The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-03-12
kCOAAUNICATED.l De-
BeautifyIng the Capital.

t..a .lral .
Editors Democratic Statesman-T The writer,
an old Texan, and warm friend to your
lovely and growing city, desires to call the
attention Of the present Legislature to the
condition Of cur public buildings and pub
lie grounds. The Capitol, the General Land
Office, and the Treasury buildings present,
as it were, an aged ard weather-beaten APP
pearance, not in keeping with a new and
vigorous administration; neither in keeping
with the spirit of the Improvements of the
day. Those buildings should be repaired
and well painted. A small investments tol
this end would prove to- be- of much adj
vantage to the preservation and appearance
of the same. But greater necessity still
exists in the impf oEement of the eat,it6f
grounds. Nature has designed that Austin
should be the capital of this great State;
no better location could possibly have been
selected-alls the elements desirable for the
building up of prosperous and beautiful
city seem TO be concentrated at this point;
and since all doubt as to perpetuity of the
capital has been settled by vote Of the
people at large, should We not endeaEor to
make this fhe OentIs9of cOulfort and attrac-
toni Whilst the enterprising, good citi-
zens of Austin seem to vie with each other
in the erection of substantial and orna-
mental buildings, beautifying their stnaAtsi
and sldeYaiks, planting OF tr0Ss. aud yarl-
Gus other Improvements, the capitol grounds
remain untouched and present grim con-
trast TO the surroundings which are lovely
and pleasing, no matter in which direction
you may cast the eye. These grounds now
barren and bleak should be made ''aplace of.
delight to. dwell in,," place Of public
resort and recreation; where the weary
could md rest among the shades of orna-
mental trees and flowers. The capitol
grounds should be changed into a beauti-
full park adorned with floral collections,
statuary and 'Other appropriate sOrnamentS
worthy Of great State and great people.
No one viii ever regret the Investment Of
q few thousand Of dollars for those i'm
prOvements under such regulations as 10
secure the preservation of the same.
and to this end the present Legislature Is
respectfully invited 70 give this matter its
most favorable consideration and attention.
The season having now too far advanced to
admit Of the setting out Of trees, shrub
berries, etc, the Governor should be author
lied, and means placed at his disposal for
the employment offs suitable person to
commence this work Of improvement early
next fall, 90 that by the approach Of another
summer, the capitol grounds may have
been converted into q lovely place Of re-
treat for the enjoyment and comfoft Of
both residents and visitors.
By all means let Us improve and beautify
our public buildings and the grounds a.
tached. Each and every citizen Throughout
this broad domain must feel pride IN this
work, because It Is the property Ofsthe
people, set aside for their use and enjoy
ment.
Will not the citizens of Austin join with
the writerin en- earnest effort 70 carry into
effect the sd gesli01s indicated, and lend 4
helping hand 70 bring the subject 70 the
notice Of the members Of the Legislature
now Ia sossi0ni
Respectfully slhnified By citizen from
EAsE TExAs.