The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-04-11
ONLY four IN.
Executive Mansion Question is
Narrowed Down.
Bennett, Noble, Kellam and
GriswOld Mansions in List.
TRIP OF INSPECTION.
Architect and Engineers Will
Examine the Buildings.
After Report is Submitted Se-
lection viii Be Made.

Between four houses Of those offered
now rests the choice of the executive
council in the purchase Of an executive
mansion for the governor Of the state
of Kansas AS result of the house
hunting expedition upon which the
council embarked yesterday the process
of selection has eliminated all but the
Bennett, Kellam, Noble and Griswold
houses.
Twenty-six thousand dollars is the
price set upon the Bennett and Kellam
houses; s25.0OO is asked for the Noble and
Griswold residences.
The GTiswold house was included in
the list of four probabilities by a mar
row margin only and is practically ont
Of the counting. It is said the recep-
ton room is lacking of the size It is
thought most suitable to the needs OF "a
governors mansion. The Kellam house
is handsome property on Topeka ave-
nue. near the Griswold home; the Noble
property is on Harrison street. just oft
the south and west wings Of the capitol
building; the Bennett property Is the
most distant Of all from the state house.
being eight blocks away. located at
Eighth avenue and Buchanan street. it
is the largest and has the largest
grounds.
The executive council met this morn
ing and determined to eliminate all but
The state architect and state house en-
gineer were instructed to visit them 70
make a professional view and report,
after which the council VIII buy, per-
haps before the week is out. The former
is to examine the construction Of the
buildings and determine what repairs
and changes would be necessary. The
engineer Will examine the heating plants
with critical eye. A provision of the ap-
preparation bill was that the house
should should be heated and lighted from
the state house heating plant. If this
were feasible. 1t will hardly be so In the
case of the Bennett house, which Is now
almost certain to be chosen.
While Governor Stanley expresses no
preference openly, he cannot conceal the
fact that the Bennett mansion has spe-
cial favor with him. 1t is commodious.
having ffty-twO rooms, situated In
beautiful grounds and is an excellent
property. 1t was built in the boom days
at a cost of $4,000 Mrs. Stanley is very
much pleased with the Bennett house
also 1t is all ready for occupancy, prac-
tically, which is a big point in its favor
Objections are brought up against the
Bennett house, of course. It's remote
ness is the subject Of comment. that the
grounds are low. that means OF trans
portation are wanting, that the building
is too big. It is facetiously suggested
that boats be provided to navigate the
muddy way out to the place. that small
army of visitors can be slowed away in
the spacious rooms, or there viii be
will stand more building up at present.
and. on the other hand. It is expected
that the selection Of this house would
insure the extension of the street car
line, the paving of West Eighth avenue
on out to Buchanan street ocd the paw
ing of Buchanan street IS we'll. The re-
rnoteness is also a point in favor Of the
Bennett house. for it is desired to have
it a safe distance from the politicians.
Some members Of the executive coun-
ell favor building Instead of buying. At
torney General GODDARD would rather see
a new mansion built, so that IL shonld
exactly conform to the needs Of state
executive. Secretary OF State Clark ey-
pressed himself in favor Of this plan sew
eral days ago. The three Sheldon lots
on Harrison street, opposite the west
wing of the state house are adaptapi7
for fhfs purpose. The property is III che
han5s Of 4 broker who asks $4,000 for IT,
If it could be got for $4,000 there would
be S25, 900 left with which to l'uild and II
is figured that new residence could oa
ready for occupancy by December 1.