The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-01-16
PRESIDENT STILL UNDECIDED
HAS NOT YET ACCEPTED GOVERNOR
DURBIN's INVITATION.
Postmasters Recommended by Repre-
ish-American War Claim.
special to the Indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 15.-There was ex-
hibited TO public view in the Corcoran Art
Gallery to-day the magnificent scheme OF
the Senate park committee for beautifying
the national capital. 1t proposes TO make a
vista from the Capitol to a plaza in front
where there is to be a trinity of military
men-Grant. Sherman and Sheridan-on to
Washington monument. where grand dec
orative feature in greenery and fountains
are planned. straight on to the Potomac,
where is to be placed beautiful Lincoln
memorial modelled on the architectural
scheme of the Capitol and across low
memorial bridge over the Potomac to
Arlington where sleeps the soldier dead.
To the right. from the monument one looks
across the White Lot through gardens and
esplanades TO the White House. To the left
one reaches through similar ornamental
tions. the Potomac. where Is arranged a
large public play ground with public baths.
gymnasiums and other features OF the like.
The vista from the Capitol To the Washing
tor monument Is through the mall and Is
10 be lined with elms; further in pleasure
drives. and beyond are 10 be public build
ings.
Senator Fairbanks speaking OF the build
ing feature of the plans for the improve
ment Of Washington. said to-day: AT
least slO.0oO.Oo0 ought to be Immediately
appropriated for new public buildings in
Washington. This is a very conservative
estimate"
Although occupied with a multitude Of
duties Senator Fairbanks is giving the
subject of buildings in Washington
the most thorough consideration. He has
the secretary OF the treasury, with the
supervising architect and other officials
and he is to talk the matter over with the
President. BY these conferences he is en-
abled to gather a vast amount of important
Information TO lay before his committee.
and is also assisted in formulating his
views into some definite plan. The senti-
ment in favor of constructing new build
ings was never stronger in Congress than
IL is at present. The necessity of prompt
action is universally conceded. and there
is every reason to believe that before Con-
gress adjOurns at least two new struc
lures will have been authorized.
Senator Fairbankss views, as he ex-
pressed them in "a casual conversation with
the Journal representative in his commit
tee-room to-day, may be summed UP in
three sentences, as follows: Ten million
dollars ought at once to be appropriated: :
no public buildings I'm the public parks; all
buildings should be of classic architecture
According 10 Senator Fairbanks, the two
NEST important structures which ought to
be at once erected are the State and Jus
tice Department buildings and the Hall OF
Records. AN appropriation of $1,000 900
was made" he said, I'm the last Congress
for a new Department of Justice on the
site of the old building, but the plans of
the architects proposed a cost nearly
double the appropriation. and the site
was also deemed Inadequate, nothing has
been done in the matter
IL is expected that when IL is considered
by the committee public buildings and
grounds. il will be amended so 10 make
IT more detailed in its provisions. Senator
Fairbanks and the attorney general have
already conferred about the matter.
Would not the building of a hall of
records give more room in the department
buildings the senator was asked.
Most assuredly, was the reply. And
the erection OF such buildings is impera-
lively demanded. Owing TO the natural
rivalry between available sites. the Senate
has agreed to resolution, 10 which we
hope the House will speedily assent, ap-
pointing joint committee OF three sena-
tors and five representatives who shall de-
eide upon the location of the hall of
records. We hope this committee will re-
port by the first OF February and certainly
not later than the first OF March. II is
estimated that the proposed building will
cost about s.. 100000 or more.
Senator Fairbanks holds very strong
views as to the location or public buildings
within the public squares. He does not be-
lieve il is a wise move for the reason that
as soon as one building is erected in pub
and plan OF the city will be destroyed; He
also thinks that public buildings should
be over three stories in height, and If he
could have his way. would have each build
ms constructed along lines of classic ar
chitecture SO it would never go out Of
style.
the Cabinet to-day visited the COrcoran
Gallery of Art and inspected the drawings
prepared by the committee appointed to de-
wise plans for beautifying the national cap
ital. The President expressed himself as
delighted with the drawings and said the
views Of the committee should be carried
out
I meeting OF the immigration commit
to-day. which Senator Fairbanks at
t. ied as member. the difficulty in the
way of restricting Chinese immigration
permanently came up. 1t appears that in
1884 treaty was made with China which
assented 10 the rigid restrictions of Chinese
immigration. That expires in 1904 unless
China consents TO its remaining In force.
Secretary Hay has told several senators
that 10 re-enact the Geary law for a
term or years extending beyond the ex-
piration OF the Chinese treaty would be a
grave anront TO the Chinese government.
II TINS country only gave aTrOnt, the na-
tional legislature mfeht not hesitate but
the question arises whether not the Chi
nese government would not retaliate II we
acted regardless OF a treaty. This might
mean the passing OF exclusion laws OF
Identical strength as We enact or the gov
eminent might go further and threaten
American trade This phase OF the matter.
OF some other equally serious feature (pos-
elDiy a diplomatic Onel is causing a feel
Ing OF uncertainty among Republicans who
desire 20 go ahead with the Chinese legis-
lation. Mr.. Fairbanks has taken "A vigOr-
Gus part IN such law-nakng. He has an
exclusion bill before Congress. At present
f5e American Chinese trade, among other