Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-03-06
NEW CHINA AND LINEN
Provided at the White House for State
Occasions.
Interesting Statistics Contained I'm
the Monthly Report ON Public
Buildings and Grounds.

Col. Wilson has made report to the chief
of engineers in regard to operations on pub
lie buildings and grounds during the month
OF February, in which he says that all the
public works in his charge have been main
tained in good condition. Various mino re-
pairs have been made to the heating, plumb
ing and lighting apparatus at the EXecu-
tive Mansion. Repairs have also been made
to the furniture. Additional china and linen
have beer ordered for use on state occa-
sions.
The pipe line leading from Franklin
spring to the Executive Mansion was exam
ined and flushed out during the month. The
flow of the stream has decreased to such an
extent, however that the level of the water
is now below the mouth of the pipe line.
Arrangements are being made TO draw a
supply of water from other springs in the
vicinity. Eighteen stone monuments Rave
been placed in position along the pipe line
leading from the Capitol spring to the Capt.
toll. These monuments are marked IS. F., "
with arrows pointing in The direction of the
pipe line
Vandalism at the Monument.
During February there were 9.O4O visitors
to the top Of the Washington monument, of
which number 1851 mad the ascent by the
elevator and 2,3S3 by the stairway. making
a total Of ], l95, 40 persons who have visited
the top of the monument since it was open
ed to the public, October Q. 1883. Col Will
son says that an unsuccessful effort WAS
made on the 9th ultimo to break off piece
from the northeast angle of the shaft while
the Waterman was engaged in closing the
shutters at the top.
Propagation and Parks.
The propagation of different varieties of
tropical, subtrcpical and bedding plants for
the various parks during the season of 1896
was continued at the propagating gardens
and greenhouses. All the parks are described
as being in good condition the season
of the year will admit. Col. Wilson says
that the building on F street between 18th
and 18th streets occupied by the printing
office of the War Department should be
thoroughly overhauled and strengthened at
an early day, and that the north wall of the
annex should be rebuilt.
In chapter on monuments and statues
Col. Wilson says: THE cut stone for the
monument to be erected at the birthplace
of Washington has reached Wakefield, Va.
The shaft of Barre granite, weighing thirty
five TONS was transferred from the cars to
a fiat scow at the Washington navy yard
the use of the large crane being courteously
authorized by the naval authorities. The
monument will be erected on the site of the
house in which Washington was born, at
Wakefield, and will be in position probably
by May l, 1896.
Two More Statues.
s'The Hancock equestrian statue, cast by
the Gorham Manufacturing Company of
Providence, R. l., was inspected February
%, and appears to be a satisfactory piece of
work. 1t will be placed in position upon the
pedestal, which was completed in December,
1888. some time in April next. Work is in
progress cutting the stone for the pedestal
for the statue for Samuel d. Gross. NJ, D..
LID. The pedestal will be erected by this
office. The statue will be cast in Rome, and
erected by the American Association of
Physicians and Surgeons"