The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-11-21
IN FAYoR or An ARMORF.
4 Home for the Howitzsrs ard Blues and
a Pnblic Hi.

Pnblic Hal.
The subcommittee Of the Committee
on Grounds and Buildings held another
session in the City Engineers office yes
terday afternoon TO consider the ques-
ton as to securing an armory for the
Richmond Howitzers. Messrs. w. l.. Car
ter and Noble were present on behalf
OF the committee, while Major Slmons
and Captain HutchesOn represented the
military. Messrs. Max Lindner and Ed
ward Sumpf attended from the Gesang-
verein Virginia TO offer the Saenger Hall
property for the purpose.
Captain Hutchinson stated that he. per-
sonally. would prefer the Greenhow pro-
perty with a two story building on II as
an armory exclusively for the Howitzers.
However. he would be satisfied IL the
Saenger Hall property was selected as
an armory site for the HowitZers and
Blues, provided the lines were properly
drawn to avoid conflict. He only fear
ed. If the Saenger Hall property was
decided upon. it might be some time
before a new armory would be built.
Major Simons practically expressed the
same ideas. but added that the Saenger
Hall property might be Of greater adj
vantage to the city, especially If the
Pelouze property and that Of the German
Lutheran church could be secured in
addition. lie thought that the site would
be excellent for a big public hall.
Mr.. Lindner stated that he was author
lied by the stockholders Of the Saenger
Hail property to offer the same to the
city at a price Of $4,000. He thought
the property could be remodeled at COM
paratively little expense.
willing 10 Tako Bonds.
Mr.. Frank d. Hill. as representative
OF the Pelouze and Greenhow property.
reiterated his statements, made on former
occasions. that ne had an option on the
Pelouze property for $4,000 and on the
Greenhow property for 5000. lie added
that Mr.. Pelouze was willing to take
6 per cent. bonds in payment, and that
the owners of the GreenhOw property
had made similar declarations.
Mr.. Carter suggested that the Gesang-
verein Virginia submit its proposition
and terms in writing, which is TO be
presented TO the full committee this even
ing.
MIR. Llndner stated that his organiza-
| ton was not financially embarrassed, ana
was willing to accept city bonds In pay
ment and that he would at once can
the board Of directors together to draw
up the necessary papers.
Mr.. Noble thought that the Howitzers
would be wronged by the city if they
were compelled to accept temporary head
quarters In the Saeuger Hall property.
II this was done, there would be no
telling when the permanent quarters
would be secured. The city was not
bankrupt, and would just as wei con-
| struct the building now as year hence
| Mr. John T. Goddin offered the four
| story tobacco factory on TWeltth street,
north of Clay. with front OF % rect ana
| 13t feet deep. The lot was 100 by ia
| feet. If an offer of $4,000 was made
| the commissioners would recommend II
| TO the court for confirmation. city bonds
| would be acceptable In payment
Was Rather Dangerous.
Captain Hutchinson thought the site I'M
! desirable for the reason that II was inac-
| cessible He preferred a location as
near to the street-car lines as possible.
| The isolated location of the site was
rather dangerous in the time OF riot,
| and it was more desirable to have the
| artillery near the infantry.
Mr.. Hill also spoke against the selec-
ton Of an isolated site. The Howitzers
desired-hrst, a site which they liked;
II that one could not be secured. they
wished to obtain the next TO it.
When questioned by Colonel Cutshaw,
Mr. Hill stated that he would consider the
Allan property on Fifth and Main streets
as a very desirable location, and he did
not think that any Of the residents IN
that vicinity would object TO an armory
there.
Mr. Leroy Brown had appeared before
the committee early in the afternoon and
offered several pieces Of property amone
them the Allan property, which could be
used, In the opinion OF the committee and
Colonel Cutshaw. as quarters for all the
military, and, besides would furnish q
big hall which could accommodate 800,
people The necessity OF securing s.
large public hall for the holding Of con-
ventions and other big gatherings was
referred TO by everybody present.
Quarters for All.
Colonel Cutshaw thought that possibly
the property on Fifth and Main streets
could be secured for about Jo0oo. md
that a like amount would be sufficient
TO construct a building large enough
TO furnish a public hall and quarters FOR
the First regiment. the Richmond Howitz-
ers and the Blues.
| After some further discussion the CON-
mittee decided TO recommend 10 the rem
eral committee ~ ask the City Council
TO appropriate the sum OF 100000 In
per cent bonds to provide a public hall
on the site now occupied by the regi-
| mental armory and the adjoining prop
erty, the building TO contain. also. the
necessary accommodations for the Rich
mond Howitzers and Richmond Light
Infantry Blues. and TO give the First
regiment drill hall. which they have so
/ long needed for battalion drills.
II Is the intention OF the subcommittee
70 recommend the purchase OF Saenger
Hall, take down the roof Of the present
armory. and secure a public hall with u
seating capacity for about 5000 people In
that manner. $50 by 1877 feet IL was also
considered that In the course OF time ad-
ditional property could be secured to en-
| large the building