Page:U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Report 1873.djvu/91

Rh one thousand tons of coal, have been constructed at both wings. To get rid of the coal-gas, which was often driven into the area from which the air from the exterior was taken, an underground air-duct, opening at the foot of the lower terrace of the western grounds, has been constructed. The openings of this duet being so far from the furnace chimneys—the cause of defilement—will afford a supply of purer air at all times, and in summer a cooler air than could be obtained from the former inlet.

The steam-boilers of both wings, which were found defective from long use by the Government inspector, have been thoroughly repaired, and extensive repairs and improvements made to the heating apparatus of the entire building; many rooms and corridors repainted and otherwise fitted up. The reporters' gallery of the Senate has been enlarged; the galleries of the House of Representatives so re-arranged that the diplomatic and the members' galleries will be on the east, the ladies' gallery on the west, and the men's on the north side. New desks and chairs have been placed in same hall, so disposed as to dispense with the outer platform. As provided tor by a resolution of the House, the bathing-room of the south wing has been extended and fitted up.

This portion of the building has been kept in repair and likewise improved; the Senate bathing-rooms refitted with new tube pipes, and floors; the steam-heating apparatus of the Congressional Library put in good order.

The roof of this part of the building is constructed on wooden rafters, and is, in many places, so defective that n new covering of copper is demanded. In these repairs I recommend that they be made in a dreproof manner. In fact, to avoid damage from fire the whole roof should be reconstructed.

Attention is called to the unfinished condition of the rotunda, and inner portion of the dome. I recommend that its walls be encrusted with ornamental marbles; the pilasters and first cornice taken away, and the door laid with encaustic tile. By omitting the first cornice, and letting the story terminate at the line of the second cornice, which cornice should be enlarged, the wall of the rotunda will have greater apparent height, and the anomaly of three cornices—similar members—so near each other, will be abolished.

Lofty doorways, with sculptured enrichment, should be made, and the vault of the rotunda decorated with painted enrichments. While these changes will entail a large expenditure, I consider them necessary to make a complete and harmonious finish to this the principal feature of the building.

Squares 687 and 688, in accordance with the act approved March 3, 1876, have been purchased.

All the buildings on square 687 have been disposed of at public sale, or the material taken away and used for public purposes. Nearly all the buildings on square 688 have been disposed of in the same manner. It is expected that the two buildings yet remaining on that square may be taken down and the materials cleared away before the meeting of Congress. The cavities on these squares have been filled, and the surfaces graded to correspond with the grade of the pavement at the north and south of each square.