The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-08-07
THE STATES CAPITOL.
A Statement from MIR. Nelson of tine Work
of the Commissioners.

1--WE have always tried to treat the Journal
better than any of the other papers, and here
you are, always digging up something to cause
trouble" was the greeting of Mr.. Nelson to
Journal reporter who called yesterday after
noon. Mr. Nelson at the time busy Oocu-
pied in holding the regular daily session of the
Board of State House Commissioners, and the
secretary was found deeply absorbed In medita-
ton over his last weeks work The remark
Of the Commissioner failed to any
overwhelming remorse, and the ungrateful re-
porter moralized soothingly on the duty of
journalism.
I'VE are not in the habit of noticing newspa-
per articles" continued the COMMISSIONER. 'We
think the people do not believe the commission
ers are merely here to beat the State ont of an
insignificant salary, but as the opportunity
seems a fitting one to refer to some matters that
tho journal has never alluded to, we trust II
Will be its pleasure now to do So"
''Yours, obediently."
''rhe person." he continued, "who sought to Oe
interviewed in the journal must have been I'M
acquainted with the duties and responsibilities
OF the State-house commissioners, or otherwise
wished to misrepresent them. If they think the
work can be done at a less cost to the State by
having it done themselves by the day, they will
do so. If they can get it done for less upon
contract, they will adopt that course. They don't
think the time employed by them, and conse-
quent expense to the State, which is much
less In proportion to the responsibility and the
unpleasant services performed than any other
is complained OF In earnest by anybody. They
perform their duty In manner that they be-
lieve TO be to the best interests OF the State, and
wheneverlt is discovered tnat they do not they
Will doubtless be discharged and more faithful
servants employed. The high salary of So per
day ought surely TO secure the best service, un-
douhtedly. In this connection L would refer
you to the following question, submitted by the
chairman OF the investigating cummittee, who
was smelling around for something TO complain
of IN regard TO the commissioners during the
last session. IL is proper to say that Mr.. Wedges,
was supposed TO have grievance against the
commissioners and was un Ter pay of the COM
mittee during the entire investigation"
And the following read by the Commits
sioDer, from the report of the State-house in
vestigating committee:
Question, by the chairman-Was it necessary
for the commissioners to be here during the
progress of the wOrk2
Mr.. Vodges-I always thought it was neces-
sarv for quorum of them to be present; so
many cases were constantly coming up about
which we needed to consult with them. Often
some questions arose about the Rpeclfications; I
thought 1t was great advantage to go to the
commissioners fol their views often; thought
their presence about the building from day to
day was decided advantage to the State.
AS further illustrations" Mr.. Nelson re-
marked, "or how the acts of the Com missioners
are viewed, would refer you to the further
report OF the committee, which says that, your
COMMITTEE after a most lahoriOus ana exhaust
i've research into all the management of the
states interests by the Board of State-house
Commissioners, would respectfully report that
their entire management of the construction
and all connected Herewith, from the time of
their appointment to the present time, has been
wise, prudent, efficient and economical, and that
they deserve great praise for the constant care
they have manifested in the full performance of
their duties. Nothing less be said of the
secretary OF the board, Captain GodOwn, and
| the supervising architect, Mr.. Scherrer.'"
In continuing his statement Mr. Nelson said
so much for the past. During the session of the
Legislature IL was of course, necessary the
| commissioners should be here, if for no other
| reason than because they were summoned by
| the investigating committee; and Immediately
after adjournment, and since, there mas been a
greater necessity that a quorum should be
| present about all the time consider the most
| important matters and the course to pursue CON
neCted with State-hOuse affairs, as well as the
examination of the plans with the changes that
were being prepared by the architect and his
assistants, than since the organization of the
board. so that we think no time has been
wasted or money lostato the State by neglect of
duty. If others think so, they have OPP
| portunity of applying for the place."
For the Information of those contemplating
making application, 1t may be added that 1.-THE
place" was worth $156 to Mr. Nelson last
| month, and it was worth 1886 to Gen. Morris,
| while Mr.. Seward received Sl79.50 The super
lntendeut and the clerk OF the board each re.
ce!Ved 1928 for the month, while Mr.. Scherrer
was paid 1925 tor completing WORK upon the
| plans aud specifications. Tue Deputy Audi tor
| OF State, who issues the warrants, states that
| these figures represent a fair average of the
monthly salaries paid to the members of the
| commission.