The Bismarck tribune., 1931-03-25
Forward March

building commission and his answer to the appeal Of the
Jamestown capitol removal propagandists that the whole
matter be permitted to rest in allegiance for year. clears
the decks for action matter Of great interest to
Bismarck in particular and the state in general
The order Of the day. judging by the sentiment of the
people of North Dakota and the attitude of the governor
expressed in his letter to the jamestown committee
is for immediate action The command is Forward
March" and that eict should be obeyed with all due
haste.
There remains to the jamestown group of course the
option of suting legal action halt operation the
capitol commissioners to file referendum petition
against the enactment which authorized their appoint
ment. In such event, howeveraS pointed out by this
newspaper and by the in his leterthe
sbility for their acts will rest squarey upon them.
If they choose either of these courses the state will sit
In judgment upon both the honesty and reasonabenesS
of their actions We have doubt to what that judg
will be- Those with the best interests of North Da
kota at heart hope only that reason and common
will lead the protagonists of the jamestown
ment to the light and accept the obvious will of the
people expressed by the legislature and from many
other sources.
The letter is all that advocate of honesty
and fardeang in this capitol question could wish In
going record he has DONE he has expressed the will
of the people in unmistakable terms It easy for
him to do So since the voice of the people loud in
his ears as he penned his missive.
The situation of the various state departments and the
economic situation which the state finds ITSELF offers
every urge to speed in constructing the new building
Practically everyone agrees that this desirable and The
Trbunes voice before. is lifted with the rest.
There should be tendency to make it rush" job
however. The whole matter is too important for that
for the capitol building to be constructed now must
this state for many to 1t should be
OF such design and construction to fill the needs OF
the future well those of today
But businesslike administration of the task in hand will
make possible progress than some persons may
We feel that the members Of the capitol commits
sion will realize this fact.
the personnel of the capitol commission it would
capous to find fault at this time. At the time
1t is too early for commentator. Regardless of the
personal opinions for against any member of the
mission, the commission as a whole, they will be
judged by the work they do The commissioners them
selves we are sure, will welcome such attitude the
part of the public.
The Tribune feels itself in position Judge the caliber
of only member Fred L. Conklin has taken lead
ing part in civic service and has worked long and tire
essy behalf of the stateparcularly for the welfare
of this western area of which Bismarck is the hub
There be local disappointment his selection
Even il he were less admirable person, his appoint
ment would be welcome for it he who headed the
capital retention movement and assisted ably in direct
Ing that campaign, along with many other public
spirited citizens of this CITY, his decisions control
certain that unnecessary grass will under
the feet of the commission members before dirt Is y-
ing capitol hill
Political issues should be kept far distant from the
capitol building plan. The best qualified architect oil
national reputation should be secured in collaboration
with North Dakota architects In the careful selecon
of the plans lies half the battle.
It is going to take time to make Vie necessary surveys
and to complete and perfect organization of the COM
mission. The appointed receive compensation.
SERVICE of necessity must be for the love of the
state and the job.
situation that coplcates their undertaking is the
emergency existing. More haste and speed must direct
her deliberaton than would obtain the state
ernment properly housed rather than camping out"
In various quarters over the city.