The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-01-06
fFor the Dispatch.I
TElE CITY HALL.
A New Argument Suggested.

\ majority OF the people Of Richmond
prefer the SWan-Tayern, or BrOad-Street
site for the new City Hall; but they are
not allowed to have their way. The most
numerous branch OF the city government
agrees with their constituents: but they
are pOwerIess to represent them. a point
of order raised upon parliamentary rule
enables a minority OF agents to defeat the
will Of majority OF principals. This is
against reason and republican principles ;
and in this particular case it Will, if SUBJ
mitted to-, mar the beauty OF the city, As
well as risk its very serious injury.
Any man who will 20 through the Capt.
tOl with an observant eve will see, whether
he regards the capacity or durability OF
that structure, that ii must give place to
another in few years. Its walls are
cracking. and its few rooms, filed to replc-
ton with archives and other important
papers, cannot now accommodate the OF
ticerS OF the government. several OF whom
are housed in outside buildin1s. conspcu-
ously the Court OF Appeals.
The new capitol, If built in Richmond,
viii demand more space than can be now
found on the Capitol Square; for the old
building must stand until the new one can
take its place: that is obvious. But the
only space that can be had is the ground
that extends from the southern limit OF the
broad walk to Capitol street, including the
site OF the jackson statue. Where else can
space be found within the grounds!
But that will not be enough. The rest
must be obtained by taking in all the
ground from Capitol to Broad streets. and
extending from Ninth to Eleventh streets.
Undoubtedly it will cost money to con-
denim the buildings thereon, including the
Presbyterian church. But the State can
afford that to round off building costing
one to two millions. with wel-balanced
front yard, 80 to speak. Symmetry will
make il necessary. But how will it be if
the State finds the main ground pre0ccu-
pied by 100000 encumbrance? Will it
condemn the ground then? OF course
not. But il both buildings are erected IN
such contiguity, what must be the archi-
tectual effect? Think Of it.
And think what may be another cOnse-
quence OF insisting OIL a site chosen by this
minority of the Council! MAY not the
want of room drive or tempt the State to
remove the capital? Is the idea of that
new! They tell a joke on Mr.. Stuart and
WI. hiHHt\. WIZ represented Aupu>lu
county years ago. Once the alarm OF fire
was gwen. and as the members rushed
frantically from the Senate chamber and
the hall of the House OF Delegates those
gentlemen, one at each door, shouted to
them, vote for Staunton." The joke had
a meaning. Ponder il; and don't give
anybody the color OF an argument in favor
OF removing the capital, as will be done il
there is not ground enough here for Il suit.
able building.
What shall be done, then! Why, let the
men who think Il minority should not die
tate on so important and delicate subject
get tee Legislatures leave to have a vote OF
the people on the question Where is the
harm OF that?
do not own foot OF ground in Rich
mond. Probably ] never shall. But
feel an interest in preserving her present
beauty and adding another feature to it.
| wish to see her value increased by iudici-
Gus public spirit rather than diminished
by the misjudgment Of those very respecta-
bic members OF the Council who constitute
the minority of that BODY 80