The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-06-18

Two PROJECTS for utilizing the old
armory, ON Adams avenue. are he
inc discussed. Either of them would
give to the city a very desirable new
institution.
One. suggested by Colonel Watrcs,
is TO turn ii over to the city for Il
market house. in consideration of the
city putting back among the appro-
priations the item of $500 u company
per year. which was inserted in the
last general budget under authority of
Il new second class city law. but
which vas sacrificed by its supporters
IN the interests of harmony.
An appropriation Of $500 year for
til" support of each military company
permanently located within the city
limits is made annually by Philadel-
phia and Pitshure. and nothing is
expected from the soldier boys in re-
turn. The local military men. while
not admitting hut that Scranton
should. in a proper ratio. do as hand
somely by it's military companies as
do the other first and second class
cities. are willing to make what COM
pensation there is within their power
for what they are asking.
Scranton has long wanted city
market. Director of Public Works
Roche. when in councils. made sew
eral efforts to secure one. but a ma
rorty of his fellow councilmen could
not be brought to see the advisability
of it. Th" principal objection always
was that it was very much of an eN-
pertinent and that If Il lot of money
was put into a plot and building and
the project should not pay, the tax
payers would be after their scalps.
Now. however. that an opportunity
is at hand to get a very desirable To-
cation and we'll arranged building. at
a moderate COSTA gift in one way
it is prOba Bile the city Legislators will
be brought to look faVorably upon
the project The revenue from the
market house ought to easily equal
the amount the soldier boys are ask
ing in the way of appropriations. and
even If it should not. the city. as a
whole, would never be a very great
loser. as the convenienceS of mar
ket house are so numerous and de-
Sirable that the taxpayers would he
willing to gain them at the expense
of a moderate deficit.
IT may be. however. that the city will
not have an opportunity of entering
into such a bargain. For some months
past movement has been afoot to buy
the old armory and make it the head
quarters of a first class athletic club.
II. II. Watkins. John Fl. Brooks, a. II.
Storrs and q number of other prom
nent men who take an interest in
athletics. have been working on this
project. and expect before long to call
Il meeting to organize club.
The absence from the city of Mr..
Watkins ana the illness of Mr.. Brooks
delayed the plans. or the project would
doubtlesSy have been cOnSummated
before this time.
The idea of the promoters of this
issue bonds to pay for it, and provide
for the payment of the bonds and the
expense of maintenance with the an
nual dues of 80 members
Tennis. hand ball. indoor base ball.
basket ball and other like games will
be made possible by the extensive floor
space available after Il good sized nata-
torium has been allowed for. All sorts
of gymnastic appara tus are to be pro
vided and in the administration build
ing will be coZily arranged parlors.
lounging rooms and Il buffet. Among
other things planned are two after
Moons a week for ladies and certain
hours for juniors who may wish To be-
come members.
Colonel Boes is much Interested in
the latter project and will he found To
be one Of its most hearty supporters.