Page:U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Report 1878.djvu/40

XXXVIII For the protection of the park and for the continuation of improvements during the next fiscal year, he recommends the appropriation of $25,000.

The Architect of the Capitol reports the completion of the improvements in the heating and ventilating apparatus of the House. The commission, appointed by the House of Representatives having been continued, will give further consideration to this important subject with a view of remedying existing defects. Attention is called to the insecure condition of the wall, ceiling, and roof of the old Hall of Representatives, and the combustible material of which they are composed. The Architect says, “The construction of this portion of the building is such that, should a fire take place in any of the rooms adjoining the wall, it would in all probability ascend to the roof.” He recommends that all the wooden construction be taken out and fire-proof material substituted. The mere mention of a liability of destruction by fire should be sufficient to secure a thorough investigation of this and other portions of the building, with a view to guarding against even the possibility of such an occurrence.

The attention of Congress is called to the necessity of providing suitable quarters for the store-yards and workshops connected with the Capitol. As the ones now in use are rented, and notice to vacate may at any time be received, it would appear to be both a precautionary and economical measure for the government to provide quarters of its own. Suitable lots can be secured adjoining the government property, on Delaware avenue, near C street north, on which are situated the Senate stables and fire-engine house.

The improvement of the Capitol grounds has steadily progressed during the year, in accordance with the plans proposed. The roadways, footwalks, and walls appear to be constructed in a substantial manner and of durable material. The stone work around the Naval monument has been completed, the only work remaining to be done being the introduction of water and the erection of the bronze figures and lamps.

The purchase by the government of the property on Pennsylvania and Maryland avenues at their junction with First street west, enables the architect to complete the proposed circle according to the original design. It is recommended that a more suitable dwelling-house be erected for the superintendent of the Botanical Garden, the house now occupied being on damp ground and unfit for a healthy residence. The architect reports considerable damage to the bases of the columns of the east portico by reason of the meetings held there from time to time. The material of which the columns are made is a soft sandstone, easily defaced by the feet. He recommends that the practice of holding meetings at this place be forbidden.

The expenditures on account of the Capitol extension for the year ending June 30, 1878, were $64,000. Improvement of grounds,