The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-04-16
CITY HALL IN NORFOLK


For some time past The denizens of that beaut-
iul and thriving young city have found them
selves IN warm contest with each other, as to the
location of New City Hall, which they have
determined TO erect and the only cause of DISPUTE
Is The place which shall be chosen one partv de-
clarlng for the old site, while the other. and we
believe large majority, go for building it on the
public square, near the Theatre we say ma
Jor'ty, because are Of that class who believe
that the majority always endowed with the
most wisdom, and will choose the right if let "a
lone. We trust we will be excused for giving
our opinion on matter that affects US personally
but little, and cannot have any other effect than
to make men think. Public Buildings should al
ways be tasty and beautiful specimens of archtee-
ture commensurate with the means of the COM
mun!ty-they should be situated so that the whole
public would be as equally accommodated as pos
slbe-they should be so located as to show to the
best advantage, and conduce most TO increasing
the wealth of the city. Now if these things are
kept in view we have no doubt that the good
sense of the citizens of Norfolk will point to the
site Indicated by the meeting whose proceedings
are published below, as the proper one for the new
City Hall. The old site where the Town Hall
now stands is both out of the way, inconvenient.
and so shut up that no view can be had of it ex-
cePt across narrow street. Property will not
improve, but rather deteriorate in that neiOhbor-
hood by erecting the New Hall there. Taking
all these things into consideration. we 90 for the
decision of the meeting, and publish their proceed
lDgs although not requested to do so
AT a numerous and respectable meeting of the
cisizens of the City of Norfolk, favourable to the
erection of the City Hall on the Public Square,
held at Military Hall on the evening of the Ilth
inst. on motion
William j. Hardy, Esq was called to the
chair, and VIM. S Mallory appointed Secretary.
The object of the meeting being explained by
tho Chairman, it was on motion of E.. C.. Robin
son,
ResoIUed. That Committee of Seven be an.
pointed to prepare Preamble and resolutions for
the consideration of this Neutrality-suspicious. the
Chair appointed the following named gentlemen
Col. John ). Milson, John Bonsal, E.. PendIe
ton, VIM. DENLY, Jr., e. G.. Robinson. Smo,
Stone, VIM II. Garnett,
Who, after retiring for short time. reported
'"O iOIiV"iHS IStuiOle ana RESOLUTIONS. which
were adopted.
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS.
WHEREAS, we believe that the dilapidoted
condition of our present Court House, and the in
creaslng prosperity Of the city, demand the erec
ton OF new City Hail. and that this edifice
ought to be located in some central position where
1t Will be easily accessible to all,
RESOLVED, That we deem the Public Souaye
the most central and eligible site for said Civ
Ban' oelng much more convenient to the mercan
tile and business community generally. than the
present locality, and commanding. as il does
full view Of our harbor.
ResotDed, That we disapprove the conrse NJ
the Councils in refusing to submit this onest;on
to the decision of the qualified voters of the citv
1t being one in which all have an interest and
which the majority Of the people should control
ResotUed, That his Honor the Mavor. he re-
quested to open poll at the Court House on the
day of the election Of City Delegate. in order
that the voters of the city may express their nre
ferences upon this subject.
ResoIved. That Committee of Ten be ~,
pointed by the chair to carry into effect the next
preceding resolution.
In accordance with last Resolution the follow
ing named gentleman were appointed the Com
mittes -
Col. John s. Nilsson, George Blow, Jr.. Aaron
Milhado, Ezra 7. Summers, F. w. Son,bg,,o