The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-03-23
Property Owners Secure
 Their Price. TO IMPROVE STATE HOUSE Building Commission Agreed to a Counter Offer. Many Residences Are to Be Removed Before July to Make Room for
 Extension of States
 Property.
TO IMPROVE STATE HOUSE

Governor Jelks, through Hon, J. Kirk Jackson, his Private Secretary, yesterday authorized State Auditor T. l.. Sowell to draw a warrant for $65,- 900 in favor of B. P. .Crum as trustee Of all the owners of the south half of Capitol square. and 1t was thereby learned that the Capitol Building Com- mission had acquired full title to that property and will very soon begin the erection of Capitol improvements un- der authority of an act of the last legislature.
 of the Capitol Building Commission renders 1t practically certain that an extension of the present building or the erection of separate structure to be known probably as the Judiciary Building will be undertaken about the middle of the year.
 Governor Jelks, who Is chairman of the commission. is at present in Eu- faula and it is expected that as soon as he returns he will call the commis- sion together to determine the exact nature of the Improvements of the Cap itol.
 Leaves ss5,oOO for Improvements. The amount paid for the property over which the improvements will be made when deducted from the $150,000 appropriation of the legislature leaves $85,000 to be spent on the actual im- provements. There is a good deal of speculation as to how the commission will divide the expenditure of the lat ter amount Nearly all point to the slatternly interior appearance of the present building and say that some of the money must first go certainly to its repairs. Then the remainder could be put into a separate building which would be occupied by the Supreme Court and extensive library. A-&- acquired the property to the south of the Capitol, according to the statement of the Governor, was entered into March 1, at a called meeting of the commission. The deeds were meanwhile drawn and were yesterday recorded with Probate Judge J. B. Gaston. The aggregate of lots conveyed to the State measures 300 by 400 feet
 All Houses to Be Removed.
 The terms of the agreement were that in consideration of the property sold the State should pay the owners $65 900 with the understanding that before July 1 the lots shall be com idences or the same shall go to the State. The destruction and removal of the houses and residences are to be done at the expense of the property owners. The latter are obligated to pay all the court costs and attorneys fees in the condemnation proceolnSs WHICH were instituted few months ago and the suits which are now pending in the civil division of the Montgomery City Court.
 The costs in the probate court amount to $197.50. The appeal from the Board of Appraisers in the case now pending in the City Court of Mont gomery will be dismissed.
 The appraisal of the board was $49,- 600. This was regarded as unsatisfac- tory by many of the property owners affected and an appeal was determined upon. As the result of the appeal they jointly gained $15,400.
 The purchase price of the property was given over yesterday to B. P. Crum, trustee of the various owners. for distribution among them accord ing to their pro rata shares.
 Authorized by Governor.
 The following letter of the Governor to State Auditor 'Sowell explains the transaction:
 Hon. Thos. L. sowell. State Auditor.
 Capitol:
 "Sir-I have the honor to request you to draw your warrant on the State treasurer in favor of B. P. Crum, as trustee or distributing agent, for the sum of $65,000 and charge the same to