1867.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES 753

ing, known as the "Gilmor House Hotel," situated on Monu-
ment Square, stating that he is anxious to convert that build-
ing into a public one for general office purposes, has proposed
to this Committee to contract to lease for a period of ten or
twenty years, or longer if desired, to the State, the whole of
the first and second floors of the main building, comprising
ten large and suitable rooms, they being the principal
rooms of the building, at an annual rent of $4,500 for the
whole, which amount is less than is now paid by the State,
' and far superior accommodations, and will be included in the
above rent the improved heating and water fixtures, &c., &c.
In the judgment of your Committee the State would thus
obtain everything desired in the way of accommodations of
all its officers, would be able to place rents to be paid on a
most reasonable footing, consolidating them all into one, and
would avoid all possibility of fluctuations and necessity for
removal, and at certainly a far less sum of money than in-
volved in the plan of a purchase. Besides the saving of the
large, original cost, there would be obviously a large amount
saved annually in the difference of interest and insurance
to which the State would be subjected if possessing a building
of its own. The fact is that the State could obtain the bene-
fits required by this mode in the amplest manner, and in ad-
dition the power of an early possession should be taken into
account. It would be well to transfer at once the following
officers. Office of Commissioner of Immigration, Board of
Public Works, Superintendent of Public Instruction, the
Governor's room, and as soon as practicable the office of the
Collectors of State taxes for the 1st, 2d and 3d districts of the
city, which latter officers require the employment of some
six or eight clerks.

Your Committee would further state that the proprietor of
this property will obligate himself to make all necessary al-
teration and improvements that may be demanded.

Taking all things into consideration your Committee recom-
mends the removal of the State offices to some suitable build-
ing, and report unfavorably on the purchase of any building
or site.

S. G. ISRAEL,

Chairman,
W. G. GORDY,
JAMES V. CRISWELL,
GEO. A. COLEMAN.

Which was read.

Also, submitted the following

JOINT RESOLUTION:

Resolved by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the
Governor be and is hereby authorized to make all necessary

95