Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-04-01
THE NEW OAPIIOE.

The Isnpudent Assertions of tho Architect
Refuted by Gov. Hubbard-Ths Views OF
Ex.Gov. Pillsbury.
lished an interview, that, under the circum,
stances, contains grossly unfair statement
relative to Gov. Hubbard and the
new state capitol. The statements
alleged to have been made by Architect Buff
tington are 80 at variance with the facts and
truth as to merit some notice.
Gen. Hubbard having been quoted as say.
ing that the architects estimates called for
an expenditure OF $245 200, which would ex-
coed the appropriation by large amount. the
architect is quoted as retorting that he
has furnished two estimates, one being in ey.
cess ofethe appropriation and the other for
Sl7l 600, which is within the appropriation.
The architect couples this statement with a
rejection on the governor for having given
only the higher estimate to the public.
When GLOBE reporter called on the gov
ernor yesterday he found him surprised, to
put it mildly, that the architect should have
made any such statement, and charitably
thought he might have been misouoted.
In response to the direct query
after coming into Office he asked Mr.. Bufapg.
ton for figures and he gave him estimates
which aggregated 1884 ,24s, to complete the
building without the furniture. Taking
these estimates he summoned Mr. Bnfin gton
to personal interview and going through
them in eetail. he (Hubbard) cut them down
himself to Sl7l,0U0. To many of the pro-
posed reductions the architect strenuously
objected, and after more reflection the gov
ernor concluded that it would not be creditable
or satisfactory to reduce the cost
SO low as Sl71, 600. He accordingly
called on the architect on the 14th Of February
for careful detailed figures, the first ones OF
1894 ,243 being merely a rough statement,
and the Sill 900 no estimate of the architect
whatever, After nearly a months delay he
received in response the detailed estimate of
Mr.. Burlington, showing $245,000 necessary
to complete the building.
To the further question as to what he pro
posed to do, the governor said that as he was
required, under the law, to complete the
building within the appropriation. and as only
S1s4,0OO is provided for the building and fur
niture he had no alternative but to
execute the contracts already made
and halt there. he should have the building
put in proper shape not to suffer from the
weather and await action of the legislature.
To plete it within the appropriation would
eliminate all the fire proof features, would re.
auire pine where hard wood should be used and
In facG make cheap anu eudoDy uuIuiuS
throughout. He did not believe the people Of
the state desired to have such a building, but
his hands were SO tied that he could only
make it what 1t should be by further legisla'
ton.
While the governor did not say SO, it is
quite probable there would be a change OF
architects If Mr. Burlington had not secured
a contract, but it is possible legal remedy
can be found enabling the change to be made
at an early day. Mr.. Bufington's fees are 80
per cent, equal 10 seven or eight thousand
dollars in the aggregate.
EX-Gov. P1LLsBURY.
The ex-governor being called upon says he
was not in favor Of an expensive capitol at
this time, but thought one could be
erected for moderate sum which would
last twenty years He had designed to secure
an approJ riaion large enough and he still
thought the building could be completed
within the approp riation. He had felt per.
sonal responsibility in the matter and had let
the contracts before he went out OF office in
order to save money for the state.