The Indianapolis journal., 1891-04-14
TIRE SOLDIERS MONUMENT.

Resignation of President Langsdaie.
To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
The resignation of Hon. George j. Langs-
dale, President of the Monument Commits
sion. is to be regretted for moro than one
reason. Mr.. Langsdale has done more than
any other one man toward instituting the
great work and prosecuting the work to its
present proportions. He has labored in
season and out of season for the great en-
terprise; has made it his study. and has at
tanned to degree of knowledge and prof.
ciency that would require any other man a
whole year of diligent application to at
tain. His services are worth moro now
than ever before because of his knowl-
edge and experience. With due re-
spect for the opinions of the gen.
tlemen of the commission, am
confident that their action looking toward
economy in dispensing with the services.
and consequently cutting Oft the per diem
Of the oaoraeory ,ne aS ;nassd
answer the letters that may accumulate
every week or every month. but it is not busi-
nesslike to allow these letters to accumulate.
They should be answered when received.
and be answered, too: by the man having
the best knowledge Of the affairs OF the
monument. Simply answering the letters
might possibly be done by the secretary
without the counsel and advice OF the pres
ident, or any other member of the
commission; but this is not All. all
sides answering letters to keep an
able and competent officer constantly on
duty. If the work can progress without
the supervision. care and constant watch
ing of al officer who represents the people,
why cannot it progress without the COM
missions 1t is q great work. Hundreds of
thousands of dollars are involved. 1t is
the pride of the State. 1t Is matter of
personal interest to every one OF the 66,OOO
soldiers and sailors who live on Indiana
soil. 1t is work that is dear to the heart
of every comrade of the Grand Army of the
Republic, because that order had the dis
tinguished honor OF laying its cornerstone.
1t is proposed to build this monument
as Indiana's tribute to her heroic sons,
to stsad through the centuries, an endur-
ing testimony TO their heroism and valor.
| cannot believe that the sentiment of the
commission is that the cheapest way to
build it is the best; therefore am at loss
to account for their parsimoniousr resolution
TO cut Oft the pittance of "a per day tor the
regular services of an able and competent
officer. Not one word can besaid truthfully
against the honesty, earnestness and sim
cerity of purpose of President LangsdaIe
from the very inception Of the work. He
has not made q dollar out of it, but am
informed and believe that he has lost
money in his untiring efforts to
make it success He deserves all
it does not look right to kick him out of
Office just at the time when the fruits of his
labors the honors which are Justly his due,
may be realized. ! say kick HIM out of
Office, because the resolution, In effect,
amounts to just that thing: unless the COM
mission ex pect him to continue to work for
nothing and board himself. Some one has
said that the work has not progressed
rapidly enough. Mr.. Langsdale is no more
to blame for that than the architect or the
can he truly said there has been delay,
has been caused by q failure to
receive the stones as they were ordered. /
would ask any one who makes this COM
plant to converse with Mr.. Thomas Mcln-
tosh, the superintendent. 1t Is true the
work might have progressed more rapidly;
stones, regardless of their fitness, might
have been piled up to the required height,
and the monument been called completed,
and the expense stopped. The commission
ting off the head of the commission, and
then tender their designations, or adjourn
sine die. telling the workmen to 60 ahead
and build the monument; but would
this be wise' .Ce When completed ,st would would
want7 No, the people would rather the
work should progress moro slowly, and
when completed be the perfect. firm and
enduring structure they proposed IL snould
be.
whether Mr.. Langsdaie is retained az
president or not. there should be some one
representing the great interests of the State
constantly on duty. not 90 much to see that
the work progresses rapidly. but that it
progresses well. If the commission can
find man with the knowledge and abili-
ty, who is willing to assume the response
bility and perform the work without pay,
then there would be economy in saw
ing the Sl.252 per year that would
and should be paid to Mr.. Langsdale. pro-
wear. If Mr.. Langsdale's resignation is ac-
cepted. and another president appointed,
and he should be permitted to do his duty
as his conscience would dictate, his account.
at the close of the year, would be 5. .252
And, should his work be done in Q perfect
manner, he would earn the money. and the
people would not object to the account.
CHARLES NJ. TRAVIS.
CRAwFoRDsvILLE, Ind, April 13.