The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1902-11-26
A CAPITAL STORY.
Former Washington County rlan
Answers Disgusting News
paper Article.

The Daily Saratogian IN. " of a
recent date publishes newspaper
story, under Montpelier date line,
which is a fine sample of the lies
that are abroad concerning the matter
of the removal of the Capital and the
condition of the Capitol building. 1t
is gratifying, however, to note that
in this particular instance, a man who
knows the situation thoroughly and
was able to meet it-and did meet
it squarely was at hand to correct
the misstatements. The man was O.
ID. Towne now of Saratoga, but form
erly a prominent Washington county
resident. The newspaper article and
portion of Mr.. Towne's reply are
given herewith
The story is as follows: A bill has
been introduced in the General AS
sembly, now in session, to provide for
moving the Capitol from this city to
Burlington. The latter city offers to
bond itself for 5000, 600. toward build
ing the proposed new Capitol building
and has powerful lobby at work in
the interest of the project. The pre-
sent Capitol building was erected in
1857 by the town of Montpelier and
only cost $40, 600, which at that time
was considered an eXorbitant figure.
The building is an antiquated affair,
wholly unsuited to needs of the State.
The furniture and furnishings are out
of date and the building is unsani-
tary. Committeeman sit with their
overcoats on when it is necessary to
open windows for ventilation, that
being the only method for obtaining
fresh air. The building which occu-
pies a commanding site nearly opposite
the birthplace of Admiral Dewey. is
laughing stock of every visitor to
the capital city 1t is said that the
building is veritable fire trap, and
if a blaze should ever get well started
under way the loss would be irrepar-
able, as the State library, which is
located in the wing recently added,
contains priceless relics from the Col
onial period of Vermont. In the
museum is the ride OF Ethan Allen,
and hundreds of similar relics.
In replying Mr. Towne says: The
article i'll the last issue of The Sara
togian concerning the proposed remov-
al of the State Capitol of Vermont is
inaccurate in many particulars and
bears the earmarks of prejudice, Bur-
lington efforts to secure the State
Capital are part of the history of Yer
mont. 1t is a century old fight and
much bitterness of feeling exists
because of it, which feeling is un-
doubtedly responsible for the many
absurd tales which are afloat concern
ing the State Capitol as its being too
small, unsafe antiquated, etc. The
writer has been familiar with the
Capitol building of Vermont ever
since it was built in 1851, and knows it
from foundation to dome and has had
the pleasure andi honor of being
present at many of the political and
social gatherings of the prominent
people of the grand old Green Noun
tain State at their Capitol building.
Mr.. Towne then rehearses the
familiar history of the various Capitol
buildings since Montpelier became
the seat of government, and adds;
Every part of the building which
is ever heated or artifcially lighted,
is absolutely fire proof, being con
structed only of granite, brick, iron
and marble. Your article is correct
only in its location.
'All Vermonters whether at home
or abroad are not only proud of it,
location opposite the birth place of the
great admiral, but of its beautiful
Capitol building, it's beautiful
grounds, its beautiful shaded walks
and drives, the beautiful green hills
in the back ground and the beautiful
little city in which it is located. II
is the opinion of the writer. that the
question of the removal will go nC
further than the introduction of the
bill by the friends of the City on the
Lake.
1t must be remembered that $50,
600 judiciously expended in 1857 would