The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-02-07


contemplated any very extensive enclosure; have,
therefore, concluded 70 enclose Of those most
prominent with substantial, neat post and rail
fence. These will exclude the future deposit of
rubbish and afford protection to the young trees
that may be planted within them. Such enclosures,
If kept well painted, will present a pleasing APP
pearance, and endure for some ycars; but, in view
OF ornamental appearance and ultimate econo-
my, would enclose them with iron, if could ven
ture to apply much of the appropriation its
greater cost would demand.
Much solcitude is felt by citizens of the vicinity
for the improvement of the reservation known as
No IL and 1t i5 certainly entitled to favorable con-
sideration. In consequence Of the excavations to
procure gravel for the public streets, portion of
this reservation has become an intolerabe nuisance
1t is divided by New Jersey avenue and the streets
which cross it, into three four parcels lots, OF
irregular form containing each about three or four
acres. One OF these lots, lying the east of New
Jersey avenne, and west Of Second street east and
bounded north and south by street south and Vir-
gna avcnue--that upon which deep pits have
been excayated-I would respectfully recommend
to be enclosed and graded, and planted with trees
1t contains copious springs OF pure water, which,
if suitably protected, are capable of supplying
considerable population. have not thought il ad-
visable to suggest any improvement, at this time,
of the remaining portions of this reservation, under
the impression that it had better be delayed until
the neighborhood becomes more populous, at
least until the streets adjacent are opened and
graded.
The improvement of the public grounds in the
city of Washington, although gratifying to its
citizens, and calculated to give increased value to
property, should not be regarded as some are dis
posed to regard it, as u mere local object. These
public grounds are the property of the nation, and
were reserved at the founding of the city as the
means of beautfying and adorning the national
capital. To this end, it was well understood, that
neither individual enterprise nor municipal patron
age would be adequate; and it was therefore wisely
determined far as ii could be determinedin indepen
IDENTIFY of future Legislative action that il should be
mad he dntu " M he her
which has recently been manifested in that regard
by Congress renders il certain that this duty will
be faithfully discharged These grounds are be-
coming an object of national interest, and their
care and preservation should be regarded with
than ordinary socitude. Their beauty and attrac-
ton will depend, to great extent, upon the public
gardener, to whom, as fast as they can be prepared
for his operations they will necessarily be assigned
His duties and responsibilities will be measurably
increased, and upon his knowlcgc, skill, and fdel
ity, unlimited confidence must consequently be re-
posed. Hence, also, the necessity will arse for the
employment OF much larger force than is al pres
ent in his service. l would therefore suggest that
authority be given to employ from time to time, as
occasion may require, an additional number OF la
borers to receive the usual rates of compensation
paid to such persons when employed by the day
RErAiss OF THE CAPITOL.
OF the appropriation Of $4,000 for the annual
repairs in the Capitol and for variety of objects in
cdcntal thereto, the sum of s 4S3 % has been ex
pended; only small portion OF which, however, has
been actually used for repairs. The season was too
far advanced when the appropriation was made TO
insure the completion OF the extensive repairs and
improvements, which il is necessary TO make, be-
fore the rcasscmbling of Congress in its present
session. considered itprudent, therefore, looking
to the public convenience and the necessity OF hay
ing work faithfully performed, which cannot be
when it is hurried to postpone operations to more
suitable period. On the opening of spring shall
cndeavor to push them forward with fidelity and
alaCrity.
| For the same reason determined not to do any
thing further towards improving the grounds con
| tguous to the Capitol enclosure, which was pro
vidcd for in the same appropriation.
| 81 nErAias or THE rRKsIpKsr's HOUSE.
The unwholcsomc condition of the apartments in
the basement of the Presidents house, which arc
occupied by servants, was advcrted to In my last
annual report, and stated then that considerable
repairs would be necessary to render them healthy
and comfortable. All basement stories, however
wei! constructed, are subject in greater or less
degree to impurity Of atmosphere, and arc consc-
quently quite unfit for sleeping rooms. These
apartments had become more unfit for such uses,
and were, indeed otherwise Objectionable, from the
partial decay OF the plank foors, which were laid
several years ago upon the brick pavements. The
drains and sewers and pavements about the extc-
ror OF the building were also found to be very de-
fective. Since the appropriation was made in Sep.
tember last applicable to the purpose, have ex-
erted every means in my power to remove the evil
complained Of; but there has not been sufficient
! time nor money enough at my disposal to accom-
plish all that seems to be desirable. Most of the
improvements which have been made were made
under the advisemcnt Of gentleman Of high re-
pute and much experience, and will, have great
confidence, contribute largely to comfort and con-
| venience,
1t is, nevertheless, important that the work oi
] improvement should be continued, as to secure
ample ventilation, particularly of those apartments
open to crowded assemblies. The ventilation oi
the building, although much improved ia still de-
fective, and its plan and construction do not afford
hot do If ,ich IN
Executive mansion. The first Of these, perfect
ventilation, may be easily attained; but the second
can only be had by alterations to be made in the
house, and by the enlargement of the grounds.
Upon this point it is unnecessary to remark fur
thcr, until general plan for the improvement OF
the public grounds is adopted, when it will become
more properly the subject of consideration.
The appropriation, which was $4,000, embrac-
ing other objects aso exhausted and the further
sum OF $4,000 is rendered necessary to meet un-
paid claims and to make such additional repairs as
dceme of urgent necessity for the present fiscal
| year.
WINGS TO THE PATENT OFFICE BUILDING.
| A statement of my receipts and disbursements
on account OF the wings to the Patent Office build
ing, under my appointment as special disbursing
agent of the funds appropriated towayds Their
erection, will be found in another part of this
report. As their construction is under the i'm
mediate supervision of superintendent appoint.
ed by former Secretary of the Interior, who
will probably report if he has not already re-
ported, upon the state and progress OF the work
it superscdcs the necessity Of my making any
remarks upon the subject. Justice to the several
contractors engaged in the work and in furnishing
materials, whose conduct comes to some extent un-
der my observation, requires me TO say, that they
have far discharged their respective obligations
with commendabe fidelity. This may be sad
specially ofthe contractt Ssor the marble and gran
ite work, who have so far advanced TO remove
all apprchcnsons, il any were entertained, to
their ability to finish promptly within the time all
lotted, and in a manner to command the approha-
ton of Congress and the country That all the
other contractors, some of whom have not yet
commenced operations, will be equally energetic
in the performance Of what they have undertaken,
cannot permit myself to doubt.
The estimates herewith submitted, of S200,000
for the completion of the eastern wing, and $780,
600 for further progress with the western wing,
were furnished me by the superintendent, Mr..
Mills. have only TO say in regard to them, that
il strikes me it would be judicous to proceed in the
construction of the western wing, upon which all
operations have for some time been suspended.
The reasons in favor Of this course, so fully sct
forth in the report the Secretary of the Interior