The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-02-21
NEED FOR AN AUDITORIUM.
MOVEMENT FOR = CONVENTION
HALL INAUGURATED.

Ilhns TOT an LIBERALIZATION Dlbcusseu
by Business Men and "A Committee
to De Appointed TO Submit a Re-
pOrt-The Advantages of an Audi
torium to Savannah-The Plan I'm
der which 1t May BE Built.
The initial steps of a movement to build
an auditorium in Savannah were taken at
a representative meeting of citizens at
the Guards hall last night. The feasibili-
ty of such an undertaking was freely dis
cussed, and the opinions indicated be-
lief that the plan of organizing an asso-
citation to build an auditorium is feasible.
The interest shown at the meeting prom
ises that the project will gather strength
as it progresses.
In response to an invitation sent out by
a number of leading citizens the meeting
TO consider the project was composed of
representative, public spirited citizens.
Among those present were Messrs. B. A.
Denmark, r. NJ. Butler, NJ. ]. Solomons,
Joseph Rosenheim, ]. H. Estin, John
Flannery, H. P. Smart, Lee Roy Myers,
Isaac G. Haas, Otis Ashmore, Henry Blum,
j. j.
Johnson, DR.. William Duncan, William
Rogers, A. A. Solomons, Jr., H. A. Crane,
w. E. Wimpy. Louis Kayton and Isaac
Beckett.
On motion of Col. Estill the meeting
was organized by the election of Mr.. Den
mark as chairman, and Mr. Butler as sec
rotary. Mr.. Solomons stated the object
OF the meeting, which, he said, had been
fully set forth in the circular. letter. Its
purpose was an informal exchange of
views as to the feasibility of organizing
an association to build an auditorium,
which. he thought, would prove an excel
lent investment for those who will interest
themselves in such an enterprise. Other
cities have accommodations for large
gatherings, he said, and the fact that Sa-
vsnnah is without them Is a draw
back Large conventions, which would
properly be held here are forced to GO
elsewhere for want of sufficient accommo-
dations.
Mr.. Haas advocated an auditorium, and
ne had no doubt that a determined effort
would result in the erection of a building
suitable 70 the needs of Savannah. He
It would prove a paving feat
ure. The keen interest which would fo.-
low a lively agitation of the project. he
thought, would impress the people with
the importance of the undertaking. and
would induce them to lend every possible
| assistance to its success.
Mr. Solomons thought the best plan to
| organize an association would be by put
tins the stock within the reach Of all.
a IN -
scribe in easy installments
The auditorium at Saratoga. which has
a seating capacity for 10000 people. was
referred to by Mr.. Smart, who considered
a similar building the thing that Savannah
needs. There Is no place in the city large
enough to accommodate a large crowd.
he said, and he expressed the opinion that
an undertaking such as that proposed
would pay hondsome returns. As an illus
traton OF the demand for an auditorium
| Mr.. Smart called attention to the fact that
| tickets to RosenthaPs performance were
| " which he attributed largely to the linn
| tied seating capacity of the theater.
Col. Estlll did not think the city had an
| auditorium large enough to attract the
| great theatrical companies, and for this
| reason few ever come South A building
with a seating capacity many times the
| size of the largest in the city would hold
CHt iiiuuNeiLSuAS LOT large religious and
| political conventions, such as would in.
| crease the city's importance and be a Iii.
rect benefit TO the people He strongly
| advocated an auditorium, and thought
| subscriptions payable in small monthly
| instailments the most feasible Wav r.
raise the necessary funds.
Others discussed the matter. and ex
| pressed the opinion that the only reoui
site to success was pluck and determine
| ton on the part of those who had inter.
| ested themselves.
| Col. Estin moved that Chairman Den
mark appoint a committee Of nine. o
| winch Mr. Denmark should be chairman
| for the purpose of formulating prans fo
| the organization of an association. and +,
| offer suggestions, at meeting to be calle,
| in the future. The motion was SECONDED
! by Prof. Ashmore, who strongly advocate,
| the building of an auditorium, and told n
the effect it would have in making Saven
nan cenier for important conventions
| There is every assurance that the proiee
| is well started. The enthusiasm at N,
meeting prompted the suggestion that sub
scriptions be called for at once. AS tn,
matter has not yet been thoroughly con
| sldered however, this was not done. TIL,
| report Of the committee of nine win h.
! tul and complete and promises to be th,
| organization Of a movement that will 70
suit IN supplying want Savannah ha,
for years felt the necessity of providing.