The Washington herald., 1908-07-05

The new Municipal Building, in an i'm
pOrtant sense, is a monument to the
wisdom and energy OF Hon. David H.
Mercer. who introduced the bill in the
House Of Representatives to build II, and
who took a personal and public spirited
interest in the legislation which made II
possible.
In 1903 Mr.. Mercer was chairman Of
the House Committee on Public Build
ings and Grounds. Before his committee
came the subject Of the new municipal
building. and 10 the chairman especially
came the task Of framing the BILL intro
ducing It in the House. defending it from
assault and objection, explaining its
meaning. and securing its passage.
Mr.. Mercer has always been deeply
interested in the progress Of Washing
ton as the capital II the country. and
while the subject OF erecting a permanent
home for the District government was
before the public and IN Congress lie
never wavered from the one line o. duty
and action 10 give Washington a perma-
nent municipal house that should be
ample FOR its needs. and. at the same
time. an ornament 10 the city filed
with large and costly public structures.
Does Not Take the Credit.
Mr.. Mercer now modestly disclaims any
credit TO himself for the part taken 90
secure this boon 10 Washington. but
those who recollect his earnest work
and tireless energy In the crucial period
Of the project will give him special hon
or fr, gF g..
great end accomplished.
As Indicative Of the stand taken BY
Mr.. Mercer in regard 70 the District. his
views uttered in the winter Of 1907 a. e
herewith given. At that time tho hW
appropriating 100000 for the building
WAS pending In the House. and ne ex-
pressed himself as hopeful that IL would
be enacted. and said.
Il have gone somewhat into the ques-
ton. and I find that Washington is far
behind other cities OF approximate popu-
lation on the score of municipal buildings
H. short, this city is I'm much need OF sew
eral public buildings Of municipal char
acter as a suitable morgue. better police
stations. better police headquarters, and
quarters for the various branches OF the
city and District government.
Objects TO Rental Policy.
THE bill have introduced contem-
plates providing quarters for the District
government in a manner compatible with
the Importance and size Of the Capital
fail to see the good policy OF the govern
ment paying a high rate OF interest in
rates when we are refunding our bonds
at 3 per cent and allowing the money 20
lie Idle IN the Treasury.
L favor for many reasons the selection
OF the south side Of Pennsylvania avenue
for the erection Of the proposed municipal
building The bill allows open competition
among owners Of property along the
south side OF that avenue between Sew
enth and Fifteenth streets. This will en-
able the government 10 select the block
which may be offered upon the most
favorable terms. and which would appear
TO be best adapted 10 the location OF the
new building
The bill should pass The people Of
Washington want a municipal building
without further delay There were no
appropriations for initial construction of
public buildings by Congress at the last
session. the only legislation along these
lines being for Increase and improve
ments. Congress can. therefore. we'll take
up the bill at this session, and give the
citizens Of the Capital what IS most ur-
gently needed.
should Have City Hall.
1T seems strange that a city Of the size
and Importance Of Washington. and the
Capital Of the nation as well, should not
have city hall. and is obliged to house
its municipal Offices and officials in a
plain Office building on side street. as
the courthouse in Judiciary Square is not
the municipal building, II may thus be