The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1910-08-01
LEES STATUE FOR
STATUARY HALL
ATTY.-GEN. wICKERSHAM SAYS
NO LAW AGAINST 1T.
Confederate Chief Typifed Best in
Lost Cause-Only Natural That
Virginia Should Select.
RULES on ETHICS OF MATTER

Beverly, Mass, Aug. 1.-Presi-
dent Taft has approved without com
mont an opinion by Attorney-Gen-
eral Wickersham to the effect that
there is no provision OF law by
which the statue of Gen. Robert f.
Lee, in Confederate uniform, can be
removed from Statuary Hall, in the
capitol at Washington.
In addition to deciding the ques-
ton on a purely legal basis, Mr..
Wickersham argues the matter from
an ethical point of view. declaring
that Lee has come to be regarded
as typifying all that was best in the
cause to which he gave his services.
and the most loyal and unmurmur-
ing acceptance of the complete over
throw of that cause. That the state
of Virginia should designate him for
that place in Statuary Hall as one
illustrious for distinguished military
Service. the Encouragement de-
clares. is only natural and warranted
under the reading of the law
Mr.. Wickersham's opinion was
called forth by protests to the presi-
dent from the department of New
York, Grand Army of the Republic.
What Law Provides.
In his opinion. addressed TO and
approved by the president, Attorney
General Wickersham says;
II have read the resolutions
adopted by the department OF New
York. Grand Army of the Republic,
at Syracuse on June % and the
of Hon. James Tan
ner with respect to them. The act
OF July ?, 1864. referred to. pro-
yides for the creation of suitable
structures and ratings in the old
hall of the house OF representatives
for the reception and the protection
of statuary, which is to be under
the supervision and direction OF the
chief of engineers in charge OF pub
lie buildings and grounds, and the
statute authorizes the president TO
invite each and all the states to pro-
vide and furnish statues in MARBLE
or bronze. not exceeding two in
number from each state. of de-
ceased persons who have been citi-
zens thereof. and illpstrious for their
historic renown from distinguished
civic or military services. such as
each state shall deem TO be worthy
Of this national commemoration. and
when so furnished the same shall
be placed in the old hall for the pur-
pose. in the capitol of the United
States. which is set aside. or as
much thereof as may be necessary.
for a national statuary hall for the
purpose herein indicated"
States Not Restricted.
1T is probably true" continues
he attorney-general, that when this
act was passed congress did not con-
template that any state would desig-
nate one or more of its citizens who
we're then engaged in warlike rebel
lion against the government of the
United States as persons illustrious
Tor their historic renown or distin-
suishcd civic or military services,
whose statues should be placed in
his hall. Nevertheless, perhaps, in
he hope that what Mr.. Lincoln so
ittingly described as this scourge OIL
war might soon pass away and that
. reunited country might be realized
placed no limitation i'm the
ret upon the exercise of the discre-
ion of any state in selecting those |
persons whom il may deem to bel
worthy of this national commemora-
ion
at is now As years since the Civil,
var closed. Robert Il. Lee has come
o be generally regarded as typify-
ng not only all that was best in theI
ause to which. at the behest OF his |
latiye state, he gave his services, |
nut also the most loyal and unmur-
nuring acceptance of the complete
overthrow of that cause.
Can't Govern Costume.
"That the state of Virginia should
designate him as one illustrious for
distinguished military service is
therefore, natural, That his statue
hould be clothed in the Confederate
inform. thus eloquently testifying
hat a magnanimous country has
forgiven an unsuccessful
Mort to destroy the union. and that
statue should be accepted in the ma
ional statuary hall as the symbol oil
he acceptance without misgivings of
/ complete surrender and renewed
oyalty. should surely provoke no |
opposition.
But at all events, Independently
If the question of taste. the act oil
congress places no restriction upon
he designation by the states of those
whom they may desire to honor in
his way, nor does II vest in any Off
ial any censorship concerning the
of the costume in which
hat statue shall be depicted.
Therefore, under the existing
aw. l am of the opinion that no
objection can be lawfully made to
he placing in statuary hall of the