New-York tribune., 1901-03-06
THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE.

The scheme for charging and reconstructinG
the County Courthouse in general accordance
with the ideas of the justices of the supreme
Court who have had the subject under discus
sion seems likely TO be carried through The
plans upon which MeSsTs. HOrgan n Slattery
are already engaged. contemplate not merely
important interior changes. but an addition OF
considerable size, which will of course. occupy
space in the park that is now clear. though 1t Is
ponted out that when the new Hall of Records
has been completed old buildings. long ago de-
voted 10 destruction, but still standing there.
will be removed. II is not denied by anybody
that The County Courthouse is miserably
adapted TO the purposes which il is required 10
serve Tnattractive its exterior is. il scarcely
even suggests the unsuitable conditions which
exist within. The building is gloomy. i'll ar
ranged and unwholesome. The system of venti-
lation would he a triumph Of skill If 1t were de-
signed 10 poison the atmosphere, and the Judges
are abundantly justified not only out of regard
for their own health and comfort. but in con
sideration of the safety and convenience OF
lawyers iuries. attendants and all who are com
pelled 10 do business within its walls, in their
effort 10 effect radical Improvement. They
seem 10 be convinced that their plan is the only
one that is feasible at the present time. and
that il will prove tolerahly satisfactory though
hy 70 means an ideal solution Of the problem.
It would be universally agreed that if money
were no object the sensible thing 10 do would
he 10 build new courthouse: but il is said that
the present financial condition of the city does
not permit il to make such an investment.
That is probably a valid objection provided II
is deemed necessary TO follow municipal prece-
dents and put mp an enormously expensive
building for the courts or none AZ ell But when
we consider the amount Of money which II is
proposed to spend the old courthouse. the
question arises why a vastly larger sum would
be needed 10 erect and equip new one of suit
| able size and dignity. The alteration and en-
! largement of Tweed's masterpiece are expected
we believe. 10 cost about S200000o and the
proha blities therefore. that the cost will be
! a good deal larger. Now, is there any insuper-
able obstacle in the way Of constructing
spacious. well arranged and cOmely courthouse
at NJ greater expense? A corporation or an
individual would consider such an outlay suffi
cient TO paw for a building adapted 10 the trans
action of an immense business and the land on
which it stood The University Club for in
stance with its exceedingly expensive site, cost
complete only little more than S2.000000, and
there was certainly no scrimpinG anywhere
from sub-celar to roof garden. There are many
similar examples of admirable results on large
scale obtained from expenditure which ap-
pears 10 he thought hopelesSly insufficient for
any important municipal building.
II is 10 he assumed that the judges who have
given the question long study have excellent
reasons for their decision. But if it is not too
late il might he worth while to consider further
whether or not the city is doing we'll 10 author
ize the investment of from two TO three millions
in a work Of reconstruction which is not ex
pected 10 be much more than a makeshift al
the best In spite Of all the condemnation just
ly lavished upon 1t, we have never really dared
to hope that the County Courthouse, as well as
the wretched little buildings huddled to the east
of il. would some day be removed and the City
Hall left alone in the park. But Yet it is rather
grievous 10 contemplate expensive alterations
and additions which will make that pleasing
possibility still more remote.