H.R. 4608: Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act

This bill, known as the Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act, aims to direct the Secretary of the Interior to remove specific commemorative items related to Francis G. Newlands from the memorial fountain located at Chevy Chase Circle in the District of Columbia. The key actions outlined in the bill are as follows:

Removal of Commemorative Items

The Secretary of the Interior is instructed to:

1. Remove a brass plaque that displays the name “Senator Francis G. Newlands” from the memorial fountain.
2. Take away a stone, tablet-like projection at the south end of the fountain that bears the name “Francis Griffith Newlands” and an associated inscription.
3. Remove or conceal the name “Newlands” that is carved into the upper face of the coping stones of the memorial fountain.

Disposition of Items

After the removal of these items, the following procedure is to be followed:

• The items removed from the memorial fountain will be offered to the descendants of Francis Griffith Newlands for a period of 60 days.
• If the family does not claim these items within that timeframe, they will then be designated as federal property and maintained by the National Park Service. The items would be accessioned into the museum collection of Rock Creek Park.

Definition of Memorial Fountain

For the context of this bill, the “memorial fountain” refers specifically to the structure located at Chevy Chase Circle, which is at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Western Avenue Northwest in Washington, D.C.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this legislation is to remove the name and plaques associated with Francis G. Newlands from the memorial fountain, reflecting a decision on the appropriateness of commemorating historical figures based on their legacy and actions.

Implementation

The bill will take effect upon its passage and assignment to the Secretary of the Interior, who will oversee the execution of the removal process as outlined.

Relevant Companies

None found