Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-01-02

TO, and Messrs. Peters, Albert, and AtLee
were appointed the committee.
The adverse report made on the 18th inst
by Mr. TOwles, from the special committee on
the subject of hiring out the grounds attached
to the Washington Asylum, was then taken up
for consideration.
Mr.. Clements moved that the report and the
petition In connection Herewith be referred to
the Committee on the Washington Asylum;
which was agreed 10.
The Board then adjourned.
TIE REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE
INTERIOR contains considerable matter of in
terest to our readers.
The construction of fre-proof public build
ings is recommended. An appropriation is
also recommended for building for the ae-
commodation of the Department of the Int
rior Within a few years the business Of the Pa
tent Office will require the whole Of the entire
structure in which ii now is, and the Depart
ment Of the Interior will have to seek shelter
elsewhere. If an appropriation for the erec-
tion Of proper departmental building were
now made, it could not be finished and pre-
pared for occupancy in less than three OF four
years, which is the longest possible time the
rooms now occupied by this Department in the
Patent Office building can, with any show of
propriety, be retained. 1t therefore becomes
a question Of moment whether Immediate pre-
paratiOn should not be made for the anticipay
ted exigeney.
The extent Of some Of the public grounds
has been trenehed upon, whilst perhaps their
limits should have been enlarged. Ground
enough for public purposes has not been re-
served, and many years will not elapse ere
there will be an universal regret that more
space had not been retained.
The estimates for improving and ornament
IL. L
plan adopted for the Mall" should be more
vigorously prosecuted. Its present appear
ance is inelegant, when, with comparatively
small expenditure, it might easily be con-
verted into a beautiful park. The grounds,
for which suitable appropriations were made
by Congress, have been well improved, and
are admired by all for their neatness beauty,
and tastefulness
II is recommended that competent and in
teiligent landscape gardener be employed to
superintend the improvements Of the public
grounds. The condition Of the long bridge is
noticed, and the Secretary advises that it
should be replaced by substantial and per-
manent structure. The bridge is indispensa-
bic, and the means of defraying the cost of con-
struction abundant.
The appropriations for the erection of build
ings for the National Hospital for the Insane
are nearly exhausted. They have been judi
clously and economically expended, under the
supervision and control of its intelligent super.
intendent The whole sum appropriated is
Sill, 34l, which covers the cost of the farm
the present buildings, furnishing, fitting I'D,
and all other incidental expenses. Although
originally designed for ninety patients, the
present building will accommodate one hun
dred. More room and outbuilding will be re-
quired and an estimate is made for them.
Although the buildings were not completed,
yet there were upwards Of sixty patients re-
ceived into the hospital and taken care of pre-
ylous and subsequent to the Both of June last
The Board of visitors authorized by act Of
Congress has been appointed, organized, and
are faithfully and cheerfully disc6arging their
appropriate duties. The institution has been
opened under favorable auspices, and bids
fair to be one Of the first in the country.
The W ashington Infirmary also claims and
merits attention. 1t is under the manage
ment Of some Of the most distinguished phy-
siclans OF the District who gratuitously labor
in II TO alleviate the sufferings of those under
their charge. The annual appropriation made
by Congress enables 1t TO relieve many non
resident paupers who are suddenly seized with
disease in this city. At this time eighteen are
provided for, but the the number could be in
creased to forty by doubling the usual appro-
priation. This is demanded by the increase
Of that class 81 strangers visiting the city and
TsqG.ring such aid.
ted as not to be well protected against FIRE or
the escape Of bold and ingenious convicts Its
Indebtedness has been paid, the contract sys-
TEN partially adopted, and the strictest econo-
my and accountability established.
The reorganization of the Patent Office has
been perfected, and its good effect already
scnsibly experienced.
1t will require further appropriation to
complete the west wing of the Patent Office
building. The east wing cost S6O7, 700
Owing to the decliyity Of the grade, an addi-
tional story was required in the west wing.
1t was found necessary so to construct its |
basement, sub basement, and principal story
that each might be converted into one large
room when the requirements Of the Patent |
Office demand it. To accomplish this object |
marble and granite piers and architrayes have |
been introduced which are not in the CORES |
bonding stories Of the east wing These and |
other additions cost about 500 900, and yet |
the whole expenditure will not exceed that of |
the east wing.
The north part Of the building should be |
commenced. The estimated cost Is S450, 900,