New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-02-26

window at the end, and to be provided with table
where students could pursue their studies. The
yestibule rotunda with its elegant staircase, Is really
one of the most beautiful l have ever seen; the
main corridor the historic Governors room and The
dome all would remain unchanged" 30 much for
the interior.
The exterior changes which Mr.. FlaGG propose
are principally In giving the wings greater depth In
order that they may present n unity OF design ana
afford greater space for the storing Of books and re
placing the old wooden cupola with marble one more
in proportion TO the size OF the building and OF
greater artistic merit The front facade Will remain
unchanged, while the facades Of the wings will Sim
ply be broadened. If constructed on the lines pro
posed. the acOves will have capacity OF nearly
400 900 volumes. When II Is considered that thl-
is about the number OF volumes in the Congressional
Library. which ii has taken several decades to az
cumulae 1t will be readily that the capacity Of
the building will be sufficient for many years TO come
"The chief defect" said Mr. Flaeg, "of the City
Hall as II stands Is its want Of height defect wlch
doubtless did not appear when 1t was Originally
erected. Since that time IT has been surrounded
with tall structures which dwarf 1t, and the same
conditions apply 10 the proposed site"
This defect the architect proposes TO remedy by
using the old reservoirs material conveniently AT
hand in the construction OF two beautiful terraces, IN
about the middle of the larger OF which the suuc
ture Is be erected. Those who have seen lhc
garden front at Versailles, the Campodoglo at Rome
or the grand terrace Of the National capitol VIII
readily Imagine what beautiful effect could thus BE-
produced Three terraces approached BY broad nights
of steps and adorned with illustrates. fountains
narcrres flowers shrubs and green lawns. would give
10 the city one Of It's greatest attractions and novel
ties.
These changes Il made in accordance with the pro
posed designs. would be little more than return II
Is sald to the plans and ideas OF the original architect
John McComb. r., WHOSE journals and Tuncated
card =
an heirloom In his family.
On this subject John BIGelow has written the FOL
lowing letter to Perclval Farquhar at Albany
perceive that tho bill teforc tho Legislature for the
removal and reerecticn Of the old City Hall concludes
with the following provision said Board OF Commits
sioners NAV contract the removal OF said building
without nubc letting and upon such terms DIVISIONS ana
agree nens "a they may determine with any person. per
sons or corporation which may be selected BY aid board
for that purpo.c and who shall agree 70 rserect and
maintain said building upon suitable site within said
CITY ownd by said private cOrpOiatOn In such manner
that when recrcctcd sad building shall continue to
prcsen. the external appearance as II had prior 70
Ulch removal
Tho restrictions imposed by this clause OF III" IN.
fear VIII defeat purpose plated by its fran
ers Of having the old City Hall REGRETTED elsewhere for
public use.
70 agree 10 take City Hall down and rrrcc II any
,le,e miles. f. were for factory commclcla!
use seems 10 me rather chimercal but that any party
.ho,a a,rae I'm advance 10 re.crect II having
coot,o of the men who II down, seems vet more
chm.rica for tho Val.o such Of the material would
he worth carving away for such purpose, would DE-
Pend entirely upon the way IL was handed TO require
the party taking contract only to rc-crect the
building upon conditions but TO furnish the ste
for II also amounts less than recurring that II
shall be all which Is hardly consistent
with purports DC the purpose Of the trainers OF
TN; purpose little ihclv to be attained appfe-
htnd unless the Is armed with the power 70 take
down and the structure on us own pop
erty and it> expense. Even II person could
be found reckless enough to make such an agreement
would IL be pruden: becoming for this city 10 take
risk OF deputing such Work persons who would
have only secondary interest studying the desire, and
expectations Of the pubicf
Your bill also required the regretted structure shall
prssent the external appearance prceents OF
present"
For reasons hope will commend themselves to
venture suggest that the discretionary powers 81 Nc
city authorities be enlarged 10 relieve
them from OF the strain Of these restrictions.
You awae. / presume that tho trustees Of the
Tiden slgnihed municipal authorities
their readiness equip and operate public library. the
CITY Hall removed should be regretted the cite
of tho In Bryant Park. and appropriated TO their
use: q disposition OF IL which, far more than other
,eens u have commended itself 10 public favor Would
a not be wise 10 give municipal authorities the
mower which this bill they will lack. 20 make such
dfsposon Of IT, should they ultimately conclude that II
Was their duty 70 do so
Wherever City Hall l. removed IL wou'a De t'''p'
tnno6sibe 10 make such building. already hsefy q
eaatury old present tie external appearance AGAIN