The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-02-22
WALLS In GOOD CONDITION.
CATHEDRAL RUINS INSPECTED BY
ARCHITECT BALDWIN.

ARCHITECT BALDWIN.
He Finds They Can he Used and 1t Is
Practically Decided the Plan of
the Old Building VIII BE Adopted.
$1OO,0OO-PIans TO Be Furnished in
Thirty Days and Contract Will BE
Let shortly AfterwRrd.
An inspection of the walls and spires or
the Cathedral by Architect Z. +. Baldwin
yesterday disclosed the fact that large
portion Of the building which remains
can be utilized as part of the new struc-
lure. The result of the inspection is
very gratifying to the finance committee
because it will be great saving to the
congregation.
Mr.. Baldwin began the work in the fore
noon, and was accompanied by Capt. John
Flannery and Mr.. William Kehoe, spe-
cial committee deputed by the finance
committee to be present and exchange
ideas with him. A close inspection was
made Of the walls with a view to ascer-
tanning just what damage they had sur
again. The spires were also examined
closely, or sufficiently to determine the
same facts. AS to the foundations it had
been known to the committee all along
that they were in perfect condition, not
having undergone any material damage.
In the main, the entire ruins as they now
stand can be used in the building, and this
a, flo 10,
thedral will be reconstructed in its former
image. The result will be particularly
gratifying to those who have earnestly
desired that the inspection end in a prac-
teal verdict by the committee that the
old Cathedral be rebuilt in its former
beauty and magnificence, with no change
except those dictated by modern methods
of experience and invention.
Mr.. Baldwin thinks the only thing re-
quired to put the walls in perfect condi-
ton is the removal Of some two or three
inside Innings of brick, which are consld-
erably decomposed as a result of heat. In
examining the spires he found they are
in exceptionally good condition, In view of
the heat to which they were subjected.
/
in them should be replaced with metal,
and that there should also be iron roddng
at different points to brace the walls
against all existing weakness. The re-
markable preservation of the remnant part
of the building was a subject of remark
by Mr. Baldwin. He has been called many
times before to examine ruins of burned
structures, but does not recall ever meet
ing with an instance where the loss to the
ruins was as small as in the case of the
Cathedral.
When the inspection was concluded MIR.
Baldwin had a crude idea of the cost of
rebuilding He met the finance committee
at Bishop Beckers residence in the aft
ernoon for the purpose of giving the re-
suit of his inspection and also making
such suggestions as seemed proper The
approximate cost of reconstructing the
building, apart from interior furnishings
of any kind, is estimated to be 100000
which includes all modern features. After
going over the matter thoroughly with the
committee and explaining different mat
ters, it was decided to have plans drawn
at once by Mr.. Baldwin. The plans are
to be furnished the committee within tbir-
ty days, or at the earliest practicable mo-
ment The fact that Mr.. Baldwin has had
extensive experience in church building
since his work on the old Cathedral, viii
enable him to include many features in the
new structure which will be a saving and
add convenience and comfort to it. Among
them will be the steeIgirders and lath net
ting, which the committee hopes to have
in the new building. These improvements
are said to be rather expensive, but pay
for themselves in the great advantage
gained from their tireproof qualities
As soon as the plans are received,
which it is thought win not be later than
April /, the committee will lose no time
in advertising for bids. The bidding will
of course be open TO competition, though
il is probable the contractors will be Sa-
vannah firms. The Old building was erect
ed by day labor and no contracts were let.
Whatever progress is made in preparing
the plans and getting in readiness for re-
building the committee does not expect
to be longer than absolutely necessary in
letting the contract, and Is striving to
gain all time possible by hurrying every
department until trowels are ringing and
laborers singing.
Mr. Baldwin has been over the same
ground before in charge of the construc-
ton of the Cathedral. and will not meet
as many hindrances as under other cir
cumstances. He is one of the leading
architects in Baltimore, beng senior mem
Der of the firm of Baldwin & Pennington,
chief architects for the Baltimore and
Ohio railroad. His extended experience
will be profitable in taking advantage of
things which would cause delay and in
pushing the new home of the congregation
to rapid completion. He returned to Bal
timore last night, and will have the plans
at once drawn, after which he win prob
ably return to Savannah for further
conference with the committee.