Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-04-18
THE MARKET HOUSE SQUARE.
Effect OF the Late Decision by the U. 9.
Supreme COurt-No Financial Gain to
the Market COmpany-The PROPOSE
ton TO Erect District Government
Buildings in Front of the Market
House.

"There was nothing In that decision
to give the stock of the market COM
pany BOOM said an official Of the Wash
lngton Market company to STAR reporter,
speaking of the recent decision By the United
States Supreme Court disallowing the claim of
the District for the sum of S25 900 g. year rental
for the ground in front of the market building
'The only benefit we have received Is the relief.
If the decision had gone against the company
theywould havebad to go down into their pockets
and pay about 500 900 to settle the claim That
wonld have embarrassed them for the time, of
course. but then they would have in return the
use Of the valuable ground, and in a few years
it would have yielded enough in the way of
rentals to reimburse them. So there has been
no actual financial gain to the company An
other benefit is that We know now how we
stand in regard to taxes. The decision settled
our rights There is uncertainty about our
rights. Ii settles forever our status so far as
taxes and liabilities are concerned which might
otherwise have been a cloud on our title"
viii you continue to pay the reduced rental
to the Dstrict!' asked the reporter.
we VIII continue to pay $500 year over
TO the District. The company never have re-
fused or delayed any payment of the rental to
the poor fund according to the agreement with
the city. now sustained by the Supreme Court.
Inc amount has not only always been paid
promptly. but sometimes portions of it have
been advanced before due when needed"
Then the District is now in possession of
the nark III front CT the market?" said the re-
porter
Yes" said the official; chat is for the time
our charter extends. We have the ground on
whichtne market building stands for ninety-nine
years TIE act comforting the right was passed.
/ lhlnk, twelve years a~O. That will give the
District possession Of the property for eighty
SIX years"
us not thorouehfare to be maintained In
front of the market" asked the reporter
es: all the space between the present build
Ing and the line of the parking is, according to
agreement, to be used in common for business
purposes. 1t was also stipuat ed that an arched
way should be maintained through the build
mystic be erected to the District. so as to torn
an approach to the market from the avenue 1t
is my opinion, though. tsat that would be more
of a nuisance than benefit"
do YOU think the District will utilize the
ground Tor erecting government building?"
asked the reporter.
Il don't know about that" said the official
''Of course, there Is fine site there. There is
one thing which wish you would say about
that. As the market is now built. and finished
Is handsome style, this park in front of 1t ought
to be kept as breathing place for the city and
the patrons OF this market. 1t would be
great public benefit. If a public building is
erected there the plan could be so arranged as to
leave considerable parking before both the
9Th and 18th street ends of the market and still
leave space for a building Of ample size. Such
plan. think. would be approved by the public
In preference to one which would contemplate
building solid structure extending from the
building line on eth street to the line Of 9th
street"
COMMISSIONER VESTS PLANS.
Commissioner West, in conversation with q
STAR reporter upon the recent decision of the
L. S. Supreme Court, which gives the possess
sion Of the unimproved portion of the market
house lot to the District for the remainder Of
the 80 years, during which the rights Of the
market company run, stated that he had had
this matter before him for several months in
connection with the contcm plated erection Of q
District government building, which is so much
needed. and in fact is absolutely necessary for
the protection OF the public records. One-half
Of this uniInproyed lot, say the portion between
9Th and 9Th streets, could be occupied for the
District purposes, while the portion between
9TH and Sth streets could be sold to the United
States, maybe for government use. The building
lot would be amply sufficient in size The build
Ing could have Il wide hallway. l6feet wide, with
a row OF rooms on either side 35 feet wide and be
as many stories high as desirable; there would
be plenty OF light and ventilation. The location
Is central and in every way desirable for our
local government buildings. These were his
own views and not those of the board: they had
never had this matter before them as body
Gen. West has drawing of this square tackled
upon his desk. where 1t has been for several
months, holding it for the time when action may
be required Oh the matter.