of Iowa into the Union. 1 This celebration was held at Burlington. The failure of the Historical Society bill jeopardizes somewhat the prospect of the commemorative celebration contemplated by the Historical Society next year. It has, however, occurred to me that (notwithstanding the lateness of the hour) the present General Assembly might be willing to make an appropriation of $1,500 to meet the proper and legitimate expenses of holding a semi-centennial anniversary celebration of the adoption of the Constitution of Iowa next year. In making the appropriation no provision need be made for any commission or for the expenses of such commission; for the Board of Curators of The State Historical Society would be glad to serve without compensation, and The State Historical Society would afford the proper organization and machinery for making all arrangements in carrying out the anniversary exercises. Thus there would be no need of such a large appropriation as the $10,000 sum set aside in 1896 for the commemoration of the admission of Iowa into the Union. In view of the fact that the machinery of the Historical Society could be used in carrying out the project, $1,500 would, I believe, be sufficient to meet the necessary expenses of (1) printing and postage, (2) traveling expenses incurred by men of note who will take part in the program, (3) the expense incurred in securing the attendance of surviving members of the Constitutional Convention of 1857, and (4) the publication of a commemorative pamphlet or volume containing the proceedings of the anniversary celebration. In short, if the General Assembly would appropriate $1,500 to be expended under the direction of the Board of 1Laws of Iowa, 1896, p. 119. Curators of The State Historical Society of Iowa, a fitting semi-centennial anniversary of the Constitution of Iowa could be provided for. I believe that the project would meet with cordial and hearty response from all parts of the State. I presume that it is too late to introduce an appropriation bill at this time; but I am under the impression that an appropriation bill could originate with the Committee on Appropriations. If the above suggestions interest you I wish you might inquire into the possibility of securing the appropriation herein suggested. Very cordially yours, Hon. F. F. JONES, House of Representatives, Des Moines, Iowa. BENJ. F. SHAMBAUGH BENJ. F. SHAMBAUGH, Iowa City, Iowa. My Dear SHAMBAUGH: Des Moines, Iowa, March 24, 1906. I have yours of March 22nd, and have read very carefully your suggestions as to an appropriation to defray the expenses of a semi-centennial celebration of the adoption of the Constitution of Iowa next year. I have conferred with several members of our appropriations committee and think there is a working chance to get such a measure reported out by the House Committee. 1 I have not been able to see Senator Garst 2 in regard to the matter 'Mr. Jones was a member of the House Committee on Appro priations. 2 Senator Warren Garst was Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. as yet. If he will agree to the plan I will undertake to get the matter through. The fact is, we have already appropriated more money than the limit set by the authorities and it is extremely hard to interest the committees in any appropriation not absolutely necessary. No bill can be reported to the House carrying appropriations except by the Appropriation Committee. I probably will be able to write you further in regard to the matter next week. With kind personal regards, I am, Very truly yours, F. F. JONES. Des Moines, Iowa, March 28, 1906. BENJ. F. SHAMBAUGH, Iowa City, Iowa. My Dear SHAMBAUGH: I have been at work on the proposition to make an appropriation for the celebration at Iowa City. The very best I can do is to secure a promise of $750 which will be put in the Omnibus Bill. As I have this arrangement made with the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees, I think there is little doubt that this can be secured if satisfactory to you. If more is absolutely necessary I think that the next session could be depended upon to help you out in the matter. I would be pleased to know your wishes in regard to this matter. Very truly yours, F. F. JONES. My Dear Mr. JONES: Iowa City, Iowa, March 29, 1906. Replying to your letter of March 28th. The proposition to make provision for an appropriation of $750 in the Omnibus Bill for a celebration commemorative of the semi-centennial anniversary of the Constitution of Iowa will be altogether satisfactory. This arrangement, let me add, will be satisfactory because just as soon as the appropriation is made I will begin to raise by private subscription a fund to supplement the $750 appropriation by the State. I feel confident that with the encouragement which will come from an appropriation of $750 I will be able to raise an additional fund from private subscriptions necessary to carry out our plans. At the outset I had not thought of private subscriptions, but I believe the plan is feasible. 1 It is hardly necessary for me to add that the prospect of securing $750 gives me no small pleasure. Your efforts in this matter will, I assure you, be highly appreciated by the Board of Curators and the members of the Historical Society throughout the State. Please let me hear from you as soon as the Omnibus Bill has been acted upon. 2 Very cordially yours, Hon. F. F. JONES, BENJ. F. SHAMBAUGH House of Representatives, Des Moines, Iowa. 1 This plan was not carried out, the $750 being supplemented by allowances from the funds of The State Historical Society. 2 The Chairman of the committee of the Board of Curators was informed by telephone of the success of the efforts of Mr. Jones. LEGISLATION BY THE THIRTY-FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY The success of the effort to secure a special appropriation for the purpose of defraying expenses connected with the commemoration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Constitution is seen in the following extract from the Acts of the Thirty-first General Assembly: AN ACT to make appropriations for the payment of state and judicial officers, state and other expenses. 1 Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Iowa: SEC. 46. SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY. There is hereby appropriated out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated the sum of seven hundred fifty dollars, to be expended under the direction of the board of curators of the state historical society, for the purpose of defraying the proper and legitimate expenses of holding at Iowa City, 1907, a semi-centennial anniversary celebration of the adoption of the constitution of Iowa, and publishing the proceedings thereof: provided that said board of curators are to serve without compensation and this appropriation not to be available before January 1st, 1907. Approved April 6, A. D. 1906. I hereby certify that the foregoing act was published in the Register and Leader and the Des Moines Daily Capital, April 7, 1906. 1 Laws of Iowa, 1906, p. 127. W. B. MARTIN, Secretary of State. |