The Harrison times. (Harrison, Boone Co., Ark) 1876-1938, 1912-12-14
Little Rock Letter.

the old statehouse has been an open
question at each session of the Leg.
islature. Bills for its preservation
in perpctuity for the benefit of the
people Of the state have been intro
duced, and invariably by Represent
ativeS from counties other than Pu-
laski. While there have been some
who advocated the sale of the build
ing, it is unquestioned that the pre-
pondcrancc of sentiment is in favor
of retaining it to the state,
Senator W. C. Rodgers, who is
this week acting Governor, is among
the most earnest advocates for the
preservation of the historic pile, and
he declares that he will never vote
in favor Of selling the building for
commercial purposes, There is too
much of this commercial idea enter
ing everything now,-let us give
some attention to something else, y
SAYS be-
One of the difficulties that have ex-
listed heretofore seems to have been
the best use to make of the building
and grounds, Several propositions
have been advanced, 1t has been
suggested that it be turned over to
historic societies to be used as a mu-
scum; that it be made a state hos.
pital, or that it be turned over to
the University medicalschool, Some
would even retain the building but
remodel it and rent it out as offices,
None Of those plans seemed to meet
with approval, however, and the
lawmakers have never been able to
Egct very close together,
But now John II, Page, Commits
sioner of Agriculture, comes forward
with a suggestion that is meeting
with a very general response, and
practically no opposition has so far
| been developed to it, In word, he
proposes that the old state'house
and grounds be turned over to the
farmers of Arkansas He would
make the Commissioner of Mines,
| Manufactures and Agriculture, Gus.
todian of the building and grounds,
Hand responsible for their care and
maintenance
This could be done without appro.
priatng one dollar from the general
revenue, It would be selI.sustain-
ing through the Feed and Fertilizer
Inspection departments. 1t is est.
mated that the net receipts from in
specton for the year 1913, will be
$4,000. 1t has been about $40.
600 this year, This amount, if ap.
propriatcd for this express purpose,
would be sufficient to repair, remod.
el and maintain the building and
grounds, pay fol the collection Of eS.
hibits, and provide a clearinghouse
of information and example for the
farmers of the state which they have
never had
Under this plan, the Commission
er's offices would be located in the
building, aud quarters would be pro-
vidcd for the I, S Agriculture
agents, the Boys and Girls Corn
and Tomato Clubs, horticultural
and agricultural societies, n head.
quarters for the Farmers Union,
and an assembly hall for the meet
ing Of these and kindred org0nizO.
tions, Not only this, but buildings
eond be erected IN the rear for the
display of improved farm machinery
and implements by manufacturers, q
permanent exhibit for the benefit of
all who come to the city Even a
system Of cold.storage for perish
able products might be worked out,
without in any way detraeting from
the attraetiveness Of the building
There are many things which might
be introduced for the benefit Of the
farmer, and would give him u sense
Of ownership in the property-thot
il IL something specifically set aside
for his use,
ny this method the people would
be relieved Of All burden of expense
In connection with IL, The revenue
for the purpose Is already provided
in the payment of fees for the inspee'
ton Of commercial feeds and lertili2.
ers
According 10 my plan says
Commissioner Page "thc cid hall of
representatives can be fitted up as a
hall for public meetings Of farmers
organizations and similar societies
The Senate chamber can be used for
a general mineral exhibit. The en-
tire building can he used by the de.
pnrtmrnt 60 advantage and an eS'
hibt Of the states resources can be
made that will be creditabe IN every
way and be worth thousands OF dol