Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-03-31
PUBLIC BUILDINGS
A Substitute for the Tarsney Bill
Sent to the House.
ANSWER OF TREASURY DEPARTMENT
How It is Proposed to Change the
Present Law.
T n e TR ASURY PLAN

Acting Secretary of the Treasury Curtis
today sent a communication to the House
of Representatives in answer to the resolu-
tion of that body of the 10th instant, re-
questing from the Secretary of the Treasury
information as to what measures, If any,
have been taken by him under the pro-
visions of the Tarsney bill. which provides
for competition in designs of public build
ings, and what further legislation, in his
opinion, Is necessary to carry out the pro-
visions of the said law. The communication
Is accompanied by copies Of all the cores
pondence on the subject with the commit
tee from the American Institute Of Archi-
tects. Mr.. Curtis calls attention to the sug-
gestions made to the committee of the
American Institute Of Architects relative to
what were looked upon as defects in the law
referred to and then explains the modlfica-
tions and additions which he considers
necessary to carry out the intention Of Con-
gress. He recommends that the act be
amended by substituting the following.
The Treasury's Bill.
BE 1t enacted by the Senate and House
Of Representatives Of the United States in
Congress assembled, that the Secretary Of
the Treasury be. and he is hereby, author
lied in his discretion to obtain competitive
designs or complete plans. detailed draw
ings and specifications for the erection Of
the public buildings of the United States
authorized by Congress to be erected under
his supervision and direction.
The supervising architect Of the Treas
ury Department shall prepare a scheme
for free or open competition among the
architects OF the United States therefor.
such scheme to be approved by the Secre-
tary OF the Treasury; that the Secretary Of
the Treasury shall nominate and appoint a
commission or commissions, each consist
ing of five citizens Of the United States,
three of whom shall be architects of recog-
nized professional standing and experience
end two of whom shall be men of business
or government officials, who are familiar
with the uses and necessities of the pub
lie building under consideration at the
time, to select the best design or complete
plans from those submitted in accordance
with the scheme OF competition hereinbe-
fore provided. The members Of the said
commissions shall be raid their actual trav-
cling expenses and subsistence while act
uaily engaged In the performance Of their
official duties.
The expenses Of the commission and the
fees for the services Of the architect sue
cessful in said competition shall be paid
from the appropriation for the buildings re-
srectively passed upon or designed In case
the complete plans. detailed drawings and
specincations are furnished by competi-
ton, as herein provided, the supervising
SLitcSt VI the lTSaSuEy department shall
be the representative of the government to
inspect the erection and completion of the
buildings, the receipt of proposals, award
of contracts therefor and the disburse-
ment of moneys Hereunder.
The Supervising Architect.
In case designS only are supplied by
competition the supervising architect shall
perform the duties now required of him
by law. in the usual manner, excepting
the preparation of such designs That in
the discretion of the Secretary Of the
Treasury the architect selected as herein
provided to furnish complete plans, draw
fngs and specifca tions shall have the en-
tire direction and control OF the construc-
tton of said building, and the direction and
control OF the local superintendent Of con-
strucuon, and the Secretary of the Treas
ury is hereby authorized in all cases to
make contract with said architect for
his services. providing for such erection
and control, fixing his duties and respon-
sibilities during the construction of the
said building, and making proper provision
for modification or change in the plans
and specifications during the progress of
the work. and for additions thereto also
determining the amount of his fees and
charges, and including such other pro-
visions in the contract as may, in his
discretion, appear advisable to protect the
interests Of the government.
ANY or all of the designs or plans, de-
tailed drawings and specifications present.
ed in the competition herein provided may
be rejected by the commission, and in
case the competition fails for any cause,
or 1t Is impracticable to obtain designs
or plans. detailed drawings and specifca-
tions, by competition, the Secretary Of
the Treasury shall direct the supervising
architect to prepare plans, drawings and
specifications and supervise the construc-
ton of the buildings in the usual manner
according to law. All acts or parts Of acts
inconsistent or in conflict with this act are
hereby repealed