The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

[communication.]

There has been some notice taken in the publick prints of the Merchants' Bank being about to erect a building, in a central situation; and that the town, and the Association of Mechanicks and Manufacturers were solicited to join them in the undertaking. It is well known, that it has been in contemplation by the town, for several years, to provide some more suitable and safe place, as a deposite for the town Records, than they now have. And it is also well known, that a Committee was appointed to make inquiries as to the expense, &c. of erecting a suitable building for the Town-Clerk, Town-Treasurer, and Overseer's offices, &c. It is understood that the Bank contemplates erecting a building, 35 feet on Main-Street, and 45 feet on College-Street, three stories high, exclusive of the basement story; the Bank to retain the basement and first story, the town to have the second story, and the Mechanicks the third story. There is now no probability of another opportunity, so favourable as the present, being offered, for many years to come, and perhaps never in so central a situation. It is hoped the Committee of the town will turn their attention to this point, and report to the next town-meeting.

This Association of Mechanicks and Manufacturers have long been in want of some suitable room, which they could call their own, to hold their meetings in, that they may not be dependent upon other circumstances. It would be a rallying point to their Society; it would rouse the attention of many respectable mechanicks, who are not now members; and no doubt it would be the means of their flourishing, as a corporation, beyond what they ever have done, at any former period. They have an ample fund, a part of which could not be appropriated to a better purpose. It is hoped that the town and the Society will not suffer the present opportunity to pass, without receiving the benefit offered by it.

A CITIZEN.