stone Marten tail. S110 crarment, for $RO0'

MUSUN UXDBRWKAR Drawers made of excellent Muslin, embroidered ruffle, 35c kind for 19c Great values in high grades to reduce stock.

Basement Bargains Cake Pans, made of good tin, scal loped. 5c kind, for Bread Roats for serving bread, 25c kind, for Meat Choppers, the "Enterprise." capacity IVi. 2 and 3 lbs per minute, ranging in price to-morrow from $2.10 to One-third off these prices. Pint Cup, hanBed, heavy tin, tomorrow, each I'c $3.55 The Win. H. Block

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Diseases Treated and Cored by tht Indianapolis Infirmary. Class One Chronic diseaMs of the iiose. Throat an! Lung. Catak&u treatM by our new method. Thousands cured. . Class Two Chronic diseases of the Eye and liar. Clam Them Chronic ?ixae9 cf the Heart, stomach. Liter and Kidneys. . Class Four Chronic ditaes of the Kectuni and bladder. Piiosand Knrture cured without the knife. Clas Five Chronic diseases of Hen and Women. 'las8?it Chronic diseases of the rv'ous System. Class Seteh ! for mi ties of the Human 11 o d y . We manufacture all Linda cf apparatus and appliances in StJfffiSiSPM Monument place. r? Indianapolis, Ind. t y y y "See that you get . . Bryce's Butter Crackers As no inferior or secondgrade Cracker is made by him, when you get his you are sure of the bestv v 1 y I t t y y y V V :-x-x-x-xx-x-x-i-x-x: i Sunday Journal,

$1.10 . 63c

GOODS Mohair, l and $1.35 kind, for 69c kind, for 98c Hlankets. 10-4 size, extra heavy, ll.riO value, for, a pair $Zc Rlanket . I'M size, strictly pure wool. white or red. for. a pair $2.25 30 per cent, discount on all higher ' grades of blankets. Crib Hlankets, size p.x4tf. the Jl.23 kind, for Stc Comforts, made of French Sateen. filled with pure white cotton, nicely quilted, size 72-7$. our $3 grade, for. Jl.SS Comforts, made of Erench Sateen, filled with down. cord-d edge, size 72x72. our U. kind, for J2.SS Comforts, made of Japanese W'uxh Silk, lovely designs, idled with down, our $14 and HO kinds, for $9 and Fur Trimmings Genuine Brown Bear, 1 inch wide, was now $2 per yard. Genuine Stone Marten. 1 inch wide, wa $3. now $1. Genuine Chinchilla. 1 inch wide, was $2. now t;"c. Silk Skirts Rrocaded Silk, with Satin, large designs, $10 value for 1 $5.?8 Mclro Vclour, very choice, $12 value, for $7.53 Waists Waists," made of Broadcloth Poplin, lined with silk, navy, black and green, $5 value, for $2.?5 Corsets W. C. Corsets, Nos. 411 and 400, black, white and drab, all sizes, retail at $1, to-morrow Sc j Hmode R2S The finest quality of hand-made Japan- ( ese 1lls imponea at me lonowing low prices: Size V.C,xT2 inches Sl.TT. C cvo fret ; sr,-. ? Size 72Xl0j feet $7.75 lc$ Size 9x12 feet $10.50 Co., 7 and 9 E. Washington Street. General.

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Hours 8 a. tti. to 8 p. m. Sunday 2 to 4 p. m. Q. VAN HUMMELU M. D. MEDICAL DIRECTOR. SCHOOL SUPPLIES! THE ALLISON-ENOS CO., 92 North Meridian Street. INDIANAPOLIS. IND. EDUCATIONAL. fTS Indianapolis 0 LOUSINESS UfasiT U Eftab. 10. When M!c Klev&tor. Day anl nitrht jrh-l. Pinter ,nrm . Hustn, Shorthand, I'enmitnvhip. Prr juratory. K. J. ltKEH. tort's. by Mail $2 a Year