From the New York Times, 3/2/1888

THE LIBBY PRISON SHOW.

To the Editor-of-the New-York Times:

Trusting it may not be too late, and that you will favor me with the publication of a few lines in your valued paper, I write to protest against this removal of Libby Prison for the purpose of exhibition. The primary and sole object of this exhibition can only be to make money. But can nothing be held sacred that lies in the money maker’s path? Will not public opinion assert its absolute disapproval of the plan, and will you not join with the other New-York papers as the exponents of every decent man’s feelings and take up the subject to give it that indignant censure and open disapproval it so justly deserves? The “show” is one to pander only to morbid taste or to vulgar, idle curiosity. Why resurrect the bitter, rancorous feelings of war times, which, once buried, should remain so for all time? In common decency and out of respect to the gallant men who suffered in this horrible den, and with just indignation, every respectable citizen should declaim against it and, if he cannot prevent, at least he can manifest his disapproval of the “show” by refusing to indorse or to patronize it.

ROBERT J. HARE POWEL,
120 BROADWAY, NEW-YOR, Thursday, March 1, 1888.

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