Not another Alamo battle

It’s been almost 180 years since the historic battle at the Alamo, a Spanish mission that still stands as the most iconic image of the revolution that led to Texas’ independence from Mexico.

Yet another sad battle has been brewing since the state (through its General Land Office) assumed control of Texas’ No. 1 tourist attraction from the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, which had been the sole custodian for 107 years.

The ownership changed in 2011, with the Daughters continuing to handle day-to-day operations. That arrangement ended this month when new Land Commissioner George P. Bush decided it was time to completely sever ties with the group.

At issue now is a library the Daughters ran at the Alamo, with 30,000 artifacts, books and papers they say they own but the state is now claiming. The DRT has filed suit, saying the move by the state is an unconstitutional taking of private property.

This is an unfortunate day for the Alamo and Texas. Surely there can be a mediation process by an independent person who can help decide which property belongs to the DRT and which is owned by the state.

This story was originally published March 24, 2015 at 5:55 PM with the headline "Not another Alamo battle."