National Republican., 1875-11-17
rHr CAPITOL.
Annual Report Of the Arehitsst -nssomnsnd,
dona for Eurfher luproyamaufs.

Annual Report Of the Architset- t-Rssomnsnda-
lions for Further lmprovsmsnts-
Edward CLARK, esq, architect Of the Capitol,
has submitted to the Secretary Of the Interior bis
annual report, relative to the Capitol and other
public works under his charge.
THE CAPITOL
In reference to the Capitol the repsrt says: The
entire building has been kept In good repair, and
sundry improvements made to IL since the date OF
my last report Two rooms for committees and
two room duplicate books for the library have
been fitted up In the central portion OF the build
ing. A large amount OF shelving has been added
to the library OF Congress and to the law library
rooms. The hreproof roofing near the same has
been extended. The following frescoes in the
Senate wing have been completed: "The negotia-
tion for the acquisition Of louisiana n at the en-
trance to room formerly occupied by the Commit
tee on Territories, and "Bellons," at room on
Military Affairs. Also, ''Science," "Archltec-
ture, 4" painting" and Sculpture" on the ceiling
of room Of Committee on Library; besides, several
figures and emblems in small lunettes in the cor
ridors: The ceilings and walls Of several ofthe
committee rooms repaired, andin some cases en-
uTely repainted.
The steam boilers of the Senate wing have been
put in good order, by replacing the defective
tubes, which were very much injured BY long ex-
pofure to the fire. Ashcraft's fire doors have
boilers. In the use OF these doors It is expected
that largo saving Of fuel will be effected. In
case this expectation Is realized, would recon-
other furnaces. The main steam coil for the
House Of Representatives has been taken down
and repaired, the damage being done to IL by the
water in the pipes becoming frozen at night dur
ing the severe weather last winter. To prevent
the recurrence of such accidents, and to keep the
mend that slow fires be kept up all night. At
present the fires are allowed to go out as soon as
either House adiourns, and in consequence the
rooms get cold, SO that great amount Of heat is
REQUIRED In the morning TO warm the halls, 80
that the temperature of the walls can be under
proper control In carrying out this suggestion,
Quired, as less would be used In the morning to
acquire q comfortable temperature in the rooms
and halls.
THE CAPITOL GROUNDS.
The particulars as TO the work OF improving
the Capitol grounds during the past year were
published in yesterdays REPUBLICAN, in the re-
port OF the landscape architect, Z. Law Olm-
Stead Mr. Clark submits the following recon-
mendations in reference to the future work:
After due consideration l am now convinced
the building they surround, II Will oe necessary
TO change the present rustic terraces By widen
ing. and by facing them with q wall, with grand
stead. Should this be done, Recommend that
provision be made for the extension OF the can.
irsl portcO Of the western trout in order to give
that portion OF the building due prominence.
BOTANICAL GARDEN.
The report continues: Under the direction Of
the Joint Committee on the Library, thaTe had
cnaTUe OF The improvements at TINS R8rut0. a
new foTcing-bouse and i1ng wagon and work.
shed have here been erected. The buildings and
grounds have been further improved and kept in
good repair.
PIRE ENGINE HOUSE.
The building provided for this purpose by act
OF Congress, approved June %, 1874 has been
completed, q nj g now occupied by the hre ap-
Par9;us No. 3, belonging 20 the District Of %
turned over to the District suthorities by an act
Of Congress, so that It may be under the same
control ss the other property of the ire depart
ment Of this city.
STABLE FOR THE UNITED STATES MAIL WAGONS.
a building for this purpose has been erected
in stbe lot north Of the Capitol recently pur-
are required for the House mall wagons, recon-
mend their construction on the lot south Of the
Capitol, purchased by the United Stats for that
purpose.
BUILDING FOR THE woMAS's CHRISTIAN Asso.
CIATIoN OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
As provided for by act of Congress, approved
June 23, 1874, l have furnished plans for build
ing for this association, which is nearly competed
1t was erected under a contract, for o sum within
the amount appropriated by Congress.
COURT HOUSE IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON.
By direction Of the Attorney General / have
caused various improvements and repairs TO pc
been rendered suitable for business purposes By
increasing the height Of the story and paving
rooms and passages with concrete. In the court
rooms that part Of the floors inside the bar has
been covered with the Neuehatel pavement. Ad-
ditional water closets have been supplied, and
the passage in the principal story has been so ar
rapgea as to afford G consultation room for the
Judges. AS the court--oons are heated by means
OF the ordinary hot-air furnaces, which will not
last over the coming winter, recommend that
they may be replaced by steam heating appar-
atus capable of heating the corridors, as we'll as
the court-rooms.;
The rep is closed with a detailed statement
OF expenditures at tho Capitol building fr ON
June so, 1874, to June 3o 1875, amounting to
Se9. 500.