The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-11-13
Another Effort for Oyerhauling
of State House.
Governor Capper viii Ask for
an Appropriation.
EAST WING is A DISGRACE
Creaky Floors, Cracked Walls
and Wrecked Steps.
But of Course Care-Free LegiS-
latOrs Haven't Consented.

The new legislature is to be asked
to appropriate money for overhauling
and fireproofing the east wing of the
state house Included in the inn
provements will be new steps, resur-
facing of the exterior of the wing,
marble floors on the first and second
floors, rewriting and redecorating or
the interior of the building Plans for
the improvements were discussed to-
day by Governor Capper and Charles
H. Chandler. state architect.
1t is probable the governor will ask
for an appropriation for Improvement
of the building, in his message to the
legislature. An estimate of the cost
will be submitted to the governor in
the next few weeks and plans for the
improvements are now being worked
out by the state architect. With the
plan for rebuilding of the dilapidated
east wing of the state house, it is
probable that W. A. S. Bird, represen-
tative from Shawnee county, Will IN
troduce bill calling for state house
illuminating system The measure
will provide for a reflector system in
the dome and lighting of the building
that is sometimes referred to by vlsl-
tors as night dungeon.
For years Kansas legislatures have
sideStepped state house improvements.
While the law makers were working
for the dOwn-trodden farmers and rid
ing the corporations, they never dared
vote for an appropriation for an i'm
provcment of the state house or
grounds. Now the Kansas farmers are
selling So wheat, dollar corn and rid
ing in twin six cars. Under these con-
ditions there is a possibility that few
dollars may be spent for state i'm
provemeEts without danger of riot or
rebellion.
Steps Are Wreck.
The. steps at the east wing of the
wing might be moved to the Somme
front and offered before the gaze
of globe trotters as a portion of the
war ruins. On the third floor of the
east wing is one of the most preten-
tious senate chambers IN the country
Splintered wood floors and defective
wiring on lower floors tell of early
days of statehood i'll Kansas. The east
wing has long been regarded as u fire
trap that Threatened destruction of
thousanGs Of dollars worth of state
property But no legislature was ever
so independent and courageous as to
! spend few dollars for repairs.
Now there is the possibility that the
entire wing is to be overhauled In
| fact, the legislature may even vote
money to cut the dandelion crop. 9 1t
may even become so extravagant as
to spend few dollars for water on
the state house lawn. 1t will be a new
DAY in Kansas. The most hopeful of
| oeoIO MUSE occupants nave even
dreamed of money with which men to
do work around the bullding-work
| long neglected because there was no
funds available and no one seemed to
have the courage to ask for the
money.
The new steps will probably cost
$4,000. A white wax surfacing pro-
cess may be used on the entire east
wing. That will cost about $4,000
more. Clipped stones in the massive
pillasters may be removed and re-
placed with new ones. The interior
may be brought to the standard Of
other wings in the building and the
pride of per capita wealth may be
reflected in a small degree in a nearly
modern state building