Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1906-08-12

one in the roof and one in the floor below,
were at points where cutting away had
been done to accommodate some Of the
switchboard equipment. The bracing effect
Of the solid concrete incasing tho steel
column is doubtless an important factor,
and IL Is probable that with such re-
enforcement the steel might even attain a
softcning temperature without DETECTION.
"The excellent behavior Of this (rein-
forced concrete) type OF floor was notice.
able. In the Baltimore fire were several
cases Of reinforced concrete floor arches,
but they were on low. small buildings.
and the results. though favorable, did not
appear decisive, for the reason that
number OF one-story buildings escaped
which had no special construction merits,
The behavior of one-story buildings I'm con-
fagratons is so capricious, on account Of
the shelter they sometimes get. that eau
ton must be exercised in drawing conolu-
sions. There was one case in Baltimore
of building with reinforced concrete
frame as well as floors. and Il made q
good record, but the results were not con-
sideved decisive for several special rea-
sons. In the San Francisco conhagration,
however. thirty-one ireprof buildings Of
good height had reinforced concrete floor
arches, though all but two had steel
frames. Furthermore, fifteen Of the build
ngs had mercantile stocks and most Of
them were exposed to maximum exterior
conditions. although there was, of course,
no fire and water test. IL was an advan-
tage, also. that variety OF representa-
tive types of reinforced concrete construc-
ton were present In San Francisco, the
results showing a substantial equality Ia
their ability to stand the test.
other Doinss.
The Jesuit Fathers, who leased the site
of the old st. Ignatius college and church
at Van Ness avenue and Hayes street to
Waramaker & Brown for big depart
ment store have purchased the block
bounded by Shrader, Cole, Grove and Full
ton streets for $4,000.
Prof Boerniel, the favorite sculptor OF
the kaiser, will submit to the mayor Of
San Francisco a plan for the erection at
various points in the city OF water towers
fed from the sea, securing the city from
repetition OF its great fire. The machinery
in the towers will be so arranged as to
move in sympathy with the movement Of
earthquakes.
The blockade OF freight In the Southern
Pacific freight sheds continues, although
demurrage of 81 day a car Is being
charged. The railroad officials are now
considering a tax of 81 to so day on
carload, as II is imperative that cars be
unloaded at once. This congestion Is caused
by the inability Of merchants to obtain
quarters for housing goods. The railroad
company has issued strict orders not to
receive any local freight except crude oil
and perishable goods.
The closing Of the sale of the Spring
Valley building. at the southeast corner OF
Geary and Stockton streets, for 10000
marks the most important real estate trans
fer since the fire. The price is low as It
is estimated that $500 600 will put the build
ing in perfect shape for Offices. The es-
tnblishment of values in the down town
district will be slow. but from the present
indications shrinkage on all streets except
Market street will not be over one-quarter.
Market street probably holds its own and
none can be bought at reduced prices.