Sunday Washington globe., 1902-05-04
The Proposed Census investigation.


The Proposed Census Investigation.
The act recently passed establishing
permanent Census Bureau authorizes the
collection of statistics regarding stone
quarries. This is a subject of much interest
to architects. builders and all others de-
sire to see evidences Of substantial and
artistic improvement in their surroundings.
The remains of massive stone structures are
the most tangible and convincing evidences
of great civilizations that are past, such as
Egypt and ancient Greece and Rome. Just
as such noble monuments of architecture as
the Congressional Library and the Capitol,
yet untouched by the hand of time, are the
most striking and impressive indications of
our own progress. The materials tor these
structures, outside of a small part Of the
marbles for the interior decorations, are the
products Of our own quarries.
That the fullest knowledge as to the
nature, extent and accessibility of the build
ing stones Of the country should be who OBJ
tanned, so as to have them at the command
of all the people of the country, admits of
no question. While figures as to the capi-
tai invested, the quantity and value of out
put the number of people employed in the
industry, and the amount of compensation
they receive, should be ascertained by the
census investigation, something more is
needed. All the knowledge that can be OBJ
tanned by observation and experience as to
the durability of the different kinds of
stone in the various climates of our broad
country should be presented in the census
report if it is to be of much value to the
Government, itself a colossal builder of
massive structures, and to that large class
of people directly or indirectly interested
in the subject.
The Tenth Census (IsSo) made probably
the most Fambitious offort Of this kind that
was ever attempted in this or any other
country. Eminent geologists and other
scientific men in all parts of the country
cheerfully furnished statistics and valuable
information of all kinds bearing on the sub
iect. They indicated the geological strata
from which the stones were obtained, their
ness of access, etc.
Statistics Of all quarries having an output
of 81 200 worth and upward in the year 1880
were obtained, and great deal of informa-
tion relating to valuable ledges of stone not
then exploited was reported.
Four.inch cubes Of all the different varie-
ties were collected and sent in by mail,
much to the astonishmeut of many Of the
postmasters and postal clerks.
The National Museum took charge of
these cubes and had them dressed and
polished in different ways on the six faces,
50 as to show their appearance and value
under various sorts Of treatment Many of
the stones were shown to be susceptible Of
a fine ornamental polish, though in the
cases OF a Considerable number of them this
quality had not before been suspected. This
exhibit is still to be seen at the National
Museum and is one Of absorbing interest to
architects and builders
Much Of the information obtained by the
census Of 1880 need not be duplicated, but
will be sufficient for all time, but the dis
coyery and extensive working of new
ledges since that time makes it imperative
to supplement this valuable and important
work so as to bring it up-to-date
The excellent plan and important results
obtained by the Tenth Census should fur
nish a good and convenient basis for the
work of the permanent census on this sub
iect No doubt the National Museum would
cooperate as it did-then by making micro
scopic examination Of ground specimens
Of the rock, qualitative chemical examina.
tiOn as to their cOmpo itiOn, subjecting
them to the different kinds Of polishing and
dressing, so as to show their appearance and
desirability for various purposes Of con-
structiOu, and keeping the additional speci.
mems on exhibitions as permanent object
lesson.
Observations as TO the appearance and du-
rability Of stones in buildings that have been
standing for a considerable period should be
made, 50 as to ascertain how they are likely
to Withstand the ravages Of time. Much
valuable knowledge of this kind can be OBJ
tanned without extra expense when the
statistics Of the quarries are collected and
its publication in the Census report will
render it readily accessible to many who
are seeking just this sort Of information.
Il Is no exaggeration to say that lack Of
knowledge as to the character and location
Of our building stone supplies has caused
the loss Of millions Of dollars in the past,
as stones we're often transported long dis
tanees to build costly structures when ex-
cellent unknown supplies we're close at
hand This was the case ia California,
where the people discovered only at a COM
paratiyely recent date that they have