New-York tribune., 1919-12-21
Place Where New Workers
Can Meet and Discuss All
Civic Problems Freely Is
Now Under Construction
Central Site Is Selected
'ornerstone Will Be Laid bv
Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt
Jr. at Formal Exercises

Before the next election the people
New York City will be in possession
real Town Hall. where men and
omen from all parts of the greater
ty can meet and discuss the political
uesions of the day, voice their needs
d grievances, and suggest remedies.
The co nerstone of the Town Hal
IL be laid January "a by Mrs Theo
ore Roosevelt jr., the grand niece
eanor Butler Sanders, who in 189
unded the League for Political Edu
icn.
The building. which is now under
curse OF construction, and which. for
mt of better name is called ten
Ntively perhaps York's Civic Au-
.orium, is at 113 to 123 West Forty
hlrd Street, between Broadway and
Xth Avenue.
Open Discussion Favored
open discussions" reads foreword
} a booklet explaining the motive be-
nd the Town Hall, "are conducive to
utual good will and fair play. They
suit in fewer Misunderstanding of
ublic opinion, because it has always
en- true that discussion rationalizes
erything it touches.
'lHSS lN6 Nuy WHICH COCTdLSS Helu
nth to the inquiring youth of Athens,
upon public opinion for the good
the commonweal h. The Pilgrim
theirs believed in the inherent p in
PIE of democracy ounded on demo
attic discussion. Through the cary
Glnnings of our nation. each com
unity had its meeting fouse-its
Nn hall-Where citizens met to talk
ings over.
For years New York has needed such
town meeting hal. At asst, in an
err to the demand, a civic enterprise
near completion which will estab sh
II open forum in the heart of the city
re law at ding citizen may Jet t.
ether and real y have a chance to dis
SIS their common interests.
Isl ence and brooding give birth to
lArest and menace the welfare OF the
immunity. Prejud ce class hatred,
trlkes and pernicious iegis alton flour
sh when men are ,"iven no chance to
ell the other fellow all about their
rlevances. and in turn listen to the
ther mans point of view.
Will Fill Public Need
The hazards of peace and war are
oduced when people face issues
uare y on an open public platform.
''otests against existing laws, the fit
lrss Of prospective ojticcho ders and
he desirabiit itv Of pending legis alton
all these things shou'd be talked over
lntil both des Of the questions are
thoroughly understood.
This is the part New York's new
'ivic Auditorium will endeavor to take
n the life of the body polite. He who
n olds public sentiment goes deeper
han he who enacts statutes or pro-
'ounces DECISIONS. New York is about
O put Abraham Lincoln's famous re
mark TO the test. With the opening
+ the Civic Auditorium this city will
AXE its proper place in d national
Aovement for better government by
isclssion.'"
The big feature OF the building will
&c halll seating 1900, to be used
clely for public disc ssions. The ia
erior of the hall is semi-class;c in
le sign. The direct emphasis Of space
S added to the quiet d gnity of treat
nent. Every feature which will make
or comfort has been included. Dis
l1bing noises have been eliminated
" the use Of swinging doors at the
beginning of each aisle. When a meet
ne opens these doors will be closed
cutting out confusion from late com
Is tinding their seats. No pillars or
pports Will interfere with the audi
ce's view of the speaker.
Tribute TO Former Leaders
The foyer will be memorial to tho
'ublic spirited citizens not now livin1
vAo we're the leaders in their day
public usefulness. Tablets in bronz,
' Il perpetuate their memories.
The use of the hall will be free to