The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1884-12-04
THE BURNET GRANITE


Frequent reference has been made
to Burnet granite as material out of
which the new capitol should be con-
structed. The foundation is said to
be sufficiently strong to bear super
structure of granite, the specific gray
ity of which is greater than that OF
limestone. The granite is already en-
tering partially into the construction
of the building, and hence ample OPP
portuDity has been afforded to Judge
of its merits as building stone. That
it has met every expectation is assert
ed, and there is but one Judgment
among honest experts as 10
its further use in the erection
of the capitol. All agree that the
house should be wholly built OF
it. 1t is not only beautiful stone,
but it stands the severest tests as to
tenacity and durability. 1t does not
decompose, as is shown in the solid
formation from which it is taken in
Burnet county; it is entirely Tree
from iron and other corroding miner
ais. and a house built of it would be
untarnished two hundred years hence.
AS said. this material has already en-
tered into the construction of the cap
itoI, The water table is to be finished
entirely with it, and the supervising ar
chitect and commissioners are going
to recommend that the building be fin
isded out of II. The granite in its natu-
raj state is ineXhauStible, and it IS
possible to build a railway to the
granite quarries at no unusual eX-
pense. The granite is found in the
midst of Backbone Valley. about
twelve or fourteen miles FROM the
line of the Austin s. Northwestern
railway. Backbone Valley is the re-
suit of broad rift in limestone form
alton; it is about twelve miles long
and eight miles wide. the Colorado
flowing through it. at its lower ex-
tremity are the Marble Falls, while
at the head of the valley are
another set of falls, which would give
more water power than even the far
famed Marble Falls. In this valley is
found solid hill OF granite, entirely
detached from other mineral form
ations. 1t is south of the upper falls,
and it is said the water from the river
could easily be conveyed from the up
per falls to the granite, for use in
working it. There is grand future
in i'll industry to be established there,
and it would be particularly pleasing
to see the state take an interest in
developing so valuable and cred1table
an industry as great granite works.
II the capitol contract could be so
amended as to cause the work to be
finished in granite instead of in lime
stone, this industry would thus obtain
an impetus which could make it per-
manent. If the capitol contractors
could be induced to establish temper
airy works there others would follow
them with permanent works, and
since the supply is ineXhaustible
this granite would come into use for
many necessary parposes THROUGH
the state. 1t is beautiful in color and
texture, and a great monumental
house built of it would be beauty as
well as a wonder in architecture. 1t
is not known what the disposition of
the contractors is in regard to this
matter. They have agreed to con-
struct the capital of limestone, and it
is said the supply of this stone, where
it was expected to obtain it,
is insufficient for construction. A
great quantity Of inferior stone has
already been brought in, and even
with the most diligent inspection some
bad blocks must creep, and most prob
ably have crept, into the foundation.
On the other hand the Burnet granite
turns out every block a perfect build
ing stone. 1t is abundant; it is solid
it is beautiful; it is everlasting. Build
the great Texas capitol of it.