The evening times., 1896-12-10
TERPs|CHORE VS.. MINERVA
Renewed Discussion Over the Use
of the New Library.
FOR THE INAUGURAL BALL
Architect Smithmeyer Overcome
With Grief at the Thought, But
Others Say That il the Hail was
Injured 1t Could Be Easily Re
paired at Small Expense.

1t looks doubtful now that the new Lii
brary building will be used for the inangu
ration bail
The opposition manifested by Senators,
Librarian Sporford, Architect smlthIneyer
and Capt Green will probably not be strong
Iyres,slcd by Mr Hanna ana cue Others now
arranging for the inaugural ceremonies.
In the event taat tae Library IS at an
doned Gen. Horace Porter believes that
the Pension building viii again belmprcssed
into service.
We do not care particularly about the
Library. 1t was suggested To us by tfe
local people. We looked at 1t, ana agreed
that II would BE- Il fine place for the dIialr.
We are entirely willing to give it up,
and IN ;hat cas-. / should S.ty that Jne rem
sion building will be used. | don't know
anything about the new city postOiflce
structure"
National Committeeman Parker, Col. Brit
ton anu others al the mead of tue local
ARRANGEMENTS have been enthusiastic about
the Library building. They insisted that
the people have not been inside the new
edirice, and should be permitted the oppor-
tunity upon such grand occasion. lhey
asserted that the injury to the interior
would be slight and "a few hundred dollars
would put it gain in thorough repair.
THE DIRECTIONS.
On the other hand, Architect Smithncycr,
when he heard OF the suggestion, was full
of grief, and declared that IL was shame
anu an outrage When he showed Mr..
Hanna and the Others around the building
Oh the day they arrived lie had no idea
that they contemplated using 1t for such
purpose.
"tad | known it, said he, Il should
haze strenuously opposed 1t. Why, ball
in there would cause damage shat never
could be repaired The dirt and dust from
the crowds ana the dancers would ruin
the paintings and marble surfaces
Then, too. there are many pieces Of mar
bic exposed To the relic hunter, and they
would be chipped Off and carried away
without fear or detection No, no. they
should Ia ke the Pension or tie new post
office.
''Isrsides. there is not enough room in
the library for the dancing and the reccp-
ton. The permanent distractions on the
floor render IL impossible FOR a great
crowd to move about"
AGAINST THE PLAN.
Members OF the Joint Committee on the
Library and the Committee on Additional
Accommodation are strongly against the
plan. \ resolution has been introduced IN
tue senate by Mr.. Morrill, prohibiting tire
use, ami when the matter comes to an
issue in Congress the necessary legislation
VIII pruUdHE bt ftiHsc'ls / uc uSt "a mt
CAPITOL has always been refused for public
lectures, and many Senators regard the
bail and reception as simply Il scheme Of
the citizens TO get back the money spent
upon the festivities.
Capt Green's report to Congress shows
that the building will be ready for occu-
pancy about February l nd the mOvingof
the looks into it will interfere with any
other use.
'Ine central apartment could not, 1t is
said, he used for dancing, as II contains
24S desks already held In place upon the
floor by iron supports, and the Lig cata-
logue desk all Of which cannot De removed.
The only rooms for dancing are the long
narrow chambers which open by door
way into each other, and are said TO be-
unsuitable for the free circulation Of u
host OF dancers.
THE WORKS OF ART.
Many distinguished American sculptors
and painters have contributed the pro-
ducts OF their genius to the building.
Mural paintings. staruary, delicate cary
ing. sculptured marble, and magnificent
make beautiful the interior
of the structure, and all these would be
more or less in danger during THE great
rout' as Mr. Spoffurd calls the occasion |
The Pension Office contains many times |
more space than the library, and a zig |
kitchen could, as before. he constructed |
on the lawn outside the building. ItwOuld |
not need new furniture, and could quickly |
be put into shape, and later easily bestowed |
to its former condition.