New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-07-25
CATHEDRAL AND HOSPITAL
FOUNDATIONS FOR GREAT STRUCTURES.
MoRSINGsIDE HEIGHTs-A CHAT WITH


GEORGE MACCULLOCH MILLER.
While the leading Protestant Episcopal rectors OF
the city are ENJOYING the summer breezcs at the
seaside in the country. or are seeking rest and
recreation on foreign shores. Bishop Potter Is at
home looking after the affairs OF the diocese. Not
the least important Of his many arduous duties
the two great enterprises on Morningsde Ieghts-the
Cathedral OF St. John the Divine and the new St.
Lukc's Hospital adjoining It. Bishop Potter Is for.
tunate I'm having associated with him some OF the
abest bushes, men OF the city In addition to the
rectors OF the leading churches Among those who
have taken the deepest Interest In both buildings
from the outset IS George MacCulloch Miller who was
by a Tribune reporter yesterday at his Office.
No. 50 Broadway.
We making fair progress on both the Cathedral
and the hospital" said Mr.. Miller 1t is testing
time at the Cathedral The engineers are seeking
TO find proper resting place for the tower and
investigating the nature OF the proposed foundation
While the hill on which the Cathedral Will stand Is
sufficiently rocky TO hold the Immense tower without
difficulty. the rocks not well placed Instead OF
being Nat they are lying at an angle OF 4j or 80
degrees. and between the layers are found quantities
OF dirt so far the engineers have examined to n
depth OF thirty feet. but have not been able TO sat
sfy Themselves
How great "A weight will the foundation be re-
quird to hold - asked the reporter.
AT least 100000 pounds. This is the great
est weight any similar foundation-in II building,
/ mcan-n this country. If not In the world oi
course cxc.p. the Brooklyn Bridge towers. but there
it was necessary to dig down 100 feet or more
before a proper foundation was secured. We are In
no hurry and shall take ample time to test the founda
lions thoroughly
What about the financial probemf'
we have money enough in view for that part OF
the building immediately before Us. which Will cost
about ~ 100000. You know We are only construct
Ing the choir OF the Cathedral now. ana 1t will be two
or three years before that j. finished
Mr. Miller spoke OF the million dollars FOR the
Cathedral In which he Is 50 greatly interested and
a million dollars for Ia, new hospital building with
as much confidence as though President Cleveland had
not called an extra session OF Congress TO consider
the financial exigency OF the times. or Governor
Waite had not threatened upon the tnanciers OF
Wall But he hastened To assure the reporter
that the million dollars did not come in single con
irbullons at ordinary church collections. and much oil
the money needed for the Cathedral has not yet been
given The hospital authorities are less dependent.
having sold their valuable property at FiItlave ana
Iif,y-iourthsi. TO good advantage.
Mr. Miller Is the president Of the Board OF Nan.
iI, building Commltee. OF which Samuel ID. BabcOck
Is chairman The other members OF this committee
are Henry A. oakley Gordon Norrir Cornelius Van
drrbilt. George \. Croker. Hugh y. Camp. F. W. );
Hurst and Aaron ogden, secretary. Mr. Miller said
that the work at =. Luke was going forward with
completed for the four buildings that are 10 be erected
by ihc fall OF 1894. or By January J, 1872 At the
latest The -ubfoundaon walls are being laid now,
and the contracts for the granite for the lowest story
OF the several buildings are well forward The lst
OF the building will BE- constructed OF brick OF light
color with white marble trimmings II has only been
decided within few DAYS what the material Tor these
upper stories should De. and the committee 1celS
happy In The selection made. There IS no danger OF
delay. In the opinion Of Mr.. Miller for ne COMMUTE
has sufficient money in sight for the erection OF The
four building, now In process OF construction