The record-union., 1891-09-01
STRENGTH And BEAUTY.
The New Mercantile Building in
Sacramento.
Information Concerning the Weinstoci
Lubin d6 Co.'s Building Given by
Expert II. S. Wood.

stock, Lubin d Co. building at Fourth
and X streets, in this city, began it has
been an object of interest, because of its
novel character, its architectural pecul-
iarities and because Of its great size, its
vast interior open space, and its many
exterior openings.
The character of such a building be-
comes, therefore, matter in which the
people are interested. The builders and
proprietOrs recognize that fact, and there
fore called in Wright q Sanders of San
Francisco, well-known architects, 10
consult with their architect, w. II. Ham
ilton. They also went to what is
conceived to be the highest and best
authority in the State regarding strength
in construction and materials, the San
Francisco Bridge Company, and solicited
1t to send an expert to occasionally eX-
anime the building as it went up.
The RECoRD-U UNION, however, con-
ceived that the public is independently
interested in knowing the exact facts,
since the public is to be invited to go into
the structure, and because III it are to be
engaged large number of wage-earners
of both sexes.
Yesterday, therefore, learning that II.
>. Wood OF the San Francisco Bridge
Company was in the city, Il representa-
tive Of the RECOED-UNION called upon
him and put to him certain direct ques-
tions calculated to draw out his views
fully regarding the building, and the re-
suit is given below.
Ii. S. Wood, c. e., it should be
prefaced, is the chief constructing and
examining engineer of the San Francisco
Bridge Company. the largest engineering
and constructing concern west Of the
Rocky Mountains. Mr.. Wood came to
his present position Of high trust from
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company,
with which he received his training in
the structural department OF that great
corporation. lie was for four years also
in charge of the bridge and depot root
construction department Of that COM
pany. These facts ascertained we
proceeded to question Mr.. Wood.
Are you familiar, MIR. Wood, with the
ner OF Fourth and X streets, which has
attracted so much attention because of the
novelty of its design Y'
Il think / am"
''Will you, in public interest, give us
your views concerning lis strength and
general characterY'
Certainly. At Intervals, by the spec
ial request of the owners, | have been put
upon the duty of examining the structure.
| have given it three examinations dur
ing its erection. | have just gone over it
finally"
You, Of course, did so critically?"
Yes, examined all parts calculated
to support the weight Of the building and
the contents it is to hold. As the build
ing stands to-day, | can positively report
that there is no element of weakness in
any Of those parts OF the structure which
are subject to considerable loading. AS
said. | have in three examinations care
fully estimated the strain for each class of
material used, and have been aided in my
critical work by the keen perception and
excessive caution OF the members of the
firm erecting the building, whose con-
slant presence and oversight have not
only been carried into every technical de-
tail suggested, but have also caused to be
added features which render dOublv Sc
cure all the parts concerning which there
might be even the shadow OF a doubt"
"N our examinations have been well
separated ?'
~ es, at widely separated periods dur
ing the constructions
as the weight as much upon the pillars
inside as upon the walis?"
"G eS, fully as much upon interior as
exterior supports, The short lengths are
cast-irOn columns. and those of longer
reach are the famous Phoenix wrought
iron or steel columns, eXcelIing all others
dCcOIUIilg 10 Tie GA uduSilNG tests maze
by the United States Government at
Watertown, New York"
''Well, now, Mr.. Wood, we are address,
ing what you are saying to the general
public; not for architects, builders, own
ers or engineers, bat for the people to
whom this building is, you must confess,
a novelty and, therefore. calculated to
excite their curiosity. Now, then, what
are you prepared 10 say to the public as
a ayIlpI.t tho crnr1aro' cl,o
ter of the building and its stability?"
''Well, III addition to what | have said
the critical review of the structural parts
/ have made, has also been with a view
to possible vibration by earthquakes,
which in this State are the most severe
and unforeseen strains that could come
upon building of such bold and effective
design. The roof trusses We're arranged
particularly with large flying brackets to
counteract any earthquake distortion, and
Will carry ten times the weight they are
intended to carry. Then the iron lattice
girders on the level Of the top gallery are
designed to check any side bending of
How, Mr.. Wood, about the open
ings?"
"The distribution of the floor weight is
so largely on the interior columns that it
has permitted the use of large and frequent
windows, which, with other architectural
features, make the building the most per-
fectly lighted interior it has ever been my
fortune to observe"
How about the exits?"
safety of the public in the matter of
direct and rapid exits, seems to have
been consulted with success, and it GER
tainly needs no word Of mine to urge that
Sacramento should congratulate herself
on the possession of q building whose
bold design, brilliant lighting and con-
venient arrangement, with its architect
ural beauty, place it at the head of SINH
lar buildings in the State. Let me add
that the architect, William II. Hamilton,
is entitled to high praise. He has every
reason TO take pride in his achievement" !"
There is nothing more to ask, Mr..
Wood, you have probably exhausted the
subject"
II am willing to go into any detail that
is desirable, but belieye have given you
the general facts as / find them"