Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-02-25
THE BLAINE PROPERTY
Proposition for the Government to Purchase
It Discussed in the Senate.
An Amendment Requiring Mrs. blaine
TO Give n Clear Title to the
Ground Proposed.

Almost Immediately after the sundry
civil bill was taken up by the Senate TINS
morning a long debate was precipltated
by the amendment providing for the pur-
chase of the property of Mrs. Blaine on
LAFAYETTE Square. Senator George offered
an amendment changing the wording so
that Mrs. Blaine would be required to give
a complete title to the property upon the
payment Of the sum named in the bill,
S150,0OO.
Mr.. Palmer raised a point Of order
against the amendment, saying that he
was bound to oppose it in the interest CT
the lessees, who are constituents OF MS
and who dc not wish to part with the
lease. He denied that there is any public
necessity for this acquisition of property.
Mr. Gray argued that there are many
public reasons for purchasing the prop, prop
glance at the location would convince any
Senator of the propriety of the amend
ment
He called attention to the crowded con-
diton of the Department of Justice ana
said that it had been suggested by mem
bers of the committee on public buildings
and grounds that at some future uay
State Department might be erected there
He thought it only matter OF prudence
and economy to buy the property now M
stead of waiting until it is improved to the
extent of half a million or million dollars-
Increase in Value of the Property.
Mr.. Vest told how, eleven years ago,
clear title to the land could have been pur-
chased for $4,000. An actuary has now
estimated that Mrs. Blaihe's interest in the
property subject to the lease is sl'o,eo
This shows the increase in the value or the
property. Mr.. Vest thought that sitn'ooo
would be enough. The committee on ap-
propriationS fixed the price at sl',O,oo anu
he understood that Mr.. Connor, the lessee,
estimat ted his loss to be $4,000. rms would
involve an expenditure of SlSo,Oo0 or SiSs',-
Ol0 He said he considered it an outrage
that the government should not own the
Blaine property.
Mr. Palmer withdrew his point OF order
so that that amendment could be voted
upon on its merits, and he went on to say
that he considered this proposition one OF
oppression, for it would deprive individuals
of great privileges TO whch theS were
clearly entitled.
Mr. Allison argued for the amendment and
pointed out that the government needs TINS
additional property on which to erect new
public building at some near date
Mr.. Hale on Mrs. Blaine's Position.
Mr. Hale protested against Mr.. Georges
amendment, saying that Mrs. Blaine might
not be able to give an absolute guarantee
title to the property. He added that she Is
rot seeking to sell this property to the
government, and does not wish to be put
into the position of having it condemned.
Reading from the lease which she has
given he showed that she is to receive
$1,000 a Year for thirty-nine years, and
$4,000 year for the remaining sixty years.
There was some debate as to Mrs. Blaine's
exact title and then Mr.. George brought
up the question of Mr.. Albaugh's contracts
for the building, and predicted a pack of
trouble for the government in case this
amendment should be enacted into law.
Mr. Vest declared that Mr. Aibaugh had
estimated his damages at $4,000, but Mr..
Gallinger said he i'd ntimation to show
that they would far exceed that figure for
he had contracts not only for the building,
but also with operate and theatrical
troupes.
Mr. Georges amendment was voted down
yeas 22: nays -. This is thought to be
q test vote on the main proposition.