The Washington times., 1902-08-21
COLONEL BlDDLE SAYS
BRICK IS ALL RIGHT
Answers Protest Relative to
New Engine House.
Declares That Building at Congress
Heights Will Be Satisfactory
When Completed.

Several Gays ago Nr. Joseph N. Aren-
des and others. OF Congress Heights.
protested against the character Of the
brick being used in the erection of the
new chemical engine house In that sec
tion OF the city. Col. rchn Biddle, the
Engineer Commissioner, has replied to
the letter OF the petitioners stating that
the bricks selected were Of the bes: kind
available
1T is a better, stronger, and more
water-tight brick" he says, than the
one used at the Anacostia stationhouse,
and ii is believed that the appearance
of the building, when finished. will be
superior to that of the stationhouse.
have examined the walls, as they are
now about three feet high. and think
the appearance is good, and that when
completed will be still better This kind
of brick will also fit in better with the
tile roof, and the general effect for re-
Election of light, etc, Will, II is thought.
be distinctly superior to the red brick.
Every care is being exercised in laying
the brick. and 1t is up to the present a
very good Job. The brick being used
is no cheaper than the other bricks.
and was adopted as being superior to
them in quality and appearance
Why School House Was Painted.
"As TO the necessity for having
painted the school house at Congress
Heights to hide poor material, the pc
titioners are in error. The building
was painted, but the reason was that
due to, the lack OF protection of the
walls during a heavy rainstorm. the
mortar ran down the brick, staining ii
in such 4 way as to injure its appear
ance. The stains could not be removed
although efforts were made to do so.
The painting was to cover these stains,
and not TO hide the original appear o.
ance.
"All OF the s25.oO0 appropriated for
the engine house will be expended, but
of course. 1t is well known that the
price of material in all such buildings
has increased very much within the las;
few years. and also that the distance of
the engine house from the source of
supply makes bricks cost 81 per thou
sand more"
Colonel Biddle has also written TO Mr..
A K. Randle. of Congress Heights, in
closing detailed estimate for the
building of the engine house.
Writes Personal Letter.
LAS you see" says Colonel Riddle.
''the estimate only allows for contin-
genoies ard extra work the sum o.
$3.50, although II is possible that If the
house is completed before the time set
by the contract some amount win be
saved on superintendence. AS the esti-
mate for putting stone facings on the
front was over 81 600. you Will see that
the amount available would not permit
1t.
"The specifications were drawn with
great care and are very strict permit =
ting us to stop work. if necessary. dur
ing bad seasons so as 10 get good job.
The brick used are hand made, and as
stated in my answer TO the petition OF
the residents of that section. Will. in
the opinion OF the Building Inspector,
give a more satisfactory appearance
,han pressed brick. This brick costs as
much. II not more, than machine brick.
and was specified solely because ii was
thought to be better