Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1878-10-16
PUBLIC BUILDINGS IN WISHING-
TON.
Annual Report Of the Architect Of
the CapirOl.

The annual report relative TO the works under
the charge of the Architect of the Capitol, Mr..
Edward Clark, has been submitted by him TO
the Secretary of the Interior.
THE CAPITOL.
The alterations and Improvements TO the
heating and Ventilating apparatus OF the House
OF Representatives have been made in conformity
with the recommendations of a commission ap-
pointed for that purpose. This commission has
been continued and Will give further consid-
Grafton TO the subject. The question of SubSti-
tutfng electric light for the present manner of
lighting by gas has received some attention,
and in the opinion OF Mr.. Clark this mode OF
lighting may become practicable. Attention IS
called TO the insecure condition Of the wall,
ceiling and roof OF the Old House OF Repre-
sentatives in case OF fire. 1t is recommended
that all the wooden construction be taken out
and f1reproOf be substituted. In doing this IL is
recommended that the galleries be abolished
and the semi i-circular wall be continued to the
floor of the hall. This change will enlarge the
area OF the floor and give more room for Statu-
ary Details are given of minor improvements in
heating the building. protecting it against fire,
and in providing places for the storage of books.
The attention OF Congress is called to the
necessity OF providing place for the store
yards and work shops connected with the Capt.
tol, as those now used are rented. Lots have
been offered for the purpose named. adjoining
the government property. on Delaware avenue,
near street north, on which are situated the
Senate stables and fire engine house. which
possess advantages that recommend them.
THE CAPITOL GROUNDS
From the report OF Mr. cobb, Capitoi engineer,
II appears that the work OF Improvement OF the
Capitol grounds isapprOaching completion. The
appropl iation for the last fiscal year amounted
to S1S2,0o0. owing to expenditures previous to
June so. 1871, only Sl6l732.94 was disburSed in
the last fiscal year, as follows: For paving road
ways and 1oOtWalkS, Sos, 393. 80; for general inn
provementS, SI0,36S.25. and for ventilating the
House OF Representatives, S22,91o10. The men
employed have for the most part been kept on
half time. The expenditures for labor We're
S21.9S6.36 against s54,06l.S5 the previous year.
The number OF days labor performedby men is
20,63614; by horse 1,IS9. The character OF the
paVementS, etc. is commended.
During the present year Improvements will be
made by which the entrance to the grounds at
Maryland avenue will be made similar to that
at Pennsylvania avenue. AS soon as possession
is obtained OF the property at the functions OF
Pennsylvania and Maryland avenues with 1St
street west. the proposed circles at those points
Will be eXtefded and the rOadwayS completed
according to the original design.
There is marked change for the better in
the character of travel upon the drives and pri-
Vacy and good order are uniformly maintained
Additional legislation, however, is needed to es-
laDliSh regulations for the proper government
OF the park, with penalties for their violation.
THE NAVAL MONUMENT.
The bronze dolphins on the four sides OF the
naval monument, which form the fountains and
the bronze lamp posts, have not been ordered,
no funds being available for that purpose
While waiting the action OF the court i'm taking
legal measures to acquire the property at the
foot OF the Capitol at the north side Of Pennsyl-
vania avenue, the work Of enlaTging the circle
at the south side is progressing.
BOTANICAL GARDEN.
The painting OF the various houses at this
place is being done, and everything put in good
order. New floors have been put in the lower
story of the Superintendent'S house, to render it
more habitable. Owing TO the damp condition
OF the soil, and the frequent inundationS to
which these grounds are exposed, the building
is unfit for human habitation. AS it is import
ant that the superintendent should be near the
garden, at night as well as during the day, par
ucularly in winter, when great attention is re-
quired to keep the various lighthouses and the
conservatory at the proper temperature, it is
recommended that suitable dwelling be erect
ed for his occupancy on the south side OF Mary
land avenue, immediately opposite the garden
proper.
COURTHOUSE.
improvements in the walls. ceiling and root
of this building are described. Under this head
the report says, in conciuSiOn:-..C Considerable
damage has been done to the bases OF the col
umns by the use OF the portco as a place for
public meetings. The material used in lhese
bases is soft sandstone, and is easily injured
by persons ueadng against them. In conse-
quence OF the damage aforementioned. | re.
commend that the practice OF holding p,hsc
meetings at this building be hereafter forbid
den