The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-06-11
IL VIII Not BE Unattractive. However,
for Ia Will Resemble the Garden
Front of N Great Palace.
WILL BE TREES AND SHRUBBERY
INSTEAD OF AN UNsIGHTLY LOAFING
PLACE, As FEARED.
Suggestion to Turn the Plans Around
Observation-Disclosures Canal Route
Beaten IN the Senate.
peeIaI . the 1nalanapolis JournaI.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, June 1O.--Messrs. Rankin
and Kellogg. of Philadelphia. architects for
the new federal building in indianapolis,
have complied with the request of Senator
Beveridge. who recently sent a communica-
ton to Supervising Architect Taylor. of
the Treasury Department. calling his at
tention TO the remOnstrance of the Indian
apolis Park Board against the scheme OF
construction of the north or rear elevation
of the new building. The letter from the
Park Board was sent by Superintendent j.
Clyde Power in which he stated that it was
the opinion of members of the board and
numerous other indianapolis citizens that
the rear elevation of the building would be
unsightly. and Furthermore, that the
OF the building would be a loafing place
and be very undesirable for several rea-
sons. The senator asked Supervising Archi-
tect Taylor 10 request statement from the
architects in reference 10 the complaint
and the senator received the following let
ter from them this afternoon. a copy OF
which had been previously sent to the
Treasury Department, and approved by Mr..
Taylor:
THE north elevation OF the building as
shown by the contract drawings, does not
differ materially from that shown the
sketch submitted in the competitions for
the work, no instructions having been
ceived by Us to make any radical change
therein. To change the plans so to make
the rear elevation. similar in character to
the front or sides would involve a radical
change and the entire Encouragement of the
plan, which. aside from being of question
able desirability for practical reasons would
cause very considerable delay; would also
add largely TO the cost of the structure and,
as you know. the contract for general con
struction as let and the cost of the heat
ing and mechanical work bring the total up
a. near il is safe to go to the amount
available for the construction of the build
ing, not to mention other considerations,
this question of additional cost made it i'm
possible to construct the rear like the front
and sides.
''On the other hand. we are not disturbed
over the appearance of the side of the
building facing the park Many of the fin
est and most notable buildings In the world
have a similar. treatment with the severe
monumental work on street and a rear or
more simple design overlooking a park or
garden. The fact that the rear is treated
indicate that it will be less attractive in
any way. 1t will be in no sense unfinished.
but will follow the lines of some of the
garden fronts of the great palaces of
France and Italy. as far this be
done with due regard for practical con-
siderations. AS you wei know. many per-
sons OF unquestionable knowledge and taste
consider the garden fronts of these build
ings to be as beautiful their more monu
mental fronts. The practical requirements
governing the arrangements of a pOstOffice
building of this kind, necessarily makes the
lower portion of the rear somewhat plain.
but if it shall be possible 10 carry out our
present ideas. this portion will be hidden
by trees and shrubbery. This will form one
of the most attractive features of the de-
sign. In our opinion the rear of the build
ing will by no means be the least beauti-
full of the four sides and we believe this
will be the general feeling when the work is
completed.
The sugge stion to turn the building
around is not worthy OF consideration. To
face a monumental building with its most
important facade towards the north, when
IL is possible TO place it facing south. is a
remarkable proposition, equal TO that of
hanging the masterpiece of a gallery in the
poorest light and would subject all con-
cerned TO well-deserved criticism
In much as the letter OF MeSsrs. Ran
kin and Kellogg has already been approved
by the department, IL is hardly probable
any further action Will be taken IN refer
ence 10 the complaint Of the Park Board.
Indianians were granted patents to-day
As follows John p. Churchill. indianapolis.
grain dryer: George NJ. Henderson, Indian
apolis. dipping tank; Frank b. Seaver.
Johnson township. Clinton county. drag
and harrow pulverizer combined; Charles
a. Shaffer. Indianapolis. display table; Al
bert b. Titus, Bloomfield. bicycle.
secretaries Wilson and Hitchcock having
returned to the city. various matters re-
lating 10 their departments were discussed
b,, me Cabinet to-day. and in view Of the
President leaving for West Point Tonight
Secretary Root brought up a number OF
Subjects connected with the War Depart
ment.
The question Of reciprocity between the
United states and Cuba was again to-day
the subject OF many conferences among
Republican senators. The advocates OF
straight reduction maintain their position
firmly and are devoting themselves 10 an
effort 10 convince the opponents in their
marty that this is the only legal and prac-
heal channel through which aid be
given 70 the Cubans They have definitely
rejected the proposition for a present re-
bate and an ultimate commercial treaty as
being to- slow and uncertain and announce
their determination 20 prOi0ng the session
indefinitely II necessary 10 accomplish
their purpose SO FAR there are no reports
OF defections from the beet sugar ranks.
There Is talk among them OF another con-
terence at an early date
Representative McDermott Of New Jer-
sey to-day introduced q bill for a statue