Morning journal and courier., 1886-05-25
STATE HOUSE COMMITTEE.

The Question of Repair or Dem Ol1t1Om Again Under COnsideration-AM Ma jorlty Favor Submitting the Question To n Vote of the People.
 A meeting of the State House committee appointed to consider the various proposi tions for repair, It moval, or rent of the State House, was held last evening in the Mayors office, Alderman Graves presiding.
 The various resolutions presented to the Court of Common Council regarding the structure and referred to this committee were read.
 On the conclusion of the reading Alder man Trowbridge opened the ball by object
 ing to the wording of one of the resolutions regarding it's being tumble down structure. He said there was not better or more sub- stantial building ill New Haven than the State House. All that was needed was to put it in proper repair to make it useful for various purposes. He said the foundations were in perfect order, the roof is in excellent repair, and if about ,000 were laid out upon it-which would include cost of steam it would be as good or better than now It was valuable to the city for many purpos- es, and there was no better locality for public library than that. few hundred dollars year would have kept the building in excellent repair, but instead it had been sadly neglected.
 Alderman Graves said he had no, doubt but that the building was safe enough. It was, however, disgrace to the city in its present condition. It was built for State House and it was not designed for anything else and is not fit for anything else. He said occupied one of the rooms that could be hired to go there again. If the building is to be there for another half century it should be a real building and not sham as it is now. It could be partially repaired perhaps for $2, GOO or 5000; but to be repaired that it would be credit to the city would cost $50, 900 at least. If there was any use to which the city could put the building, or if it was needed for any purpose, that would be another thing. But It is not. MT. Graves said he did not believe that majority of the people or anything like ike building If it should be torn down no amount of money could induce the city to put it back again. It injures the view and takes up the room that should be devoted for the pleasure of women and children. I have often thought what great pity it was that that old building was there, and have as often wished that it was plotted out There are few in the Historical society that have been agitating the repair of the building, but do not believe that majori- ty. of that society want the building to re- main there. Talk about it's being specimen of Greek architecture, said MT. Graves; why, it is a sham and fraud. Talk about it's be- ing modelled after the Parthenon, with win dows in the sides, what nonsense. Conclud- ing Alderman Graves said: Although would be glad to have this committee vote to night in favor of tearing the old building down,yet am willing to submit the whole question to a vote of the people, relying upon their good judgment in the matter and believing that they will by 8 large majority vote to tear It down.
 Alderman Trowbridge said he hoped the committee would not take any action until they had first examined the building. He then moved that the committee adjourn to meet at the State House next Thursday after noon at 3 o'clock.
 Alderman Graves inquired of Alderman Trowbridge if he would after the committee had visited the building be willing to submit the question of repair or demolition to the people
 Alderman Trowbridge said he was willing, ordinarily, to put himself in the hands of l the people. But in this case he thought the | citygovernment,w whom the people had elected l to manage their affairs were perfectly compe- | tent to do so. l
 MT. Graves then asked the opinion of the | various members of the committee in regard | to submitting the question to vote of the | people, and the sentiment of the majority | seemed to be in favor of such action. Those l in favor were Aldermen Graves, Hollinger | and Corners; Counoilmen Asher and Heepan. 1 Opposed, Alderman Trowbridge, Counoilmen l Beers and Bradley.
 It was then moved, as MT. Trowbridge's | motion had not been declared, that it was l the sentiment of this committee that the | question be submitted to a vote of the peo pie. There was tie on this vote and it was declared lost.
 Mr. Asher explained that he voted in the negative because he desired to first examine the State House before voting on the ques- ton of submitting to the people.
 MT. Trowbridge then renewed his motion to visit the State House on Thursday at 3 o'clock, and it was carried. The committee then adjourned. was Councilman Chillingworth. His posi- tion on the question of submitting the mat ter to vote of the people, is not known; but should it be against the proposition there will still be majority in favor of this plan. |