The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1912-03-07
MEMORIAL FOR ARLINGTON.

In his message to congress on the
day of adjournment for the holidays
President Taft renewed his recon-
mendations of last year that money
be appropriated for memorial am
phitheater In Arlington cemetery Ito
be constructed on plan already ap-
proved"
-Four years ago the public buildings
bill contained a provision for the ap-
polntment of a commission consisting
OF the secretary Of war, tho secre-
tary OF the treasury, the superintend-
ent OF the capitol buildings and
grounds and one member of the
Grand Army of the Republic which
should cause plans and estimates to
be prepared for a memorial amphi-
theater at Arlington, Va"
The plans were prepared and ep-
proved. Nothing now seemingly Is
necessary to complete the project ex
cept an appropriation from congress,
which may not be forthcoming In a
year of economy" even though the
president has reinforced ono recon-
mendation with another.
Plans and estimates prepared by a
firm Of New York architects were
considered by the commission at
meeting In January, 1909, and 1t was
The unanimous decision of the mem
bers to recommend their approval to
congress and that the sum of $780,
900 be appropriated ito cover the cost
of the building OF the amphitheater,
which in the judgment of the commits
sion should be constructed of marble"
The architects In a letter accom-
panyng the report of the commission
give description Of the amphthea-
ter as 1t will appear If completed In
accordance with their views of the
beauties and necessities in the case.
They say the amphItheater sug-
gested by our drawings would seat
comfortably about 5000 and> afford
opportunity also for a large number
to stand in the colonnade.
Around the amphitheater Is shown
large number of boxes possibly to
be especially reserved for the fam
HES of distinguished guests or other
wise used, the stage itself being suf-
nciently large to hold several hun
dred people, SO as to accommodate
visiting delegations of special guests
The building covers an area of
about $4,000 square feet, considerably
over half of this being taken I'D BY
the amnhithaafar pro1o, ,,,ku. -
eolonnade itself has an area of about
5000 square feet"
For years old soldiers have urge5
the construction of memorial amphY
theater In the National cemetery at
Arlington. There has been opposition
to the plan in some places. opposi-
ton that has not been based on con-
sideration of the cost of the struc-
ture, but solely on the thought that
buildings, even noble marble" amphi-
theaters, open to the sky have no
place In parks or in cemeteries.
There has been no open objection
In congress, but several sessions have
been allowed to go by without action.
One day the amphitheater probably
VIII find place In Arlington. The
sentiment back OF the plan perhaps Is
too strong to be overcome, but AR.
lington, as it is, is a place of beauty
which men who seem to know about
such things say cannot be enhanced
by the addition of any kind of build
ing
Arlington cemetery is largely an
open hardwood forest. with many oaks
more than n century old and with
fine elms, naples and lindens. 1t is
possible before final action is taken
In the matter of an appropriation that
the whole question of the fitness OF
the thing will be discussed In con.
gress