The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1857-01-15
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC
BUILDINGS.

The Annual Report of John b. Blake, ESQ,
the Commissioner of the Public Buildings and
Grounds, embodies many facts of more than
ordinary interest to our citizens.
The Report details the improvements made
in various parts of the city and the progress
of the public buildings. 1t renews several rec
concentrations not acted upon by Congress
such as addition to the courthouse portion
of the City Hall; the erection Of new Jail f;
the improvement of Franklin Square and the
various triangular spaces formed by the intersec-
ton of streets and avenues the grading of
North Capitol street. and the removal of the
Naval monument.
The Commissioner refers to the diversity of
opinion in regard to the extension of the Can.
itol grounds weStwardly; but states that there
is general concurrence as to the propriety of
including squares 687 and 668 in the eastern
enclosure. He states that the revenue arising
from Government lots having ceased, there
must be other means provided for making i'm.
proponents of the streets and avenues passing
through or between any OF the public squares
or reservations. He very properly suggests
that the time has arrived for opening, grading.
and graveling all the great thoroughfares lead.
ing to the Capitol and Presidents house. the
Corporation not having the pecuniary ability
to do 80, even if it have the will. The ee.simple
to all the streets is in the General Government,
as decided by the Supreme Court.
The Commissioner refers to the wretched
condition OF the Centre market-house; and the
nulsances consequent thereon, even to the en-.
dangering of the health Of the neighborbood.
Country wagons occupy and obstruct the free
passage OF Pennsylvania avenue for several
squares. He thinks the Government has the
right to have the markethouse removed, and
to takespossession of the reservation.
The report states that the appropriations for
the bridges leading to the city are altogether
insufficient to keep them in safe condition.
The Long Bridge is a ricketty and totterinp
fabric, and it is difficult to keep it in condi.
ton to preserve uninterrupted the communica.
ton between the two shores, and to guard
against accidents. The travel and the amount
Of produce brought over the bridge, it is stated
are almost incredible. Any interruption TO its
passage would be severely felt
The report gives a satisfactory account OF
the management of the City Infrmary by the
skillful physicians and kind nurses. The an.
nual appropriation for the sick non-resdentpau.
pers affords relief to great amount of human
suffering. 1t is noble charity.-Nat. IntelE
lND1ANA.-The Republican Convention met
at Indianapolis on Wednesday, the 7th instant.
Oliver T. Morton presided, and while the Com.
mlttee on Resolutions were out, the Convention
was addressed by Henry S. Lane, James F.
Suit, and others. Mr.. Suit said he was ia a
position to do the State some service in post.
ponlng the election of United States Senator,
and declared there would be no election. They
had little class-meeting the preceding night,
In which the thing was fixed
The resolutions adopted are twelve in num-
Der. The first declares undated confidence
in the principles of Republicanism; the second
declares Republcanism conservator of the
Union, recognising Slavery as the creature of
local law where it is established, but opposed
to Its extension; the third, that the fundamen.
tel idea of Republicanism is equal rights the
fourth, that if Kansas is saved to Freedom, the
country will be indebted for that result to the
strength, moral power, and energy of the Re.
publican party; the fifth is com Iimentary to
Mr.. Fremont; the sixth to Mr.. Morton the
seventh declares that Indiana would be better
represented In the United States Senate by
vacant seats than by men who have encour.
aged the Government in its attempt to extend