Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-04-23
MORE MONEY WANTED.
Attorney General Asks 100000 Add
tiOnal for New Building.

Attorney General Asks 100000 Addi-
tiOnal for New Building.
Chairman Mercer Of the House committee
on public buildings and grounds has received
from the Attorney General the following
communication concerning the proposed adj
d!tional appropriation for the new building
for the Department Of Justice:
I beg leave to report in addition to the
matter stated in my annual report submit
ted to Congress under date of November 60,
1899, with reference to the new building for
the Department Of Justice that the plans and
Specifications in accordance with the design
Of the architect, Mr.. George B. Post, were
completed and submitted for competitive
bids to twelve Of the most responsible and
best known contractors, eight Of whom SUBJ
mitted bids which were opened April IA.
Tho work covered by the plans and speci-
ficatons upon which these bids are based
cGmprehends not only the ordinary and
principal contracts of masonry, carpentry.
steel and iron, stone heating and ventilatins
OF the most approved character, electric
plant and wiring for lighting, bells, tele-
phones, interior marble work and exterior
so full and complete that no further ey-
pense needs be incurred to complete the
building for comfortable occupation.
Ihe estimate does not include fixed fur
eiiu QeCOTdIloH, OlIleT tudN
marble thing and pilasters, plaster cornices
and panels The building as planned not
only provides space for future growth, but
forms by its arrangement mezzanine stories,
a hall Of records for. the department and
the court OF claims, absolutely secure and
lire PROOF and perfectly ventilated.
In my annual report pointed out that
on account OF the extraordinary increase in
the cost OF building materials and labor 1t
would not be possible to complete the build
ing according to the designs selected within
the appropriation. but that at least fifty Ter
cent more money would be required than
would have been necessary If the building
could have been contracted for when the
act was passed. The bids submitted not
only confirm that Impression. but seem to
Indicate that the percentage of increase
would be considerably larger than esti-
mated. one OF the reasons for additional ex-
penSe Is that 1t is iascertained from bor-
iLgs made on the side OF the building that
a very considerable and unexpected eX-
pense will be incurred by reason Of the
necessity for sinking the footings Of the
building to a depth Of nearly thirty feet
ITO complete thei building within the
period OF eighteen months in accordance
with the bids. would require. exclusive of
architects fees, which are five per cent,
sum approximately 100000. The archi-
tect estimates that an additional sum of
SOO,Uo Will be requiredito provide for the
following items: Architects fees. library
stacks and steel filing, cases, desk and
wainscote in court room, mantels. electric
light fixtures, decorative, and plain painting
and furniture.
Il accordingly respectfully recommend
that an additional sum of 100000 be ap-
propriated to authorize the completion of
the building and its furnishing. Under the
bids submitted the building could be COM
pleted ready for occupancy within the Pc