Harriet Tubman won't displace John Hanson
John Hanson's spot in the U.S. Capitol is secure, while Harriet Tubman's chances of securing one are spotty, thanks to a vote this evening by the Maryland Senate.
The General Assembly has been weighing whether to swap out Hanson for Tubman in the National Statuary Hall Collection. Each state can have only two statues, and since 1903, Maryland has been represented by Hanson, a president of the Continental Congress, and Charles Carroll, the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence.
This session, the National Organization for Women and dozens historical and civil rights groups were trying to gain a place for Tubman, who helped slaves travel to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
Although senators are supportive of Tubman, they won't trade Hanson for her.
In an amendment adopted Friday, senators decided to ask Congress to allow Maryland three statues so that they won't have to choose. The new plan gained unanimous final passage this evening.
In addition to providing glowing background information for Hanson, Carroll and Tubman, the amendment reads: "Whereas, It would benefit the nation and visitors to the nation's Capitol to be made aware of Tubman's contributions if an exception were made and an additional statue for Maryland were permitted in the National Statuary Hall Collection."
The Senate says other states have three statues, but that's not true, according to Eva Malecki, a spokeswoman for the Architect of the Capitol. Although there are other statues in the Capitol, each state can contribute only two historical figures each for the official Statuary Hall collection.
The House of Delegates has yet to vote on the Tubman v. Hanson issue and is waiting for the Senate to send over its bill. Del. Susan Lee, chairwoman of the women's caucus, said she'll work even harder next year if Tubman fails to unseat Hanson this session.
The Montgomery County Democrat noted Hanson has "monumental supporters" -- including Senate President Thomas. V. Mike Miller, who is bookended by small statues of Hanson and Carroll as he presides over the chamber (pictured: photo by The Sun's Kim Hairston).
Categories: 2011 legislative session
Comments
Gee, what a shocker.....it's 2011 and this crap still happens...(sings) and it's a long road left to haul.....
Posted by: Ray Barcia | March 28, 2011 3:57 PM
Who cares?
Move on to something important you boobs.
Posted by: john | March 28, 2011 4:17 PM
Once again, our legislature makes a decision to make no decision. Granted, this is not a life or death matter, but seems to be a pattern after passing on slots to the people years ago and then tabling the marriage bill earlier this year. I'm sure there's more. Make a decision already and do your jobs.
Posted by: Ed | March 28, 2011 4:19 PM
I'm not sure exactly what Ray is talking about.
Posted by: Drew MIller | March 28, 2011 4:53 PM
Ah, now the legislature can move on to the really important stuff, like renaming mountains.
Posted by: Naked Ernie | March 28, 2011 4:56 PM
Let's move on with the business of the State. The very last thing that we need to worry about it is a statue in the Statuary Hall of the US Capitol. Marriage inequality, in-state tuition for illegals, serious budget concerns, transportation trust fund depleted. There are some serious issues that should take precedence.
Posted by: BP | March 28, 2011 4:59 PM
Marriage Inequality? This is not the forum to bring that up! Civil rights is not and has never been about Gay Rights. Too bad the civil rights movement was hijacked. The article is about paying tribute to someone deserving. I say take down both of those two and put up two other well deserving statutes. Those have been up too long anyway. Hanson already has a state holiday proclaimed for him on April 13th.
Posted by: Brent Barbour | March 28, 2011 6:30 PM
O'malley was a big supporter of this....a golden pandering opportunity down the drain.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 29, 2011 9:23 AM
Don't bother the legislature with taxes, the economy, crime, bad roads etc. etc. They have important things to do: make sure a statue of Ms. Tubman is in the Capitol; make sure Negro Mt. is renamed and make sure that the ten Transgendered people in the State are not discriminated in the housing market. Scrooge had it right: time to retire to Bedlam.
Posted by: ranger | March 29, 2011 2:20 PM
If it`s been there since 1903 it should stay.
Posted by: Pat Harrington | April 4, 2011 10:34 AM