Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-06-11

Both houses Of Congress have now agreed to
the conference report on the local post Office
site. and the building is to be erected on the
square between G and ID and 18th and 18th
streets. which stretches TO the south side of the
avenue at 11th street. This action will be
hailed by the people of Washington with a
profound satisfaction. unaffected by past differ
snces of opinion In respect to the most
desirable site; for a creditable and we'll
situated building il assured in place
of absolutely unfit rented quarters. and the
decision has been reached at a time when a re-
turn 10 the deadlock and ~inactiOn of past years
seemed almost inevitable. Washington cannot
appreciate too highly the intelligent and public
spirited services Of the members of the joint
committee on public buildings and grounds,
who by concessions have settled the differences
between the two houses. which have so long
deprived the capital of respectable post Office
quarters. For $500. 900. the amount suggested,
an admirable post Office building can be erected.
1t may be doubted. however. whether it will be
found. when the plans and estimates come to be
considered. that this amount will erect a credit
able structure over the 50, 900 feet of floor
space required for post Office purposes
to a greater height than the one or two stories
that the post Office will need; and whether in a
building costing this sum any considerable
amount of room for ''other government pur-
poses than those of the post office will be dis
covered. If Congress determines to utilize to
the full extent the property which it has de-
cided to purchase, and provides the necessary
funds TO erect a magnificent many-storied
structure covering tine whole square, and pre-
senting itself with fine architectural effect to
the pbzarvpr On tho oyaOuN tharp will ha
abundant room. after accommodating the post
Office ON the first floor. for .'other government
purposes In the event that this
structure =, built and applications for
admission as co-tenants with the post
Office come to be in order, the STAR will
venture to renew its suggestion that the offices
of the local District government will be most
appropriately housed with the local post Office.
In pursuance of the wise contention of the
House separate provision is to be made for the
general post office department, and the same
reasons which prevented the placing of the
department and local Office together should
operate to prevent the latter from being put at
the mercy of any other more powerful CO.
tenant who can Dust it at pleasure They
should at least operate in favor Of selecting for
accommodation from among the improperly
housed branches OF the government that
one which will make the most appropriate CO.
tenant with the post Office, and which promises
a Joint occupation without wranglinS or hos
tile encroachment on the part of either tenant.
Every one will admit that the rented quarters
of the District building are entirely unsuitable.
The new structure on the avenue should be a
local District building, containing various
branches Of the government dealing with local
affairs. Ii must not be understood, however,
that the capital is dissatisfied with the proposed
appropriation for its post Office and is greedily
graspIng for more. For this amount devoted
TO this purpose it is profoundly and enthusi-
astically grateful. 1t is only in the event. that
Congress of its own ~yOlition proposes to ell
urge the post office building for "other gov
ecHment purposes that the District government
files its application for accommodation.