Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-08-09
THE GRANITE CUTTERS
HEARING RELATIVE TO STONE
FOR MUNICIPAL BUILDING,
Light Colored Stone Recommended
Request That Cutting Be Done
in Washington

REPRESENTATIVES Of the granite cutters
of the United States Were granted a hear
ing before the District Commissioners
this morning relative to the kind of stone
to be used in the construction of the new
municipal building. The granite cutters
were represented by James Duncan, j. ].
Crowley and William Silver
Mr.. Duncan was spokesman for the
union representatives, and Commissioner
Macfarland and Acting Commissioner
Harding seemed greatly interested in his
clear and Intelligent presentation of the
matters urged by the granite cutters
Mr.. Duncan said that the granite cut
tiers prefer that the stone be cut in Wash
ington, but that the principal object of
their asking for hearing was to urge
struct the new home of the District gov
eminent out of a light-colored granite
The union, he said, while preferring that
the stone be cut in Washington, so as to
give the local cutters work. vet is more
greatly interested in the specific kind of
stone to be used in the structure
Styles in building. said Mr. Duncan,
have been changed within recent years,
and architects are decidedly in favor Of
granite rather than marble as a building
stone. Granite, he said, is more durable,
presents more monumental appearance,
Is better to handle, and for all building
purposes, he said, 1t is the ideal stone
Within late years, said Mr.. Duncan light
colored granite has come into favor as a
stone for immense buildings AS a conse.
Quence white granite quarries are being
opened up and fine grade and quality of
stone Is being taken out For the new
District building the speaker considered
that white granite would be ideal and
would give adequate and accurate ex-
preston to the architecture of the build
ing.
Friendly Relations Maintained.
Mr.. Duncan went on to say that the
granite cutters union has always sustained
most friendly relations with the ouarries
and that If granite is used there will be no
probability whatever Of strikes or lock-
outs and the delay consequent to such oc-
currences The granite cutters, he said. at
the beginning of each large contract for
stone cutting enter into agreements with
the quarries covering the period necessary
Tor getting out and cutting the stone.
Under these agreements, he said, the work
Is carried on and there is no friction be-
tween the cutters and the owners Of the
Quarries.
Mr.. Duncan gave description of build
Ing stones In most common use, and COM
pared the relative merits of each with gran
lite to the advantage of the latter stone.
At the close of the hearing Commissioner
Mcfarland mentioned that the selection of
stone for the new District building, as well
as all other matters relating to its con-
struction, are in the hands Of the District
building commission, consisting of the three
Commissioners and Secretary Shaw of the
treasury. He said, however that he was
greatly interested in the arguments present.
ed by Mr.. Duncan, and that he would lay
the matter before the commission at the
earliest date practicable. Is
Commissioner Mcfarland said further
that personally he is very much in favor of
constructing the new municipal building out
of white granite of quality similar to
that to be used in the new union sta
ton