New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-02-26

ANNIvERsARY OF THE DESTRUCTION OF
THE TOWER OF THE BROOKLYN
CITY HALL.
EErAIas MADE WITH REMARKABLE sI.owNEss-
NOT MUCH CHANCE OF ANOTHER TOWER

NOT MUCH CHANCE OF ANOTHER TOWER
AID CLOCK AT THE PRESENT TINE.
To-day is an anniversary Of considerable interest
10 the people OF Brooklyn for Ii was on February
o. 1885, that the fire occurred which burned out the
upper part OF the City Hall and destroyed the tower
and the clock. which many people han long re-
garded as indispensable factors in their pursult
OF happiness and the time Of day. The hre oc-
CURED early In the morning. and was an object or
great interest to those persons who happen to
be in the vicinity % the hall about the time wheh
business gets under way Extras were promptly
issued and circulated throughout the city and many
who pay no heed to the ordinary extra" read with
great avidty the accounts OF what was at hrst De-
lieved to be the destruction Of the City Hall
Immediately after the fire numerous suggestions
were made regarding the best way 70 repair tne
damage and increase the capacity OF the bu'ldihs
The most preposterous plan proposed was that
number Of stories should be added 10 the hall. con-
vertine IT into a monsrosity. OF course. this pro-
posa was received with scant favor. 1t was gen.
orally agreed however that the upper part OF the
building should he made hreproof. ana some oil inc
officials interested became convinced that it would
not be wise build another tower but TO finish the
centre Of the building with a low dome.
Then came a more less emphatic public de-
rand for the restoration Of the clock and when the
architects who were invited to submit plans for re-
storing the building offered their designs II was
found that some of them had attempted the IN
possible by placing a clock on top Of the proposed
dome TIE dome idea did rot find universal favor
and when a body Of experts we're called IN 10 pass
on the several designs the decision was In favor
of building another tower and placing clock in H.
AT that time 1t expected that work on the
building would be begun promptly. and the general
supposition that the repairs would be COM
peted during the summer. when the least disturb
ance to the business carried in the building
would be occasioned. Through the efforts OF Mayor
Schieren. who. by the way. was out of the city
when the fire occurred, a bill was passed by the
LEGISLATURE authorizing the issue by the city OF
bonds to the amount of 100000 TO cover the expense
OF the necessary repairs.
When bids for doing the work were called for IT
found that to carry out the plans IN full and
erect another tower nearly twice the amour, of
the appropriation would be required. 1t became
necessary, then, TO make such alterations ana
omissions as would bring the expenditure within
the amount allowed. and the final decision was TO
proceed with the necessary interior work, leaving
the tower for subsequent consideration, In case the
new city administration should deem 1t wise 10 APP
ply to the Legislature for additional appropria-
ton.
SO much time consumed in reaching dec!-
son that the whole Of last year passed without a
stroke of work being done. with the exception OF
building temporary roof and clearing away the
rubbish tely after the fire, and II was not
until within two three weeks that the contractor
was able to begin the Job. The plastering in the
upper pert of the building is now being torn out.
and II is expected that the work will be completed
within six months.
In the last week In January the offices OF the
Corporation Counsel, the second floor OF the
Hail. given up, and that official and his as
sstants now have comfortable quarters In the build
ing of the National City Bank. These Offices have
been rented fer year. it evidently being the
opinion of the ctys law officer that the promise
of the contractor is be taken with several grains
Formerly and at the time OF the fire. the living
apartments OF the keeper of the CITY Hall were on
in ne the mf future 'TD The Keeper has Seen required
Hall Will be devoted to offices The Department OF
Buildings. which Is now In the basement. VIII be
to the hrd be- oor ana various
II is the intention to. modernize the venerable
spg to the fsnr OF y an Snd
who frequent the Hall Will not be compelled to ex-
pend their muscTlar force IN Tsmpns up nn1
one-not Ike the pent-up affairs that serve for
elevators In the Municipal Buiid.ng, just over the
The bonds TO cover the work tina; has at las;
been begun have not yet been issued. and there has
been yet no Application TO the Legislature ior
permission 10 spend more than $4,000 the build
ing From present appearances the restoration OF
the tower and the setting up Of another clock will
with the City Hall said yesterday: II do not believe
another tower will be erected on the building for
destroyed there pretty strong demand for
another clock on the Hall. and good many people
II is whenever they come in sight of the building.
But they are gradually getting accustomed to the
be thought worth while spend $4,000 $4,000 for
another tower. or course II tower IL built II
ought to be freproof and no, sngerbre 9 AFFAIR
money. The city has to look after Its dollars and
cents closely now and do not think the present
administration VIII consent to this expenditure for
after