Evening star., 1896-04-11
THAT WOODEN ROOF
What the Supervising Architect has to
Say About 1t.
While the Plan Is Not His, He Heartily
FayOrs What IL Now
Being Done.

Supervising Architect Aiken Of the Treas
ury Department said to Star reporter
today that he had no excuses to offer for
the character of the roof of the Washing
ton city post Office. The building, including
the roof, he said, was designed by Mr.. Ed
brooke, his predecessor, an architect of
experience and ability, and the work is be-
ing carried on in strict accordance with the
terms of the contract made by that gentle
man. Mr.. Aiken expressed the opinion that
the roof now under construction Is the best
that could have been selected for the pur-
pose, and said he was perfectly willing to
submit the question to the unbiased judg-
ment of a representative of the Senate, q
Representative Of the House. representa-
tive of the Star and representative of the
local board of fire underwriters.
The same form Of roof construction, he
s2id, had been successfully employed in
many other large buildings having mansard
roofs, and has always been regarded as
safe and proper. Mr.. Edward Atkinson, a
recognized authority in architecture, has
advocated its use over and over again.
Consequently Mr.. Edbrooke designed it
with his eyes open. and Mr.. Aiken said
that he has never seen any good reason to
deviate from the original plans with re-
spect thereto. The wood work is protected
by heavy felt, metal and slate.
The roof of the public building at Charles
ton, s c., his own home, Mr.. Aiken OBJ
served. Is Of slate and iron construction and
moves in waves whenever a northeast wind
prevails. recurring frequent repairs: Terra
Gotta could not he used on the Washington
building because of its peculiar construc-
ton, and even II he could substitute another
material Mr.. Aiken said he would prefer
the existing roof for the reason that it is
more weather proof and not so cold in win
ter nor so warm in summer. The use of
terra Gotta for the roof would also necessi-
tate strengthening of the iron construc-
tion Of the building and would add to the
expense in other ways.
Mr.. Aitken said that the contract called
for slate roof. and to his mind it would
be a folly to change 1t. The building was
being erected by direction of Congress, and
If that body desires any changes made, of
course its wishes will be respected. He re-
gretted. however, that he had not been call
ed upon for information on the subject be-
eSas tho rsaeha tsat
was not altogether business-like, however,
to stop the work now in progress, and Or
der change Of plans without making any
expenses that would be entailed by the exc
cution Of the resolution pending in Con-
gress. The adoption of the resolution, he
said, would, of course, add to the time and
expense Of completing the building, and
the contractor would undoubtedly have to
be paid for the work already performed.
The workmen engaged on the roof also
would be thrown out of employment until
new plans are made and arrangements
concluded for q renewal Of the work.
Work to he Suspended.
Mr.Aitken said he had no personal interest
in the matter and he was entirely willing
to make the roof Of any character Congress
desired. lnasmuch as 1t seemed that a
change is to be made he did not consider
it wise to continue work on the present
structure any longer He had therefore
recommended a suspension of work on the
roof pending the action of Congress, and
he expected that Secretary Carlisle would
so order Monday morning.