In brief, it is the function of the Commission to revive, review, and revise the efforts of past generations toward a “great and effective city for the seat of our Government” and to keep that ideal constantly before the public, to the end that each separate undertaking by the countless public and private agencies concerned may be coordinated and related to produce a result in which future generations may take pride. [Illustration: FORT DRIVE CONNECTING THE CIVIL WAR FORTS ENCIRCLING WASHINGTON] EAST CAPITOL STREET--EXTENDING THE MALL AXIS EASTWARD Some one has said “the beauty of Washington is its trees.” No one who has seen the thousands of trees in Washington and in the country adjacent to the city can deny this. There is no national capital in the world that has more beautiful trees than Washington. Those seen on East Capitol Street are typical of the large massive trees throughout the city. Thousands of them were planted during the Presidency of General Grant, and it has been the policy of the District of Columbia government to plant trees along streets opened for residential sections. [Illustration: EAST CAPITOL STREET] The climate of Washington, which is semitropical, permits the growth of trees found both in the North and the South. Thus there are oak, walnut, maple, and cedar trees amidst magnolias, Japanese cherry trees, and the mountain laurel, to mention only a few. Congress has authorized the establishment of a national arboretum in the National Capital, which will comprise at least 500 acres and will be a most interesting place for the planting of many varieties of trees and the study of them. A plan to widen East Capitol Street and build a stadium on the axis of the street in Anacostia Park is being made by the National Capital Park and Planning Commission. THE FORT DRIVE