The Monte Vista journal., 1898-11-12
THE DAMAGED CAPITOL.
Les WIN Not Ne - Great - n Y,ss,

Lees WIN Not Ne - Great - n YIPss
TsareA.
Washington, ID. c.. Nov. THE
Supreme Court Of the United States
sat to-day In the room OF the senate
committee on the District of Columbia
There was no lar, and the court,
sitting behind a long table. was on
physical level with attendants and al
torneys. The quarters were so con-
tracted that II was necessary to ex-
clude visitors. These and other cir
cumstances rendered the scene some
what incongruous. but the court pro-
ceeded regularly with It's work. mau
Testing no perturbation over the
change
No written opinions were rendered.
hut this was not due to the fire. There
would no, have been any had the ex-
plosion not occurred. The time Of the
court was taken up with the hearing OF
arguments.
A report was current during the
morning that The west central wall Of
the capitol was cracked as a result Of
the explosion. Architect Wood made
a careful examination and located the
crack which had nrouseu ruspIcious
II proved. however. TO be in the outer.
or veneer wall. and not in the six.foot
foundation wall on the Yves, side.
This main wall has stood more than
100 years, and is still in fairly good
condition. When additions were made
veneer wall. about ten inches thick
was added. The explosion last night
blew out heavy stone door frame in
the outer wall. and this In turn
loosened several stones OF the veneer
wall. Mr.. Wood IS satisfied that the
main wall had not been disturbed. His
attention was called to crack in the
main wall. but this he recalled as n
well known old crack which had exist
ed for years.
Mr.. Wood says II is not surprising
that wall which has stood n century
should have some cracks. which dn
not. however. impair It's general So.
curity. He thinks this crack nav have
come from the expansion resulting
from the burning OF the capitol BY the
British in 1914.
The library Of the Supreme Court
winch, next 10 the congressional H.
hrnry, Is the most valuable collection
OF books in Washington. escaped with
little damage. although II was in tha
center OF disturbance. the wrecked eln-
vator shaft and uphenved fioor stones
being at the library entrance. 1, Is es
timatcd that the loss In the library
VIII be covered by Sl.JO0. The books
escaped intact. the loss being confined
10 slnged woodwork.
The noor OF the electrical room
under which the explosion occurred
was completely demolished. Forth.
natcly no one was In the room when
the explosion occurred. Mr.. Wood Mt
the close of the day expressed the
opinion that the damage to the capItol
building could he repaired for $1,000
1t Is by no means SO serious as I
FIRST thought 1t was" said Mr.. Wood.
Mr. Wood believes the explosion was
caused by gas. Other architects who
have Inspected the scene OF the ca,os.
frophe also attribute Il to an explosion
OF gas. Some express the opinion thai
broken main and n burning let are
respohsible for the occurrence.
The work Of removing the rubbish
caused by the explosion has been mr.
ceeding rapidly all day. - To 100 men
being employed for this PURPOSE. As
soon as the refuse Is suf{icieptly
| cleared ont the work Of repairing the
damage Will begin. Mr.. Wood thinks
that the Supreme Court room will bc
ready FOR occupancy within two weeks.
The personal effects Of the Justices
robsH. etc. were found TO IN. uniniured
The main loss Of the court was in m.
inarrhnls office and In the storage
room, where valuable old record. are
kent 'e