New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-11-14
RESPONSIBILITIES OF BUILDERS.
DISCUSSIONS AT TIE CONVENTION OF THE AMER
ICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS.

DISCUSSIONS AT TIE CONVENTION OF THE AMER
ICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS.
The twelfth annual convention of the Amer
lean Institute of Architects opened yesterday al the
Coal and Iron Exchange About twenty-five members
were present, among whom were j. Renwick' H. Duu
ley. II. j. Hardenburg i. II. Kendall, e. W. Cmtou' H.
F. Lttell, II. NJ ConVdon, r. NJ. UpjohD. r. g. iatnciu
c. F. McKune j. c. Cody, @. Il. Post H. II. Holly u u
Haight H. Fcrnbacb ~ J. BOOr and Il. II. Robertson
from tins city; NJ. Stone and G. Mason )r, hnoue
Island T. u. Walters, Philadelphia; j. MnrdocS' ba.
more; J. 2. LongfellOw. Boston; r. T. Wright auu o.
Clarke, Chicago =.
Thomas L. Walters presided, and read the annual ad
dress which reviewed The progress in architecture anu
the present depression of business. Tho treasurer IL
G. Hatfield gave the receipts for last year rs Slso Ao
and the balance $3.50 40 resolution adopted Dy me
Rhode Island Chapter OF the Institute In regard TO me
framing OF law holding architects responsible LOT me
safety OF buildings which they erect was dlcused ior
some time by the members. The resolution provides
that whenever the fall failure OF any structure
TO m I'll object for which 1t designed, while 1t
shall I've building within five years after ITS compile
ton If loss of human life shall ensue the supreme Court
the in term time, or the ChieJustice OF the
vacation, shall within i've days after such cas-
atty appoint comm sson OF three experts, WHO shalln-
vestigae the circumstances Of the failure II the report
declare that the failure Yves the result OF negligence OF
nrapacity the Overseer, from lack of suitabs OF
Sufficient material tine ovrrsoer shall he liable TO pen
atty OF not less tnan $1,000, or imprisonment lor po'
less than and rot more than Fix years, or TO b0t
The penalties shah apply 10 contractors or bnl,
ers who shall By faulty work 10 have caused
the failure Of any structure, and consequent loss oil
human LIE. -
Mr. Stone, OF Rhode Island. read paper 'The lie
gal Responsibility Of Architects" He declared that
there was much difference OF opinion IN reSard 10 e
construction OF buildings. There vas popular Idea
that the architect somehow responsible, not only Tor
his own work. but for that OF all ire contractors OF
building He is supposed TO be IN some way capable OF
watching all the wOrknen and asccFtainiLg all Who u.s.
poor mortar rotten timber. IL would be greatly TO
the advantage Of the profession and the public II Tie
mutual responsibilities of architects aud builders were
better understood lie also said that III France the
builders and architects were responsible TOR buidlng
Tor ten years after its completion discussion then
followed the penalties when the fall or failure OF
structure resulted from culpabe negligence. In the
afternoon members made the East
Side. visiting Brooklyn Bridge, the Chapel OF ST. Au-
gustinc, and other places.
At the evening session committee was appointed,
consisting III Mcssrs Stone LOngelow and Robertson,
10 decide upon noIuHatOus Papers were read by l. NJ
Clarke, OF Boston, Plumbing RuG sanitary ENutlI
ment, :" by c. Cady of this city, The Prevailing
Faults our Architectural DesIgns; and by l.. Little
OF this city, The Use ana Abuse OF Brcks In DeOrd
ton" long discussion followed on The latter subject
To-day will be the second and last OF the conventions
This evening the annual dinner will take place.