The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-07
To Look Into the Building Practices
Of the u. 8. Government.
Col. Freret Inaugurates an Admir-
able Building System.
The President Continues the Good
Work in Pension Claims.
He Vetoes Number of Bills Original
ing In the Persuasive Powers of
Shyster Pension Lswyers-The
River and Harbor Bill.
Special pIspatch TO The Appeal.

Special Dispatch 10 The Appeal.
WASHINGTON, July 6.-Some time ago
joint committee on reform OF the archi-
tectural practices OF the United States gov
eminent was appointed from the Western
Association OF Architects and the Ameri-
can Institute Of Architects. This jointcom-
mit.ee met in the rooms Of the latter Or
ganization last April aud discussed bill
which had been drafted by Mr.. NJ. L.
Bell, the former supervising architect Of
the treasury department, and which, with
certain notifications, was adopted as en-
bracing all that could at this time be Sc
cured from Congress in the way OF reform
legislation. The committee then came on
10 Washington and held another meeting,
at which II was agreed that before pro-
senting their bill 10 Congress 1t would be
q good idea to visit the Office Of Col. VIM.
A. rreret, the present supervising archi-
tect, and see for themselves Just what con-
ditions existed there and what reforms were
necessary. Accordingly they met Col.
Freret by appointment and devoted the
greater part Of the day TO the discussion OF
the proposed bill and 10 an examination
Of the management OF the Office. AS n
result Of this discussion and examination
they came TO the conclusion that il would
not be necessary 10 introduce their bills,
for they found not only that Col. Frcret
had inauguraled many new and beneficial
Il reforms In the administration OF his work,
but that after consultation with him Mr..
Dibblc, OF South Carolina, chairman Of the
House committee on public buildings and
grounds, ON March -, had introduced a
bill which they were compelled 10 admit
was q long step toward the realization OF
the reform proposed by the professional
organization. The joint committee has
prepared statement setting forth the fore.
going fact, and stating that they found
!. Col. Frcret an Administrative officer OF
khe highest capacity, full OF zeal for the
4eiJmation and Advancement OF the work
OF hts office and for the i'm
provement OF the administration OF
the buildings erected under Ms care.
They show that within the past ten months
nearly 200 contracts have been lct, aud
that there are now in the course Of cree
ton over eighty buildings, aggrcgaiing in
cost nearly S22,O0O,O00. Besides these
new buildings there are upwards OF 200 old
ones requiring constant attention. Among
the changes inaugurated by Col. Frcret
Il the transformation Of his bureau from
the builders office, that IL used 10 he, into
the architects office, that II should he.
Instead Of purchasing material, employing
labor by the day, and letting out the work
in many small contracts, Col. Fronut gives
out the work, ~ nearly ~ possible, 10 one
contractor. In this way one person only
Is responsible for the entire construction
and the Office is relieved OF the obligation
Of watching and pushing number Of con
tractors. Under this system Col. Frorct
can give more Of his time TO the architect
ural features Of his work.