Evening star., 1896-03-31
FOR DIXIE L AND
Proposed Erection Here Of a Me-
mortal Building.
An EI-C6NFEDERlTE'S GENEROSITY
An Exposition Of the Resources
of the South.
HISTORIC COLLECTIONS

Washington has an opportunity to secure
the location and erection here of what
promises to be one of the handsomest and
most imposing edifices yet constructed in
the city, government buildings only ex-
cepted.
The projected erection Of q southern
historical and memorial temple by the
people of the south, under the auspices of
the United Confederate Veterans has been
mentioned in The Star. The proposed plan
is attracting national attention. The first
conception was merely that of the estab-
lishment of museum of war relics, battle
trophies, &C., for which suitable building
was to be erected, presumably in one Of
the central southern cities. and If the
original plan be adhered to it is probable
that such location will be decided upon
and an outlay of about $3.50 900 to s3o0,UU0
devoted to the purpose. The scheme was
practically launched at the last annual
reunion held at Houston, Tex. i'll an offer
from Mr. Charles B. Rouss, it's originator
and patron, a wealthy and philanthropic
citizen of New York. to donate 100000 to-
ward fund of 100000. the balance to be
raised by the ex-confeGerates and their
friends. The proposition met with i'm
mediate favor, and plans were at once in
augurated for conducting the canvass.
Ihe fund raised to this time already
amounts to more than the figures named at
the outset, and will doubtless be very ma
terially increased by the next annual meet
ing, to be held in Richmond, June 30 The
location of the building will be decided at
that time by committee of one from each
state, the District of Columbia being 1ecog-
nized as and granted the representa- ton of
a state.
A Broader Proposition.
The original proposition for a mere mu-
scum of relics, or a simple battle abbey"
as 1t Is often designated, has outgrown it,
self In the Importance and advisa bility if
not necessity for something upon a grander
scale and for a more comprehensive pur-
pose. This has been occasioned in part
from greater success in collections than
was anticipated, but more largely, no doubt
from the fact that q broadening of the
scope into grand and magnificent histor-
ical and Industrial exposition, has brought
to 1t from wealthy and influential friends
OF the advanced idea offers of contributions
aggregating sum several times more than
the amount first designated.
To the Washington contingent Of ex-con-
federates is due, perhaps, the more ex-
tensive scheme. and the plans and pur-
poses suggested by them have found ad-
vocateS in all sections. Should Washington
be selected for the location of the building
1t is understood that at least s75O.OOO, and
probably, with an endowment fund includ-
ed. 100000, will be made available for
the purpose. Such an edifice as contemplat-
ed would include complete historical de-
tuleut, d department OF ART ana ScuIp-
ture, enc devoted to industrial and agricul-
tural resources, a grand representative
battle abbey hall, as embodied in the prim-
ary Intention; an apartment of exhibits for
each state, meeting halls, rooms and an
auditorium with a seating capacity of three
or four thousand.
The Advantages of Washington.
For structure so comprehensive and
far-reachins in its purposes the fitness and
logical superiority Of Washington as a To-
cation are generally recognized The Dis
trict of Columbia was carved from the
states of Virginia and Maryland and is
strongly represented In the sentiment and
principles of both. 1t is said that nearly
10000 Virginians and over 10000 Mary
landers, combined with the immense flow
from the southern states. form fully 100000
of the citys population, representing a peo.-
pie who naturally inherit and cultivate the
customs and habits of their nativity. The
sightseer Of today Is impressed with the