Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1958-04-04
Smith Urges
New Study Of
East Front
Extension Buckers
Win Support Of
Stone Firm Chiefs

Senator Smith, Republican OF
New Jersey. has urged his tel
low-Senators to support "a
fresh study" to investigate
means of restoring the Capt.
tolls deteriorating east front at
its present location.
Senator Smith is strongly OPP
posed to the east front extern
sion. His move followed letters
sent to each Senator by Sena-
tor Hayden, Democrat Of Ari-
IONA, strongly urging the extern
sion as the best means Of pre-
serving the old east front.
Thorough Study Asked
Senator Smith wrote, that
those who question the neces-
sity of the present plan are
simply asking for a thorough
study by experts in restoration,
Of the practically and costs Of
restoring the east front in its
present location"
Senator Hayden's letters had
attached copies Of extensive re-
ports submitted by architects
and engineers planning the exc
tension. which analysed the
east fronts condition and var
ious possibilities for repairing
it in its present location.
He urged support for "the
patriotic group of American
citizens who are seeking to pre-
serve the present beauty Of one
of Americas most historic
landmarks"
Sees No Cheaper Way
Senator Hayden wrote that
the reports indicated none Of
the remedial" measures seems
to be satisfactory. or really any
cheaper than extension Of the
east front. His letter noted that
the extension also was designed
to provide additional space and
complete the long planned
architectural design Of the east
front. It added:
1T is high time that we in
the Senate and the American
people begin to hear more about
the preservation Of the Capitol.
and less about its dissertation
and vandalism. for day by day
we are losing the very work that
all Of us want to preserve"
Union Chief Rebutted
Meanwhile, Capitol officials
favoring the extension pro-
duced two letters in rebuttal to
statements by Harry c. Bates.
president of the. Bricklayers.
Masons and PIasterers Inter-
national Union. which argued
against the extension.
Mr.. Bates offered the skilled
and enthusiastic services" Of
union stonemasons In repair
| ing the east front at its present
location, and noted that crafts
men today possess skills equal
to those Of their fathers and
grandfathers in meeting the
demands Of modern architec-
ture.
Capitol officials. however.
produced a letter from B. N.
Reissig. vice president Of the
Vermont Marble Co., Proctor.
VT, which warned that the de-
crease in construction Of CLASH
cal buildings during the last
few decades has drastically re-
duced the supply Of stone carv-
Iers who are capable Of repro.
ducing the intricate ornamen-
tation required on the east
front.
Mr.. ReiSsig's letter said in
part:
1T takes several years Of
apprenticeship to become even
q first-class (stone) cutter and
only the very best cutters are
considered candidates for train
ing as carvers. ] am sure that
mo one in the industry today.
with the present trend away
from exteriors requiring this
type of architecture, is willing
to make the large investment
necessary to train employees In
this art.
I'VE can provide the skilled
personnel to perform this work
at this time. 1t Is very doubtful
II qualified personnel can be
provided in the proper number