The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-05-25
CAN NOT BUILD Fl
Memorial Building Must Wait
on Future.
Commission Decides to Drop the
Matter Now.
HAVEAHOT EXCHANGE
Gov, Stubs and Lieutenant Gov.
Fitzgerald Angry.
Latter Only One Who Wanted
to Rush Things.

Work on the Memorial building has
been suspended for an indefinite period,
year at least, by decision of the Me-
mortal commission at it's last meeting.
All of the 100000 appropriation for
the building reverts back into the gen
eral fund of the state treasury except
the $4,000 paid for the site and the
cost of the foundation, now in place
and waiting for the superstructure.
The Memorial commission appear to
have made a fiasco of the whole bust
ness. During the period of one year
they only succeeded in buying site
and putting in a foundation. They
have not ecen decided upon what ma
terial to use for the building. The ap
preparation provided that $4,000 of
the money must be spent within the
fiscal year ending June 80, 1910. The
commission was appointed in March,
1909 and is composed of the follow
ing members: Governor Stubs, Lieu
tenant Governor Fitzgerald, Speaker
J. N. Dolley, Senator Huffman, Repre-
sentative Burke. Secretary Martin of
the Historical society, ex-Commander
Rickel of the G. A. R.
The state had right to expect great
things from such a distinguished lot
of men, but they hold the record for
wasted time and disagreements. When
it comes to fixing the blame, that is
another matter. These men simply
agreed to disagree on all important de-
tails that had to do with going ahead
with the work of constructing the Me-
mortal building. The state wanted
results and gets excuses, so the less
said about the latter the better.
The next legislature will be asked
for a larger appropriation than the
100000 set aside in the first place.
This commission finds that it can not
erect a building for 100000. 1t was
decided at the last meeting that only
the best material should be used, gran
lite and marble. There are bids in on
Kansas and Bedford stone. At the
Hutchinson encampment the old SOL
diers passed a resolution asking for
the best material for the Memorial.
At the meeting Commander Harmon
and ex-Commander Rickel insisted on
the best of material even if the work
on the building had to be postponed
year. The commission finally agreed
to use granite and marble and lay the
work over to the next legislature at
which time they will ask for $4,000
additional in order to complete the
building of this material
Lieutenant Governor Fitzgerald APP
peared to be the only member of the
commission who wanted to rush the
work. He warned the other members
that the memorial bill had a stormy
passage in the last legislature and it
might be held up by the next legisla-
ture. F1IZSerdlQ ana NIOVernOT- STUDIOS
had red hot debate over certain al
legged statements of the governor that
he had at one time favored Kansas
stone for the building. Fitzgerald claim
ed that the governor had written let
ter to certain stone quarry men at Cot
tonwood Falls favoring Kansas stone.
It never said anything of the kind"
holly rejoined the governor. land any
man who says otherwise lies. 1 don't
care who he is or where he comes
frcm."
Fitzgerald was on his feet instantly,
pale and nenacing. do 1 understand,
governor, that you question the truth
fulness of my quotation" he said.
The governor paused a moment be-
fore he made his reply. Then he said
with smile: 81 mean that never told
anybody 1 was in favor of the use of
Kansas material for the construction of
this building"
Then the governor called for a copy
of the letter he had written to the Cot
tonwood Falls people. The letter was
read in open court and it was found
to be a happy medium upon which both
disputants could boldly lay their claims
In it the governor said he had suggest
ed to the commission that Kansas stone
be included in the bidding for material