The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-07-05

Exte.sis. Of CAPITOL and Grounds.
Editor The Advertiser:
We hope we may be pardoned for a
Few lines upon this subject.
The history OF the Capitol building
Is such. that 1t represents not only the
state of Alabama, but the entire south.
and hence II is entitled to the great
est of consideration.
In Washington great many records
are stored in the Easements of the diff
ferent buildings and II is highly prob,
able that the basement of the Capitol
in the same way. With the proper use
of cement and ventilation, there would
be little or no risk from downpours,
while with modern methods Of con-
struction 1t is quite possible that the
tainly more accessible than the higher
floors in case of fire.
The basement and the extension of
the wings. as proposed. may give all
The beauty Of a large diamond is
never enhanced by being mounted
among inferior stones. To reveal its
splendor it should stand alone In
effe>' dignity and history of the Cap
itol building. 1t should stand alone In
the midst of the square. Should the
effect, dignity and history of the Cap
ford good location for any other
building that may be necessary. The
best plan should be pursued. even II
the next Legislature must be relied
alton. The south end could be used as
a small park. which would increase
rather than detract from the general
effect OF the building. 1t is not un-
the city. since the city gave the State
the north end of the square. The
grounds being under the control of the
State. any abuse could be readily cor
rected.
Like Savannah, every city should
have small parks in the different dis
t1icts convenient to both rich and
poor. without the loss of time. or the
in the distance is to exclude from its
use those who need it most. the people
o. moderate means. Frequently, par
ents or children cannot go by them
selves to the park: all must go or
be the price of bread.
In the history of Montgomery, the
citv has several times declined the OPP
portunity Of a small park in the heart
of town. and she should avail herself
of this. the last chance even IL she
mr~- provide site for some buildings
that the State may desire to erect.
Not many can afford to leave the
city for the summer. and some pro-
vision should be made for the recrea-
ton and pleasure of the masses.
Throughout the Mediterranean and
Spanish American countries, many
cities furnish music in the parks for
the neople. The climate of the South
Is we'll suited to this beautiful custom.
Why not adopt II in Montgomery? 1t
was tried several years ago, both on
Court Square and Capitol Hill. but
there was no place for the people to
either walk or sit, and so 1t was soon
discontinued. The size of the crowds,
however, showed their appreciation of
the occasion.
An artistic band stand in the middle
of the south end of Capitol Square.
surrounded by a broad promenade
lined with seats, would form an ideal
place for the enjoyment of this delight
full custom. The music could be paid
for by subscription. If possible or by
tne city II necessary. Talk for 1t, work
for II.
Music has a wonderful influence It
elevates and develops all that is best
in US: 1t banishes the cares of life. and
subdues the turbulent spirit into sweet
ness and repose: 1t quiets the babe
with lullabies of love, or with martial
air IL leads the soldier to the cannon s
mouth; 1t incites revolution, or 1t
soothes the populace into a peaceful
and law abiding people.
Accentuate the grandeur and history
OF the stately structure by letting stand
alone. and give us park for music
F. W. Jackson.