The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-01-11

monument to those-and to those alone-who
have been loya to the government transmitted
to US by our forefhthers, aud who have de-
Tended il against all assailsnts. Vnlor is
worthy of commemoration when 1t is m anifested
Ia just cause, and only then.
Two Propositions.
Two forms of compounds are proposed by
those engaged in the agitation. The first Of
these is that everything in the way OF inscrip-
ton be omitted and the monument be made q
work of pure art.
Would this prove satisfactory? We think
not. The utmost effort is being expended to
make the monument the highest order of art
possible with the talent and means at our com.
maud. but it is primarily. intended to
be commemorative work, which it
cannot be in way sufficiently
definite without inscriptions. When
the limit of the artistic expression has been
reached. inscriptions are resorted TO. which go
a step further, connecting the art forms snC
symbols with the prlncip es and events they
are designed to honor and commemorate. max
ing il something more than q mere work
OF art, however excellent that ert may be.
Omit these inscriptions aud the monument be-
comes geueralized to lose Its definite
character and much OF It's spirit and effect,
while il would be a lasting reflection upon
those WHO caused the omisslon. The men
who have done much to give Indiana
her enviable reputation would surely not
do this. Nor does it become the
participants in one struggle TO advocate such
omission because they are not permitted to
monOpolize all the hOnors, but are required TO
share them with others equally as lrAye. pa
triotlc and loyal. IL lie not just; IL is not COM
rsdeship. Such recognition of copatriots as
is provided by these inscriptions Is no detrao-
ton from those who do 10, nor does IL cause
their own services however more important TO
be overlooked or reduced in degree.
The second proposition is to omit 1916 1879
from the shat aud let the inscriptions remsin
on the tablets below as proposed.
This is an admission that the recognition OF
the Mexican war lie, IN itself. not wrong the OBJ
lection being only to the location of the recOg-
milton, and is, in effect, withdrawal from the
contention OF those VINO made it To continue
the agitation alter having reached this position
would indicate the seeking of a pretext for
fsut-fnding. or q purpose not yet revealed.
Ii is hoped that the sober second thought,
based upon fuller and accurate information.
will lead to approval of the dates upon the
shaft, as they nov stand a. well as the nserp.
lions below, Tor. in prIntiDle, they are the same
thing and one cannot be approved without
also approving the other
At its nceptiOn the monument exerted n
notable influence in suppIessing partisan ran
cor at the close of the general assembly OF
1857. Il opened the way for harmOnizing the
differences between the two houses, break ,ng
the dead lock" and enabling needed legisla-
ton 20 be completed. Its mission Is one OF
henefo'n and peace. May il so stand, bless
ING to our state and nation!
II Q work has been given the most devoted
thought and labor as hole and IN every de-
tail, and the commission gladly submits II TO
the investigation and consideration OF all
thoughtful and patriotic men.