The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1892-06-14
PREPARE FOR THE IDzs OF 5vLY.

The United States Arsenal at Co
lumbia is the only institution OF the
kind in the Middle South-in fact, 1t
is the only one of ITS kind south OF
the Ohio river except at Augusta, Gs.'
and San Antonio, Texas. Not in all
this broad sweep OF States could be
found a more beautiful spot than the
seventy acres included within its
grounds.
All honor to Col. Thos. T. Wright,
whose fertile brain originated the
idea of such an institution; to
our great and lamented Whit
thorne, who secured the appro-
priation for it's establishment, and to
the public-spirited citizens of Co
lumbia and Maury County, who, out
of their own pockets, contributed the
amount necessary to purchase the
splendid site on which the buildings
stand.
The original appropriation of $780,
900 has been expended in the erection
of nine buildings admirably adapted
to the purposes for which they have
been constructed. The principal
buildings are of the fine white
Bowling Green stone, aud include
a massive structure for the storage
and repair of arms, splendid man
sion for the Commandant, attractive
officers quarters and tasteful guard
house. Besides these, there are COM
modious barracks for the men quar-
tered there-one for the married and
one for the unmarried men-with
machine shops, magazine, stables, etc
These buildings, situated in grounds
of rare natural beauty, are well worth
public notice; but the attention of
the country at large has never been
directed to them by any of the cere-
monies which usually attend the
opening of great public establish
ments. There has never been any
laying OF cornerstone or formal deG-
ication.
We think the occasion for such
ceremonies has now arrived. The
progressive citizens of this growing
city are OF the same opinion. We
are proud Of the great prize we have
secured, and We want the rest OF the
world to know it and rejoice with us.
But we don't expect to stop at what
we have. We want more and are 60
ing to work to secure it. We need
additional appropriations to beautify
the grounds and to make them still
more attractive. Every one under
stands that the first appropriation
of the government to such institu-
tions is but the foundation to which
it will continue adding if properly
urged. 1t is understood that the
original design will be greatly en-
larged if we make the proper effort.
II is to the public men of the country
that we must look for such ad-
ditional appropriations.
How can we better reach them
than by bringing them here and
showing them how well the first APP
preparations have been spent and
how profitable to Uncle Sam it will
be to turn loose some more of his
cash in such a county and among
such people? And how can we bet
ter do this than in a grand opening
of the Arsenal itself? This formal
opening has been decided on for the
18th of July. On that day in the
morning the stars and stripes will be
L =, Il
appropriate ceremonies, in which the
most distinguished men of this ma
ton will participate. Influential
committees will leave in few days
for Chicago, Washington and New
York to invite these gentlemen, ire
spective of party. That such COM
mittees will bring them no one will
doubt.
On the night Of the 18th, a grand re-
ception will be held in the main.
building of the Arsenal, which is capa-
BILE Of accommodating 10000 people.
At this reception will be assembled
all the distinguished guests, visitors
and all our home people who will
participate. On the next day another
committee will arrange a different
programme, but one quite as interest
ing. This committee will arrange for
the opening of the Presidential cam
paign in Columbus on that day.
They will invite ex-President ClevC-
land himself to speak for the Demo-
Gratis.
This celebration will not only re-
suit in our advantage by securing ad-
ditiona1 appropriations to the Ar
senal, but will benefit as in many
ways.
1t will bring an immense crowd
here from the North, South, East and
West, and will advertise our advanta-
ges in the widest ard best possible
manner. 1t will be the occasi on for
every body's friends 20 visit them and
will promote wide spread good