The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-12-19
LOOKED OVER THE RUINS.
TRUSTEES MADE A CASUAL SURVEY
OF THE ACADEMY.

Col. screven, Col. CIInch and Capt.
TattnalI Judged of the Losses and
Considered Restoration or "A New
Buiiding-PubIfc Sentiment Is
Against the Sale of Any of the
Academy Property-LocatIon Is the
Best for School PurpOses-Hand-
some New Building Is Desired-Ee-
lieyed the County Would Finish a
building the Trustees Might Start.
Three members of the board Of trustees
Of Chatham Academy. Cob John sereven,
president; Col ]. H. NJ. Clinch and Capt.
J. R. F. Tattnall, were looking over the
ruins yesterday.
1t was The desire Of the members of the
board 10 ascertain the extent of the dam
age sustained by the building and to con-
slider casually its restoration or the cree
ton of a new academy. They were ac-
companied by Superintendent Otis Ash
more while making their inspection.
Nothing in any way definite has been de
cided upon as to a new building. 1t is not
known whether there wiz be a new one,
as the board may simply rebuild the eli.
The idea of a new academy, modern in
all of its appointments and of architee-
tural beauty, on the site of the old build
ing has met with general Endorsement, and
1t is not improbable that the board will
take the matter under consideration.
If 1t is found that the idea is entirely
practicable it is probable that it will be
carried out. For many decades the Chat
ham Academy lot has been used for edu-
cational purposes. and its location in the
most attractive part of the city would de-
mand that the section be stiH further
beautified by the erection Of a handsome
school building.
The idea of selling all or portion Of
the property is not entertained. The
memories of many Of the citizens cluster
about the old school grounds They want
to see their children educated there, Just
as were their grandparents.
More than sentiment demands the re-
tention of the property for school pur-
poses. Supt. Ashmore says it is better 10
Gated than any other lot in the city that
could be secured. 1t is in the midst of a
section where school facilities are most
needed, and where the congestion that has
demanded the shutting out of some chil-
dren from the schools is most marked
Even II the properly were sold there would
be no other available.
1t is believed that public sentiment would
demand and secure the completion of a
| handsome school building If it were once
! started on the site by The Board of Edu-
cation, or the Board of Trustees of the
Academy. The latter board will have a
fund of at least $4,000, when the insur-
ance claims are paid, as it already has a
fund of more than $4,000. If that were
expended on new building to cost as
much as $4,000, 1t is believed the county
authorities would make yearly appropria-
tons to cover the completion.
The Board of Trustees win soon take up
the consideration of the question. With
them 1t will probably be to rebuild the old
or to erect a new building. Opinion among
the gentlemen will perhaps be divided, as
it Is understood that some already have
different ideas as to what they should do
If it is decided to build anew the proba-
bic plan will be to have the work go on so
as not to interfere with the occupancy of
the remaining portion of the old academy
by the High School pupils.