The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-06-12
A COLUMN FROM EACH STATE.
Letter TO the Governor in Regard to a Shaft
at the Worlds Fair.

~ th' AiN fi's
Governor Mckinney yesterday received the
following communication from Mr. William
T. Baker, president Of the Worlds Columbian
Exposition, in Chicago. H.:
1T has been suggested by eminent. patriotic
citizens interested in the success of the
Worlds Columbian Exposition that a most
interesting and impressive feature could be
added 10 the exhibition if each one of the
thirteen colonies or States would contribute
column. the several columns TO be properly
grouped on the grand mole at the entrance OF
the court in front of the Administration build
ing on the Exposition grounds. The point
selected IS cOnsplcuOusly prominent and the
columns would add greatly TO the scenic effect
and historic interest.
The subject has received careful thought,
and the suggestion Is deemed worthy OF the
time and the occasion. and it is hoped 1t may
find favor with your Excellency.
IerselY stated, the proposition is:
'First-That the thirteen States each fur
nish column base and capital.
Second The Exposition company 10 fur
nlsh foundations and the statue. If any, over
each column, and also set the columns them
selves in place.
''Third-The columns to lie delivered on
the site by the several States on or before
July !. 1892, so as 10 be in place for the
N'Nt-S0ACAe ~ '-NNo ~ NC ItAb III OANCONAf
1892.
"Fourth-The material of the base to be Of
granite IN all cases. but the shaft may be Of
any other light co red stone which Will
harmonic with the others IN general. effect,
and the coat of-arms Of each original State
can he carved upon the shaft Of each column
about ten feet from the ground on a shield
about three feet across
"fIfth-Ihe capitals may be cast in bronze
or other material and one form OF capital
could be used for them all, which would
probably be most acceptable.
"Sxth-it is thought the average weight of
the whole column will be from $50 TO 260 tons.
"Seventh--It would be desirable 10 have
the columns monolihic if practicable 10 trans
port them. but If not and il would be more
economical, they could be cut into drums.
Il have the honor 10 transmit herewith
blue points which will indicate u your TX
celency what has been proposed. The plan
of column presented i'm the blue point IS ten
tatlye and suggestive only.
have gone into the matter thus fully in
order that you might be sufficiently advised
50 as TO give the suggestion. herewith sub
mltted. such early attention and favorable
action as your wisdom may approve.
A duplicate of this letter and blue point
has been sent 10 the Governor of each OF the
thirteen States"
Enclosed in the letter was diagram in blue
point showing the location of the monument
and the several bindings to be erected in it's
vicinity
Governor Mckinney in his reply thanked
MIR. Baker for the suggestions made by him,
and added that me was unable 10 do anything
IN the matter until the Legislature OF this
State would convene next winter However
he was heartily in favor of II and would sub
NIT this subject. as we'll as anything else per-
tanning TO the Columbian Exposition. to the
Legislature at the beginning OF the next ses-
sion with the proper recommendations. The
Governor expresses the hope that the Legisia-
ture will take favorable action.