The Savannah morning news., 1900-07-19
1T COST HALF a MILLION.
THE GOVERNMENT BUILDING STOOD
UNCLE SAM PRETTY PENNY.

UNCLE SAM PRETTY PENNY.
Disbursing Agent NJ. j. SOlom ons
Turned over the Remnant of His
Receipts From the GOvernmen II
Yesterday MorninE-He Has Paid
Ont 1864 ,64S.96, Since July, 1894.
His Disbursements Do Not Include
the Money Paid for the Ground
Nor for Furniture - Neither DO
They Include Cost of Lot and
Foundations on York and Aber-
corn streets.
In accordance with an order Of The
Treasury department MI NJ. J. Solomoas
deposited in the Merchants National Bank
yesterday morning, $1,S5Lo4 being
the amount remaining on hand with
him. as disbursing agent Of the govern
ment. after the completion of payments
for the construction of the United states
Postofice and Court House
The total amount of remittances receiv-
ed by Mr.. Solomous during his tenure of
office as discussing agent was S5655oo
Less the amount deposited by him yes
terday to the credit of the treasury de-
partment, he has actually expended for
the building the sum of 1854, 64S &C. There
remains still an account of $780, which
has been passed for payment by the de-
partment. but which for some reason has
never been paid. This debt will be paid,
probably. by the custodian Of the build
ing. as Mr. Solomons has completed his
aabors and been discharged from future
responsibility,
The lot upon which the building was
erected cost the government $4,000. For
the lot at the corner Of York and Aber-
corn streets, upon which it was originally
intended TO build, the government paid
$50 900. Before work at this point was
stopped the government had expend-
ed about $l5o0o in placing the foundations
of the building in position and these still
remain.
With the expenditures on account Of the
original site and the cost of the magnif-
cent marble structure that now adorns
Bull street the government has been put
10 an expense of nearly half million of
dollars TO provide the city of Savannah
with a postofice and Federal Court House.
That the money has been well expended
nobody, who views the result of the eX-
penditure. can for moment doubt. The
contract for furniture did not come within
Mr.. Solomons' duty nor did he pay the
money for placing it in position This
will add something TO the cost of the
ground, foundation and superstructure,
with the interior furnishings of the build
ing. The furniture the building now con-
tains cost about 5000.
The first disbursement made by Mr..
Solomons for the construction of the
building. was in July, 1894, so that from
first to last, six years have elapsed from
the time payments on account of the
building were begun until the disbursing
agent closed up his accounts, and turned
over the money remaining in his hands
40 the department OF the treasury.
Three principal contracts were let for
3he construction of the building. The
foundations were placed in position by
Clark & Sons, Of Chicago. the super
structure was erected by Miles & Bradt,
of Atlanta. and the interior furnishings
and decorations were placed in the build
ing by the Anderson Construction Com
pany. The plumbing was done by Nc
Kenna & WEIGH of Savannah.
Mr.. Solomons has discharged the i'm
portant duties resting upon him with en-
sire satisfaction to the government, and
to the various contractors and employees
of the government with whom he had 70
deal. The actual work of disbursing has
been concluded now for some time and
ii is a matter of relief to Mr.. Solomons
that he can close up his books and by
turning over TO the government, the bal
ance remaining on hand wind up his
accounts.
The building as it stands is monument
TO the artistic taste and skill of its archi-
tect and the excellence of its construction.
Considering its size there is no hand
-somer government building in the coun>
try, and both interior and exterior finish
are of the best of their kind. The money
the building has cost. and 1t has been
not little, has been well and wisely ex-
pended