University of Virginia Library

University, Manly Call
Madison Lease Valid

In separate statements released yesterday,
the Executive Director of Madison
Hall and the legal advisor of the
University announced that an agreement
had been reached concerning the status of
Madison Hall and that the University was
still the legal occupant of the building.

As was reported in The Cavalier Daily
last Friday, the director, Sam Manly, had
signed a notice declaring the 50-year lease
which the two parties had signed in 1959
void. Mr. Manly reportedly took this
action since the University had not paid
Madison Hall $8604 in back rent.

However, in yesterday's statement,
Mr. Manly claimed that he had at no time
intended to evict the University from
Madison Hall or to imply any belief on his part
that the University did not intend to pay the
rent.

Friday Meeting

Mr. Manly, a third-year law student,
reported that he and Leigh Middleditch, the
University Legal Advisor, had met Friday
afternoon to discuss the confused situation.

"At that time," Mr. Manly stated, "he raised
certain points which were not anticipated in my
research. As a result, the issue of the invalidity
of the lease is being considered further."

Mr. Middleditch, in his separate statement,
said that "negotiations regarding this lease have
been going on for some time. It is the
University's position that the lease is currently
in full force and effect.

"Pending the results of the lease negotiations,"
he continued, "the University understands
the status quo as to the Madison Hall
Madison Bowl tract will continue."

Rent Forwarded

In regards to the unpaid back rent. Mr.
Middleditch stated that "a bill was received on
Thursday for the rent and was processed for
payment, a check being forwarded to the
YMCA today."

Mr. Manty concurred with this, saying, "It is
my understanding that the check is being
forwarded."

As reported on Friday, the lease which the
two parties signed contained an escalator clause
which is designed to increase the rent on the
building to keep pace with climbing inflation
rates.

Mr. Manly said last week that he has been
negotiating with the University since last July
for higher rent but that he had discovered that
the lease was allegedly void. That supposed
discovery is now under reconsideration.

Service Center

Madison Hall has been serving as the center
and office of Community Service of the
University, has been providing legal and
advisory services to students and has been
sponsoring lectures and discussions on topics of
contemporary interest.

By law, all proceeds from the lease have
been devoted to the betterment of the
University and particularly to student affairs.

Mr. Manly stated that rising costs, the
expense incurred by fire insurance, and the
payments required on a $12,000 loan from the
University to Madison Hall necessitate the
desired raise in the rent.