The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1875-09-27

THE REPORT Of the Commission ap-
pointed by Secretary Bristow to inspect
the Chicago Post-offlce building, which
was published yesterday, is most re-
markable document. 1t completely de-
molishes all the material allegations
made by Supervising Architect Potter
and by the Commission which reported
Some months since that the Buena Vista
stone employed on the building was rot
ten, the foundation insecure, and the
construction OF the edlfice defective. 1t
declares that tests were applied as to
the security Of the foundation, and that
the ground was found capable of re-
sisting superintendent weight of
four thousand pounds to the square
foot, that the weight Of the
sdifce would not exceed two thou
sand pounds to the foot, but by brilliant
ron SeQuitur recommends that the con-
struction be so altered as to tighten the
upper story by the omission Of certain
about equally important. 1t declares
the stone not so good nor cheap as ght
have been selected, but good enough to
answer the desired purpose; recon-
building, but with sagacity befitting a
government commission, advises the
careful inspection Of every piece i'm
ployed before putting it in the wall.
The report declares the concrete of the
foundation to be excellent and well put
In place, the brick good and well laid,
aud the iron work also of excellent quail
lty and workmanship. 1t declares the
there are no present evidences Of the
building having settled at all; thinks,
however, that it might settle as the work
progresses, but not SO as to be any in
jury to the edifice. Suggests the use OF
little more concrete to guard against
the possibility, etc. The report winds
up by bit Of astute reasoning, such
as we have seldom seen excelled, as fol-
lows: tFinslly, our Board are Of the
opinion that the suspenion of work on
account Of the apparently dangerous
crack in the wall and the general Jppear-
ance of the building after Its. winter ex-
posure withoutdue protection and care,
was necessary precautiOn for the pro-
lection OF the interest OF the Govern
nent, but we see no reason against the
Immediate resumption of work in ac-
cordance with the suggestions herein
made.o On the whole, neither MIR.
Mullett nor his friends ought to
wish for any better vindication than
this report, sifted of its chat, affords.
Mr.. Supervising Architect Potter made
it his first duty, after being appointed
to the position formerly occupied by Mr..
Mullett, to charge the latter with mis-
takes in the design, material and con-
struetion of the great Government edi-
fees Of the country, that, If sustained,
would have ruined Mr.. Mullett, profess
sionaIiy, forever. A commission, which
Inspected the Chicago Custom-house,
soon after, made report that seemed to
sustain MIR. Potter's allegations. The
people or Chicago believed this cnarge
10 be unfounded in fact, and
asked for more thorough investi-
cation, when the present committee,
appointed by Secretary Brlstow, was
named, and their report is now before
che public. 1t is interesting in this con-
nection to add that the present Com
mission is composed almost wholly Of
persons who are personal friends and
subordinates of Secretary Bristow, and
at least two Of them are bitter pro.
fessioual and personal antagonists oi
Mr. Mullett. Theirreport seeks to let the
Secretary and Mr.. Potter down as gently
as possible, but it leaves those officials
in q position that Mr.. Mullett must be
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