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candace shireMan
i am, therefore, inclined to approve the purchase of the Blair house. This reason is fortified by the fact that historically the Government should own and preserve the Blair house and the decatur house on the northeast corner of the same block. doubtless, state department offices will cover most of the rest of the block, but these two privately owned homes are not only of historic significance, but are also excellent representatives of the architecture of their periods. as to the cost, i am inclined to say that the appraisal value of the property—$175,000—is not far out of the way, but i would like to know more about the collection of americana, furniture, etc. which is offered by the Blair estate at $44,000. how can the property be paid for?
The president restated his reasons, in priority order, to hull two weeks later: i have put through the acquisition of the Blair house by the Government because first, i am convinced that the Government needs it and will continue to need it for the entertainment of distinguished visitors, and secondly, because it has been listed by the interior department as an historic monument to be preserved for all time.
WhiTe house hisTorical associaTion