The record-union., 1891-07-27
ASSUMING SHAPE.
The Project of Securing a Residence
for the Governor
a Committee Appointed to at Once
Procure the Terms of Owners
of Fine Houses.

The committee of citizens appointed by
Mayor Comstock to investigate the mat
ter of the advisability of taking steps to
secure the purchase or erection of a Gov
ernor's Mansion here held meeting at
The Courthouse on Saturday evening, pre-
sided over by Chairman Russell d. Steph-
ems. The committee effected a permanent
organization by choosing Mr.. Stephens
for Chairman and David Lubin for Secre-
tary.
The Chair called on n. Greene Curtis
for an expression of his views on the sub
iect The latter said that, while the scope
OF the committees inquiry embraced the
possibility Of the erection of Governors
residence, he did not think it practica-
BILE. There would be estimates to be
smade on sites and building, the letting Of
contracts, the raising of from 100000 to
$3.50, 900, ETC., and the Legislature would
meet and adjourn ten times before any
thing could be accomplished. He
thought the best way to proceed would
be on the assumption that a residence
already built would be necessary, and
then appoint special committee of five
to receive proposals for the sale of resi-
dences.
The committee could secure a bond
from the owner of the property selected
TO sell at certain figure secure him an
indemnity for its use for the next year
and half, and then, if the Legislature
would buy it, all right; if it did not, the
money for its use would have to be
raised. Judge Curtis concluded by NOV
ing the appointment of a committee for
the purpose outlined, the same to report
TO the Committee of Fifteen.
Mayor Comstock, Chairman Stephens,
I A
and others indorsed Judge Curtis views.
The latter requested the Chair not to ap-
point him on the committee, should the
motion be carried, as he preferred to see
more active men take charge of the
matter.
A. Abbott said the object of the move
nent was to secure residence for the
Governor at once. The statement had
gone abroad that the Governor could not
get a residence fit to- live in. OF the four
or five suitable places here that can be
bought, the committee should try and
ind one who will accept sufficient money
tocover the rental of his place until the
next Legislature mGe S, SO that the pres
est Governor can enter il at once.
DIR. Simmons said he had hoped there
would be some one present authorized to
speak for Governor Markham. The COM
mittee dld not know that the Governor
would accept residence here, if rendered
him. The salary of the office is not suf-
ticient to enable a Governor to maintain
much of an establishment, and if one
brings his family here from distance he
Will have to spend more than his salary.
Can Governor Markham do this? In his
opinion it would be better to have the
President and Secretary correspond with
the Governor and ascertain his wishes
before the committee takes any definite
action. If Governor Markham is willing
20 live here, after his recent sad expert
ence, he (Simmons) would enter heart
and soul into the movement to secure
him suitable residence.
Judge Curtis moved that the Chairman
and Secretary be instructed to correspond
at once with the Governor, as Suggested
by Dr.. Simmons, and the motion was
carried.
George c. McMullen thought it would
be better to defer the appointment of the
special committee until the Governor
could be heard from, but Mr.. Van Voor-
MES thought the committee should Po
ahead, and If the Governor did not wish
10 bring his family here no harm would
be done.
Judge Curtis amended his motion so as
to include on the committee the Mayor
and the Chairman and Secretary. Car
ried.
Chairman Stephens then named as the
special committee Mayor Comstock, A.
Abbott, G. L. Simmons, II. H. Snow,
George c. MCMullen, a. A. Van Voor-
hies, David Lubin and r. d. Stephens.
The meeting then adjourned, and the
Subcommittee held conference and de.
cided TO at once ask for the figures on the
few private residences here which have
been mentioned in connection with the
subject of q Governors mansion