The Caucasian., 1909-06-06
THE POsToFFICE BUILDING.

should be any opposition to the appro-
priation by Congress of two hundred
thousand dollars for new postoffice
in Shreveport.
Conceding that the present building
could be remodeled in symmetrical
fashion at a cost of one hundred thous-
and dollars, in what respect would
Shreveport be benefited in this saving
of one hundred thousand dollars to the
Government?
1t will not be questioned seriously by
any man Of intelligence that the Super
intendent of Architecture in Washing
ton is thoroughly familiar with the con-
ditions existing in Shreveport in re-
gard to the needs of the Postof6ce De
partment.
As matter of fact it may be stated
that the Superintendent of Architecture
in Washington is not only thoroughly
posted but he is acquainted with every
detail connected with the building. AS
rule he does not view with favor the
remodeling of old buildings from the
practical view of substantial economy.
Again, as matter of fact it may be
stated that at one time it was contem-
plated to have Congress appropriate
fifty thousand dollars for an addition
to the present building, which was ad-
ro SaI 70 +, III
lars, and when the plans and specihca-
tions for the ren1odeling of the building
were submitted they were not viewed
with favor, and instead of the remodel
ing there was proposed new postofice
building, up-to-date in all its conven-
fences and requirements, to cost two
hundred thousand dollars, which was
approved by the Superintendent of
Architecture of the United States.
Again, as matter of fact, it may be
stated that when the bill providing the
two hundred thousand for the Shreve-
port postofice was pending that Post
master Steere and other officials Of the
Federal Government were in Washing
ton and appeared before the committee
who approved the appropriation. Even
Speaker Cannon viewed with favor this
appropriation for a new poston6ce in
Shreveport.
This Act Of Congress, as introduced
and advocated by Congressman Wat
kins, is now legally active.
In this Act Of Congress, providing
the appropriation of two hundred thous-
and dollars, it is specified how the old
is to be disnlantled, and the
cost of the old material as well as the
new has been closely figured by experts
in the employ of the Government.
The building which is to be con-
struefed at the cost of two hundred
thousand dollars is designed to accom-
modate a population of one hundred
thousand inhabitants.
According to this Act of Congress,
fifty thousand dollars is now available
and the balance of the appropriation
will be forthcoming as fast as it will be
necessary to meet the requirements of
the building
According to this Act Of Congress
not cent of the appropriation could
be applied to the ren1ode1ing Of the old
building, nor could the Secretary of the
Treasury direct or divert any portion
Of the appropriation to the ren1odeling
Of the old building.
This Act of Congress is specific and
,an not be altered except in the course
pursued under the well established and
recognized rrlles of that body.
!. To remodel the old postof6ce it will
,e necessary to have an authorization
by Congress, which would lead to de-
ay, probably of a year or more, and
inally Congress, being impressed with
his aggravated disorder for economy,
may determine on Shreveport keeping
he postofice as it is.
How the congressman from Northern
md Western States would marvel when
old that Shreveport, in fit of econ
amy, had rejected the appropriation Of
two hundred thousand dollars for a |
1ew building and would be well salts
led with the remodeling of the old |
building at>a cost of one hundred thous-
md dollars or less.
For years Congress has been voting
appropriations of millions Of money for
oostoflces and government buildings in
he Northern and Western States, and |
When it is proposed to spend two hum
lred thousand dollars in Shreveport for
i new postohhce there are men in
Shreveport who advocate the rejection
# such an appropriation on the plea of
economy
This is almost the limit.
Not only has Congress appropriated
pecihcalIy these two hundred thousand |
Iollars for the new postofhce, but there /
5 provided eight thousand dollars for |