St. Paul daily globe., 1893-08-02
ALL ARE OUT BUT ONE.
CAPJTCL COMMISSIONERS REJECT OF
FERS Fo8 SITES,
EXCEPT FEsE BAss TRACE

The Figures Were Too High. and
the Commission Said So Very
Piainiy-Private Negotiations
Will Now BE Entered Into
Possible Cost OF Grading the
Bass Site.
A meeting of the board of capitol
commissioners was held at 10 o'clock
yesterday morning in the governors
room at the state house, all the members
being present. The committee ap-
pointed at the last meeting to consider
proposals for grounds for a new capitol,
reported, and also submitted consider
able other information regarding cost of
grading different pieces of property,
etc. The,eommUteaalso reported that
some of the bidders had since offered to
modify their figures materially.
After full and free discussion of the
whole subject, the board unanimously
adopted motion to reject all bids SUP
mitted at last meeting except the
one made by Frank 3. Bass, for
the property known as Bass hill,
This bid was referred back to the COM
mittee, which was continued, with in
structions to further Investigate certain
matters connected with the same. The
committee was also authorized to re-
ceive propositions from any other real
estate owners within the three-quarter
mile limit from the present capitol site
who might desire to offer grounds for
the new site. The board then ad-
jOurned, subject to the call of the
president.
In the discussion which took place
concerning bids submitted at the last
meeting of the board. the country mem
berS freely expressed their opinion that
it would be a long time before they
would select site for the new building
unless the views of real estate owners
III ST. Paul were more nearly
in conformity to existing values.
And some of the board went so far as
TO assert that they would favor postpon-
ing action indefinitely unless some
more reasonable proposition were sub
united to them. The committee in
formed the board that they were aware
of meeting of property owners repre-
Sentlng locality which has as yet not
been spoken of in any quarter. But as
this meeting only took place Monday
afternoon the owners were not prepared
to submit any propositions to the board
yesterday.
1t Will be seen that the commission
es have made little progress so far in
securing site, and until this has been
done they Will not take the next step,
namely, securing plans for the build
ing itself.
Considering the present stagnation in
the real estate market everywhere,
with the state of Minnesota as
a purchaser for large tract of ground
it would seem as if ST. Paul citizens
were allowing golden opportunity to
pass them almost unheeded. as it is ap
parent that the board is a conservative
body and will not pay fancy price for
real estate. but will wait until it can Sc
cure something that the state requires
at reasonable figure.
1t may be stated for the benefit of
those who have not kept posted that
the Bass tract, referred to above, was
offered for $4,000. 1t is located at the
head OF Jackson street and comprises
between six and seven acres. The OBJ
lection has been urged that it is in such
shape that a tremendous amount of
grading would be necessary. Men
competent to speak say, however. that
the site could be properly graded for
sum not exceeding $4,000.