The evening times., 1899-03-22
BATTLE ABBEY SERENE
| Assuming SHAPE
Societies Throughout the Coun-
try Becoming Interested.
Plans to Be Presented to the Grand
Army of the Republic.
The Enterprise Is Yet in Its Infancy,
Eut Good Results Are Ex-
pected.

The plans of the promoters of the Battle
Abbey in this city are beginning to take
definite shape, and efforts are being made
to bring the matter to the attention of all
of the patriotic societies in the country.
Every person who has had any connection
with the proposition Is enthused with the
desire to make the Abbey one Of the most
artistic as well as historical of the public
buildings in this city. The scope OF the
exhibits that win be contained therein is
almost unlimited as there is an immense
amount OF matter that can be shown to
the public in such place that they would
never see otherwise. 1t is proposed to have
besides the relics of the wars in which
this country has been engaged complete
collection of the weapons with which these
wars were carried on. Thus everything
connected with the art of war as practiced
in this country will be exhibited. If the
efforts of the promoters of the scheme are
realized this will be one of the most i'm
portant features of the entire building.
They viii not be contented with simple
reproductions of the articles in question,
but will make every effort to have the real
thing placed in position just as it is in
time of war.
The immense wagons and camp utensils
OF an army will be gathered together in
one of the rooms in a miniature camp with
all the appurtenances OF such. Pieces OF
heavy ordnance will be shown in their en-
/; tirety with caisson, cartridge and cart
ridge lift, even the harness with which the
horses are hitched will be given place
in the building. 1t is proposed to devote
an entire floor to such exhibits so that
plenty Of room, for all that can possibly
be collected, will be provided. The col
lections shown in the buildings will in
clude the various battle flags that are stor-
ed in different places throughout the coun-
try. There are number of these tattered
bits of silk and bunting that are growing
dusty and musty by being stored away in
some gRrret where they are never seen
by the public. To show these emblems
of freedom would be an inspiring lesson
TO the youth of the country, 1t is said. and
an effort will be made to collect them all
| together under this one roof.
| The plans and specifications of the Bat
tie Abbey will be presented to the Grand
! Encampment Of the G. A. r, in Philadel-
/ phia, next summer and assurances have
/ been made that they will be acted upon
fayorably. The matter Will also be brought
/ to the attention of the national admins
trative bodies of the Confederate Vete-
rams Association. the Daughters of the
American Revolution. the Sons of the
| American Revolution. the Society of Colo
nial Wars, the Loyal Legion, and all of the
| societies that have the promotion of pa
| triotism for their object.
| b. II. Warner, of this 49,, is one of
| the most enthusiastic workers in behalf
| Of the abbey. He has been interested in
/ the scheme for some time and is very
hopeful of its success.
1T is a grand idea" Mr. Warner told
a reporter for The Times yesterday, and
l am willing to do all in my power TO make
| it a success. The matter was brought TO
my attention several years ago but it was
not in the complete form that it is now.
| Then it was the object of the promoters
| OF the scheme TO make it a sectional
| affair, and have only the relics of one side
shown. This l thought was great idea,
| but it did not appeal TO me as the con-
struction of a national building does. We
| should have no sectional feelings in this
matter and should show what Americans
| of the North. South. East, and West have
done and can do. The plans have not been
! fully developed as yet, | understand, but
hope they will be as soon as possible,
as this matter should be worked up now.
| There is no time like the present for ac-
tion in the matter, and the sooner we get
| TO work on it the better il will be. We
want the patriotic societies to become in
terested in it, and have them get all their
machinery TO work to help US. They can
! do a great deal for the cause if they will
only take hold and put their shoulders to
| the wheel So do not delay the agitation.
Agitate and agitate until the people come
to your assistance, as they are bound 10 do
in very short time if you keep at them +"
| Mr.. Warner is in correspondence with
several persons who are interested in tn:
| Abbey, and some interesting news on the
subject is promised in the course of the
| next month.