Barre evening telegram. (Barre, Vt.) 1898-19??, 1899-02-16
II the institutions of our republic en-

| 'SI Va uIcl uouy VI Noiuh'OCi oc'N'CAS
than Company Z. They were destined
to undergo the tedium and disease OF
the camp rather than the dangers and
glory of action. Forilude rather than
courage was the requirements OF their
service, and in the catalogue of military
virtues they manifested the highest. In
the camp there is The abseAce OF the
stimulus found on the field. and the
tent contains multitude Of insidious
dangers that are not present in the line
Of battle. They acquitted themselves as
good and faithful servants Of the re-
public in their readiness to support its
perls as well us share its blessings.
The city is proud of their action. and
appropriately expressed its appreciation
in the depth of its farewell and the ex-
ultaiion of its welcome. Two of their
number returned not to dwell in the city
Of their nurture. but on flames eternal
camping ground"
In this report the names of all appear
at large, and lolg after the items of dol
lars and cents over which we nave bag
gled, have been forgotten, these pages
will contain one item of inter est, our
roll of honor.
CITY HALL.
The uncertainties Of what will be fu-
ture expenditures are we'll illustrated in
the case of the city hail. Before the
18th day of January, 1898, the city pos
sesscd substantial building, which
would have answered for municipal!
purposes for some years. No estimates
for expenditures would have included
the cost Of a new one. But the acci-
dent of fire suddenly cast upon the city
an unexpected burden. What should
be done was determined by the voters
themselves. They voted to have a
building according to what is known as
the modified Adams plan. This was
done after protiauted consideration OF
different plans, among which was one
presented by the city council for the
restoration OF the old building at an ex-
pense that would have been approx
mately the same as the insurance re-
ceived. We have not been disposed to
criiicise the action of the voters in TAX
ing the action they did but have en-
deavored to carry into effect their
wishes so clearly and maturely ex-
pressed. But those who We're dissatis-
fed with this action have attempted t"
blame the council for their disappoint-
ment, and at two public meetings have
tried to pass resolutions to condemn the
action of the voters in i"o. although
nominally striking at the council. Tie
council has been the agent, not the
principal, and the responsibility must
rest upon the principal. 1t is noticeable,
however, that those who favored hum
drsd thousand dollar building are the
ones who pretend to be misused be-
cause the voters preferred one Of about
half that sum.
CITY HALL CONTRACTS.
The modified Adams plan has proved
to be more expensive than was ex-
pected. The voters were told in city
meeting that granite could be had free,
or nearly so. Both voters and architect
gave too much credit to such statements
and were led to underestimate the cost.
They then thought that the building
completed and furnished would some
what exceed $4,000. while it will in
fact somewhat exceed $4,000, unless
ills completion and furnishing arc made
cheap and inappropriate. The granite
work, including setting, that was to be-
had for the cost Of brick according to the
statements of some who urged hun.
drsd thousand dollar building on the
city, cost more than $1,000. BY this
difference at least has the cost been in
creased. But the citv has obtained the
granite at a reasonable price is evident
by the fact that no local manufacturer
would accep, the contract at the price
paid and that the lowest Of all the bids
was accepted.
The voters recommended $50, 900 for
the building heated and plumbed, but
contrary to statements often made, did
not restrict the council to that amount.
1t was understood that this sum did no,
cover foundation, fixtures, furniture
and 80 forth. Many of these items have
not been contracted and nothing but an
estimate can be given. When the bids
were in and the council saw that j,
would be impossible to erect the build
ing and follow the recommendation too,
they were obliged to either disregard
the vote to follow the Adams plan. or
the recommendation. Between these
two courses, there could be but little
hesitation. The vote was to govern rath-
er than the recommendation. We could
not follow the recommendation without
u substantial change in both size and
quality. Both Of these subjects the vot
ers had fully considered, and we ac-
oordingly proceeded in the execution of
their expressed wishes. Those wishes
guided us, and if we have made a mis-
take it is in following them. We have
exercised every economy consistent
with good results. When the building
is completed and furnished we believe
that every right minded voter will b.
satisfied, and all others (and they will
be few ought to be.
PLASTER.
This is an odd heading in = message.
But some of our good citizens have
given it a promiance that makes
passing notice appropriate. Many of
our citizens do not realize how persist
emily the vendors of municipal supplies
will press their interest upon public Of
frIals. This has been esuscialy 60 in
the case of buff brick and plaster. The
CONTINUED on FOURTH PAGE.)