Page:U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Report 1880.djvu/72

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The reconstruction of that portion of the building which was destroyed by fire, is, with the exception of a few minor details, completed. The amount of money appropriated by Congress for this work was $250,000. The change of the plans originally authorized by Congress, June 20, 1878, necessitated certain expenditures which reduced the available balance to $244,920.48. The estimate submitted of the cost of the reconstruction under the plans authorized by act of March 3, 1879, was $250,000, and it is gratifying to state that the expenditures have not exceeded the available balance, above stated. The architect in charge estimates that $5,915 will be required to complete the ornamentation, construction of gallery-rails, furnishing rubber plates for steps, and for other necessary work which remains to be done.

The halls are a decided improvement over the old ones, being beautiful in design and more commodious in general arrangement. The additional gallery adds one-third to the space hitherto available, while the light is better than before. Credit is due to the architects and engineer in charge, not only for the original design, but for the fidelity with which the work has been supervised.

The supervising board appointed by Congress, consisting of the Commissioner of Patents, the Architect of the Capitol, and the Engineer in charge of public buildings, is entitled to no less credit for keeping the expenditures within the appropriation, and for the general management of the work.

The south and east halls are at present in a very insecure condition. Faulty construction has developed defects in the arches, which may prove of a serious character unless promptly remedied. In my last report I called attention to the insecure roof which now covers these two wings. It is little better than a tinder-box, and covering imperfect and badly constructed flues, may at any time endanger the safety of the building. The changes necessary to construct a fire-proof roof, and remedy the evils growing out of a faulty plan, would be so radical and expensive that I deem it in the interest of public economy to recommend the reconstruction of both wings on the plan adopted in the rebuilding of the north and west halls.

The sum of $90,000 has been asked for to carry out this plan on the south wing, and I earnestly hope that Congress may deem it advisable to appropriate the amount.

The walls and ceilings of the halls and rooms immediately under the reconstructed model-halls were seriously damaged by heat and water at the time of the fire.

The estimated cost for the necessary repairs is $10,000, and an appropriation of this amount is recommended.

An appropriation of $80,000 was made at the last session of Congress, to be used in fitting up the model-halls with fire-proof cases. Contracts