Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-18
FOR NEW BUILDING
QUARTERS FOR THREE EXEC
UTIvE DEPARTMENTS.
Favorable Report Authorized on a Bill
Appropriating $1,000
600.

The Senate committee on public buildings
and grounds held meeting today and au-
thorized a report on Senate bill 1908, for
the purchase of site and the construction
of a building for the accommodation OF the
Departments of State, Justice and Com
merce and Labor.
This meeting of the committee was of un-
usual interest on account of the general
discussion as to the necessity for such
building and the unanimity of sentiment
favoring an immediate appropriation. Mem
bers of the committee who were present
stated to Star reporter that there is every
likelihood that this bill will become law
during the present Congress, if concurrent
action can be had by the House of Repre-
sentatives.'
There were present at the meeting Sena-
tors Fairbanks. Warren. Scott, Quarles,
McCumber, Wetmore and Clay.
The committee had evidence before 1t
that the government is now paying $20O9oo
annually in this city as rental for bureaus
of various departments not accommodated
in the government buildings. The commit
tee took the view that this amount or
money, being equivalent to per cent on
about S12, 900, 900, was evidence enough 10
satisfy any one that no real expense would
be incurred by the government in providing
by this bill for Its use Not only was that
the case, but the great need for the pulld-
ing was discussed. The Attorney General
opened his annual report with a statement
of the pressing need for better accommo-
dations. Secretary Cortelyou has asked
that S7.00O,000 be appropriated for build
ing for his department alone. The Sec"e-
tary of State has shown interest in secur-
ing better accommodations, While both the
War and Navy Departments are anxious to
divide between them that portion of the
State War and Navy building now used by
the State Department.
There was no question in the committee
as to the immediate necessity for TINS
building and every one showed interest in
securing the passage of bill to secure II.
Provisions Of the Bill.
The bill provides for acquiring square 161,
which is bounded by Pennsylvania avenue,
Jackson place, H and nth streets. In the
last Congress Senator Hale gave notice
that ne would oppose the selection of this
site and it is understood that he will fol-
low that course again, because of his obJec-
ton on account of the feeling that exists
on the part of property owners who have
long resided in their homes in that square.
On account of this objection the square
on the opposite side of Lafayette Square
was discussed a desirable and available
site That square is bounded by Pennsyl-
vania avenue, 18th street, H street and
Madison place.
Members of the committee stated to
Star reporter that there is quite general
sentiment favoring the ultimate acqusi-
ton of both squares. Many of them believe
that what is termed as the eastern square
should first be secured.
The fact that an expensive bank building
has recently been erected there is regarded
as a considerable addition to the expense OF
acquiring the site. but it is believed that un-
less the square is purchased by the govern
ment within few years that other costly
improvements will be made, adding to the
expense of securing 1t.
AS the bill was reported from the COM
mittee IL is amended with provision that
the commission to acquire the property will
be composed of the President Of the Senate,
the Speaker of the House. the chairmen of
the committees on public buildings and
grounds of the Senate and House. the Sec
retary of State, Attorney General and Sec
retary of Commerce and Labor. The pro-
vision for acquiring the square west of La
fayette Square is not mandatory, as it Is
further provided other suitable property in
the vicinity may be purchased for that pur-
pose.
The bill carries appropriation of seven
million dollars. although some of the men,
bers OF the committee believe that it will
probably cost ten twelve millions be-
fore 1t has been completed.