Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-02-08

~ submit Ino1f F100o 70
Congress.
Tho Commissioners today transmitted to
both houses of Congress- diagram Of the site
and a bill providing for the construction Of a
municipal building in the District Of Columbia.
The proposed site il that in front of the market
house.
In their letter the Commissioners refer to
page IS Of their annual report for the year 1890
in which they urged the necessity and pro-
priety Of building for the District
Offices. Thay say that they have been con-
stantly reminded Of this necessity since
as well rs before that time The records
OF the District, many and valuable, covering
the official transactions Of great number Of
years should be beyond the danger of fire.
they are not now so protected and
have not been for years. The subordinate
branches Of the municipal government are
ing its original record in non-fre-proof build
ings. The rents Of these buildings. including
the rent paid for the building occupied occu-
pied by the commissioners. amount to
S2S.962. This scattered condition of tho
force is Of course an impeachment in
attention to Official duties Citizens who visit
the Commissioners on public business ore de-
layed, as the Commissioners conferences with
their officers are delayed by distance in such
less delayed for the same reason.
The proposed site. they say, is central for
tho whole city and District and thoroughly
provided for in the matter Of street railway
and other transportation facilities. 1t is on
land owned by the United States In fec
which was subject to a ninety-nine years lease
to the market company but was released to the
District pursuant to an act twenty years ago
for the very object of this bill The inspector
OF buildings report that good foundation can
undoubtedly be had.
The plan submitted is not intended to be
unalterable, but rather as some thing near what
such building should be. The arrangements
for rooms is economical and would be very
convenient for the rapid transaction of busi-
ness.
The first installment asked for (Sl5O, OOO),
the Commissioners say, can be well afforded
from the revenues for the fiscal year to end
juno 80 1888 as the new assessment to be col
lected in that year will increase the revenues,
as estimated by not less than ESQ. 600
ing has been changed to $500, 600 from
S50o, 600 as suggested in the Commissioners
annual report of last year. Incidentally the
Commissioners would refer to the project
for free library which has been zealouslv
mooted for several years. There will be a
set OF rooms in tho proposed building in
the fourth floor not less than &c by 100 feet,
which would make an available place for the
suggested library for years to come. There
will be two elevators in the building, which will
afford ample transportation for all visitors.
The proposition for the construction OF the
municipal building meets. the Commissioners
have reason to believe, the most unanimous
opinion and wish OF the citizens of the
District and has had the active sup
port OF the press of the District
This municipal Improvement has been delayed
for many years though always looked forward
to the interest by the citizens of the District.
and the Commissioners earnestly ask favorable
consideration and action.