Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1921-07-21
High Prices Asked For Capitol Sits.

ment saying that progress is being
made and that sentiment is crys,aliz-
ing on the selection Of a location, an
architect and the kind of buildings
TO be erected. Exorbitant prices have
been asked for sites, the statement
added.
The location has not been decided
upon, the statement said officially. The
matter is in similar condition that a
legal case would be with part of the
evidence in before the jury had heard
all the arguments, inspected the maps,
the written evidence or heard the in
struction of the court.
The statement, an informal one.
made public, was rs follows:
The cominisS:o.l is of one m:rd that
its first duty is to the State. That
means We must try TO have the vision
not only to see an immense city here
in Charleston, but State with
millions of inhabitants and with its in
dustrial activities many times what
they are now.
I'VE have examined experts and men
of experience who have seen public
blu 'dings constructed, and they have
given is mos: interesting insight in
to the difference between the view
points of yesterday and today. Every
time we probe into any element Of the
question of locating or building the
capitol we are warned of the ease with
which mistake can be made, and arc
trying if possible to make our work
a blessing, not only TO this, but to
future generations, who will enjoy
our good judgment and must endure
our failure to have the vision that is
now demanded.
I'VE want to be perfectly frank
with the public, but there is nothing
to tell except that our responsibility
is great; the field is wider, and we
find that instead of having an easy
job looking over the ground, and max
ing decision, there are hidden ell
ements which We must Investigate with
care, and it will take time.
"For instance, we must select an
architect; that would seem an easy
matter, but there are but two ways
of selecting him; one is by Compel
ton and the other by going out boldly
now and using our best judgment.
The competition plan takes a long
time, under the rules of the Architects
Association. 1t is all the same to the
members of the commission, and vet
that one proposition of selecting an
architect has caused quite a good dea'
of discussion and is not entirely set
tied.
"The next proposition is, shall we
accommodate all of the departments OF
the State, or shall we build the capitol
for the legislature, and then have Of
fee building or buildings for the diff
ferent departments Each plan has its
advantages and disadvantages.
"In making the location now and ir
preparing the plans this commission
must take the responsibility of decid.
ing, and upon that question may de-
pend the choice Of locations. We could
not be frank with the people OF
Charleston and West Virginia without
saying that the prices which seem to
be demanded at every location that has
been suggested strike the commission
as unreasonable. OF course we can
build the capitol on the old site. We
could accept Charleston's offer to do
nate the ground between Washington
and Lee streets up to Broad, but this
would involve some changes in streets
to accommodate traffic conditions.
"Then that proposition must 60 to
the architect to determine whether
or not ths kind of buildings planned
could be suited to the lot with the
streets changed, and whether or not
after the accommodation all around
had been made, it would be economic
to take that course?
"But there is forever confronting
US what seems to be very high price
fixed by the owners Of the land upon
property wherever we may turn and
this attitude of the property owners
is greatly embarrassing the commits
SION"
Later news comes from Charleston
that Cass Gilbert, q New York archi-
tect famed for his work in the con-
struction Of the Woolworth building
A.. vi C:x.. ~. Iosoae. soapca