The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
MORE MONEY FOR BUILDING.
Attorney General Griggs Urges an
Appropriation by Congress.


Attorney General Griggs yesterday
transmitted to the House Committee on
Public Buildings and Grounds communi-
cation in support Of his request for an ad-
ditional appropriation Of $500. 900 for the
new Department Of Justice building. The
letter of the Attorney General in part fol-
lows:
Il beg leave to report. in addition to the
matter stated in my annual report sub
mitted to Congress under date of Novem-
Der 80, 1899, with reference to the new
building for the Department Of Justice
that the plans and specifications in accord
ance with the design OF the architect, Mr..
George B. Post, were completed and sub
mitted for competitive bids to twelve of
the most responsible and best known con-
tractors, eight Of whom submitted bids
which were opened April Il.
The work covered by the plans and
specifications upon which these bids are
based comprehend not only the ordinary
and principal contracts Of masonry, car
pentry, steel and iron. stone heating and
ventilating Of the most approved charac-
ter, electric plant and wiring for lighting,
bells, telephones, interior marble work
and exterior sculpture work etc. but is
believed to be so full and complete that
no further expense need be incurred to
complete the building for comfortable Oc-
cupation.
The estimate does not include fixed
furniture and interior decorations, other
than marble thing and pilasters, plaster
cornices and panels. The building, as
planned. not only provides for future
growth, but forms by its arrangement
mezzanine stories a hall Of records for
the Department and the Court Of Gains
absolutely secure and fireproof and per-
fectly ventilated.
In my annual report I pointed out that
on account of the extraordinary increase
in the cost of building materials and labor
IL would not be possible to complete the
building according to the designs selected
within the appropriation, but that at least
80 per cent more money would be re-
quired 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 impress
sion, but seem to indicate that that tie
of increase would be consider
ably larger than estimated. One Of the
reasons for additional expense is that il
is ascertained from boTings made on the
site Of the building that very cons der
abs and unexpected expense will be in I
Cured by reason Of the necessity for sink /
iHs Iue lOuttHeS Oh INT uuiiuihS 70 ueptn I
Of nearly thirty feet in order to secure a
safe foundation.
To complete the building within the |
period of eighteen months, in accordance |
with the bids. would require. exclusive |
Of architects fees, which are per cert ]
a sum approximately $1,000, 600 The /
architect estimates that an additional sum !
Of $500 600 will be required to provide for I
the following items: Arthitects' fees Ii !
brary stacks and filing cases, desk and /
in court room, mantels, electric /
light fixtures decorative and plain paint /
ing and furniture.
Il accordingly respectfully recommend /
that an additional sum Of 5000 900 b0 ap- /
to authorize the completion OF /
he building and its furnishing"