The evening times., 1899-03-14
IN FAVOR OF TIE
new BATTLE ABBEY
Local Patriotic Societies Dis
cuss the Project.
Architectural Character of the Pro
posed Structure.
Prominent Grand Army Man Tells
Why the Scheme Should
Be Carried Out.

The scheme for a National Battle Abbey
to be connected with the National Museum
recently suggested in The Times has been
taken up and talked about in almost every
patriotic society that has had meeting
since the publication. 1t has been under
stood that the scheme was suggested by
the officials of the Museum. This is not so,
however, as it was part of the plan of the
originator of the idea to have the building
constructed entirely by private means
The plans for the building have not been
prepared, but it is designed to have the
structure of a very ornamental character.
1t will, in all probability, be built of white
stone and will be approached by many
flights of ornamental steps, like those OF
the Grant tomb in New York.
These flights of steps are proposed for
double purpose. They will give the build
ing an imposing appearance and they will
also offer opportunities for the. erection OF
large pieces of statuary or bronzes either
of the men who fought for the flag or OF
symbolic figures. This, it is urged, will af-
ford the American artists opportunity 10
show their skill, it is proposed that
only Americans shall be permitted TO
have anything TO do with the construction
of the building.
The interior of the structure will be fin
ished in marble, mosaic and onyx, and Will
be of the most beautiful character.
Besides the collection of war relics which
will be presented for view there will be
numerous paintings and pieces of statu-
airy. 1t is proposed to have portraits OF
all of the great heroes of the American
Army and Navy, together with reproduc-
tions of all the greatest battles in the his
tory of this country. The building as
proposed will eclipse anything of the kind
in the world, and will be monument 10
! American industry and art as well as the
/ prowess of American arms.
! In speaking of the matter to a reporter
/ for The Times yesterday prominent mem
! ber OF the Grand Army of the Republic
! said:
/ THE idea is most commendable one,
and l, for one, am willing 10 work for its
consummation. There is not single fea-
, ture of the scheme which is not to be COM
mended The name of its originator Will
20 down in history that of a man who
has fathered a splendid project, and de-
I servedly so. Snch a building should nave
been erected in this city long ago. We
have a larger collection Of relics of this
kind than any other nation on the face of
the earth and we can make greater
showing The United States has never
| lost a war and that is something that no
| other nation can say.
We are the richest nation on the globe
and should build such a monument TO the
| memory OF the soldiers and sailors who
have done so much TO bring honor and glo-
ry on our national emblem. The scenes OF
great victories should be preserved and
shown TO the youth of the country in or
der that the horrors as we'll as the glores
of war might be appreciated. and the con-
fidenee in their country and its Govern
ment that would thereby be instilled into
the children would have a wonderful effect
upon them in their after lives.
Il would not make the building sectional
in the character of the relics shown. There
should be rooms devoted 10 the relics OF
the Confederacy and pictures OF their gen
erals should adorn the walls, They were
all Americans in that war, and. although
we fought like demons. there was a feeling
of brotherly regard for one another that
foes seldom have. There was never a
grandeT charge in the history OF the world
than Pickett's famous dash at the impreg-
nable line of the Second Army Corps at
Gettysburg. picture of that charge
should be preserved TO show the young
American what his father did for his coun-
try and how ne could fight when he thoughl
il was for the best.
Then what an impetus the erection OF
such building would give TO the STUDY
of history The child could learn more from
a few time-worn relics by having short
but lucid explanation of their use giver
him than by scanning a whole volume Of
history. The system of education beinE
pursued today requires the child TO be
shown many things that were not thought
of when / went TO school. Instead of tell
ing him about the various forms of nature
the thing itself is shown and explained il
such manner that even the smallest car
understand its meaning That is the bes
and most rational form of teaching and il
this manner the proposed Battle Abbey
would be by far the best teacher of history
The Grand Army agitated for a con,
siderable time few years ago the cree.
ton OF such a structure, but the matter
was not properly pushed. This time, how
ever. | believe it is going to be a success
and | know that the Grand Army will d(
all in its power to help the promoters o.
the scheme
An effort was made day or two ago L
present the matter TO President Mckinley
but he was too busy TO listen to the plans
After his return from the South however
il is said that he intends to give the pro.
ject careful consideration and a favorable
opinion is expected