GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE.
A report from the Committee on Public Buildings was submitted by Mr. Bellamy, embodying a substitute for Senate bill 257, favorable to the purchase of L. W. Hasselman's residence for an Executive Mansion, and appropriating ninety thousand dollars therefor.
Mr. CRAVENS, as a test vote, moved to lay this substitute on the table, but immediately withdrew it at the suggestion of several Senators to admit debate.
Mr. WOLCOTT said the proprietor contemplated visiting Europe, and in conversation with that gentleman he understood that this property could be purchased for seventy thousand dollars. The Governor said the salary of that office would not justify the keeping up of such an establishment. For these reasons he opposed either buying or building an expensive house for an Executive Mansion.
Mr. TURNER regarded it as economical on the part of the State to purchase a residence for the Governor instead of building one even though the State should pay several thousand dollars more than a suitable property is worth. Building commiteees are always extravagant in the outlay of money, and sometimes they go in partnership with contractors and divide the profits.
Mr. HANNA did not want such a fine house as this purchased for Democratic Governors, because, as a general thing, they do not have the money to carry on such an establishment, and the Democratic party is sure to come in power after the present Governor's term of office expires.
Mr. GREEN objected to this substitute for the reasons suggested by Mr. Wolcott, and he thought we might so embarrass the people that the Democrats might get a little Governor in the big house.
Mr. LASSELE moved that the subject be recommitted to the Committee with instructions to report a bill for the erection of a Governors residence on the Circle to cost not exceeding fifty thousand dollars. He earnestly called attention to this as being the most feasible proposition yet submitted for the consideration of the Senate.
Mr. HOOPER was in favor of building, but doubted whether the Circle was the proper place. The building proposed to be purchased in this bill would be an elephant on our hands. The Governor could not begin to furnish that building and maintain it as it ought to be with the present salary. The rooms in the building are too small and the house is not well adapted to a Governor's residence.
Mr. RICE moved to indefinitely postpone the bill and pending amendments.
Mr. SHERROD opposed the building of an Executive Mansion, and thought with slight alterations the Hasselman building would be admirably adapted to the uses of a Governor's residence. It is due to that officer to place him in a building that will be a credit to the State.
Mr. GRAY understood that the Governor did not desire to occupy this residence even if the State should purchase it; therefore, he opposed buying this property and compelling the Executive to go in it. He favored the motion to postpone indefinitely the whole subject.
Mr. TURNER, was opposed to building, because he did not want to afford any further opportunities to the city of Indianapolis for stealing. He understood that the Governor did not want the State to build or buy an executive mansion. Evidently his Excellency wanted the five thousand dollars appropriation instead of a residence, paying but eight hundred dollars rent and pocketing the four thousand two hundred dollars difference.
On motion by Mr. ROBINSON of Madison the bill and amendments were laid on the table.
Mr. GIFFORD offered a resolution that when the Senate adjourn it be till Monday two o'clock p. m.
On motion by Mr. HUGHES the resolution was amended by striking out Monday.
