Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-07-26
THE GOVERNMENT BUILDrNa.

THE GOVERNMENT BUILDING.
The Sunday GLoBE.REruBIIc has given
large space in its columns to the citizens
of Springfield to give expression to their
preference as to the location of the new
Government building We believe that
that expression has been honestly given
Reasons amply sufficient for honest judg
ment have been freely expressed, and the
reasons assigned by the large majority
have not been controverted That the
majority Of the people have expressed
themselves against the old Jail lot need
not be repeated here. The commission
appointed to select the location has been
fairly aud honorably treated. They have,
so far been regarded as citizens Of this
city, and all of them spoken of in all the
GroBE-REpUBIIC interviews as men who
would doubtless regard with proper respect
the sentiments of the leading citizens of
the city on an important public question.
The question of the location could not
but be regarded as belonging to the peo-
pie; they were worthy of hearing, and
should have been heard. We do not know
at this writing that the voice Of the people
has been ignored in this matter; but
there is ground for suspicion that the
commission had made up its mind long
ago as regards the location. We hope
not however, because We chose
to have more faith in the
integrity and public spirit OF the gentle
men who compose that commission than
to conclude rashly that no expression OF
the citizens of Springfield could have any
effect upon them. 1t has been mooted for
some time that the members of the com
mission had already made up their minds ;
that they were selected with special refer
ence as to their probable or decided choice
for a certain location; but we prefer not
to believe this We honestly hope that
the question is yet open for the people of
Springfield to deliberate upon. We hope
to have the announcement to make that
there will be public meeting called to
determine this question. 1t is pre-emi.
nently proper that such meeting should
be called, and it is no disparagement to
the commission thas such meeting
should be held 1t is public question,
and the poorest man who breaks his daily
bread in this city should be interested in
it. Surely the men who have already
spoken deserve hearing in this matter;
they represent our best class of business
men and leading citizens OF the city.
For their sakes and tor the
sake of the city this appeal
is made and for no other reason under the
shining sun II such men rs have spoken
through these columns are to be ignored;
if they are to be snubbed and treated
with such absolute Indifference we may
then begin 10 depore the fate upon which
the true interests OF the Champion )City
has fallen. We say then to this commits.
sion that if the old Jail lot is chosen-and
nj this writing that seems to be a ioregone
conclusion, it will be chosen in the face OF
an honest and manly pto,est by the citi-
zens Of Springfield. We plead honestly
for more time to CONSIDER this matter. We
ask the commission to hear the voice OF
the people; to listen to reason and TO be
swsyed only by the very best judgment
that an honest people will give on this very
important public question. No more; no
less i, asked; it is due the people that they
be consulted in this matter
We desire to call attention TO the fact
that those who have spoken decidedly
against the old Jail lot have done so
above or after their own
names, boldly and honorably.
They have not sought to hide their identi.
ty behind any assumed name. There are
well known in this community and they
give reasons for their convictions on this
subject They have not been successfully
controverted in the position taken; they
c-nnot be charged with personal.bias, ex.
cept by those who plainly indicate by their
unwlllingness to be known that they are
biased by personal interests themselves.
Gentlemen of the Commission, we warn
you Of your responsibility; we ask for q
hearing for an honest people; we plead for
careful consideration and for suspension
Of final action until the citizens of Spring
field may be more efiectually heard. This
is not too much to ask; already sufficient
argument has been advanced; calm and
considerste advice has been given to deter
hasty action Remember the GIOBg-Rr