The log cabin Democrat., 1921-10-15
OLD STATE CAPITOL
 IS BEING RESTORED
Venerable and Historic Building Gets Needed Repair sand a New
 Coat of Paint.

Little Rock, Oct. 14.-At last, after many years of agitation, the old state house is being repaired, redecorated and put into condition so that it can be used by the public. The work is being done under the direction of commission created by the last legis- lature, which passed law making the building an Arkansas war memorial The work is being done under the di- rection of Maj. Henry Fredeman of the American Legion, assistant adju- tant general of the state. The funds available are very limited, but there have been numerous contribu- tions of material which have assist ed in the work The common labor about the premises has been perform ed by state convicts, which has also reduced the cost The grounds are being put into better condition than they have been m many years and last week a landscape artist tender ed his services without cost to com plete the work on the grounds. The olu SlOHe Wall OH the east Slue Ol llle ground, which was built so long ago that the oldest inhabtant does not recall the time, has been removed, and the grounds are being attractively terraced The building is to be used for meetings of patriotic organiza- tions. The first meeting was that of the Confederate veterans, held last week in the old senate chamber, which has been completely refnished and is now an attractive hall for public of representatives is still being used by the medical college and when this is vacated, it will also be remo1eed for public use. The outer walls of the building are being repaired and will be painted white, which will ac centuate the architectural lines that have made the old state house one of the most notable examples of early colonial architecture in the south.
 Few persons who pass by tEe old state house know the history of the tatuary which adorns the roo- of the building in the center above the cd senate chamber, Since the work be gan the group has been repainted and attracts much attention. At first It was painted vivid yellow and Major Fredeman received many calls from persons artistically inclined who wanted to know if the ladies were to continue to wear the orange col ored gowns. This, however, was only the first coat of paint and now the figures are a beautiful bronze, which | is to be their permanent color.
 This group of statuary is relic of the centennial exposition held at Ph'la- delphia in 1876. It was brought to Arkansas and placed on the roof ot the capitol by Secretary of State Frolich. No one appears to lemem- Der just wha the figures represent, except that one of them is apparently that of Justice, since she is blindfold- ed and formerly held a pair of scales in her left hand. Some say that the 1 figures are the Three Graces; others Faith, Hope and Charity; some Truth, Justice and Wisdom; while still oth- CTS would make them Ceres and other more or less familiar Greek or Roman godesses. The matter of determining the identity of the three ladies has been referred to Dallas T. Herndon, state historian, for investigation, and any light that can be thrown upon the subject will be appreciated.