The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-03-13
MR. VERSTREET in TOWN
WHAT HE HAS TO SAY OF THE NEW
FEDERAL BUILDING.
An Appropriation of 3 1.5OO.OOO VIII
Be Available for Building Alone
Financial LegisfatiOn.

Representative Overstreet and wife ar
rived from Washington yesterday and are
staying at the Denison. Both are in ex-
cellent health and are much pleased TO get
home after a winter of political and So
cial activity. II am very glad said Mr..
Overstreet last night, ito have assisted
toward obtaining an additional appro-
priation for the Indianapolis federal build
ing. This additional appropriation will
place at the disposal of the Treasury De-
partment S,500.0W for construction of the
building exclusive of the cost of the site.
l do not believe this sum is any too large
for the purpose. 1t was most unfortunate
that a misunderstanding concerning the
appropriation should have existed. l great
ly regretted the criticism which was made
by people who had the impression that
this additional appropriation was intended
to enable the department TO make a
change in the material for the construction
OF the building. This criticism and the ac-
ton of the Indiana Legislature, which pro-
tested against the increase, very greatly
embarrassed those of us who were urging
the additional appropriation. 1t is hard
enough for one to obtain these appropria-
tions when everybody is lending a help
ing hand. The difficulty is greatly increased
when opposition is aroused to such efforts.
The truth is, the question of the kind of
stone to be used has not yet been con-
sidered. The additional appropriation was
simply TO afford more money with which TO
construct the building without regard TO
the kind of material which should be used.
Personally l ave thought it wise for me
TO use my efforts toward obtaining a suf-
icient appropriation and urge its wise and
economical expenditure.
work unOn the construction will NOW
move forward In the ordinary course UNI
der direction of the Treasury Department.
l think steps will be taken in June or July
Tor the clearing of a sufficient space on the
site Tor work upon this building. Bids Tor
the construction of the building will be
invited about Sept. 1. Bids will be invited
in the interim as to the kind of stone to
be used. In this way prices will be OBJ
tanned upon different kinds of stone and
after the bids are opened the department
will decide which kind of stone shall be
used. This has been the universal practice
OF the department and will afford oppor-
tunities for a full and fair consideration
Of the subject or material. | do not antic-
ipate any unnecessary delay in the con-
struction and believe the building will be
a credit to the State and an ornament to
the city"
Representative Overstreet said Of the
Congress which has just closed: while
the sessions We're short, they were i'm
portant, and the fifty-siXth Congress, COW
ering two sessions, will compare, in my
judgment, very creditably with former
congresses. This Congress has accom-
plished gold standar legislation, has re-
duced the war revenue tax, has favor
ably advanced the condition of the prob
lens which were left as a legacy by the
Spanish war, and has, in all respects,
discharged the customary work of admin
istration with reasonable economy. Aside
from the increased expenditures oc-
casioned by new problems that have come
up, the expenditures of the Congress just
closed have not greatly exceeded the eX-
penditures upon similar lines by preced-
ing congresses. While l felt that some
further financial legislation should be en-
acted. l am much pleased at the decided
progress in this line which has been made.
1 hope to see the next Congress make
still further progress in financial legisla-
ton. The VeXatious stamp taxes have
been discontinued, and the general taxes
reduced by over $i0,O0,0N per annum. The
legislation relative to the Philippines and
Cuba was certainly in the right direction,
and will, in my judgment, result in bene-
fit to both Cuba and the Philippines. These
problems are important and trying, and
time, care and patience must necessarily
be invoked before a complete solution can
be expected. l think action upon the ship
subsidy bill was wisely avoided, and L
regret the necessity of pOstponement of
the Nicaraguan canal project. l believe
the action of the Senate in suggesting
amendments to the treaty with Great Brit
ain. relative to the canal, was wise, al
though Great Britain has declined to ac-
cept such amendment. American control
of the canal is certainly the proper solu-
tiOn."