St. Paul daily globe., 1892-01-01

by provision In the contract that
none but st. Paul men shall be given
work on the structure, to which
Mr.. Van Slyke Immediately explained
that this feature of the enterprise had
already been cared for by the common
council. A clause will be inserted i'm
all contracts that the contractors shall
place no outside man on the pay rolls.
One member of the visiting delegation
added that it is the wish that the work
be confined 20 union men, but Mr.. OPP
penheim replied that the charter will
not permit such resolutions. Every citi-
zen is given equal charter rights. The
delegation was satisfied and withdrew,
one man remarking as he left the room:
"All right, gentlemen; [ hardly
thought you could confine 1t to union
men. We are satisfied; it will do lots Of
good among poor men this winter"
The Temporary Structure.
1t was then agreed that the temporary
structure the auditorium for the con-
vention-Shall be the only portion that
will be considered at all for the present.
The fact that the plans will be so fixed
that the change from the temporary to
the permanent building can be made
with the least possible waste is placed
in trust with the architect himself. Mr..
Oppenheim spoke with enthusiastic
fervor of his unbounded confidence in
Mr.. Reeds talents, skill and experience.
You will find that he is a frst-claSs
man." he observed to Mr.. Baker.
One contract will be awarded for the
excavation and general construction of
the building, everything but plastering,
painting. heating, ventllating, plumb
ing and lighting. All these specific
branches will be awarded separately to
the lowest bidders. The heating and
ventilating plants will not be put in.
however, until after the convention.
They are after considerations.
The plans, as they are marked out,
fully Justify the architects declaration
that the auditorium will accommodate
1900 people at the convention, and the
permanent auditorium will have a seat
ing capacity of 1000. The ground floor
plans are finished, and the corps of
draughtsmen are engaged on sectional
plans and elevations. The structure is
TO be largely of iron, and Will bestire-
proof when completed. although tenn
porary wooden floor will be beneath a
portion of the convention hall. The ar
rangement of seats seems to be admir-
able, and especially designed for the
purpose. COnveniences are provided
for 500 newspaper reporters, arranged
on either side of the big platform or
stage. Each reporter will have a writ
provided with chute running down to
room in the basement, where the two
telegraph offices will be provided
with full equipment and modern
facilities. Through this arrangement
every reporter can keep his matter on
wires without leaving his seat. AS fast
as he gets few pages of copy ready for
transmission, he puts it in the chute
and off it shoots to the telegrapherS,
who, in turn, tick it off to the paper to
which it is addressed.
Seats are provided for the national
committee on level with the stage on
either side, and next to the reporters.
Then the delegates will occupy the par
quette. .leavinga big seating capacity just
behind for their thousands of friends.
The balcony and the gallery, still higher
up, will give conyeniences for the spec
tators.
1t transpires that the city already
owns several thousand chairs that can
be utilized. These are stored away, land
when the time arrives they will be
brought out, renovated and placed in
the auditorium. The balance of the
seats will be made in st. Paul, if found
practical.
Mr.. Baker. when he leaves for Wash
ingtOn next week, will take copies of
the architects plans. They will be
framed, and hung in Washington where
they can be inspected by the national
committee. Mr.. Reed promises a lrmin-
Gus interior scene as the hall will be
for the reception of the convention, fes-
tooned and decorated with flags. en-
blems and bunting. This will prove
very effective.