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1904.] OF THE SENATE. 53.
Whilst the several commodius and elegant public
buildings recently undertaken have been a necessary
source of considerable expense, there can be no ques-
tion, as to their, utility, and indeed, the necessity of
securing additional accommodations in view of the in-
crease of public business and the number of members
of the Legislature.
It is also a fact that quality of workmanship and
material considered, the State has been most fortunate
in the comparatively small cost of building. In short,
the State has received 100 cents for every dollar put
into them.
The progressive and enlightened policy of improve-
ment thus inaugurated is worthy of commendation,
and its fruits are most valuable and creditable.
THE FIFTH REGIMENT ARMONY.
The new Fifth Regiment Armory, located in Balti-
more city, has been completed. The building is at
present in the plainest possible finish. The sum of
$420,000 has been appropriated up to date by the
General Assembly to erect the building and to pay for
the lot, which is owned in fee by the State.
This building has undoubtedly already proved of
great service, directly as an encouragement to the
National Guard, and indirectly as an attractive hall
for great gatherings such as the Saengerfest, and the
Elks' convention. These gatherings formerly went to
other cities having such halls for their use This
building affords the largest floor space of any building
south of New York, and its construction has been ac-
complished at a considerably less cost than smaller
armories in New York and elsewhere.
There are many important and necessary features
omitted from this building for lack of sufficient funds
to install them. Among the most important are the
construction of a gallery around the drill hall and a
rifle range. To build a gallery sixteen feet wide on
all four sides would, very materially increase the seat-
ing, capacity and add greatly to the usefulness of the
building
The Fifth Regiment has advanced a considerable
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