The Washington herald., 1907-10-02

AT a largely attended meeting Of the
building committee Of the Chamber Of
Commerce last night. at Guide Hall, much
interest developed in the proposition 10
erect a home for the chamber The neet-
ing was called by Charles J. Bell, chair
man Of the committee, TO consider the
reports Of the subcommittee charged win
selecting a site for the proposed building.
In the course of the evening a general
discussion was had Of several sites ana
Of the general plan of financing the en-
terprlse. While three or four sites Which
the subcommittee reported could be pur-
chased we're discussed. the opinion OF
those present centered upon the location
at Fourte- nth and c streets northwest.
r. A. Chester submitted a report upon
this site stating that two lots, including
the corner. could be purchased. Lot IT,
containing 4,6lS square feet. he said, had
been offered at $50 a square foot the
total amount being S277, 0o0 Lot u. con-
tanning 5,37I square feet, had been Of
fered at $50 a square foot. amounting 10
SI6l. 100. making grand total Of S4SSZl0.
Mr.. Chester entered into general
statement as 10 the availability or the
location for the purpose, and pronounced
il one Of the best sites that had been
suggested The proposition as set torth
by Mr.. Chester made an excellent I'M
preston upon the committee, and quite
a long discussion followed. in which
views Of nearly all present were given
80 fra eTr
Location Is in Business Center.
Il was shown that the location lay
in the very heart of the uptown bush
ness section. The ground is not numbered
by large and costly buildings that would
have 10 be torn down. II is accessible
by all the main street car lines OF the
city. and the opinion was general shat
such a building as it is proposed TO build
upon the site for the Chamber of Com
merce could not fail Of attracting rent
ers and that the investment would turn
out well
The sentiment Of the committee was
fairly well expressed when one Of the
largest subscribers 10 the fund for the
building arose and offered to double his
subscription if that site should be chosen
This generous offer was greeted with ap-
plause and drew forth another Of d sim
liar kind. IT became apparent, as the
meeting progressed that the mind Of the
committee was being centered upon this
site, almost to the exclusion Of the
others. though they were all carefully
and seriously considered.
Not much progress was made toward
financing the building last night. II was
felt that il would not be possible To 20
very far I'm this direction until genera
plans Of the building had been completed
specifications made. and tangible data ar
rived az as to the cost OF the structure
After the matter had been thTashed over
for some time II was determined UpOT
motion by Chaplin Brown. that the com
mittee should not make more than gen
eral report 10 the board of directors or q
the chamber at the October meetings, If
IN the opinion of the committee, it Wa:
thought that more time would be required
10 complete its plans.
VIII Hasten proposition.
At the close Of the meeting the senu
ment seemed to be I'm favor of going for
ward with the proposition as fast as pos
the committee will be called before ~,
assembling of the chamber next Tuesdal
night, when il is thought that the mat
ter Of the site Will be definitely disposed
Of, and steps taken 10 provide plans fo
the building and place the proposition il
shape for asking subscriptions.
While the home for the chamber on IN,
Fourteenth and G. street site viii invoIv'
the expenditure Of nearly Sl,C01,000 it i
felt by the members of the committee
that returns from the investment at tina
point would be such as 10 make 1t safe.
Among the members of the committee
present last night were Charles j. Bell
Robert y. Harper, John L. Weaver, WI,
acted as secretary; Arthur Moses, J. D
Prosser. W =. H0ge d. J. Kaufman, Z
p. May, 3. F. Guy, Allen Albert. T. c
Dulin. Norman Gait. Christian Heurich
Chaplin Brown. +. II. Daniel, r. A. Ches
ter. Richard Claughton. and William +
Guide.