The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-01-14
LOCAL MATTERS.

CONDITION OF THE CAPITOL AND SUPREMs
CouRT BUnDINa.---In communication to
tho Governor in regard to the State capfto
the Superintendent Of Public Buildings
says that after the well.remembered calam.
ity in April, 1870, the timbers supporting
the floors over either house Of the General
Assembly were renewed In substantial
manner, and are now in good condition.
The remaining floors Of this story are still
supported by the timber placed there about
the wear 1882, and there is no reason to sup.
nose they are in better condition than those
broken with such fearful result In 1870, ex-
cept that they are subjected to less strain,
Since his occupation of his office no crowds
ffof people or massage of heavy weights have
been permitted in the vestibule or upon the
balcony around the rotunda; nor does he
deem it safe there should be in the future.
The condition of the floors on which are
the legislative halls be thinks absolutely bad.
That they are in state Of decay requiring
early attention may be Judged from the con-
ditlon in which was found the one under
the Washington statue, removed last autumn.
These; where encased in brick, were so de-
cyed as TO crumble at the touch, and only
those parts exposed TO air were capable OF
sustaining any weight atall. AS the arching
of the basement rooms are similar to this
one it is only safe to conclude that all tim.
bers under the halls are in state of decay
Were these arches solid or perfect great
strength would follow; but everything
indicates that they were introduced
after the occupation of the building
der fire and, perhaps, burglar-proof those
oiy fpc QpI
valuable records Of the Commonwealth. The
attention of the Governor and heads of 60
verDment departments, and Of the venerable
Colonel Munford, who has so long known
the capitol, was called to the condition o
the timbers as then exposed, and they con
CURED with the Superintendent in these
conclusions. No immediate apprehension
need be felt, but no delay beyond the present
session should be permitted for its renewal
with iron or wood. The walls and roof O
the capitol are, in his opinion, strong and
secure. The smoke-fues are all in bad
condition-their original construction was
defective, being without lining. The effect
produced by heat, rain, and coal-gas has
been long cracks in the inner wall, permit
ting smoke and gas to find its way through
the floors, wainscoting, and windows OF
door-frameS, into the offices and halls, rem
dering them at times almost uninhabitable
This trouble has been aggravated by the at
| tempt TO carry smoke over arched ways. Nc
permanent remedy can be applied without
considerable expense. The abandonment Of
the Use of CRATES and a reliance on the heat
| ing apparatus is the only remedy. The ceiling
in the library is loose and falling, and should
| be renewed. The large heater in the library
should be divided into two parts and placed IL
| position nearer either end Of the room. A.
| it now stands, dead weight Of between
6,000 and 1000 pounds directly over th'
Senate chamber, he does not consider it saft
to so heavily tax the supports at one point
| when the annual addition of so many book
and statues continually adds to the weight j
already bears. In this change of the heate
the heat would be more evenly distributed
and greater comfort obtained.
The Superintendent again asserts that thi
floor is strong and safe, but precaution mus
be used in properly distributing the burdel
it necessarily bears. The furnace, boilers
and pipes are in fair condition, but will nee
some repair during the next summer.
| In the square much could be done III th
way of brick-paving the walks, graveliing th
drives, and introducing granite tagging, ad
ding to the number of gas-iampS, and IL
creasing the number of seats. The railin
around the square should be painted, to pre-
| serve II.
The condition of the Court Of Appeal
building, in which is the valuable law.l
brary, is precariouS from its great exposur
to fire, it having shingle roof, lower and j
close proximity to other buildings. Th
courtroom is too high for its size, and th
voice sounds as within bell. The sewer
age is defective, and. attention has bee
called to it by the Board of Health of th
| city.