Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-01-18
a subcommittee to Look Into the
Question of Site.
HEARING HELD THIS MORNING
What Some Representatives Said
on the Subject.
MIR. NJ 'MILLAN'S VIEW 8

Mr.. B. H. Warner, vice president Of the
Washington Public Library, appeared be-
fore the House committee on public build
ings and grounds today to request that a
subcommittee be authorized, before whom
the library trustees could appear, upon the
question of the selection of a site for the
proposed Public Library building, to cost
$4,000, to be donated by Mr.. Andrew Car
negie.
In response to Mr.. Warmers request a
subcommittee was authorized to take juris-
dictiOn, consisting of Mr.. Mercer, Mr.. Hicks
and Mr.. Ba1khead.
Mr.. Warner said it was exceedingly i'm
portant that a site should be selected I'M
mediately, in order that Mr.. Carnegie's Of
fer might be utilized.
Harmony Not Expected.
You will be a public benefactor," said
Chairman Mercer eff you can harmonize
the views of the PEOPLE Of Washington on
proposition of SO much Importance to the
city and to the country. 1t is not often that
such offer is made
Mr.. Warner said that complete harmony
could not be expected.
How much land will the building re-
quire?' asked Mr.. Weymouth.
In the neigh5orhood of hundred feet
square" replied Mr.. Warner.
What are the objections to that It'll
street site?' asked Mr.. Weymouth.
one OF the objections urged is that the
site is too valuable, and ought to be used
for larger building. / will say, in that
connection. that Mr.. Carnegie looked over
that site and toll me he would put upon
it building worthy Of the capital Of the
nation
Continuing. Mr. Warner said that some
one had claimed that the proximity of the
market was Objectionable. He could see
no force in this, because the market was
exceedingly clean. 1t was claimed that
to Stria nc
The same might be said of the city post
office, If that were true. 1t was also claim
ed that good foundation could not be
secured. That was disproved by the case
of the city post Office.
Trustees Views.
LAS for the library trustees" said Mr..
Warner, their preference of a site is not
confined to 7th street and Pennsylvania
avenue. They commended that site because
1t was recommended by the Commissioners,
and seemed to be the most practicable No
one has an ak to grind in this matter
The library trustees want to take advan-
tage OF Mr. Carnegie's offer, and here was
an opportunity to secure site without
cost to the government, and at the same
time without taking any portion Of the
citys public parks
The sooner you gentlemen locate public
buildings on the south side of Pennsylvania
avenue, said Mr.. Warner 1.-The sooner will
you confer great benefit on Washington.
Il think, remarked Representative Lit
tie, that all the public buildings should be
put on the south side of the avenue"
Several members of the committee ex-
pressed acquiescence in Mr.. Little's sugges-
ton.
Il will say for this committee" remarked
Chairman Mercer, that it appreciates
proposition like Mr.. Carnegie's, and that it
wants to do everything possible to upbuild
Washington
The appointment of the subcommittee was
communicated to Mr.. Warner, and the
library trustees will confer with it imme-
diately.
What Senator Mcmillan Says.
Mr. Mcmillan. chairman of the Senate
committee on the District of Columbia has
received a number Of letters favoring Mt.
Vernon Square as a site for the library to
be erected In this city by Mr.. Carnegie.
Il should think that would make a very
good site for the library" said Mr. Nc
MILAN today. This square is at location
where New York and Massachusetts ave-
nues cross and is near every street car line
of the city. The High School on street
between 9th and It'll streets is near at
hand. as are number of other public
school buildings. This site would be In the
midst of the residence section of the CITY,"