The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-28

art quality in every feature of the monu-
ment. He was ever reading, ever talking
or writing to artists sculptors ana archi-
tects in order 10 avoid mistakes Whlcn
would mar the monument or nulllfy It's
deathless tribute to the States warriors.
1t is not too much for one in daily con-
tact with him and systematic In MS work
to say that with few exceptions no mis-
takes were made when the board approved
his course. Jealous 10 the point or re-
ligiOn for the welfare or the monument, ne
was a terror to slovenly work and many a
block of stone weighing tons was rejected
by him because IL was or different color
or otherwise faulty and not up TO contract.
Though he handled hundreds of thousands
of dollars not one penny was spent dls-
honestly.
A grateful posterity will not forget the
admirable worth and intelligent art infiu-
ence of the regents, but ii is not less just
that posterity should not be kept in igno-
rance of the work of this guiding, direct
ing spirit of the board of commissioners
who carried the construction past the point
of permanent Disagreement. L remember
IL used TO occur to me L talked with the
monument enthusiast about his work that
il would be most fitting TO give one or the
places In the side groups TO the features OF
the president Of the commission. And
think now that 1t is due him to be perpet-
uated in memory by bust placed in some
prominent niche in the imposing masonry
of the shaft.
the credit due to scores of others in attain
ing the success that so fills every HoOsier
with pride. but L feel that in the dedication
ceremonies less recognition was given
George j. Langsdale than he merits. NO
one had more influential and saving hand
in the founding and building of the monu-
ment during the first two-thirds of its de-
velOpment than he. The finished work has
resulted in a monument that forever should
make the draft obsolete in Indiana in time
of any war. 1t has by the influence or It's
splendid proportions and it's powerful in
centive made the word volunteer" unneces-
sary In future calls TO arms in our country 8
d1Fo A mill he Tod sxrn1n MT ppr
under the influence of this monument, and
the proper share Of honor is certainly due
to any man who has as much to do with the
result as George j. LangSdale. Mistakes
ne made no doubt, but they were not along
lines that threatened the perpetuity of the
monument. 1t is the greater for his connec-
poorly requited and honestly conducted
management.
STUDENTS BENEFACTOR.
Mr.. Langsdale was a man Of philan-
thropic ideas, and had a generous heart.
Many a former student at old Asbury or
the new De Pauw University at Green Cas-
tie could tell of assistance given him by the
editor of the Greencastle Banner which en-
abled him to make his way through col
lege. The Banner was ever a workrOom
open TO students who were trying to make
money to carry them through the course.
He also did the students of those days q
world of good in the advice and lessons in
living given them. 1t was unusual thing
to find him in his office surrounded by a
crowd OF students, who listened eagerly 10
his lessons proper living. He gave the
needed spur to many young mans ambi-
ton which sent him out into the world to
accomplish something.
On Aug. Is, 1863, Mr.. Langsdale was
married to Mary Elizabeth Roberts, of this
city. Mrs. Langsdale died five years ago.
Their eldest child, Kate Maude, was the
wife of Senator Albert j. Beveridge. She
died three years ago. Three children sur
yive--Mary r. Langsdale, a well-known
teacher in the Indianapolis city schools;
William II. Langsdale, of Terre Haute, and
George j. Langsdale, jr., of this city.