The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-02-19
THE CITY AND THE EECAMPMENT.


1t is fair to assume that every man and
woman in indianapolis will be pleased
to welcome the veterans of all the States
on the occasion OF the National Encamp-
ment of the Grand Army of the Repub-
lie in September. That man who. having
come TO the years of discretion, declares
that he has no interest in such a spec
tacle as that of thousands of veterans
of the war which saved nation march
ing through the streets of his city, is not
to be envied. Such a man is n pauper,
even if he has millions. Upon this
assumption, it is fair that every person
in the city should bear his share of tho
cost of entertaining the veterans. This
being the case, there can be no fairer
method than by raising the money by
general taxation. Then it will be the
city of Indianapolis that welcomes and
cares for the bonored visitors. This has
been the policy elsewhere. Even in
Boston the City Council appropriated
money. Money was raised by the
taxing of city property to en-
terrain the National Encampment
in Portland, Me-; in Columbus,
o., in Milwaukee, and in Detroit
Even in wealthier cities than Indianapo-
lis it has been absolutely necessary to
obtain money by taxation. Even if it
could be raised by subscription, it is
better that the expense Of public hOspi-
tally should be paid out of the public
treasury. Each one will thus bear
share of the expense proportionate to
the advantage which will, in the end,
be realized by city which has won the
regard and admiration of thousands of
people from the whole country. Nor
will it do to say that no advantage is
derived from entertaining such an or
ganization. Boston, by its generous
hospitality, won for itself good will in
every Western State which will be re-
membered for years whenever question
affecting its interests comes up. 1t is
great advantage to city to have thou
sands of men speaking it's praise as often
as its hospitality and generosity are
mentioned. In the competitive mark cts,
thousands of men will choose the product
of the city which has displayed patri-
otto hospitality, other things being
equal, over others.
The $4,000 will be required for prep
aration for the general entertainment
of the encampment and those who come
with ig. The bulk of the veterans who
will be here are men of moderate means.
They must be furnished with sleeping
accommodations. They cannot be the
guests of individuals, consequently
thousands of dollars are necessary to
provide temporary shelter, with beds.
Large tents, holding hundreds of people,
with suitable seats, must be provided
for the camp-fres, the regimental, di-
vision and corps reunions. In every
part of the city there must be accommo-
datiOns for the visitors. which will not
be needed when they go away. The
illumination of the city and the decora-
ton of public and. other buildings in
creditable manner will cost money.
Again, all of the money raised by the
city will be devoted to public and gen.
eral purposes-tO entertainments and
exercises in which every citizen can
participate. 1t will not be used for
banquets or any exclusive exercises, and
at least three-fourths, if not more, of
the $4,000 will be paid for labor,
service and materials in Indianapolis.
Thus it must be seen that the only fair
way to raise money for the encampment,
vantages of which all share, is to raise
it by general taxation.