The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-25

the State-house yard and the Military Park,
thus connecting the two. and In the latter. which
is already intended for military pur.
poses. erect the soldiers monumental
structure. From Circle Park there is
good clear view of the elegant State-house "a
which there should be dienifed approach from
that point This be obtained by bordering
the intervening street with trees of rapid growth,
thus concealing all irregularities and defects.
Facing the State-house are lots that could be
vacated and converted into an ornamental plaza.
driveway for pleasure carriages could extend
each way around the building, through its suit
ably -ornamented grounds. from the eastern to
the western entrance. Opposite the latter Ia
what, In the proposed plan, would be
the Market-street entrance to the mid
die or connecting park. On either side
OF Market street, but particularly northward,
are many vacant lots and others that could be
vacated at small cost Through these three
varied drives could lead to Military Park One
by way of Market street. made inviting. q la
Woodruff Place, its entire distance to West
street A second could wind northward through
whore the rink was burned, reaching the West
street entrance to Military Park by way of Ohio
street, which. for that short distance could be
rendered park-like. The third crossing rustic
bridge to be thrown over the canal at its curve,
could lead westward along the water. being sim.
liar to and making connection with the handsome
drive on the south side of Military Park The
canal, which makes a graceful curve
within this distance, and which Is
now kept in excellent con dition,
would furnish rowing. sweep four squares in
length. Should its banks be ornamentally tree
bordered and vine-clad, with artistic steps lead
ing down to miniature wharves from whence
could launch out canoes. gondolas and other
picturesque water craft very Venice could
exist in your midst. Without doubt, you have,
in your city, landscape artists with taste and
judgment to evolve pleasure-pr producing grace
fulness cut of the chaos that reigns su-
preme ir that vicinity.
understand there are other city premises.
originally designed for park uses, but still unm-
proved because of their remoteness. These
can be disposed Of and the pro-
ceeds devoted to constructing this
centrally located succession of inviting drives
that would commence within a square of busy,
fatiguing Washington street, and lead from
Mortons statue in Circle Park. on Meridian
| street, through the State-house grounds, thence
westward a like distance to Military Park. which
extends to Blackford street The pleasurablc
interest of the drive will culminate upon reach
ing Military Park, in the view of the soldiers
| monumental structure. That this will be soma
thing unique and ornate may confidently be ex-
pected when it is known that its erection Is un-
der the auspices of the Indiana branch of the
Grand Army, whose good taste and executive
ability became of national repute through the
eminent success attending their efforts relative
to the late indianapolis musical festival"
Therefore, in place of the stiff staid, conven-
tional monumental shaft, their inventive genius
will doubtless present to the public something
Characteristic of themselves and the state they
represent
The following is an embryotic idea Of what
might be devised: A mausoleumiike edifce
having four tower-like corners with open inter-
secting archways between. To the inner sup
porting pillars could be attached the engraved
copper plates. suggested by General Sherman
when he was here, showing the dates and names
of those who have fallen. By this plan your
children play in the park could not fail Of be-
coming interested i'll our war history, aud the
! consequence would be er-endowed citizens in
| the future. The upper Dtory could be inclosed;
and within, open gallery corridor could
| surround u central space leading from the ground
| to the dome above Or, it could be arranged
in one large hall, with alcoves, where
in could be preserved flags, records
and any articles of value virtu belonging to the
G. A. r. This hall could be the general rendez-
vous of the soldiers of the State, and place
where their public meetings could be held. Or,
! If deemed best, it could also be made remuuer-
alive by suitably arranging it for military drill
purposes. For this the location is desirable as
| it Is directly reached by streetcar line
| But these are merely suggestive ideas. Any
architect who could combine beauty and suita-
bility, such are exhibited in Tabernacle
| Church, Tomlnson Hall, or the elegant State
| house could conceive and execute plans for such
an edifce as would place Indiana in the front as
regards originality of device for expression Of
regard for the memory Of its fallen heroes.
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