The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1888-09-27

Austln, Lex, oept. II, 1000
Hon. John D. Mccall, Comptroller:
We herewith hand you the land certifi-
Gates referred to in our communication of
the 27th of August, 1883. These certif-
Gates are duly signed by US, and are
transmitted to you subject to any action
the reception board may deem best.
This We deem necessary, as we are this
day closing our final report and probably
all further connection with the capitol
building. Very truly yours,
JOSEPH LEE,
NJ. II. MoLAUR1N.
Capital Building Commissioners.
OBJECTIONS ANSWERED.
The following explains itself:
AUSTIN, September 10, 1888.
To His Excellency, Gov. L. S. Ross
Dear Strive deem it proper to answer
the charges made by Attorney-gen
Hogg, at a meeting of the capitol board
September II, 1888, of defects that he
alleges exist in the workmanship of the
capitol building, Although we have re-
peatedly answered these charges as COM
ing from other parties, we now do so
again, and take them up seriatim.
First-Doors with cores of white pine
and oak on each side, glued but not
screwed together, and several have come
apart.
Answer-Regarding the doors, we state
that, as now made, they are the best that
can be made, and better than the speciti
cations required. This change was made
by contract properly executed. We back
: mn Wi lattara Dna
facturers, practical men, and also speci-
tications from United States government
buildings. The three doors that showed
defect were fitted tight, and were forced
open when they had swelled little, and
this is the cause OF the Hopping" spoken
of by the atto:ney-genersl. We think it
remarkable that out of at least 500 doors
Only three or four have gotten out of
order in four or five months.
Second-The veneeriug in the panels
never was frst-class and was turning
black, and 100 of these panels were taken
out and replaced by solid boards.
Answer-We beg to state that original
drawings do not show solid panels, and
that we ordered veneered panels put in
because they were better. We desire to
call Attorney general Hogg's attention to
the solid panels underneath the main
stairs in the Driskili hotel, which are
split and shrunk to pieces. We substan-
tiate our position by expert testimony
and information from parties able to
Judge.
Third-Broken lintels should be re-
moved.
Answer-As to the broken lintels, we
beg to state that all were taken out ex-
cepting those that could not be removed
without doing great injury to the
building and we stopped the contractor
from interfering with them, as it is no in
jury to the building to leave them as
they are.
Fourth-The ceiling in places is spotted,
either from bad work or bad keeping.
Answer-In regard to the ceiling being
discolored in few places, we beg to state
that in some places the pine laths have
caused it, and it cannot be prevented. The
plastering is not injured by it, nor is it
damage or defect to the building.
Fifth-Paint around columns turning
green?
Answer-The painting of iron work is
not changing color, owing to rust, but is
strictly frst-class and as good as in any
other building, and done according to
specification.
Sixth-In basement white coating of
iron columns has turned black and rusty,
and the whole place is damp?
Answer-In basement no rust is show
ing through paint; the black di5colora
tions is only on surface of columns and
is due to the damp air in
basement. If the ventilating apparatus
had been operated since the state took
charge of the building this dampness
would long ago have disappeared.
Seventh-Painted glass in trausoms, in
stead of embossed.
Answer-The glass in transoms IN fourth
story are required to be plain crystal
sheet glass, twenty-five ounce weight
Plan No. 81 shows this plainly.
Eignth-Drainage system is required to
be below the foandat'o on of the building.
Answer-The drainage of arrears is not
called for at bottom of foundation, but is
IS much as twelve or fif cen feet above
according to original drawing No. l. This
original plan calls for it to be of three
inch drain tile, and it was put in accord
ing to a supplemental contract authorized
by the capitol board, of date June u,
1858, said work to be put in according to
plan herewith submitted, marked "drain-
age" and size of pipe was increased in
certain places to four inches, and was la
fully to depth called for by this agree
meat, and same material was used as
original attract called for.
Ninth-Putty used on skylights inatsad
of rubber.
Answer-The skylights over legislative
halls and state library have the glass
bedded in putty, which, owing to the
change to iron skylights, was absolutely
necessary. Rubber could not be used on
these skylights.
Tenth-Eliminations of radiators and
urinal in attorney-generals office.
Answer-No urinal or radiator has been
omitted in Attorney general Hogg's de-
partment. None are shown on the plans
for this work. (See steam heating plans
filed with the comptroller.)
Eleventh-The material for the ros-
trums in the house and senate were
changed from marble to iron, wood and
thing.
Answer-The change was made in
writing, as set forth in agreement of date
May q, 1887, and the necessity for this
change is fully set forth in a commuuics-
ton to your excellency of date March 90,