The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-08-06
RICHMOND POST-OFF|CE
BILL PASSES SENATE
Government Now Fully Committed
to Enlargement of Local
Federal Building.
AMOUNT is NOT SUFFICIENT
Blair Says Owners Will Hold Out for
Notwithstanding Appraisers
VIII BE Called On to Put Valu-
alton Oh Property.

In duplicating the earlier action OF
the House. the United States Senate
Yesterday paved the way for the en-
largcment OF the Federal building In
pirate the sum OF $4,000 for the bur-
chase OF the ground upon which to
erect the annex. The bill was called
up by Senator Swanson, and went
through without opposition.
While the money necessary for the
purchase Will be Forthcoming. there Is
still an obstacle in the path OF progress
the intention of the owners 10 stick
to the price set on the property several
months ago, when $500, 900 was asked
Tor 1t. The bill. as originally intro
duced in both houses. called for an APP
Precipitation OF that amount. and Sena-
tor Swanson secured Its passage but
the House Committee: after several
hearings and a visit 10 Richmond, re-
ported II out at the present figure and
II was passed in the amended form on
Monday.
The desired property is divided into
two sections, each with a frontage OF
sixty feet and "A depth OF eighty feet
with an intervening alley of four feet.
The lower half, which fronts ON Main
street. is owned by a syndicate headed
by a. l5iernc Blair and is held for
100000. The rear portion. fronting on
Bank street, controlled by j. u. Car
neal is valued By its owners at 5000
0O0
OWNERS Will. HOLD OUT
ron FINED PRICE OF S6OO.OUO
That II is the intention OF the own
crs to maintain these prices is evident
Speaking for himself and associates,
MIR. Blair last night said:
we shall certainly hold 10 our price,
although we do not want to appear in
the light Of blocking progress. The
property cost Us $3.50, 900 in cold cash
and with the interest for ono year and
the taxes added. We do not feel in a
. position 10 rclinquish IT for less than
100000.
1T is Within the power OF the gov
eminent. however TO condemn IN,
property at It's own figures. and an
rraiscrs familiar with local values viii
he sent here to consider it's proper
worth am confident that they will
report favorably for us. and that Con-
gross. which Is now committed to the
purchase. will pass a supplemcntary
appropl iation at the next session"
business people. generally. are high
~ elated at the passage of the Mon
iaGuc bill, which gives assurance that
Itichnond viii continue to have ade-
quatc postal facilities. The growth Of
the local Office has been phenomenal
and additional quarters have already
become necessary. although the pres-
cnt building has been occupied only
= short time.
Federal. BUILDING
ALREADY ONEItt DIED
The Federal building is managed by
the Treasury Department. and In IL is
housed the post office, customs house
internal revenue department. tho
United states courts and many other
smaller departmental bureaus. Some
Of these smaller Offices have been
forced TO lake UP quarters elsewhere
on account of lack of room. and with
! tho steady growth OF the parcel post
business. others will be crowded out
before tho annex can he completed.
J It is customary TO appoint five APP
| praisers. and II is probable that several
| local men Will he named on the board
, Their report will be presented before
the short term Of Congress in DcceIn-
| Der. and II more money is needed q
| supplementary bill can then be pass
! ed. After the land is formally bought
| the department viii begin the prcpa-
ration of plans for the addition, and
! If reasonable progress Is made, bids
| for the work can be asked in about
eighteen months.
! The annex, when erected Will CON
| form with the present building, and
will add about % per cent 10 tho pres
cnt floor space II is generally con-
| coded that Richmond was extremely
lucky III getting the appropriation be-
| fore the land was used for the erection
or some big. perma nent structure. Con
| gresham Montague and Senator Swan
| son, who ably backed up his efforts,
are being warmly praised for their
| efforts In landing the plum for their
| home city.