Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-06-17
LOCAL NEWS.

THE PURCHASE OF EoRD's THRATRR BY THE
Young MzN's CHRISTIAN Asso,lATIoH-
Pistt to the Iheater-The Board of Managers
Of the Young Mems Christian Association Of
this city, visited Ford's Theater this morning
for the purpose OF examining the interior ar
rangements OF the building preparatory to
their purchase, which they conclude next
week with MIR Ford. The War Department
have given their consent to q sale of the build.
ing, and the matter now rests with Secretary
Seward, who gives his decision In q day or
two. No difficulty is apprehended, and as
soon as MI. Seward decides the matter, the
purchase will be made. The members Of the
Association who visited the building are w.
A. Thompson, President; Vice Presidents, .
5. Grinnell, G. b. Merr.man, H. H. Tuley; A
X Browne, corresponding secretary; Warren
Choate, recording secretary Q. v. Hartley; B.
Richards. The interior OF the building is Just
the same as at the assassination, and the dull,
gloomy appearance OF the large hall las seen
dimly lighted by day. well accords with the
dark tragedy enacted there.
The association propose to convert the place
into cheerful and comfortable room, pre-.
serving sacredly the memorable private box,
with proper inscriptions and tablets. The
building itself is to be q smemoriaI building"
to MI. Lincoln, and Is to be understood and
used as such, making the most appropriate
and fitting monument to the good man Lee
lures and concerts Of the first class, hall for
which the need has long been felt here, viii be
introduced, and no place in the country Is bet.
ter adapted, in proportion TO ats size, to such q
purpose. In the building ADJOINING, which Is
part Of the purchase, they will nave fine
large library Of standard and religious books,
reading room open to all, and room for the
collection of curiosities and relics OF the Chris
ttan Commission and the war. The large build.
ing In the rear Of the tneater (also included in
the purchase) affords ample accommodations
for ante and committee ROOMS, and for ian.
itor Of the building.
The idea OF the purchase was started at the
convention Of delegates recently held in Phlla.
delphia, and eagerly seized upon by the repre-.
sehtatives OF the associations from all parts OF
the country. This plan Is preferable to all
/ ohers because 1t 10 a national affair, and not q
seetarian or congregational arrangement; and
ths wealthy men Of this and the northern
[ cities have entered heartily into the idea,
/ At the convention the following were ap.
pointed on the Board OF Trustees - Major
General Howard; Brtgadier General Fiske, of
Missouri; H. d. Cooke, Of Washington; George
H. Stuart, of philadelphia; w. E. Dodge, Of
New York; E. s. Tobey, OF Boston; A. E.
Chi:age. The Board Of Managers Of the Wash
ineo Association completed the board by ap.
pointing the follow A. Thorn pson, b.
III. Stinemetz u. Richards, VIM. Ballautyne,
all active members OF the association. This
board meets this afternoon to organize and 70
TO work systematically, sending collectors
through the county, As soon a. the purchase
is completed the executive COMMITTEES win pro.
coed to renovats the building and prepare it
for dedication and opening. $1,000 ~
On Monday evening, at the + Street Baptist
Cnarch, the association hold an interesting
meeting In connection with the above matter,
and also 70 listen to the reports Of the delegates
tome national convention The entertainments
provided by the Phtladelphia Association were
mott hearty and cordial, and will be described
the duty.