The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1904-09-04
BEATTY. Utility. ECONOMY.

Prior the autumn election every citizen n,,gh;
10 give careful consideration 10 the report Of the
Municipal Commission Of Architects on the present
condition ~ public buildings and consideration not
less conscientious 10 the commissions plans for
these necessary Improvements. II is admitted ny
all residents a fact that the eIeemosynary in
situations and the -Four Courts and Jail structure
are more than Inadequate: that these buildings ra
IL are in state Of steady decay and UNFIT for
habltaticn: and there is question in the mimi
Of any man here concerning the public's and the
ctys duty toward their dependents
ST. Louis finds IT imperative to enlarge ard i'm
prove the Insane Asylum. the Poorhouse the Female
Hospital the Courthouse the -Four Courts and Jail
and several other structures But the requirements
Of the poor. the infirm and the delInquents
special obligation and though nothing else might be
done relief for dependents must be afforded. This
necessity is generally admitted to exist The prob
lem as TO providing better buildings and accommoda-
lions 4. solved By the Municipal Commission Of
Architects
II consistent plans are adopted IN making the
proposed improvements. the construction Of
buildings and ths purchase Of additional ground
will result in considerable economy in management
and maintenance. in adding to the comfort Of de-
pendents and also in improving the general appear
ance Of the city. Present circumstances make the
maintenance and repairs. The institutions
scattered and In such state that they detract from
rather than add character to surroundings.
The commission recommends the grouping Of
public buildings. II would bring all OF the official
edifces. including the offces courts and jail into
one group around the City Hall. This would not
only beautfy the central part Of the city and pro-
vide downtown park. but II would also reduce tie
cost OF maintaining these buildings. economy
which would be very large. II would group the
hospital buildings and establish poor farm, gain
ing the same advantages I: would systematic the
building plans OF the Health. Fire and Police de-
partments These. In brief. the recommenda-
tons Of the commission.
When weIl-defned plans are adhered TO In con
structing public buildings It is possible 10 attain
beauty, utility and economy At the same or ese cost
Nearly every city has made the mistakes Of scatter
ing its buildings. Of not reservns space for future
needs and for the benefit OF patients dependents
Of putting buildings on any ground or erecting any
sort Of a structure. and Of working without plans
and by no system whatever.
St Louis has in this Necessity exceptional op-
portunity to make Improvements rightly. New
buildings necessary. They will cost a. much
wherever they II they are grouped. II they
surrounded by spacious grounds. and II they are
built in accordance with the lessons Of experience
it will be possible to realize beauty. utility and
economy an original cost equivalent utility On
ly. And. besides the systematic plan will produce
economy year after year which would be impossible
in other circumstances. The suggestions Of the
careful consideration.