Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1860-02-24
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MEssgs. EDITORS Though the Editors oil
several of the city papers, including those OF
both political parties have spoken favorably
of the proposition now before the Legislature
to convert the Asylum Grounds into a resi-
dence for the Governor, and though we have
seen no argument against the measure, there
are, nevertheless, points of interest in regard
to which none of you have yet spoken or at
least not definitely.
| Will you, therefore, if not subjected to too
much Inconvenience, answer through the
PATRIOT the follwing questions:
| How many acres Of land has the State in
connection with the property? If two or
three acres sbonld be retained with the resi-
dence, would the other land be SO situated
with reference to streets as that it could be
advantageously sub-divided into lots?
Does your Judgment convince you that
the sale of the lots would uuquestionably be
sufficient to build and furnish mansion
] crcditable to the State? You will see at
once the importance of reliable information
upon this subject, for however pressing the
necessity TO provide suitably fo- the Govern
or. it would seem vastly more important at
this crisis to guard the interests of the people,
aud not increase the present Indebtedness OF
the State. j.
Our correspondent above suggests several
very pertinent inquiries regarding the meas
ure now pending in the Legislature. propos-
| ing to convert the Asylum property Into H
Governors mansion.
After conference with several well-infOrm-
ed parties familiar with the property in ques-
ton, we are enabled TO state in reply to the
first interrOgatory, that there are quite or
nearly nine acres of ground belonging to the
State in connection with the Asylum build
| ings.
| In reply to the second inquiry we can also
state, upon reliable information, that the
remainder of the ground, after reserving -
or 3 acres" contiguous to the proposed man
sion, could be accurately adjusted into
squares and lots, cOnformable to the present
arrangement of streets and alleys in the Vi
cinity and that the opinion is expressed by
competent judges that a survey aud plat of
the properly retained by the State is pracii-
cable, which would. if judiciously sold,
greatly enhance the price OF it,
In answer to the third inquiry of our cor
| respondent, We can say that the opinion
which we have formed upon the information
which has been furnished Us, is, thai the sale
| of the retained property would be largely
more than sufficient to alter. modernize and
Ii=hr fnr he
Governor of the State.
We duly appreciate the Importance which
our correspondent attaches 10 Trustworthy
Information upon these points, and the very
commendable caution which be thinks should
be exercised in regard to the matter. He
seems to justly estimate the prcpriety and
necessity for providing residence for the
Governors OF Tennessee aid yet very pro-
perly regards as more important the protec-
ton of the State Treasury from further in
volyement. We agree with him entirely in
regard to both points. but he will perceive
from the answers we have given to his in
quires, that we are prepared to reiterate our
previously expressed opinions in favor of the
sale of the property for The purpose cOntem-
plated in the present bill.
/; is very evident that the Legislature does
not consider that the present condition Of the
State Treasury will justify them in appropri-
ating funds for the purchase of property and
the erection of an Executive mansion. The
recent adverse report of the Select Commit
tee settles that question.
T., h. If Al
an opportunity is presented to that body TO
convert. ,0ithout actual outlay aud draft upon the
Treasury, property already belonging to
them, and which is lying upon the States
hands comparatively idle and Improbable.
aud indeed entirely so, so far as the Stale is
concerned. to the very proper and desirable
purpose of furnishing a residence for the
Chief Executive officer Of the State.
Not only can this worthy object be accom-
plished. but the great enhancement of the
remaining or ! acres OF the property, will
accrue largely to the State Treasury, even
after deducting the exprnses of alteration,
&c, &c. of the present building.
Upon a review of the series of questions Of
~" and what We have reason to consider as
fair and just answers to them. we conclude
that the present bill before the Legislature is
a proper One-one that will secure what every
citizen of Tennessee, of proper spirit and
pride, has long considered a most valuable
desideratum-one that will contribute to the
relief of the Indebtedness of The State, and
rebound 10 the general interests Of the whole
commonwealth.
Business AND PoLfTrCs-The following