The morning times., 1896-05-24
BOTH BUILDINGS slFE
Printing and POs'office Appropri-
atI0ns Agreed 10 by The House.
PLANS CAN BE CARRIED CUT
Mr.. Sayers Strongly Impressed Upon
the House the Necessity of Both
Items, and the Printing OFFICES
Condition Was Generally Discussed.
Other District Legislation.

Fortunately for this city, the temper Of
the House had somewhat softened over
night, and when consideration Of the con-
ference report on the sundry civil bill was
yesterday resumed many of the members
had reconciled themselves to seeing others
obtain that which they desired but could
not secure.
For this reason more than any other
the Senate amendment to the bill appro-
priating $4,000 for continuing tic work
on the new city poSJoflice, ana increasing
the limit OF cost by S4lUUUO, was con-
curred tn after little discussion on both
sides Of the question.
AS result Of this action the entire
structure viii bc completed within the next
eighteen months, and the two upper floors
Will be double TERED in accordance with
the plans OF tie Supervising Architect OF
the Treasury. The removal OF the city
postOfficc and the various bureaus of the
government now occupying rented quar-
ters and which have been allotted room in
the new building. will Immediately follow
the readiness of the building for occu-
pancy.
SAVERS STRONG APPEAL.
The item authorizing the purchase of
ground for an additional annex to the
Government Printing Office was strong.
defended by Mr.. Savers, who had read q
letter from Public Printer Benedict urging
| the necessity for Immediate preparations to
light, heat and ventilate the new wing now
approaching completion. Unless heat is
provided the building cannot be occupied
after November l.
Mr.. Mliken made a five-minute speech
and said there was no man in the House
who had worked harder to secure n new,
suitable and commodious Government Print
ing Office. For the past six years the
Senate had blocked the way and said il
was a certain site or nothing. 1t costs
the government about twice as much to do
the work in the present Old rat trap, never
intended TO be used for such purposes, as il
would in a new building. He did not con-
slider it necessary TO purchase one-fourth of
as much ground as the whole printing
office now occupied.
Mr.. Sayers said that in view of the fact
that 3, 900 people are employed in the build
ing their lives should not be jcOpardized
by locating a heating plant in the same
building. If a great disaster occurred,
resulting in large loss of life, the response
bility must lie upon the soul OF the gentle
man from Maine and all those who vote
against concuring in the Senate amend
mcnt.
Mr.. MiIliken said the building had twice
been indicted by a grand jury, often con-
denned and was considered by every one
could not see that the erection Of boiler
house would in any wise avert the cataS-
trophe hourly expected.
WENT FOR MILLIKEN.
Mr. Sayers declared that Mr.. Millil,en
occupied the position OF a dog in the
manger-he would do nothing himself and
allow no cne else To do anything. He
had prevented the Committee on Public
Buildings and Grounds from taking any
action, He would eApeud $lO0,J 90 rather
than further risk a great dsa ster.
+ You believe in absoving doubt i'll favor
OF lIfe," said Mr.. Henderson.
Yes, do replied Mr.. Sayers.
Mr.. DINGHY thought the amount OF land
proposed to be purchased was too much
unless 1T was intended TO continue the
Government Printing office where it is
now located. If it is TO remain there
perIetualIy the Increased area is of no
consequence.
Mr. Cannon said that in his judgment
it would be seven years more before a
new printing office would be completed.
In the meantime ii was necessary that
! there should be new heating plant
| The public printer says that the Old plant
Is worn out and dangerous, and if new.
| would be inadequate to more than supply
| the requirements of the Old building
Mr. Hicks expressed the belief that the
| Committee Oh Public Buildings and Grounds
| had been almost criminally negligent in
| not long ago reporting suitable site
| for a new building With the adoption Of
| the Senate amendment he thought that the
| question should he considered as forever
| settled. and the site should remain where
! it is.
Mr.. Cannon SAID this question was nc:
| now involved.
! The House then agreed on the Senate
| amendment without a division.