Page:U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Report 1877.djvu/55

Rh which is designated on a scale corresponding to that of the enlarged Capitol, will make the defects more conspicuous.

“The immediate construction of the new stairways upon the plan favorably reported by the Committees of Public Buildings and Grounds in 1875, is much to be desired.”

RECONSTRUCTION OF THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT BUILDING.

The destructive fire of September 24, by which a portion of the Interior Department building was destroyed, was made the subject of special report, dated October 12, 1877. The measures adopted for the protection of the exposed wings are deemed sufficient to secure the walls from further damage, and to protect the rooms beneath until such time as the reconstruction of the building shall be completed. A substantial temporary roof has been erected, the damaged flues repaired, and the exposed walls covered with brick laid in cement so as to secure them against the action of water and frost. The rooms vacated by the Land Office and Patent Office have been reoccupied, and the business of the department is carried on with but little inconvenience. Aside from the damage to the building, the only material loss reported is that of the models contained in the two wings, and out of what is left of these models it is believed that at least ten thousand can be saved by judicious and skillful treatment.

It is a subject of congratulation that all of the valuable records of the department were preserved, they having been stored in rooms that have proven practically fire-proof.

The prompt reconstruction of the building is a necessity, and I recommend that authority and means be asked from Congress for the prosecution of the work at the earliest practicable moment. In the rebuilding, two essentials, aside from the restoration of the destroyed model-halls, should be provided for. First, the erection of a fire-proof roof over the entire building; second, the creation of more room for the present and future wants of the department.

For many years past the present building has been too small to accommodate the several bureaus of the department. The Pension Office and Bureau of Education have long occupied quarters rented from private parties, and the Indian Office has recently been crowded out on account of the fire and the demand for room to accommodate the bureaus that remain. The taking of the census and the preservation of its bulky records require room impossible for the department to furnish without hiring from private individuals suitable buildings for the purpose. This condition of affairs is against public economy and injurious to the public service. In the reconstruction of the building, it is deemed feasible to so enlarge its capacity as to provide for the bureaus of the department. Whether the accomplishment of this end will be best promoted by the erection of a building across the court-yard, or by other