The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-10-29
BATTLE ABBEY NOW
NEARLY COMPLETE
Confederate Memorial Institute
Visited by Many
Tourists.
LAYING OFF HANDSOME PARK
Work on Mural Decorations Dc
laycd by Illness OF
Artist.

IL the Confederate Memorial 1nsti-
tutc-bettcr known as the Battle Ab-
bcy--Richmond viii have another at
traction that viii not only bc the pride
Of It's own citizens. but will be the
Mecca OF thousands of visitors TO nus
city. The handsome structure. situated
on the Boulevard, between stuart Ave
nue. and kcnsington Street. Is now
nearing completion. The exterior has
been finished and with the grounds
rapidly assuming shape. the place is
attracting much attention from tour
lists and other visitors. Another year.
however. will probably clapse before its
formal opening
Tho conception OF such 4 memorial
building had its origin in the big brain
and larger heart of Charles Broadway
Rouss. who, for four years. WAS pri-
vate In ono OF the noted cavalry regl-
ments OF the Army Of Northern Nir-
GINA II Was at tn. Confederate rc-
union In Houston, Texas. in 1895, that
ho made his first formal proposal 10
rive 100000 for such "A structure, pro-
vidins AN equal amount MAS raised in
the South. committee of fourteen
was appointed 10 take up tho big qucs
ton, but many discouraEements were
met, and for a number of years the
matter driftcd aimlessly. None OF tho
original committeeman now survives
Difficulty I'm Selecting Site.
money was raised. and after much dis
cussion. Richmond was chosen az the
logical city for the location OF the me-
mortal Difficulty In getting q salts
factory site was experienced but finally
II WAS determined to erect the build
ing on n portion of the grounds known
AS the Soldiers Home property
The building sits on a tcn-foot tor
race. IN the centre OF a i've and a half
acre plot The Confederate Memorial
Association. under whose auspices II
was built, proposes TO make the
grounds around tic institute a par, Of
the memorial, and 10 this end will spend
more than $4,000 IN making il the
most beautiful park OF its size in the
city.
Thousands of plants, imported from
France and other countries, are being
set out. One OF the most important
features OF the park VIII he the Court
of Honor. ia tho rear OF the building.
Walks and concrete driveways are be-
ing laid out. trees. OF the evergreen va
riety chieaE. are being planted. and a
lockwood hcdre has been set out around
the whole OF the grounds The work
under the supervision OF Warren H.
Manning. a noted landscape gardener,
Of Boston.
Built of Sandstone.
The institute IS built or Indiana
sandstone. OF simple. but imposing
architecture. II IL extremely plain in
design. tho Whole tuca leaning toward
an Impressive simplicity. The build :
ing faces on the Boulevard. The front.
which is extremely severe In design.
= relieved by Il mammoth entrance,
faced By four marble pillars. There
AFRO narrow windows on either side OF
The entrance There are several win
dows In the rear. but the main light
ing comes from the roof. Tho beauti-
full bronze doors at the entrance are
about completed
The interior VIII be most attractive.
The south wing Will be known as
Memorial Hall On its walls will he
handsome mural paintings depicting
the various branches OF the Confcd :
crate service \ number or panels
Will also be decorated with paintings
illustrating scenes in the Confederate
navy. Among tho various designs Will
appear hgures OF tho most iiiustrious