Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-08-27
7 lie MAIN BUILDIN

Admiral Rodgers found. however that il would
be better to get more extensive grounds than
this property afforded.
In 1880 Congress provided for another COM
mission to look into the matter. This one was
composed of Admiral Rodgers Senator William
Plnkney White of Maryland and Representative
Leopold Morse of Massachusetts,. The commits
sion called in President Barnard Of Columbia
College. New York; Henry A. Rowland and
Charles Hastings Of Johns Hopkins University.
The result of their deliberations was the seiec-
ton In 1881 OF the present site. |: comprises
about seventy acres of land and was bought for
S65,OOO.
THE COST LIMITED.
Congress limited The cost OF the observatory
to 500. zoe, and proposals for It's construction
we're advertised for in April, 1888. Work was
commenced in that year. and proceeded slowly
for awhile. There were numerous delays occa-
stoned by failure of the contractor, bat all OBJ
stacles finally gave way before persistent effort,
and the buildings will soon be turned over to
the government.
Several buildings form the group. which will
be known simply as the naval observatory.
The general character of the buildings is classic
Greek, in feeling only, however. and differing
from structures modelled directly after the an
Gent. Marble and stone are the principal ma
terials used in the structures.
THE MAIN BUILDING.
The main building il about 800 feet long and
so to 90 feet wide. This is in three sections. all
IN fine cut marble except one end section. which
is rock faced and of larger Dimensions than the
other parts. This lOftier west end is the small
equatorial building. three stories in height. At
the center. carried up from the stone founda-
ton independent Of the floor, and thus escaping
vibration, Is the brick pier on which the smaller
9.t-lnch equatorial instrument by MerZ viii be
mounted. Next this are the elevator and stair
III L.
ture room and a chronometer room. in which
chronOmeters are tested for the use Of the NAVY.
are interesting studies in scientific construc-
ton.
This structure generally is two stories in
height. with basement and an attic. At it's
east end il the library running through the two
stories. Ibis section Is circular structure
fOrty-eight feet In diameter. Two tiers of iron
bookcases of height of about twenty feet sur
round the walls, with a gallery between, and
wing bookcases project into the room along the
lower range. Accommodation is provided for
about 81, 600 volumes.
The middle division Of the building contains
a number of large work rooms a museum &C.
arranged on both sides of corridor that runs
entirely through this part, connecting the Ii
brary with the larger end. A transverse pass
age crossing this at the center leads to entra
on either side. The building in every part is
finely lighted, and the central windows are
capped with double transoms, giving simple
form OF ornament The interior finish i'll this
main building Is in white oak with some of the
floors in oak and others III tiles. marble STAR
case is one of the solid features The cellar
with flooring in Neufchatel asphalt, is fitted for
storage. The attic serves as q veutiatlug cham
Der. In the first and second stories are conve-
nient toilet rooms. The building is piped for
gas and wired for electricity. 1t is to be heated
BY indirect steam The flat portion of the deck
Of the roof. which is covered with slate, is to
have an iron railing, and from this vantage
point an excellent view can be obtained of the
surrounding country.
THE BIG TELESCOPES HOME.
separate structure is provided for the 90
inch Clark telescope. This is built with right
angled w;Sls in the division facing northward
and at the other end with a dome section of As
feet diameter on the circle. revolving on a run
ming track. At the center are the concrete
piers on which the instrument is to be set; an
elevatlng floor to be used in conjunction is
capable of adjustment to any desired angle.
This building Is constructed in undreesed Tuck
ahoe marble, with water table, sill course. &C.,
finished to a smooth surface.
Directly north of this is the clock house,
with dimensions of about 1Sx20 feet, which is
built with dressed marble on the outside. This
contains twelve concrete piers, soiidly built
and capped with bluestone to support the
clocks. At either side the observers buildings
are connected with the clock room by wide
passages.
Beyond this again. on the northward line,
stands the Prime Vertical building and on each
side Of the clock room on the same parallel are
the East and West Transit buildings distinctly
contrasting in style with the larger ones in
white marble. These structures are constructed
with an inside lining of sheet zinc. while show
ing an exterior of galvanized iron. With this
arrangement the jackets between are ventilated
thoroughly. the idea being to attain as nearly as
possible temperature and atmosphere within
the house corresponding always with that out
side. Through this perfect system Of ventila-
tlon the meteorological changes are SO quickly
transmitted 10 the inner space as to maintain
unImpared the conditions of observation. This
IL very important where the exact time to be
attained by the transit Is primarily applied to
the security of navigation and commerce A
South Transit building about 3Ox4O is similar to
the two described, being erected in fiuted
iron outside. and with foundations in stone
The water works consist of stand pipe fed
from splendid well, and an adequate supply
of water is assured.
To the uorthward of the main building il an
attractive and substantial! residence constructed
for the officer in charge of the observatory.
II Is hoped that the extension of Massachu-
sets avenue will be conducted on plan which
Will carry that boulevard in graceful circle
aronnd the grounds.