New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-02
DEFENDS NEW CAPITOL.
Coz. Pennypachrer of Pennsylvania
Sends Message to Assembly.

Harrisburg Jan The General Assembly Of
Pennsylvania convened at noon to-day. The ses-
sion entirely routine. A recess was taken IN
til January 10 to give the presiding officers time
select the standing committees. The Republican
party is in a majority IN both houses. The real
work OF the session will begin Immediately after
the inauguration of Governor-elect Edwin s. Stuart
on January Is.
The House organized by the election OF Frank E.
McClain. OF Lancaster. as Speaker. and Cyrus z.
Woods. of westmoreIand. was again elected Presi-
dent PRO tenn. Of the Senate.
After both houses had bsen organized. the new
members IN and other routine proceedings
incident TO the opening OF regular session had
been disposed Of the last biennial message Of Gov
rnor Pcnnypacker. who goes out OF Office on jan
nary 70. presented and read.
The Governor. after dealing with q score Of sub
jects, took UP the controversy the decorations
and furnishings OF the State Capitol. The
erection OF this structure cost Si.50o0n0 and the
decorations and furnishings 100000 Charges OF
extravagance were made in connection with the ex-
pendtture Of the 50 0oo0oO and the subject made
an Issue IN the last campaign. The money
was largely expended by the Board OF Public
Grounds and Buildings, Of which the Governor, by
virtue of his Office, is a member.
The Governor IN his message courts an inquiry
and requests the Legislature to make thorough
investigation OF the charges. In the completion
of the Capitol" the Governor says "the common
wealth has accomplished a difficult and compli-
Gated task IN a manner which will reflect credit
upon her for ages to come"
Continuing, he says. IN part:
The Capitol is all paid for and has been paid FOR
out OF revenues without the imposition OF burdens
commonwealth pay her annually taxes s. SIS
2s q, and since they are largely owned in London
and New York. It is at least a partial truth that
the Capitol IS only return to OF some OF the
wealth derived by the stranger from own
natural resources Some OF the most skilled arti7ans
and the most capable artists living in the
world have devoted their efforts and talents fits
erection and characterization Sixty thousand people,
some OF them from distant lands. have already come
to Harrisburg for 10 other purpose than TO view
Its attractions and long # will that no man
expressed in form without having studied the
Capitol of Pennsylvania. II has been its fortune
TO have been made the issue Of political cam
paign for the Governorship and to have been sp.
proved by the people.
no important work ever achieved on this
earth, whether for the betterment Of human affairs
the enhancement of human interests the eleva-
ton Of human sentiment, without aftermath Of
query, criticism dissent, objection and hos
tility. The Industrious farmer pioughs hs field
for next years crop, while birds of i'll omen st
along the fence and croak their displeasure. The
vapors from swampy grounds often obscure FOR a
time the very moon IN the heavens. 1t would be
much TO expect the Capitol. beautiful In its
proportionE. adorned with the wealth OF the
thought OF all past time, and builded he CEN
turtles that to follow, to escapo the wliInpers
OF to-day, and If ii be denied tina. tho eyes
of men tighten and that their hearts warm as they
view its wondrous success. at least II be urged
that 1t has cost considerable OF money.
Upon this subject request and advise that you
make a thorough and complete inquiry.