The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1881-05-19

Along some time about the first of Jan
uary, 1878, government architect put in
an appearance in this blessed city, and,
amid a footing of horns and blowing of
bugles, so to speak, announced to an adj
miring public that he was here for the
purpose of erecting, as soon rs possible, a
magnificent structure te be used by
lf. Us r.s.l UNCLE SAM
as a postoffice and United States court
room. The architects movements were
wrapped in profound mystery. and con-
tractors and builders gathered in small
groups upon the sidewalks, and, with
bated breath, talked of the prospective
building, and longed for one word or
even q look from the important person
who had the matter in hand, to indicate
when the work would commence. In
short time bids were asked for eXcavating
the foundation, and some time after the
work was accomplished. There was a
long pause. and the actions OF the
great and skilled architect of the high
and mighty government became more
mysterious than ever, and cloud of I'M
certainty brOoded like the ghost of an
extinguished world over al his move
ments. He often consulted with the
builders about the peculiar merits OF the
different stone found in this locality, and
would look profoundly wise, and
order his clerks to forward samples
to Washington for examination, while
he relieved his weary mind by
going bird hunting or fishing. Why
he consulted with the experienced
builders, no man has ever been able to
find out, for he never took their advice,
but, with the concurrence or the wash
linton fellows. ignored everybody, and
everything, and with a serenity Of mlna
unfit and least durable to be found in this
neighboFhood. Some time after, the red
tape business managed to get the walls
under way, and during the years 1878 and
1879, they slowly went up, and at last
were completed. Months elapsed, and the
roof was put on and mechanics We're at
once set to work punching holes through
the interior walls for doors, which, strange
to say, had been omitted, or placed in the
| wrong position by. the architect, who
drew the plan. This, with putting in a
little woodwork, painting andplastering,
has occupied the attention of Uncle Sam
for nearly year, and with care and pru-
dence and energy, we are happy TO say
this work will probably be completed in
about fourteen months. By that time the
| floors. which are now about worn out,
will have to be renewed, and
by the time that is accomplished d
new roof will be needed, and from
| the present outlook, the new post
| office and court house building will be
ready for occupancy some time during the
century. If it ever is. We say,
! e. IL 1T EVER IS,
because Professor Proctor and other
scientists have discovered a comet wan
I-dering around loose, directly over head,
! that they cheerfully announce is to strike
| the earth and knock her. to use figura-
| tive expression, higher than kite, All
| the conditions, say the eminent men,
point to a general smash-up, not even
| emitting Ireland and the home of Conk-
ling and the birth place of Malone.
| Hence it is, we say the probabilities are
| decidedly favorable that we Will never
have the pleasure of standing IN front OF
| the new postoffice an hour or two oil
mornings waiting for the clerks to read
the postals and distribute the mail. This
| IL, indeed, distressing, when we remem-
| Der that there are number of contractors
| in this city who were anxious and willing
| to erect the building for the sum appro-
priated and have IL ready for use within
| twelve months. There seems to be any
number ofcunning little "stars" blinking
in the armament that hsyers above that
architects Office up about Washington,
and its high time the reform instruments
were turned in that direction that their
exact position, size, ETC., can be ascer-
tanned. By all means let the instruments
be pointed in the direction Indicated rs
early as possible. No blame can, oil
does attach to the gentlemen who con-
| troll the work here IN the city. They
have to do as directed by the parent Office
4 ut Washington. -.. .. 90.