The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-03-20
FOR THE REPUBLIC.
The Extonsion Of the Caui,oI

TIC Oh the Sap1(Ol.
The Senate, much to the surprise of everybody
has postponed the appropriation for continuing tho
work on the two wings of the Capitol. The reasons
assigned for this are--frst, the Democrats have
majority in Congress, and will be held responsible,
for the appropriation; and, secondly, in the judg
ment of Senator Borland, the work has neither
been properly constructed, composed of good
materials.
sufficient TO the first reason will be
found In the fact that the estimates of the Secreta
ry of the Interior, for this work. until the 30h oil
June, 1853, are for S. 10000 The Committee
on Public Buildings in the House cut this amount
down one-haIf, and the appropriation passed by
that body is only 100000 If there be economy in
progressing slowly with great national undertake
ing like this, then surely have the Democrats of the
House set the Senate noble example, in appro-
priating only half the sum asked for by a
Wing Administration. But the sensible, practical
yeomanry of the country, will tell honorable Sen
ators, when they return to their homes, that the
worst possible economy they could manifest is
to stop work like this when partly finished,
permitting it to be exposed to the vcissitudes OF
weather and other causes of dilapidation, and
drawing out its construction, by small appropria-
tons, for period of ten years, when it might easily
NC SOHnpittcu III uTee. iUCSC WHO ldlk ABOUT
economy are not always the wisest. If responsi-
biity is to be attached to any party for any cause
connected with this work, it will be TO Senator
Borland, as leading Democrat, for not promptly
responding to the action of the House-for not in.
forming himself in regard to facts-and for delay
ing and embarrassing a work which the whole ma
ton desires to see progress as rapidly possible
In regard to the other alluded to- il is a
foctt hat IF al he
fore the committee of the House in regard to the
sutiiciency of the foundations, no single witness,
either practical scientific, denied their solidty,
hrmness or suthciency. The strength of the stone
tested by pressure, and proved to be ten times
strong was absolutely needed; and the NOR
tar, instead of being bad, is shown to be of gu.
pcrior quality, the Senator's boots to the contrary
notwithstanding. If that gentleman wishe. TO be
really satisfied of the quality of the mortar beg him
TO lear up any stone in the WALL take the mortar
from under it, add little tontsr only and then place
it in position where it will be subjected TO the &C
ton Of the air and dried, and he will soon sec that
he has labored under great mistake. Senator
Borland ought to know, for he is something of a
chemist, that the process by which adhesion is ac-
complished between lime and stone ia very slow,
and the slower the process the stronger the adhe-
cihcaton takes place, may well look like sand; and
hence it is not surprising that who know no.
thing either practically scientifically of this
subject could be deceived but it is very surprising
that Senator Borland's boots should convince him
Of fact which is contradcted by all bis scientific
knowledge; those were remarkable pair of boots,
truly. But the mortar in these foundations has
been examined by men well qualified to Judge of
az nd chs 4 A..
be Of the very best quality. Let Senators inquire
for Themselves, and inquire Of persons qualified to
give correct information, and doubt will Ion ger
exist on this subject. Mr.. Young, of Boston, one
OF the best architects in the world; Colonel Stew
art, chief engineer Of the United States Navy; Ro-
bert Brown, well known practical mechanic; and
Alexander Provost, one OF the most intelli gent
builders in the Union, among those who have
testified on oath before the special committee OF
the House in favor Of the suticency OF the founda
tions II is in the favor Of such testimony that the
boot toes Of distinguished Senators are urged in
rebuttal. LEONIDAS