The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-28

For compensation to the Commis-
sioner Of Public Buildings., ~. 1000 90
For completing the eastern wing Of
the Patent Office building. ..,... 100000 90
For progressing with the western
wing OF the Patent Office building,
per estimate Of the superintendent
OF the building. .,.,-.s ....... 10000 w
For the last two years, there has been AN annual
appropriation Of $4,000 for lighting the Capitol
and Capitol grounds Pennsylvania Avenue, and
the Presidents house Experience has, however.
proved, that unless-as is hereinbefore stated -
competition in the manufacture Of gas by tho form
alton Of other companies effects reduction In the
present charges, the sum estimated Will be neces-
sary for that object. II is apparent, also, that
there will be a large deficiency in the appropriation
for the samepurpose, for the fiscal year ending the
30th of June, 1850. The chief cause of this def
cheney is 10 be found in tho large increase in the
number of lights former years, and to GER
tain extent perhaps, in the greater cost Of gas in
comparison with oillghts. To supply it, $4,000
will be required; and respectfully ask that an
appropriation for that amount may be made.
feel IL to be my duty Also TO recommend an appro-
praton to defray the expense of the removal and
reconstruction Of the greenhouse now located on
the Patent Office square. The necessity for this
has been explained TO Congress in the annual re-
port Of the Secretary Of the Interior presume
that il may be advantagcously located on some
part of the public mall, or on some other of the
public reservations in progress Of improvement
To construct suitable house, TO provide the
sary fixtures therefor, and to remove the plants,
an appropriation OF $4,000 will probably be sufti-
cient. This estimate is predicated upon the suppo
stion that the new building will be similar to the
present one, and upon the use of portion of the
| old materials in its construction
deem it proper also to remark, that since these
| estimates were prepared for the Treasury, have
found for believing that less sum will be
required than therein proposed. TO cover the de-
fciency in the appropriation for laying gas pipes,
&c. final adjustment of the remaining claims
will enable me in very short time to furnish the
precise amount Of the balance due the contractors
Whilst refrain from submitting any estimates
for the improvement of streets not authorized un-
der former appropriations, consider it proper to
repeat what has been briefly said upon the same
point elsewhere in this rcport,--that there are
several streets passing by or through the public
| grounds, the improvement of which is urgently
demanded by the public interest. These are, 18th
street, in front of the War and Navy Department
buildings the circular road at the Capitol, and 18th
and l4th streets, crossing the mall. Whenever
these may be improved, the cost will OF necessity
| be borne by the United States, and the improve
ments should be made in the most durable manner.
Should estimates of the probable cost of such i'm
provcments be required by Congress, they will be
| furnished hereafter. IGNATIUS MUD,
| Commissioner Of Public Buildings
| Hon. HOWELL CoBB,
Speaker Of the House Of Representatives.