The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1922-07-28
Opposition STRONG AGAINST
SITE FOR MEMORIAL BUILDING
ON THE ARNOLD PENN LOCATION

I the probability of long litigation and
| foresay that the building could
not possibly be completed and ready
for use before 1924. He is hopeful the
members of the commission will heed
and respond to this expression of pub.
gested, then "a drastic remedy may be
applied"
| Mr.. Bone of Pleasant township was
! invited to speak as a representative
Of the Grange. He declined as being
not qualified nor authorized to speak
for that body.
Favors Public Vote
Chairman Baker invited Mr.. G. A.
Blubaugh, one Of the memorial COM
missioners present to speak. He an.
nounced himself as being unfavorable
to spending so much money to buy a
! site and to destroy business. He sug-
gested the commission should offer
| the selection four possible sites and
give opportunity for vote at the Mo-
vember election. He explained that
| the architects have informed the com.
mission that the building plans can.
not be ready earlier than November.
| They are asking for plot of ground
1872 feet square.
L. r. Hancock of Centerburg, being
invited to speak for that community
declined pleading he had come mere
| ly to hear what might be said.
/ Commissioner M. S. Kinney congrat.
ulated the members of the several Or
ders upon the spirit that had brought
them together. He informed them he
and the other members of the com.
mission are in entire sympathy.
Defends Commission
Charles G. Iams spoke of a meet
ing attended by members Of the build
ing commission and some Is or 20 Mt.
Vernon business men at which the
commission sought endorsement of
the Arnold-Penn site and invited CO.
operation in raising sufficient money
to purchase the site. He quoted
Chairman Devin as having said the
commission was unanimous in favor
of this location. In this Mr.. Iams
was disputed by Commissioner Blu
baugh, who made explanation later.
While at the outset the members Of
the committee had approved the Sc.
lection in his opinion the committee
F! has been losing interest and enthusi
asm of late. He was not impressed by
the suggestion the commission pur-
posed going ahead regardless of pub.
lie opinion. He also defended the
wisdom of the board in conducting its
business in the manner 1t has.
Explaining his contradiction of Mr..
Iams, Commissioner Blubaugh ,said
the commissioners had been agreed
on the Arnold-Penn location as a good
site. But he had voted against spend
ing so much money.
ID. c. Stone expressed the opinion
that the building should be located
not more than one square from the
public square. Col. Hunt made the
statement that no member of the G.
A. h. had been invited to the meet
ing to which Mr.. Iams had referred.
Speaking for the American Legion
Dr. w. II. Glennon said the members
OF the post think there has been too
much secrecy. The public has a right
to know. They did not care where
the building is but they think the
amount 1t is purposed to spend fof
the Arnold-Penn site is too much.
Name Committee
Chairman Baker suggested the pro
priety of appointing committee to
draft resolutions expressive of the at
titude Of the meeting. On the motion
Of Col. Hunt such a committee was
: authorized The chair named on this
committee George S. Harter, for the
G. A. r., Dr. w. II. Glennon for the
American Legion, A. j. Williams fol
the Sons of Veterans, Mrs. Foote fol
the Daughters OF Veterans. Mrs. Head
: ington, of the Ladies' Auxiliary, and
Mrs. Levy for the w. II. G.
: This committee will meet Wednes
day afternoon at 3 o'clock at the of
: fee of the chairman.