Washington sentinel., 1853-12-14


diligence, under the special charge of Captain M.
c. Megs, ofthe corps Of engineers, and il gives
me pleasure TO bear testimony 10 the manner in
which that officer has discharged his duty, fully
sustaining his reputation for professional zeal and
fidelity. He was placed upon this duty April 4,
1853, and directed specially 10 examine into the
condition of the foundation which had been pre-
viously laid, and minutely to inquire into the
arrangements for warming, ventating, speaking,
and hearing. @8
A thorough examination Of the foundation was
made by excavafng down 10 the soil on which Il
rested and by cutting AT different points through
the masonry. The result was report that less
hydraulic lime had been used than was desirable,
but that the strength of the foundation was sufi.
cIent for the proposed structure. The arrange
ments for ventilation and hearing were found satis
factory; and these being the great objects Of the
proposed extension, certain alterations in the plans
were designed, and a board, composed OF Profess
sors A. d. Bache and Jos. Henry, was commits,
sioned May 20, 1853, to make inquiries upon
|aesaektuo - Soaai1ae6ea - cOnnecss1 with the
adopted plan and proposed alteration. The board
visited, and made various experiments in the prin-
cipal public rooms ofthe cities Of Philadelphia,
New York. and Boston. After further examina-
ton OF the various rooms visited, and discussion
of the phenomena presented, they reported on the
24th of June last, in favor of the notifications OF
the plans of the extension Of the capitol pro-
posed by Captain Megs.
To construct room Of sufficient dimensions for
the House Of Representatives, so as TO secure to
heard at every point OF the ROOM was object Of
such high usefulness in legislation, and problem
of such difficult solution 70 require thorough in
vestigation, with all aids art and science could
lend and in view of the many unsuccessful at
tempts which have been made in orr own and
other countries to attain that result, success will
be, in addition to its utility, an object Of just ma
tional pride.
In addition to this special object, the modifca-
tions proposed were believed otherwise increase
the convenience and facilitate the intercourse Of
the Houses of Congress, and materially to add to
the architectural effect of the building. As soon
as the plans submitted received your approval tho
consequent changes in the foundation walls were
pressed with all possible rapidity, and the work
has since then been steadily prosecuted without
other delay than that which has necessarily re-
suited from occasional Interruptions in the deliver
ing of materials; and these have been overcome,
as far as might be, by purchases in other markets,
which could be made available. The stain which
appeared upon the marble after il had been placed
in the walls created some anxiety and specimens
were submitted TO skilful chemists for an analysis.
The result gave assurances that the discoloration
would disappear and in some instances observa-
tion has sustained that expectation. This is the
more gratifying because the marble is Of most
beautiful quality, and it might not have been pos-
sible elsewhere to procure a material which would
have corresponded with il. refer for further de-
tails, to the accompanying report Of Capt. Meigs,
and, with view TO the rapid completion Of the
building recommend TO favorable consideration
the estimate presented by him for the service Of
the year ending 30th June, 1859 E sfs.
An appropriation was made at the last session
Of Congress- for the purpose of bringing water into
the city of Washington. In order 10 obtain am
pie and constant supply from source so elevated
to avoid the necessity for the use of machinery,
it was decided that the water should be brought
from the great falls of the Potomac through an ac
queduct nine feet in diameter Upon the adoption
Of this plan, immediate application was made TO
the legislature of Maryland, in which State tho
Of supply lies, for their assent to the propos
ed work, which being given on conditions readily
complied with, some portions ofthe necessary land
were selected and purchased, and as soon as the
season would permit, considerable force was put
upon the work. The works are estimated 10 cost
rather less than two million three hundred thou
sand dollars, and when completed, will be capable
Of delivering nearly seventy million gallons of wa
ter daily, at an elevation of fourteen feet above
the upper floor Of the capitol. For further infor-
nation refer 10 the report of the chief engineer.
deem il necessary to invite attention to the
condition of the public building occupied by this
department., which contains accommodations for
less than half its bureaus and not being fre-proof,
but, on the contrary, especially defective in its
construction, does not afford proper security TO tho
papers and records, the loss of which would be ir-
re2arable. The subject has been repeatedly urged
upon the attention Of Congress by my predeces-
sors, and concur with them as to the necessity
of procuring 6re-proof building of sufficient di-
mensions for the accommodation Of all the bus
ness connected with this department.
To the accompanying reports of the commander
general Of the army, and the chiefs Of the several
branches of the military service. refer for full in
in relation 10 the duties with whichthe
are respectively charged. For that success which
attends the administration of army affairs we aro
in no small degree indebted to the ability, expert
ence, and good faith of these officers. The report
of the commanding general exhibits the distribu-
ton and numerical strength of the army, and
shows how disproportionate our small military es-
tabshment is to the duties required Of it. Pro-
fessional skill, zeal, and fidelity have done much
to compensate for the want of numbers, but the
prvation, toll, and danger incident to
service varied and extensive, have greatly add
ed to its list Of casualties during the past year
have the honor TO be, very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
To the PRESIDENT.