The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-03-06
LIBBY A MUSEUM.
Ex-Prisoners of War Object to
the Change.
From the Chicago News.

From the Chicago News.
When the ever-vigilant American Spectator
first turned to commercial account the thrill
ing epochs OF the war by reproducing them in
panoramas loud protests were not wanting.
"Reviying dead issues "Prolonging section
al hatreds, +" "The degradation of hallowed
memories" were some Of the pet phrases of
those who found fault with the scheme. ~ % %
The objections against perpetuating the
memories of the war have again come to the
front, only in a more intensified FORM since it
was proposed to transfer Libby prison to Chi
cago as business enterprise The arrange
ments for this transfer have been practically
completed. A recent dispatch from Richmond
says that an architect, after careful examina-
ton, says the building can be taken down and
removed TO Chicago ut a much smaller cost
than the first estimate. Mr.. w. Fl. Gray, of
Chicago was with the architect when the lat
ter examined the building last week, and when
the Richmond people found out that Mr.. GRAY
had the money in his pocket to make the first
payment on the property their protests began
TO accumulate in earnest. The Richmond
State was one of the first to voice southern
opinion. Among other things, the State said
editorially in late issue:
OPINION OF SOUTHERN PAPER,
ITO set up Libby prison in northern CITY
and to have thousands of people inspect it
under the guidance of mercenaries whose daily
task will be exaggeration, is to contrive new
means for intensifying whatever remains of
have heard many q recital of the sufferings of
Point Lookout and Johnsons island, but they
want none Of the reminders of those prison
pens set UP in their midst. They have no de-
sire to perpetuate animosity and unforgiyeness
toward the people OF the north
IF il be not too late-and we trust that il ia
not-let steps be taken at once TO prevent the
removal from this city of an object that should
have been RACED to the ground long ago-a re-
moyal that can result in no good, but, on the
contrary, is fraught with evil to the coming
generations Of our common country. No pro-
ject that could be conceived by the worst
enemy of the American people could be more
dangerous than the rebuilding of this old and
crumbling prison as temple of south hate"
In another issue the same paper said
"The objection to the removal of Libby
prison may be said to come from q sentimental
idea. To set the building up in Chicago to put
Wax-figure sentinels in gray uniform about its
doors, to placard here and there cell to tell
story of brutality, will be still further in
keeping with the scheme for there is no senti-
mcnt about this. 1t is confessed that it is fer
cool cash. There were daring raiders on the
northern side whose fervid imagination
schemed the capture of Libby prison. the re-
lease of the prisoners, and the demolition of
the structure. But they could not take it
down. 1t still stands. Yet now we are to have
demonstration OF the power of a few thou
sand dollars, greater than the valor that
through sentimental promptings resisted this
removal and we, of Richmond, of the south
are asked to bow down, grin acguiescence, and
discarding sentiment, hail the enterprise that
will make part of the furniture of the lost
cause drawing card for show, while rabbes.
for only ten cents, can see the exhibition and
go away with full appreciation of how lost
indeed is that cause when its very public
htatI atvNrrr Ig.ff
set up for sport or jeers." Here is what
Captain James Stewart, of Pittsburg, the last
union officer to eyacuate Libby, says in q re-
cent interview:
ITO take it now and turn it into money
making show would be an insult to the south
and degradation to the n&th. l saved the
old building once from being destroyed by fire,
but If it was only for a museum that saved it
i am never going to claim any honor or credit
again for the act.
Mr.. Lee Mayer of l.. Simon & Co, Monroe
street. Mr.. Mayer has been for the last four
years vice-president of the Veteran Union
league
Said Mr.. Mayer yesterday to Daily News
reporter: 81 am opposed to any such scheme
as bringing Libby prison to Chicago, and
should suppose any ex-prisoner of war would
be. This matter was talked over among the
veterans last Sunday, and the sentiment
seemed to be unanimous that il was an unwise
step. No ex-prsoner of war would care to
have the horrors of twenty-five years ago re-
vived as would be the case in this instance.
Although they might not have been in Libby,
still an ex-prisoner who has suffered at An
Jacksonville or Belle Isle would have his own
imprisonment wildly brought to remember
ance. Speaking one who endured impris-
onment in Libby, never care to go into the
details of those horrible times. The actual
starvation, suffering and filth endured arc not
pleasant to recall, but they can hardly be ex-
aggerated What, then, Is the use of bringing
the old building here to servo as perpetual
reminder of these things?"