The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1903-04-30
AN AUDITORIUM;
THE, WAY TO SECURE 1T.

Editor Morning News: In my judg-
ment, the securing of an auditorium as
soon as possible is one of the most i'm
portant matters in the movement to
advertise Savannah. The need is not
now the question. The most practical
way to get it is now the burning ques-
ton" The City Market is too small,
and if large enough, the cost to change
would, if otherwise expended, give bet
ter results. We need as inexpensive a
building as will insure space, shelter
and a reasonable degree of comfort
The capacity should not be less than
1000 people, with some provision for
rooms, for committees or dressing
rooms, etc, no elaborate provision. Be
cause of the space. required there must
be eliminated the idea of revenue for
stores, but in the economizing of space
there might be portions that could be
used for lunch counters, soda water
stands and such like.
1 would suggest a wooden building
of an ornate or striking exterior APP
pearance, cheap, but strong in con-
struction. the main idea being space
and strength. The location should be
at any point fairly easily reached by
trolley cars.
Savannahs good friend, the proprie-
stor of the Morning News, has
pannah's interest, offered a site
free of charge. The space re-
quired would be about 200 by $50 feet
or the equivalent of 10000 square feet
possibly little less space would do
and of different shape.
The location offered by Col Estir
does not commend itself to my judg-
ment, but it opens the way for a like
tender by other land owners.
If individuals or syndicates cannot
see their way clear to make so gem
erous an offer. it should be possible to
give the use of land for the taxes for
a time, and at a low rate of interest
say 4 per cent. per annum on the value
of the land for a specified time with
the privilege of purchasing at a stipu-
late price, at the expiration of that
time. A building such as outlined
herein could be built for $4,000 as a
maximum cost. / suggest that the
proper committee of the Chamber of
Commerce start the movement. An
auditorium company might be started
with 300 shares of $50 each. payable SO
per share on subscribing. and IS per
share per month until paid for.
There are locations south of Ander-
son street. between car lines, that
would be well adapted to the purpose.
1t has been suggested that the use
of one of the squares be asked for, but
this would not be wise, and the space
is too small. Emmett Park and the
parade ground have been suggested,
but such an enterprise should be placed
beyond the possibilities of control by
municipal or military authorities. In
the usual conceit of individual opinion
these views are respectfully submitted
In all such matters the start is need
ed. and my suggestion is that the mat
ter be inaugurated at the next meeting
of the Chamber of Commerce, probably
to be held before May 1.
The president might upon the war
rant Of the general sentiment in favor
of the movement. call attention to the
matter. and II would certainly follow
that committee would be suggested.
and, II appointed, II is certain that II
viii result In securing for our city its
great need. an Auditorium.