Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-04-15

HNNs 'coho okO piihtcd pctutODs, w.
merously signed by bench. bar, county off,
GERS, jurors and others, without distinction
as to party, were presented to the county
commissioners, asking in strong terms for
repairs and improvements on Kennebec
Court House. Two of the most important
representations we're that the ire-proof vaults
IN the office of the register of deeds. the pro-
bate room and clerks Office were then filled
to overlooking, and could no longer receive
the rapidly ACCOMPLISHING volumes of public
records, and that the building was growing
unhealthy by reason of the entire absence of
drainage, the want of proper ventilation, and
especially by reason of the disgrsceful condi-
ton of its water closets. The facts stated
were VIGOROUSLY true, and the commission
ers we're already cognizan, of them. They
we're aware Of the condition of the ire-proof
vaults, and knew that ancient records, made
at large expense to the county, and of great
value and Importance. must be removed to
places without protection against FIRE Every
month, and perhaps every week, they had
sees, with modification and shame, re-
spectacle ladies from different parts Of
the county, when attendance upon the courts
was required by law cropping about the build
ing in the vain search for '.ladies' room"
They had discovered that for want of sewer
age and suitable ventilation. poisonous gases
and noxious odors would infect the atmos-
phere in nearly all parts of the building.
They bad seen the people uncomp siningly
pay 100000 to erect an elegant Jail with all
the modern conveniences. for the comfort and
support of criminals and tramps. and assum
ed that they might be willing to pay $40 900
to have the court rooms and county offices
adequate for the transaction of their business
and preservation Of their records, and main
tain them in such condition that their pub
lie servants could breathe an atmosphere free
from pestilence. Accordingly the commits
siOners employed \ competent architect of
large experience, to devise plan for making
these Indispensable repairs and Improvements
at the least expense. The terms of his en-
gagement gave the architect no interest in
any expenditure that might be made An
unbiased opinion was therefore attained
After repeated visits. careful exam
nations and numerous conf Fences with
the commissioners and others the architect
submitted detailed working plan with speci-
fications, which, If executed, would per-
manen,ly remedy all the defects named. give
Us a symmetrical structure and provide all
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,h. commissio,ers have va,y n,ona,l., a.
clined to resort to any temporary expedients.
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