The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-01-03
Suggestion Made that "Many Cooks
Spoil the Broth" and that the Gov
ernment Should He Trusted.
MILITARY POST SITE CASE
OvERSTREET IN
TEREsTED IN THE NATTER.
Third Assistant Postmaster Madden
on the MisunderstandingO Over the
Ffremen's Magazine.

staff Correspondence of the Journal
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2.-There is feel
ing among those familiar with the ways of
the government that entirely too much is
being said in the newspapers about certain
details connected with the construction Of
the indianapolis federal building. Refer
ence in particular is made to the gossip
that is going on in regard to the construc-
ton of what is Known as the north
front" 1t is pointed out that the Indian
apolis federal building is by no means the
first one that the government ever con-
structed The government, 1t Is urged. is
an old hand at putting up federal build
ings, and usually knows what kind Of
building it wants. The further point is
made that the government will own this
Indianapolis building that it is the govern
ment's money that is putting 1t up and
naturally enough the government has
right to build the sort of structure 1t likes.
However, the government is not disposed
to be arbitrary about the matter, and
seems willing to listen to suggestions. The
objection to so much gossip however, is
based on the old English proverb. TOO
many cooks spoil the BROTH" One of the
main points made is that it will be a good
plan to first get the additional appropria
tion and then allow the secretary of the
treasury to spend whatever is necessary
in completing the north front" so 1t will
harmonize with all the surroundings.
For the last few weeks a considerable
part of the departments time has been
occupied in disposing of matters connected
with different public building matters in
Indiana, chiefly in selection of sites.
Scarcely a day passes some question does
not arise in connection with an Indiana
federal building site. To-day John r. Bon
nell, revenue collector of Terre Haute. had
an interview with Assistant Secretary Tay
lor In regard TO the Charlottesville build
ing. Mr.. Bonnell favors the Irwin site.
He was formerly postmaster at Crawfords-
VILE, and has a pretty good idea of what
that city needs in the way of a postofice
building. Mr. Bonnel pointed out to the
assistant secretary that IL would be mis-
take TO take small tract of ground,
proposed, on account OF the large number
of rural routes that will lead out of Craw-
fordsville as soon Montgomery county
secures a complete county service.
IL Is understood that Gen. Lew Wallace
mas written a letter to Senator Fairbanks
advocating the Irwin site at Crawfords-
Vile Mr. Bonnell in his talk with the
assistant secretary to-day. spoke of General
W Wallace's preference, and this fact seemed
10 have considerable weight with Mr.. Tay-
lor Another reason urged in favor of the
Irwin site is the advantage the Ben-Hur
Insurance Company has been to Crawfords-
VILE The company favors this particular
site. and IL Is asserted that the increase in
the receipts of the Crawfordsville postoffice
sufficient TO warrant the government in put
ting up new building, was entirely due
TO the business transacted by the Ben-Hur
people.
Representative Overstreet visited the
War Department to-day TO make inquiry
regarding the military post which the de-
partment contemplates building at In
dianapolis The secretary of war was
with the President and Mr.. Overstreet
did not see him. He learned, however.
that the department Is waiting on re-
port from General Macarthur. who was
instructed to investigate the different sites
and report 10 the department. 1t is un-
derstood that IL suitable rifle range can
be procured the department favors a tract
Of land lying along the Indianapolis &