The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-01-25

The work Of remodeling the old fed
erd building at Fifth and Wabasha
streets, which, when completed, is to
be the home of the customs, internal
revenue and treasury departments.
now quartered in the new building, is
expected to be commenced within a
short time, and the building will be
ready to receive it's new occupants be-
fore the middle of the coming winter.
About 900 will be expended in
placing the old building in condition
for its new requirements, and when
completed the interior will be as mod
ern as any building in the city, even
If the outside win still retain an anti
quated appearance.
The plans provide for remodeling the
interior of the old structure on a very
generous plan, and when the depart
ments which are to occupy it leave
their present quarters in the new fed
eral building, they will move to none
the less comfortable. The Internal rev
ienue and customs departments now &C.
cupy goodly portionk of the new
building, and with theft departure, the
congested condition in that building
will be greatly relieved
I Their present quarters are to be oc-
cupied by some Of the officials now
housed on the third floor Of the build
ing, whose quarters in turn will be
given over to the use of departments
now on the fourth and. fifth floors of
the building. Just what these changes
are to be has not as yet abeen announc-
ed, although all of the officials will be
removed from the fourth and fifth
floors to larger and more commodious
quarters below.
The present plans do not provide for
any material changes at the new fed
eral building during the present year
1t was thought last year that an ap-
preparation might be secured during
the present session of congress for the
construction of the tower on the build
Ing, but Postmaster McGill has receiv-
ed word from Congressman Stevens
that it will be impossible to have the
tower constructed before next year.
\ However, Postmaster McGi1l expects
to appeal to the authorities at, Wash
irgton for additional help in the ST.
Paul postoffice. The business in the
local office is rapidly increasing, and
the present force is inadequate to care
for it.
10 90 Sn1dIIs
/ "Our present force is altogether too
small, said Postmaster McGill. and
we will ask to have the present force
increased sufficiently to care for the
large volume of business now being
cared for by this office. The if1stalla-
ton of the free. rural delivery system
throughout Minnesota is largely re-
sponsible for the increase in our work,
There are now nearly 500 of these car
riers in the state, and all Of them are
cared for from the ST. Paul Office. All
of their supplies come through US, and
their checks are made out at this office.
1--WE also care for all of the railway
postal service employees who run out
of st. Paul." continued Postmaster Nc
Gill; These. employees receive their
supplies and pay from this office, the
same as the rural delivery carriers.
We now have pay roll amounting to
more than 100000 per month, and make
out checks for more than, 1000 en-
ployes. The work is becoming SO
heavy that it is necessary chat we be
allowed more help, and II have been
given the assurance of the department
at Washington that our needs will be
cared for. Our force will probably be
increased about June l."