The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1881-07-21

Llano and Fort Mason road on the
north and west. a similar stone,
less oxydized, is found on the
lands of Mr.. Woods, near the head
of Backbone valley. This exists also
IN very extensive quantities. AL
though observations have been made
at different points not referred To
above, yet it is believed that among
those mentioned are several varie-
ties which, in quality and extent are
sufhclent to meet all the demands
for material in this line for a first
class capitol building. We have
had the advantages of expert coun-
sci in cases where necessary. We
nave prepared and sent fifteen sam
pies, in duplicate, for mechanical and
chemical test TO the Smithsonian
Institute, at Washington, numbered
and described as follows: >
In referring only to material in the
counties named, we have been
actuated by considerations of con-
venience in transportation, and
no disparagement is intended to
those vast resources of similar
character in the adjacent counties of
Llano, Mason, San Saba and Blanco,
fully equal in variety and far great
er in extent. -.
In relation to lines it may be
safely stated that the supply will be
abundant and cheap. Hydraulic
lines and cements also may be had
very conveniently and in large
quantities, and therefore at moder-
ate cost. Most of the supplies of the
raw material exist in the vicinity of
Round Rock and both above and be-
low the city of Austin, as well as on
Onion and Slaughtercreeks and other
points in this county. There are two
manufactures at Round Rock and
one at San Antonio, producing ce-
ments which have attained a high
reputation among builders. The de-
posites of the material are so numer-
GUS and extensive and owned by so
many different parties, all interested
IN selling, that extortion seems
quite impracticable. The supply of
sand in the Colorado within the
city limits, is practically inexhausti-
BILE, its quality when washed is said
by experts, to be equal to that used
in the best buildings of England and
America. Aside from this, the
kaoline deposites in Robertson
county produce sand which for
brick, mortar or plaster is especially
valuable. For fine finishing and dec
Grating purposes, it is perhaps not
inferior to any material known. The
facilities for brick-making here.
give assurance of good quality and
great abundance at satisfactory
costs. Our correspondence with
manufacturers warrants the conclu-
sion that we will have complete as
sentiments in all the mechanical
appliances necessary for heating,
ventilating, lighting, elevators, etc,
as well as in glass and metal finish
lngs. Catalogues and descriptive
lists have in many cases. been fur
n1shed, and samples of iron work
are several instances promised
for exhibition with the working
details. 1t is intended to procure
samples of every class of material
and all character of finishings and
findings to be on hand when the
contract is signed, and which shall
serve as basis of adjustment of all
differences that may subsequently
arise about the quality to be used.
1t is the purpose of the commission
ers so far as practicable without
to the public interest to
give preference to home products,
and to construct, if possible, CAPT. |
toll worthy of Texas of Texas ma
terial, 80 that the expenditures de-
voted to the construction of a |
monumental building, shall also aid |
in the development of the states
resources.
Respectfully, |
JOS. LEE,
n. l.. NORTON.