The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-11-23
Daniel NJ. RansdelI, Sergeant-at-Arms
of the Senate, One of the Busiest
Men in Washington.
FIGHT OVER BUILDING SITE
RIVALRY BETWEEN FACTIONS OF
ELKHART CITIZENS.
Letter to Indianapolis Labor Leader
REGARDING Work at the POstOfhce
Notes About Indianians.

Staff Correspondence Of the Journal
WASHINGTON Nov. 22.-Painters, car
penters and cleaners are hurrying to get
the Capitol in shape for the opening of the
short session of Congress, which begins
Dec l. Both chambers of the National Leg
islature are beginning to look bright and
new as a result of the rubbing and dec
Grating. One of the busiest men about
the building is Daniel NJ. Ransdell, SER
geant-at-arms of the Senate. Colonel"
Ransdell, as he is known to most OF the
employees of the building. directs a great
deal of the work that is done in getting the
Senate chamber in shape, and in addition
to this he acts as a sort of purchasing
agent Just now he is worrying about the
coal supply for the winter. 1t Is estimated
the Senate and House sides of the building
will each consume about 1900 tons of hard
coal a year. The supply is being laid in
for both sides, and on account of the strike
II is no easy matter to get what is needed
delivered promptly. "The situation in
Washington" said Mr. Ransdell day or
two ago, lis just about as critical it
was before a settlement of the strike was
agreed on" This year Mr.. Ransdell ad-
vertised for bids for furnishing coal and
received a reply from but one company.
This company promised to furnish coal as
rapidly as it could be got. This year the
government is paying s6.45 a ton for hard
coal to use at the Capitol building. Last
wear the price was $4.67 ton.
Mr. Ransdell a few days ago held his an
nual auction of old furniture and other
articles that the Senate cannot use. A day
or two later the sale to dispose of stuff
that accumulated in the House was held.
one of the articles disposed OF was a long
table that used to do duty in the room OF
the committee on ways and means. 1t was
purchased by man who IL was suspected
keeps a gambling game. He paid 50 fof
the table and announced that he would use
il in conducting the seductive game OF
keno"
Charles B. Lands is the first of the In.
diana delegation in Congress to arrive, and
| he is staying at the Raleigh The others
| will be dropping in from day to day.
| XXX
| hot fight is now in progress between
the citizens of the south and the citizen:
| of the north side of Elkhart The contes
! is over the selection of a site for the new
federal building 10 be constructed in tha
city. There are delegations here from boil
factions and each is earnestly advocating
the selection of their site. The delegation
| consisting of A. r. Beardsley and Captain
| Chamberlain. from the South Side. arrives
| here first and presented their views TO As
| eiStant Secretary of the Treasury Taylo
last tuesday They want the secretary I
! accent the site on the corner of Maine an
| pratt streets The North Side delegatio
consists of III. E. Bucklen, Walter Brow
and James H. State and they are advocat
inc the acceptance of the site on Main
and jackson streets. They have also pre-
sented their views to the the secretary sec. and ar !.
~ later delegation is the first choice {
John W. Parsons. the inspector who es
amined the Indiana sites. The site cam
m for final action last week, but was pos
npned until the oath of this month. in ords
thst the other delegation might be hear,
The secretary will give final decision
| the matter on Monday:
Inspector Parsons will on Monday mal
his renort to the department regarding II
site for the vincennes federal building.
} The Treasury Department has sent
: letter. somewhat emphatic in character.
| CONTINUED ON PAGE & COL a)