Debt of Honor
13 MAR 1886. Austin Daily Statesman.
THAT CORNER STONE. THE COST OF THE STONE AND THE EXPENSE OF LAYING IT STILL UNPAID.
It has been over a year since the corner stone of the new capitol was laid with imposing ceremonies and oratory.
The cost of the stone and necessary expense in getting it ready have not been paid.
The project was gotten up by leading citizens of Austin, and very commendable in them it was too, as no provision had been made in the plans and specifications, not in the contract, for a corner stone.
The whole state applauded their act, and the correspondents of the great dailies chronicled their generosity and patriotism, and gave glowing descriptions of the imposing ceremonies attending its being placed in position. It was a grand occasion, and probably every daily newspaper on the continent noted the event. Everybody was happy on that day, not even omitting Mr. Wilkie. He had spent time and labor and money, quarrying the huge block of granite, and getting it in readiness for the day.
His contract on the building had ceased, and he was ready to leave the state, should he not be awarded another work. His men had been discharged, and for weeks had been scattered, heaven knows where, seeking other employment. He was asked if he could get the stone, and have it put in proper shape. He consulted, and further, he consented to do it at actual cost, not withstanding reports current at the time, and confirmed since, that he had lost heavily on his contract to build the basement of the new capitol. He fulfilled his promises, and at the request of citizens, prepared the grounds and floored over the immense basement of the building, so the vast crowd on the day the stone was laid could see and be comfortable.
The cost of quarrying the stone, and hauling it mile with sixteen yoke of oxen, the freight on it from Burnet, expenses of the cutting and engraving, Mr. Wilkie having to send to Philadelphia for a peculiar machine to do the work, and other labor cost Mr. Wilkie in actual money about $1,690, he making no charge whatever for his personal services. In addition to this, had made a liberal donation and took the granite-dressing machine off the hands of the committee, thereby reducing his bill, to be paid by the citizens, to a little less than $1,500.
This money has not been refunded Mr. Wilkie. He was tendered, so it is said, something in the neighborhood of four hundred dollars, but this he refused, preferring to be paid the whole amount. It was a debt of honor and patriotism, and he had confidence in our people, although a stranger in their midst, and would wait for them to pay over the whole amount.
He has waited over a year, but as yet has not been paid.
It is due the fair name of this city, and the honor, not only of this community, but of the entire state, for it was made a state event, that this debt be paid, and the whole matter put at rest.Col. Taylor offered to pay for this stone once, but patriotic citizens would not permit him to do so, and they were right.
It is but just to Mr. Wilkie to state that he has never approached anyone connected with this paper on the subject. The Statesman feels that it is a matter of honor, and one that should be speedily settled, hence the publicity given the subject.