National Republican., 1876-01-13
THE NATIONAL CONVENTIONS.
Ieeting Of the General committee-Ihe
Northern Libsrty Market Building.


The general committee appointed by the recent
meeting Of citizens to act in behalf of the citizens
of Washington, in their efforts to secure one or
both of the national conventions for this city, met
last evening at the Arlington hotel. There was
full attendance, and every one expressed great
interest in the object for which the committee was
appointed.
John Van Rlswick, ESQ.,, occupied tic chair, and
Mr.. Horatio Browning acted as secretary.
letter from Messrs. Miller & Jones was read,
pledgID2 the firm for $780, and more II needed.
Judge Casey, from the com mittee appointed at
the last mssns to an
as the result of the deliberations Of the committee
an address setting forth the advantages of this
city as the place for holding national conyen-
ton The report Of tho COMMITTEES was adopted,
and the address will be submitted to the commit
tees in question.
pointed to ascertain whether e suitable building
could be obtained for the holding OF convention
reported that after consideration me cEmmttee
the city that could be obtained was the Northern
Liberty market building.
This building was go feet long by l10 feet wide,
and, if altered 10 the way proposed, it would con-
tain a 5 many the largest hall in the United
States 1t was estimated by the Market Com
pany faat to build the floor and complete the
hall would cost about SIS, coo. They would give
to the citizens Of Washington the free use OF the
hail for both conventions upon the payment Of
fuGy Per cent. OF the cost, or Sl2 500. This hall
wculd seat ij,0 people,
MT. James Il. McGil, the architect of the
Northern Liberty market building, explained
that it was designed TO build hall that would
be permanent institution in the city. A floor,
supported by iron columns, could be built leay
ing an elevation OF from twenty-five to twenty
eight feet for the market below, and providing a
grand hall above, with a coBcave ceiling spring
ing from either side, and attaining an elevation
ofifty-six feet in the centre. This could be pro-
vided with four entrances, and built so strongly
that there would be no danger to either those
aboye or in the market below. This would be
the largest public hall in the country.
Mr.. James A. Hoffman, Of the market COM
pGny, said that II they would ask only :l2,5O0 of
the citizens, If that did not haIf of
the cost Of the necessary alterations, as execu-
tive officer of the company he guaranteed that in
case 1t was necessary the hall would be c)m-
plete in time iOr either of the conventions.
Mr. BOteler stated that that sum did not IN
clude the seats and necessary furniture, and alto
gether the expenses would be about go, 900.
Colonel Fleming remarked that the subcom-
mitteo had examined other localities with 4 view
of ascertainipg the praeticabillty OF erecting
Temporary buildings, but had found that the ex-
pepse would be Eiuch greater than If they &C.
cepted the proposal o! the market company.
Upon motion Of Colonel 5. 5. Smoot, the re-
port OF the committee was accepted and the CON-
mitteo continued.
Upon motion Of Mr. John E. Norris the commit
tee adjourned 10 meet at g:ij this morning, at
which time they will seek an audience with the
National Republican Committee, which meets at
10 o'clock