Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-07-30
The capitol Square. Again.

A valued friend OF ours upon reading
the DIspArcus article on the Capitol
Square. published last Sunday. observed
that We ought to go further and advocate
tho removal OF the tall iron fence which
now encloses the grounds.
Undoubtedly the beauty OF the Square
would be enhanced by the removal OF the
fence. but Q proposition to that effect
made in the Legislature year or two ago
aroused great indignation. Popular SEN
timent did not support 1t, and 10 was gene
rally denounced as little less than sacri-
ligious stop. But this fence. composed OF
spear-shaped pickets sunk In granite
foundation. has no such antiquity, no
such fond associations belonging to ~, rs
the Capitol. The cornerstone OF that
building was laid IN l7e5. The fence Is OF
tar more modern date. II IS said. In
deed, 10 have been put no by order OF TINS
General Assembly because of an unmen-
| nerly prank played by some citizens OF
Richmond on the thcn Governor, who had
made himself unpopular here. Certain IL
10 that for some years the Capitol-Square
gates were locked against the public reEu-
larry every night Of . o'clock.
The fence is Of a style which was long In
general use for public grounds both IN
this country and Europ'. Our Square
/ could not have been planted in grass and
| flowers without some suoh protection
/ from the cows snd goats, which in those
/ days roamed the streets at viii. hch-
mond's ordinsnoe, now hold those wanton
animals in resfsint and the fence no
longer serves sny good purpose, Snd more
over is in shaky condition at many
places. Ii il 10 to DO kept up. Il should
lie repaired as soon as the General Assem-
Div can be persuaded to make the appro-
priatIon necessary therefor.
Few public squares are now enclosed as
ours is. such fences have been removed
from many parks and instead cureinRs or
low walls have besn plso.d. Our sqvare
would he improved By such change per-
haps but il is not to be expected. because
Legislative sentiment does not favor II,
and because tome little money would be
necessary to carry IL into effect aud IL il
hard matter ever TO get money tor the
/ CapltOl blUht"'
The public grounds ne bought and paid
for by the Commonwealth after it was
decided TO locate tho capital ut Richmond
extended out 20 Broad street aud nearly
down to Shockoe creek. Council Cham
Der Hill" was the hill where the Gov
errors council held thor place OF inset
ing.
1t is pity that Virginia sold any
of this ground--it realized but small
sum-but she has always parte ! with terri
tory upon small inducements and with
much lock of foresight.
When tho General Assembly comes to
provide for the occupancy of the State
/ Library building and makes IN sppropria-
ton therefor, We trust that it will include
an item Of few Hundred dollars to tidy
ND the Capitol Square. We assume that
the fenee is to be maintained, and if go, 1t
should be repaired. Better pavements
should be laid at least on those walks on
the slopes Of ths bills. Cutters need re-
newing. Meanwhile let the custodians OF
the Square. who are not stnted for labor,
make 1t conspicuOusly attractive by wsll-
kept grass plots and scrupulously clean
and smooth walks.