The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1885-04-22
Public Buildings.

Mr.. Editor The selection of sites for
the public buildings to be erected at Mont
pelier by the state and the United States
governments are subjects of deep interest
not only to the town of Montpelier, but to
Washington County and to the whole state.
Perhaps few words from an outsider may
be in order. AS to the national government
building, 1t is to be hoped that the locating
committee will see to it that this appropria-
ton, which will be benefit to the state cap
ital and the state, be not wasted or its value
reduced by building in wrong or obscure
place, or with the prospect of unpleasant or
unseemly surroundings. 1t will fix the loca-
ton of the postoffice for long time, not only
for Montpelier, but for those parts of other
towns adjoining that find their most conven-
lent postoflice at that place. Nearly one half
OF Mlddlesex, large part of Berlin and
East Montpelier and some of Moretown and
Worcesterare so situated and perhaps, parts
of some other towns. The present location
OF the postofce is generally conceded to be
fairly central for all parties concerned, and
it would seem to be sound Judgment to lo-
cate the new building as near that point as
proper spot can be obtained. State street,
from the crossing of Main at the old corner
down to the state house grounds, ought to
afford place. There is no place where'a
public building would look better than op-
posite the state house on the south side of
state street, but that is probably too far
down, but any of the wooden buildings on
the street from the Central depot to the cor
ner can be well spared and doubtless the
owners of many of them would be glad to
sell at fair price. My attention was called
to this subject of iudicions location of pub
lie buildings while viewing the ground for
similar building at Concord, n. H., a few
days ago. They propose to build theirs
directly in the rear of their state house.
Perhaps it was the best they could do, but
| if it would be in order | would respectfully
suggest that they turn the great, gilt " e plu
ribus unum y eagle on the top of the state
house around about forty-tive degrees to the
right, so that his right wing would hover out
! towards the federal government building.
| 1t would look more respectful. We out
siders have no pecuniary interest in the To-
cation of these buildings, and no axes to
grind, but we do feel pride in the plucky
| little town of Montpelier that has taxed
herself 50 literally to build state houses,
churches, schools, hotels, railroads, and
other public works, and we hope they will
make no mistake in this matter Give the
United States building good, ample, clednly
and pleasant location. The state library
building was Lot intended to be an addition
or enlargement of the present state house
by the legislature that made the appropria-
ton. Their idea, as developed by the debate
on the bill, was a separate building that
would not interfere with the present build
| ing as to utility, or mar the beauty and SYM
metry of it. But the commissioners of loca-
ton and construction are able and honorable
men, and if they have found good reasons
for the annexation and are sure they are right,
then in the name of David Crockett let them
$50 dtedd''-for there are only about sixteen
months to the time set for its completion
OUTSIDER.
Middlesex, April Goth, 1885.