Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-12-07
CONDITION OF BUILDINGS.
Col Wilson Reports on the Work During
the Month.
Repairing the Old Ford's Theater-
House Repairs-Other Buildings.

Col. J. NJ. Wilson has made a report to me
chief of engineers OF the operations on pub
lie buildings ana grounds in the District of
Columbia during the month Of November
from which 1t appears that they have been
maintained in their usual good condition
In the public parks ana reservations the
lawns have been raked, flower beds spaded,
roads, sidewalks and cutters swept ma
drain traps cleaned
The Executive Mansion.
The renovation of the mansion for the
winter season has been completed. A new
carpet has been laid in place of the old one
leading from the main corridor to the Sec
ono noor. In the red bed room on south
front, second floor, some OF the old furni-
lure has been upholstered and new cur
talns nave been placed in position. New
curtains have been hung In place OF worn
out old ones in the main corridor second
Moor. The usual care has been extended to
the large and valuable collection of pains
ana other tropical plants, and a few addi-
tons made to the orchids The propa cation
or plants for the grounds next season has
been continued.
Washington Monument
The monument is in excellent condition.
Some vandal during the month gave a fur
ther specimen of contemplate conduct by
breaking another piece from one of the
handsome tablets in the walls ON this SUBJ
ject Col. Wilson says: Unfortunately we
must either run the chances OF occasionally
having visits from persons who show their
lack Of patriotism by defacing Shis magnifi-
cent monument to the father OF his coun-
try, or We must prohibit the public from
walking up and down the stairs. IL would
be unjust to punish all for the disorderly
acts or few persons"
More or less trouble occurred during the
month In the tunnel running from the boil
er house TO the engine room. on the after
room of the 10th a loud explosion occurred
ming the tunnel with steam and necesSftat-
ing the stoppage of the elevator An exam
ination showed that a nipple had pulled out
or socket in the steam pipe on account OF
defective thread and that a small pips
had burst In the coil trap at the bottom OF
the vertical tunnel. Necessary repairs Were
made as soon as possible and the elevator
was started again on the Goth. The elevate
and all the machinery connected with IL are
row in good condition. There were O. 7cs
visitors 20 the top of the monument during
November making a total OF SEE. ass persons
VINO have ascended since its opening Oc-
Ford's Theater Building.
The repair Of this building has progressed
satisfactorily. All the brick work In the
cellar has been completed and arrange
ments have been made for light and ven-
tilation in the portion to be used for the
dynamo room. The excavation for waste
paper room is well advanced. The first
floor is nearly ready for the layer of con-
crete. The second floor is ready for the
Georgia pine flooring and IL will be laid at
once. The contractor will commence laying
tiies on the concerted third floor a an early
day. TWO coats of plaster have been COM
pleted over the entire portion of the build
ing that was destroyed. Considerable re-
pairs have been made to doors and WIN
dows. 1t Is anticipated that the building
Will be completed before the close OF
December. although the dampness of the
plaster will probably prevent fits immediate
occupancy.
Outside War Department Buildinss.
All the buildings used by the War Depart
ment outside of the State. War and Navy
building, were inspected during the month
and found 60 be In good order The redis-
tribution OF the loads the floors Of the
annex to the winder building has not vet
been completed and the attention OF the
custodian has been called TO the matter
The loads on the floors OF the other build
ings are properly arranged