5849 hrp2291 From 1 To 360

HOUSE OF ICE BUILDING, 191
HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING, 1911.

I
REPORT of the COMMISSION

TO DIRECT and SUPERVISE
THE CONSTRUCTION OF
THE HOUSE OFFICE
BUILDING
77
House Report No. 2291, 61st Congress, 3d Session
WASHINGTON
1912
AA&
CONTENTS
Page.
Report of Commission ........................................................................................... 3
Heating, lighting, and power plant for Capitol and congressional buildings ...................................... 6
Subway and traction system between Capitol and Office Buildings................................................ 8
Report on construction of House Office Building.................................................................. '9
General excavation ................................... ................................................ 20
Trench excavation .................................... ..................................................... 22
Tunnel construction .................................. ..................................................... 22
Foundations ....................................... .................................................... 23
Marble and brick work................................. ..................................................... 25
Marble approaches ................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Brickwork ............................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Steelwork and metal work.............................. ............................. ................
32
Roof construction ................................... .....................................................
35
Floor construction ..................................... ..........................................
35
Terra-cotta partitions ... ............... : 36
Interior finish of building.............................. ..........................
36
Plumbing and fixtures................................. ..........................
39
Bathroom fixtures..................................... ........... ................
41
Heating and ventilating ............................... ............. ......................
42
Electric wiring........................................ ........ ..................
43
legislative bells, buzzers, etc............................ ............. ..........................
45
Panel boards and boxes................................ ...... ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
46
Plastering ............................................. ...... I ...... ..............
47
Rotunda plasterwork ................................. ............ ..........................
48
Corridors and rooms................................... I....... .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
48
Exterior and interior wood finish........................ ............. ................
49
Hardware ...... ...
.... ... ................................... 52
Elevators, gravity conveyers, and mail chutes............. .................................. I..............
53
Court paving and lawn................................. ................................. I............
54
Summary .............................................. ...
...... ... ... .......................... .
55
General description of heating, lighting, and power plant for UJnitted States Capitol and congressional buildings.... 6i
Power-house building......... .......... .................................................
Electrical equipment.......... ............. .......... ................................................. 62

Switchboards ................. ............. .......... ...........I..................................... 64
Instrument posts............. ............. .......... ............................................ 64
Boiler equipment ............ .......... ...........I..................................... 66
Steam piping in main station.. .............. ....... 65
Condensing water............ ... .................. ............ 66
Artificial illumination......... ............. I ....... ......I ..... 66
Heating main station......... ...................... ............ 66
Electric crane ............... .............. ....... ............ 66
Motors for machine-shop tools. ...................... ............ 66
Shower baths and lockers. ................................................................................. 66
LU
IV CONTENTS
General description of heating, lighting, and power plant for United States Capitol and congressional buildings-Continued. Page.
Substations .......... ................................. 66
Capitol substation ............... 68
Steam tunnel ..68
Steam tunnel pipe racks .. ..............,.,.,.,............ 68
Steam tunnel lighting ..69
Steampiping in tunnel and power house ..69
Reserve boiler plant Capitol
in .............................. 69
Pumping station for condenser water .............................................,,,,,,..........,,,.,.. 70
Operation of main station ..70
Change from old to new plant ..................................... , . , , . ....... 70
Material furnished by contractors ................................,,,. , , 0,,,,,,...............
, , 70
Financial statement .......................73 . , . , , ....
IHlouse Office Building

...............,.,.,.,.,,., . ............................ 73
Approaches ........................ . . , .... 74
Furnishings ........... 75
Heating, lighting, and power plant ........................,.,.,.,.,.... 75
Appendlix ,.........., 77
Index .. 263
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Fiontispiece. House Office Building.
Plate i. B Street and New Jersey Avenue, showing Congressional Hotel property. General view of B Street on the left.
2. New Jersey Avenue, from the corner of C Street, showing residence of the late Judge Joseph Hlolt, Secretary of War and
Attorney General under Buchanan.
3. Beginning of excavation (October 22, 1904). View on site looking toward Capitol.
4. Method of transporting material across east front of Capitol.
5. First Street side of building site, showing open-cut work and timbering of Pennsylvania Railroad tunnel.
6. Tunnel excavation 40 feet below building foundations.
7. First and B Street side of square, looking toward Library of Congress.
8. Testing for the foundations.
9. Foundation trench at New Jersey Avenue and B Street.
io. Railway tunnel under southeast section of building foundations.
ii. Reenforcing top of tunnel to support building foundations.
12. Concrete foundations at First and C Streets.
13. General view of top of tunnel with relation to general level of the square.
14. State of work on New Jersey Avenue side on May i, 1905.
15. Ineffectual effort to drive for concrete piles adjacent to tunnel at First and C Streets.
6. Subsequent work, showing method of excavating along side of railway tunnel.
17. Foundation trench and concrete foundations under B Street colonnade.
i8. Foundation trenches, wood forming, and foundation work under rotunda section of building at B Street and New Jersey
Avenue.
19. Foundation work at New Jersey Avenue and B Street and along the B Street colonnade.
20. Securing foundations under southeast corner of building. Installing 8-inch I-beam grill work.
21. Going down to get building foundations to level of tunnel foundations.
22. Work alongside of railway tunnel shown on left.
23. Erecting concrete foundation walls across top of tunnel.
24. Foundation work up First Street on top and in line with tunnel.
25. Building foundations completed at the southeast, across the top of tunnel.
26. Foundation work along First Street, showing foundations leaving curving line of tunnel.
27. Brickwork on normal foundations, showing process of laying at lines of building and condition of work on July 8, 1905.
28. Laying off the position of cellar-story windows.
29. Installation of first derrick for setting stone at corner of New Jersey Avenue and C Street.
30. Rotunda section of building ready for stone wosk.
31. Setting the first stone.
32. Laying at the driveway entrance in center of C Street run.
33. Getting a good start on stonework.
34. Laying at the pavilion, corner of New Jersey Avenue and C Street.
35. Laying first iron beams for ceiling of cellar corridor.
36. Installing beam work of first floors and showing experimental concrete arch under Roebling system.
37. Beginning stonework along B Street front.
38. Condition of construction at New Jersey Avenue and B Street, October 17, 1905.
39. Construction at First and C Streets over railway tunnel.
40. Bird's-eye view of construction along north side of building, looking from New Jersey Avenue and B Street.
41. Bird's-eye view of construction along C and First Streets, looking from New Jersey Avenue and C Street.
I
VI LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Plate 42. Bird's-eye view of interior construction.

43. Completed foundations for corner of building at B and First Streets.
44. Bird's-eye view of condition of construction, January 19, 1906.
45. Interior court, looking northeast, showing progress of limestone work.
46. Limestone work in the court, looking toward Capitol.
47. Bird's-eye view of condition of construction, April 2, 1906.
48. Construction in thle court, April 2, 1906.
49. Bird's-eye view of construction, April 17, 1906.
50. Detailed view of construction at corner First and C Streets, and running along C Street.
51. Bird's-eye view of construction, May 4, 1906.
52. Topping out with the third-floor beams.
53. Construction in the court, June i1, 1906.
54. Starting stonework in third story.
.S. Third-story stonework, corner First and C Streets, nearly completed.
56. Bird's-eye view on construction, October 15, 1906.
57. Construction in the court, October 15, 1906.
58. Street-level view of construction, November i6, 1906.
59. Beginning setting of colonnade along 13 Street.
6o. Bird 's-eye view of construction from the Capitol, November 22, 1906.
6i Steel framing for roof construction.
62. Condition of construction (view from Capitol), March 9, 1907.
63. C Street section, showing corner complete.
64. Rotunda section.
65. Limestone construction, showing court stonework completed.
66. Pavilion at corner of New Jersey Avenue and C Street.
67. Detail in construction, C Street facade.
68. Colonnade along B Street.
69. Construction at corner First and C Streets.
70. Roof framing over ceiling of large conference room.
7I. Construction of concrete roofing.
72. Conditon of construction at First and B Streets, August 26, 1907.
73. Condition of construction (view from Capitol), October 26, 1907.
74. Setting the last piece of exterior stone.
75. Setting arcade in rotunda section.
76. Arcade and(] colonnade in rotunda section.
77, General view of building from Capitol.
Fi(:. 1. Map showing location of generating station, substations, and pump house.
2. Interior view of engine room, showing turbo-generators and condensers.
3. Exciter onl turbine shaft.
4. View of switchboard, showing high and low tension structure.
5. Substation, showing motor generator sets and switchboard
6. Switchboard, distributing panels shown on left.
7. Interior view of pump house, showing one of the vertical induction motors.
RTEPORT SUBMITTED BY
MR. CANNON, FROM
THE COMMISSION TO
DIRECT AND SUPERVISE
THE CONSTRUCTI ON
OF THE HOUSE OFFICE
BUILDING, ETC.
ace *e n
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress
assembled, That the assignment of rooms in the office building of the House of Representatives, which
shall hereafter be designated as the House Office Building, heretofore made by resolution or order of the
House of Representatives, shall continue in force until modified or changed in accordance with the provi-
sions of this resolution, and the rooms so assigned to any Representative shall continue to be held by such
Representative as his individual office room so long as he shall remain a Member or Member-elect of the
house of Representatives, or until he shall relinquish the same, subject, however, to the provisions of this
resolution, and no Representative shall allow his office room to be used for any other purpose.
U. S. Statutes at Large, Vol. 35, p. 578.
2
REPORT of the HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
COMMISSION
T ~\ HE commission appointed under the sundry civil appropriation act
approved March 3, 1903, to direct and supervise the construction of the
fireproof building for committee rooms, folding room, and other offices
for the House of Representatives, and for the necessary office rooms for Members
theieof, submit the following as their final report.
Under authority of the act above referred to, the Speaker, Hon. DAVID
B. HENDERSON, on March 3, 1903, appointed as members of the commission
Representatives Joseph G. Cannon, of Illinois; W. P. Hepburn, of Iowa; and
James D. Richardson, of Tennessee. Subsequently, on the 2d day of March,
1909, Representative W. P. Hepburn having resigned, the Speaker, Hon. JOSEPH
G. CANNON, appointed Representative Walter I. Smith, of Iowa, a member of the
commission in his stead.
The commission appointed James C. Courts, clerk of the Committee on
Appropriations, as secretary, and have employed no other clerical assistance.
Mr. Elliott Woods, Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds, was
designated by law to control the construction of the building and the letting of
contracts therefor, subject to the direction and supervision of the commission. In
addition to the efficient discharge of those duties, Mr. Woods has served the
commission most acceptably and has discharged in their service all of the duties
ordinarily attaching to the responsible position of an executive officer.
The first meeting of the commission occurred March 5, 1903, and this was
followed by sessions on the 6th, 7th, and 9th days of that month.
At these meetings of the commission the selection of Square 690 from
among those specified in the act and to which they were limited in making
a choice was decided upon, and this action was communicated to the Secretary
of the Interior with the request that he proceed, as provided in the law, to
institute condemnation proceedings to obtain title to the square. The right
of the Washington Terminal Co. to construct a tunnel under the square
mentioned, which was conferred or claimed under an act of Congress approved
4 REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION
February 28, 1903, a few days prior to the passage of the law authorizing the
commission to determine upon the same as a site for the Office Building, was
considered, and action was taken with reference thereto. The question of
possible structural weakness resulting from the construction of a railroad
tunnel under the southeast corner of the proposed building-was carefully and
exhaustively considered and advice thereon sought and obtained from eminent
engineers. Assurances were exacted of and given by the Washington Terminal
Co. that the tunnel in question should be constructed under conditions
satisfactory to the superintendent of construction, Mr. Woods, and so as to
assure the safe and convenient use of the building.
Among other concessions obtained at that time and shortly thereafter from
the Washington Terminal Co., as consideration for the commission's further
noninterference in their rights or claims with reference to Square 690, under the
act of Congress passed in their behalf prior to the law which authorized the
use of that square as a site for the House Office Building, was a cash payment
into the Treasury of the United States of the sum of $+0,000 and the
undertaking on the part of that company at its expense to construct and
maintain a siding from a connection with the tracks of the Philadelphia,
Baltimore & Washington Railroad Co. to a central power plant to be constructed
for the service of all of the Capitol buildings.
At the meetings referred to, as well as at other meetings, the commission
had the benefit of the presence, advice, and counsel of men eminent as
engineers and experienced in the construction of great buildings, including
Mr.- Bernard R. Green and Capt. John Stephen Sewell, the latter then a member
of the Engineer Corps of the United States Army.
The hearings and proceedings conducted at many of the formal meetings
of the commission were printed at the time and are submitted as part of the
appendix to this report.
As soon as the condemnation proceedings were completed and title to the
land, Square 690, passed to the United States, the superintendent of construction
advertised for proposals for the removal of buildings therefrom. This work
was completed in midsummer of 1904, and on the 18th day of July of that
year excavation for foundations of the building was begun. The masonry and
concrete work on the foundations began April 12, 1905, and on July 5 following
the first brick was laid in the western section of the building, and on August
24 the first stone was set.
-REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION 5
During the foundation work the superintendent of construction obtained
from the Terminal Co. suitable agreements as to the proper construction of the
railroad tunnel in so far as it related to its passage through Square 690 and
its supporting strength to hold up that portion of the House Office Building
resting upon it, as determined by the revised plans of the building.
A condition arose, however, which necessitated the construction of
extraordinary foundations for the eastern side of the building, all of which were
below the normal foundation lines of the structure, as judged to be sufficient had
not the tunnel been present. This extraordinary expense the commission called
upon the Terminal Co. to pay. The company declined to do so. The nature
and extent of the controversy which ensued is fully set forth in the appendix.
As will be seen by the records, the superintendent, in these foundation
problems,' as well as in all subsequent important matters, strengthened his
judgment and that of the commission by the best expert advice obtainable.
The commission exercised in these questions of foundation, construction,
and, indeed, in all details of the progress of the building, from foundation
footings to roof, an oversight and supervision as intimate and thorough as
possible. They authorized the superintendent of construction to employ a
consulting architect, to be held responsible for the correct architectural details
of the exterior of the building and the proper fitness of the interior, but they
left with the superintendent, already an officer of the Government, the
responsibility of arranging for the needs of the House and the greater
responsibility of making the size of the building commensurate with the
demand for office room, a consideration which resulted in a building which in
capacity exceeds the original estimate by more than 2,500,000 cubic feet, and
which, from the normal footing lines to the peak of the roof, has been
constructed under the original authorization of $3,100,000.
In addition to the authorized and actual cost of the building, the commission
requested and obtained an appropriation reimbursing the building fund $109,611.16,
the amount expended for the extraordinary foundation work below the line of
the normal foundation. The commission also approved the request for an
appropriation of $132,400 for approaches to the building, a work whose extent
could only be determined after the building had been expanded in size to
suit the needs of the House.
The commission believe that the method employed in authorizing the
superintendent to employ a consulting architect on a salary, as a client would
6 REPORT OF THU
employ counsel, and in further authorizing the superintendent to open, manage,
and operate on the site of the work his own drafting room for the study and
production of the plans, has been of distinct benefit to the Government, both in
time and money, as the records of the superintendent submitted herewith show.
The building proper may be said to have started with the laying of the
first brick on July 5, 1905. It was occupied by the House on January 10, 1908.
It was not built under a general contract, but under separate contracts made
from time to time by the superintendent with the approval of the commission.
HEATING, LIGHTING, AND POWER PLANT FOR CAPITOL AND CONGRESSIONAL BUILDINGS.
During the discussion of the various features connected with the possible
uses and occupancy of the House Office Building it became evident that the
original proposition to install therein a heating, lighting, and power plant for that
building and the Capitol would, if carried out, produce unsatisfactory results.
The Senate had under consideration the proposition to erect an office building
for the use of Senators, involving the necessity for heat, light, and power for
such a structure, and it was found to be impracticable to extend the plant of the
Capitol Building to take care of the new situation. The Congressional Library
Building was operating an independent plant. The problem thus grew to such
importance that the commission deemed it wise to consider the subject from
a larger point of view. Direction was therefore given to the superintendent of
construction to make such investigation of the matter as might be requisite.
The results of this investigation were embodied in a report by the superintendent
in conjunction with - a report to him by the Westinghouse Electric &
Manufacturing Co., and a written opinion on the subject by Mr. Bernard R.
Green, superintendent of the Congressional Library Building, all advocating
the establishment of a central heating, lighting, and power plant which would
not only furnish heat, light, and power to the Capitol Building, the House
Office Building, the proposed Senate Office Building, and the Congressional
Library Building, but would furnish in addition sufficient capacity to supply
any other structures that might be erected on sites adjacent to the Capitol
Grounds.
After mature consideration both by the commission and by the House
Committee on _Appropriations a provision was enacted in the sundry civil
appropriation act, approved April 28, 1904, providing for the construction of a
building for a heating, lighting, and power plant in connection with the House
REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION
Office Building of sufficent size and capacity to furnish the necessary heat, light,
and power for the Office Building, the Capitol, the Congressional Library Building,
and such other public buildings as might thereafter be erected on grounds adjacent
to the Capitol Grounds east of the Capitol.
It was also provided that the power plant should be located on public
reservation No. 17, south of the Capitol, otherwise known as Garfield Park. This
location was decided upon because the established levels at that point were more
than 50 feet below the established levels of the Capitol and other congressional
buildings, thus permitting the design of a steam-transmission system with suitable
return drainage. Another consideration was that the distance of the plant from
the buildings to be served was not excessive for such purpose from the modern
engineering standpoint, steam transmission being therefore feasible and economical,
and the site could be utilized without cost to the Government. More important
still, thfe site immediately adjoined the location of the tracks of a railroad, thus
affording ample facilities for the convenient transportation and handling of fuel
and materials.
The design and construction of the power house was intrusted to the
superintendent of construction, with the same direction and supervision of the
commission as that exercised with respect to the House Office Building, and the
architectural design was prepared in the office of the superintendent.
The resulting building is of simple design, constructed of red brick,
intended in the future to be stuccoed and otherwise treated by planting, in
the near vicinity, so that when the development of the park is completed the
building will not be objectionable. It is sufficiently large,- not only to
accommodate the equipment requisite for the service of the four buildings
now constructed, but to meet the demands of any other building or buildings
that may hereafter be constructed east of the Capitol Plaza.
The arrangement of its mechanical details is such that continuity of service
under all conditions is practically assured, there being sufficient duplication of
apparatus to meet the conditions which surround the operation of a plant
devoted to this peculiar service. It should be noted that the service required
is wholly different from that usually demanded of an ordinary commercial
plant. Suitable substations have been installed in the several buildings to take
care of the individual building loads required, and arrangements are being
provided so that during the recesses of Congress one or two of the substations
alone can take care of the necessary distribution to and from the several
buildings, namely, the Capitol, the House and Senate Office Buildings, and the
Congressional Library Building. The main lines of transmission run from the
power plant to the several buildings through the medium of a long subway
approximately 6,200 feet in total length, the size of the principal tunnels being
7 feet in height by 4 feet 6 inches in width, affording easy inspection at all times.
The total cost of the power plant, embracing necessary machinery, trans-
mission systems, substations in the several buildings, and a special waterway from
the plant to the river, including appropriations made at the present session of
Congress, is $1,545,857.65.
SUBWAY AND TRACTION SYSTEM BETWEEN CAPITOL AND OFFICE BUILDINGS.
At the time the construction and equipment of a central power, heating,

and lighting plant was authorized under the sundry civil appropriation act,
April 28, 1904, authority was given for the construction of subways connecting
the Capitol and the Office Buildings. This work was done by the
superintendent of construction in the same manner and under the same
methods of supervision as in the case of the House Office Building and the
power plant.
The subways leave the north and south corners of the Capitol and,
proceeding in a sinuous course, enter the House and Senate Office Buildings
at the principal B Street corners. rThey are designed for direct communication
between the Office Buildings and the Capitol; are each 760 feet in length
and 11 feet high in the clear, and are provided with a sidewalk 6 feet in
width, with a roadway alongside approximately 15 feet wide in the clear, upon
which it is designed to operate a complete system of transportation for
freight and other purposes. The total cost of the subways, exclusive of the
cost of any traction or other method of transportation that may be installed,
is $328,746.55.
Appended to this report there is submitted the detailed report of Mr.
Elliott Woods, the superintendent of construction, which deals with the
technical matters of construction and contains a complete statement of
expenditures of appropriations made for the House Office Building, the power
plant, and the subway connections between the Capitol and the House and
Senate Office Buildings; there is also submitted as an appendix the hearings
and proceedings conducted by the commission at certain of its regular
meetings and which were printed at the time.
NO. 1. VIEW AT THE CORNER OF B STRE T SE. AND NEW JERSEY AVENUE SE., SHOWING THE HISTORICAL CONGRES IONAL HOTEL PROPERTY, FOR YEARS THE HOME OF MANY STATESMEN, GENERAL VIEW OF B STRE T ON THE LEFT
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NO. 1. VIEW AT THE CORNER OF B STREET SE. AND NEW JERSEY AVENUE SE.. SHOWING THE HISTORICAL CONGRESSIONAL HOTEL
HOME OF MANY STATESMEN. GENERAL VIEW OF B STREET ON THE LEFT.
PROPERTY. FOR YEARS THE
NO. 2. VIEW LO KING UP NEW JERSEY AVENUE SE, FROM THE CORNER OF C STRE T SE., SHOWING THE HISTORICAL RESIDENCE OF THE LATE JUDGE JOSEPH HOLT. SECRETARY OF WAR AND AT ORNEY GENERAL UNDER BUCHANAN
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SE.. SHOWING THE HISTORICAL RESIDENCE OF THE LATE JUDGE JOSEPH

NO. 2. VIEW LOOKING UP NEW JERSEY AVENUE SE. FROM THE CORNER OF C STREET GENERAL UNDER BUCHANAN.
HOLT. SECRETARY OF WAR AND ATTORNEY
NO. 3. BEGIN ING OF EXCAVATION. VIEW ON SITE LO KING TOWARD THE CAPITOL HOUSES REMOVED FROM THE SITE, TRACKS LAID, AND EXCAVATION BEGUN. OCTOBER 2 , 1904
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NO. 3. BEGINNING OF EXCAVATION. VIEW ON SITE LOOKING TOWARD THE CAPITOL HOUSES REMOVED FROM THE
SITE, TRACKS LAID, AND EXCAVATION BEGUN.
OCTOBER 22. 1904.
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NO._. E;X=CAVAO. eT O MATER AL ACROSS

TRANSPORT*NG s H EA N O TH
THE EAST FRONT OF THE CAPITOL.

NO. 4 EXCAVATION. METHOD OF TRANSPORTING MATERIAL ACROSS
NO. 5. EXCAVATION. SHOWING FIRST STRE T SIDE OF THE BUILDING SITE WITH THE OPEN-CUT WORK AND TIMBERING OF THE PEN SYLVANIA RAILROAD TUN EL WHICH RUNS UNDER THE OF ICE BUILDING AND UPON WHICH THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE BUILDING. AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER, REST. OCTOBER 24, 1904
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NO. 5. EXCAVATION. SHOWING FIRST STREET SIDE OF THE BUILDING SITE WITH THE OPEN-CUT WORK AND TIMBERING OF THE PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD
TUNNEL WHICH RUNS UNDER THE OFFICE BUILDING AND UPON WHICH THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE BUILDING. AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER, REST.
OCTOBER 24. 1904.
NO. 6. EXCAVATION. ANOTHER VIEW OF THE TUN EL EXCAVATION. 40 FE T BELOW THE BUILDING FOUNDATIONS. OCTOBER 24, 1904
NO. 6. EXCAVATION. ANOTHER VIEW OF THE TUNNEL EXCAVATION. 40 FEET BELOW THE BUILDING FOUNDATIONS. OCTOBER 24, 1904.
NO. 7. EXCAVATION. ON THE FIRST STRE T AND B STRE T SIDE OF THE SQUARE LO KING TOWARD THE LIBRARY OF CONGRES . DECEMBER 6, 1904
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NO. 7. EXCAVATION. ON THE FIRST STREET AND B STREET SIDE OF THE SQUARE LOOKING TOWARD THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. DECEMBER 6. 1904.
NO. 8. TESTING FOR THE FOUNDATIONS. TEST PIT SHOWING CAR IER LOADED TO PRODUCE PRES URE VARYING FROM ? TONS PER SQUARE FO T TO ? TONS PER SQUARE FO T. NO MOVEMENT OF THE SOIL WAS PRODUCED UNDER THESE PRES URES, BUT UPON THE PLATFORM BEING LOADED WITH 8 TONS PER SQUARE FO T THE SOIL AT THE BOT OM SHOWED SIGNS OF MOVEMENT. NOVEMBER 29, 1904
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NO. 8. TESTING FOR THE FOUNDATIONS. TEST PIT SHOWING CARRIER LOADED TO PRODUCE PRESSURE VARYING FROM 21 TONS FER SQUARE FOOT TO 7i
TONS PER SQUARE FOOT. NO MOVEMENT OF THE SOIL WAS PRODUCED UNDER THESE PRESSURES. BUT UPON THE PLATFORM BEING LOADED WITH 8
TONS PER SQUARE FOOT THE SOIL AT THE BOTTOM SHOWED SIGNS OF MOVEMENT. NOVEMBER 29. 1904.
NO. 9. FOUNDATION WORK. BEGIN ING FOUNDATION TRENCH AT NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND B STRE T. DECEMBER 6, 1904
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NO. 9. FOUNDATION WORK. BEGINNING FOUNDATION TRENCH AT NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND B STREET. DECEMBER 6. 1Q04.
NO. 10. FOUNDATION WORK. CONSTRUCTION OF THE RAILWAY TUN EL UNDER THE SOUTHEAST SECTION OF THE BUILDING FOUNDATIONS. SUP ORTING WAL S OF STONE WITH GRANITE SKEW BLOCKS. JANUARY 27, 1905
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NO. 10. FOUNDATION WORK. CONSTRUCTION OF THE RAILWAY TUNNEL UNDER THE SOUTHEAST SECTION OF THE BUILDING FOUNDATIONS. SUPPORTING WALLS
OF STONE WITH GRANITE SKEW BLOCKS. JANUARY 27. 1905.
NO. 1 . FOUNDATION WORK. REINFORCING THE TOP OF THE TUN EL TO SUP ORT THE BUILDING FOUNDATIONS. JANUARY 21, 1905
.2F
-V
NO. 11. FOUNDATION WORK. REINFORCING THE TOP OF THE TUNNEL TO SUPPORT THE BUILDING FOUNDATIONS. JANUARY 21. 1905.
NO. 12. FOUNDATION WORK. CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS AT FIRST AND C STRE TS, CROS ING THE TOP OF THE RAILWAY TUN EL. MARCH 14, 1905
" -".
--, - 0 I .i%.
Ala
NO. 12. FOUNDATION WORK. CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS AT FIRST AND C STREETS, CROSSING THE TOP OF THE RAILWAY TUNNEL. MARCH 14. 1905.
Table: OF ICE BUILDING FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (SQUARE 690, OR SQUARE 635 AND SQUARE 636)
REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION 9

Historically it is not uninteresting to call attention to the discussions
among Representatives in Congress for many years preceding the authorization
of an office building on the question of their needs for office accommodations
wherein to meet their constituents or receive visits from public officials
desiring to confer with them touching Government matters, and to conduct,
with the clerical aid furnished them by law, their correspondence. Many of
the Members who were able to do so rented at their own expense such
office quarters as they could obtain. By far the greater number were
compelled to use committee rooms and offices about the Capitol, in many
cases adding greatly to the inconvenience of committee work and to the
detriment of public business. As a result of these conditions, the first
legislative step taken to remedy the evils and inconveniences of the situation
was the following provision of law, carried on the sundry civil appropriation
act approved March 3, 1901:
To enable the Architect of the Capitol to prepare and submit to Congress at its next session, plans,
specifications, and estimates of cost for reconstructing and extending, in a fireproof manner, the central
portion of the Capitol Building, the renovation and decoration of the Rotunda; also for the construction of
a fireproof building adjacent to the grounds of the Capitol Building to be used for offices, storage, and power-
plant purposes connected with the Capitol Building, one thousand five hundred dollars, to be immediately
available.
The then architect or superintendent of the Capitol, Mr. Edward Clark,
submitted a report presenting five sets of preliminary plans embracing the
following features:
OFFICE BUILDING FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (SQUARE 690, Olt SQUARE 635 AND) SQUARE 636).
Designation of plan. C. I). Suare .
Area of building:
On street ..........95,000 *
**6,470 6*,775 8*,*oo
In court .22,000|
Total area of building ............ 113,000 06,470 65,775 81,5oo
Cubic contents
Street ...................................................................................7,280,000.... ............ ....... ............
Court .....................................................................1.........1760,00
, ....|. ........!
9,04000 8,517,6oo0 S,262,000

Total cubic contents...............................96..........................
........... I ....
6,S20,000
Rooms, one floor ................137 144 95 96
Rooms, three floors ..4......411 4312 285 288

Rooms, cellar excavation, C Street side .125 128 95 86
Total rooms......................................................................536 56 0 380 374

Cost, approximate
................................................................................. $4,300,000 $4,300,C0O $2,5000000 $3,100,000
It will be observed that the legislation which followed in 1903 accepted
the plan indicated above, which contemplated 288 office rooms and 86 rooms
in the cellar excavation, to cost $3,100,000. These plans were so modified
subsequently by the expansion of floor areas and consequent increase of cubical
contents as to produce a completed building with 397 excellent office rooms,
14 committee rooms, and 4 large additional rooms in th,. sub-basement, which
can easily be converted into 17 comfortable offices; and what is both remarkable
and gratifying is the fact that the whole has been accomplished within the
estimate of $3,100,000, submitted for the cost of the smaller building originally
contemplated.
Following the enactment of the provision above quoted, the legislative
history of the House Office Building, power plant, and subways will be found
in the- Statutes at Large, in chronological order as follows:
HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING.
Sundry civil act, approved March 3, I903, Statutes at Large, volume 32, page 1113.
Deficiency act, approved February i8, 1904, Statutes at Large, volume 33, page 31.
Sundry civil act, approved March 3, i905, Statutes at Large, volume 33, page II82.
Sundry civil act, approved June 30, i906, Statutes at Large, volume 34, page 723.
Sundry civil act, approved March 4, 1907, Statutes at Large, volume 34, page 1330.
Sundry civil act, approved May 27, i908, Statutes at Large, volume 35, page 344.
Sundry civil act, approved May 27, i908, Statutes at Large, volume 35, page 345.
Deficiency act, approved March 4, i909, Statutes at Large, volume 35, page 925.
Deficiency act, approved June 25, I91o, Statutes at Large, volume 36, page 795.
POWER HOUSE.
Sundry civil act, approved April 28, 1904, Statutes at Large, volume 33, page 479
Deficiency act, approved March 4, I909, Statutes at Large, volume 35, page 925.
SUBWAYS.
With the submission of this report, evidencing as it does the completion of
the public work whose direction and supervision were committed to their charge,
the commission regard their mission as fulfilled, their work done, and their
responsibility ended. The expenditure of certain minor sums for transportation
and other equipment features of the House Office Building and power plant
will be directed, as proposed in the appropriations therefor, by the commission
in control of the management and conduct of the buildings.
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT
UNITED STATES CAPITOL BUILDING AND GROUNDS,
Washington, D. C., March 1, 1911.
TO THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION,
Washington, D. C.
GENTLEMEN: I have the honor to submit herewith my report on the construc-
tion of the House Office Building, the Heating, Lighting, and Power Plant and
the Subways connected therewith.
INTRODUCTION.
The Office Building for the House of Representatives is located on Square

690, immediately southeast of the Capitol Building. The square is bounded by
B Street, New Jersey Avenue, First Street, and C Street SE., and the building
occupies the entire square with the following frontages: 476 feet 2 inches on B
Street, 470 feet 1 inch on New Jersey Avenue, 452 feet 6 inches on First Street,
and 348 feet 9 inches on C Street. These make a total frontage of 1,747 feet 6
inches, or, approximately, one-third mile.
The B Street and New Jersey Avenue fronts have been set back from the curb
55 feet 3 inches, and the space between the sidewalk and the building has been
devoted to terraces, to give the structure an adequate architectural setting.
The building is planned in the form of a hollow square, the open part in the
center being a court nearly 300 feet across. In conformity with the design of the
Capitol Building, the principal (B Street) front of the House Office Building
shows three stories above ground, but the grade falls away so rapidly on New
Jersey Avenue and First Street that the rear (C Street) front is five stories above
ground, the lowest story being the-sub-basement on a level with the street and court.
This has made it possible to arrange ample driveway entrances in the center of the
C Street wing, on the street level, by which access is gained to the court. These
driveway entrances open on large rooms which are used for handling incoming
and outgoing mail, as well as supplies, etc., required for the building. Supplies
for the Capitol can also be brought in this C Street entrance, trucked through the
sub-basement corridors to the corner of B street and New Jersey Avenue, and
thence through the subway to the Capitol. The construction of the subway has
made possible the removal of the sidewalk lifts, which were necessary but not
It
12 REPOR'I' OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION
sightly features of the east approach to the Capitol. A driveway, starting at the
C Street entrance, circles the court and gives access to the building at each of the
corners of the court, where doorways have been provided leading directly to
the staircase and elevators.
The offices on each floor are arranged in a double row, separated by a corridor
12 feet 6 inches wide. The outer rows of offices face the four streets while the
inner rows open on the court. Four stories are devoted to offices, the first, second,
third, and fourth. The subbasement or cellar is given up to storage and other
purposes connected with the administration and operation of the building.
The offices average 23- feet deep and 16 feet wide, and there are 397 of them.
The present membership of the House, Sixty-first Congress, is 396 (Members and
Delegates), so that there is one office for each.
In addition to the office rooms, 14 large rooms have been set aside for the use
of committees.
Each office room is floored with cement, laid off in squares; the walls are
finished in buff plaster, " sand finish," and the cornice and ceiling in smooth
white plaster. The wood finish consists of a baseboard, and near the ceiling a
picture molding, with architraves around the doors. There is no wood finish
around the windows, the plaster being turned in against the window frame. The
woodwork is painted white and the doors are of mahogany.
At the corridor end of each room are two flues, one each side the doorway,
inclosed in terra cotta. One of these is a heat flue, by means of which the office
room is supplied with tempered fresh air through a register near the ceiling. The
room is ventilated by drawing out the air through a register in the other flue, placed
near the floor and concealed under the lavatory. One register being near the
ceiling and the other near the floor will cause a constant circulation of the air
which enters the room through the heat flue. To avoid drafts, the system has
been so designed and the sizes of flues so proportioned that a very large quantity of
moderately heated air can be introduced at a very slow rate, thus reversing the
usual method of delivering to the room a minimum quantity of burned-up air at
a very high velocity. To overcome the tendency of the large expanse of glass in
the window of each room to lower the temperature and thus create drafts, there
has been provided a radiator in each window recess. These radiators being
regulated independently of each other, it is possible for the occupant of any one
room to control the temperature of that room in accordance with his own
preferences.
The lavatory with which each room is equipped is placed against the ventilation
flue at the corridor end of the room, all supply and waste piping being run inside
the flue. These lavatories are supplied with hot and cold water, and, through a
separate fixture, with ice water.
Table: [No Caption]

Against the heat flue is placed the telephone, as well as the outlet to which
is connected the call-bell system. This system rings a bell in each office room,
coincident with the ringing of the " legislative bell " in the Capitol Building.
All electric wiles run in the heat flue. Both the heat and vent flues are
accessible from the attic, so that repairs and alterations to wiring and piping can
be made without disturbing the plastering or other finish in any of the rooms.
Each room is lighted with a bracket light over the lavatory, another over the
telephone, and two chandeliers. In addition there are six outlets covered by
nickel-plated brass plates in the baseboard. Into these outlets plugs carrying
electric wires can be inserted. This system enables the occupant of a room to
have a desk light no matter where he places his desk. It results also in freeing
the walls of brackets, which could not be located just where they would suit the
varying requirements of the occupants of the different rooms, and which would
also interfere with the placing of the necessary bookcases and filing cabinets
against the walls.
The wiring of the rooms for lighting was very carefully planned. The ceiling
lights, the brackets on the end walls, and the baseboard outlets in any one room
are on four different "circuits." This means no one room can be plunged in
darkness unless all four circuits " burn out " at the same time. This would be
such an extraordinary coincidence that it may be said that it is impossible for any
one room to be deprived of light short of a breakdown in the power plant.
As all the apparatus in the latter is in duplicate, it would be necessary for the
entire plant to go to pieces before the Office Building could be put out of
commission.
The furniture for each room consists of the following:
One roll-top Representative's desk; X swivel (lesk chair; X typewriter desk; i typewriter's swivel chair; 4 small
chairs, leather upholstered; i mahogany table; i leather upholstercd easy chair; X mahogany combination filing case and
cabinet; and i American-made rug.
Cost of the following mahogany furniture in a Representative's office:
X sRepresentative's roll-top
desk and chair
...........................,.,,,.,.,,,,,,,,,..,,,,......... $85.37
desk and chair
, , ...........,. 57.93
secretary's roll-top ......................... .
X mahogany table .38.. ,,,...................... 8, 73

X leather upholsteredcase
easy chair .46.90........................... .......................,, 46.90
x combination filing and cabinet............ I 96.25
....................
4 side chairs, leather upholstered. . ,,,,.. . ,,,,,,,,,.... ... ,,.... 43.96

i American-made rug ............................................................................... 5100.70
TIvotal . . ''' 469.84
The other furnishings used are the towel racks, waste-paper baskets, window
shades, and minor accessories of an ordinary business office.
There are three places of interest in the building which are somewhat elaborate
architecturally. These places are the rotunda, the main stair, and the conference
room back of the latter.
The rotunda is at the corner of B Street and New Jersey Avenue, and is entered
directly from above the street as a sort of large vestibule, from which radiate on
either side the B Street and New Jersey Avenue corridors. Between the radiating
lines of the corridors is seen the main stair, and back of this the entrance to the
conference room.
The rotunda extends from the street, or second office floor, through the entire
height of the building, terminating with a dome under the roof. Architecturally
the rotunda consists of a circle of 18 marble columns standing on a circular marble
arcade, all inclosed in a circular wall or shell. On the center line of the columns
the rotunda has a diameter of 57 feet 4 inches, while the diameter of the encircling
wall is 75 feet 6 inches. The height of the rotunda from the first floor to the crown
or "eye " of the panelled dome is 68 feet. From this it will be seen that this
rotunda will be of much smaller dimensions than the rotunda in the Capitol
Building.
Immediately back of the rotunda is a circular corridor connecting the B1 Street
and the New Jersey Avenue corridors, and back of this is the main stair. This stair
is really double; that is, it consists of two stair cases facing each other and con-
nected by a landing or passage by means of which the conference room is reached.
The stair is what is known as an " intramural " stair-that is, between walls, after
the manner of the Italian renaissance.
The conference room back of the main stair is on the third office floor of the
building and is 86 feet long by 54 feet wide. This room overlooks the court of
the building on which its five large windows open. This room is designed to be
used for public hearings before committees of the House whenever such hearings
are largely attended. The overcrowded condition of the Capitol Building makes
additional accommn-odations of this kind absolutely necessary. The room can also
be used for holding caucuses.
The conference room is directly accessible to the public by means of the
"intramural stair " and by public elevators, while for Members of the House there
are private stairs and elevators. These latter connect with the cloakrooms and
smoking rooms adjoining the conference room. All those arrangements are in
duplicate, so that the majority and the minority may be equally served.
On the floor below the conference room is the post office, with accommoda-
tions for telegraph office and a public telephone station. Below that is the barber
shop for use of Members. On the second office floor, at the southwest corner of
the building, space has been set aside for a dining room, with its serving room,
while around the corner on C street a cafe has been provided. The kitchen is
located in the cellar. The dining room will seat 150 persons and the cafd 100 more.
In addition to the entrance at New Jersey Avenue and B Street already alluded
to, there is an entrance on the street level at First and B Streets, near the Library
of Congress. There are other entrances on the first floor level at New Jersey
Avenue and C Street and at First and C Streets. In addition to these there are
entrances on the court at the level of C Street.
Because of the unusual dimensions of the building, it was necessary to devoet
considerable study to the disposition of elevators and staircases, in order that these
might be arranged so as to provide ample facilities. With this end in view there
have been distributed through the building 8 staircases and 12 elevators, which, it
is thought, will meet all demands, both of the Members of the House and such
of the public as have occasion to visit the building. The staircases are so
arranged that the windows which light them will assist in lighting the long cor-
ridors which separate the rows of offices.
The exterior of the building is classic in design, being Roman Doric in its
order. It suggests in its general division of parts the Gardo Meuble on the Place
de la Concorde, Paris, while the pavilions are modeled on those of the Colonnade
du Louvre. Architecturally the front is divided into two parts, the lower story
constituting a "rusticated" base, on which, extending through the two upper
stories, is the colonnade, surmounted by its entablature and balustrade.
The colonnade on B Street between the two flanking pavilions is 292 feet
71 inches long, and is made up of 17 " bays " with 16 pairs of Doric columns and
with a single column at each end, making 34 columns in all. Elsewhere
on the pavilions there are 18 additional columns, a total of 52. Each column is
29 feet high, 3 feet 5 inches in diameter, and rests on a base or pedestal 3 feet
high.
On New Jersey Avenue there is no colonnade as on B Street, but the colonnade
is " recalled " by employing pilasters. The C Street and First Street facades are
without columns or pilasters, except at the extreme north end of First Street, where
there is a short colonnade of eight columns. The court facades are also without
columns.
It will be seen that the Senate Office Building and the House Office Building,
together with the CapitolBuilding, form one composition. In designing the two
office buildings this object was constantly kept in mind. The two fronts of each
building as seen from the Capitol Plaza are identical in size and design. The
height of the buildings has been restricted that they may not overpower the Capitol,
and they were kept simple in design, without pediments, domes, or other accentuated
points of architectural interest, any of which it was felt would detract from the
effect of the Capitol Building. This does not mean that the office buildings are
uninteresting by any means. The long colonnade is impressive, and the pavilions
are full of interest, while anyone who studies the buildings at close range will
find sufficient ornament and other detail judiciously placed so as to heighten the
g~rene I ffect.
Table: [No Caption]

The long unbroken cornice lines of the Office Building leading up
naturally
to the Capitol Building, and from thence to the great
dome, the
crowning and
dominating unit in the group, all conduce to the desired effect of making
the
Capitol Building still more imposing and effective.
The building is of old-fashioned masonry construction
from
distinguished
the skeleton" type
"
now usually employed in the construction of
buildings
office
and "skyscrapers." The walls are faced with stone "backed up" with
brick,
and the floors are carried steel beams resting on the stone-faced
exterior, and
the solid brick interior walls. Between the beams isthe floor
construction of
reenforced concrete. The contract for the exterior stonework and the rotunda
and main stair was awarded to
B. A. &
G. N. Williams, of New York

City. The
B Street and New Jersey Avenue fronts are
faced with South
Dover, N. Y.,
marble; the C Street and First Street fronts are faced with Georgia marble; the
court fronts with Bedford,Ind., base of
granite, and the
limestone on a course
rotunda is of South Y., marble. Dover, is the largest single cut-stone

N. This
contract ever executed country, called for the furnishing and

in this
setting and
of between 285,000 cubic feet of stone.

and The
290,000 of
was
amount
contract
over $1,100,000.
The Government furnished the brick, cement, and sand
required backing
in
up the stonework and in

constructing the interior walls and contracted for the
laborT of laying the brick.

hebuilding equipped is heating with
lights, modern
system, electric
telephone, call and. fans, mail

bells desk
conveyers, the latter chutes and gravity
adapted handling bulky

to Each supplied
mail and cold
matter. suite is with hot
water, and water, in general

ice said
and equipment it may be that the
compares
favorably with that in examples office buildings.

the best of modern
The hot water for the heating system is furnished from the central power
plant, which also furnishes current for the electric lighting and the operation of
elevators.
The following data relates to the construction of the building:
Appropriation
Appropriation
for
for
construction
purchase of
of
site
building .
...................................................... $ 3,100,
..................................... $743,635.55
ooo.0
Appropriation for construction of approaches ..................................................... $132.500.00
Appropriations for furnishings .................. $300,500.00
Total area of building ................................................ square feet . 110,500
Cubic contents .............................. cubic feet 8,6oo,ooo
Rooms available for offices and committees ....................................................... 410
The (lods
above
count
not include
uses,
rooms
office, (ining room, etc.
devoted to special such
.......................................... cubic yards

General excavation of site ...............
as post
125,000
Cut stonework, between 285,000
and 290,000 feet cubic
.......................... 290,000
Cement ..........................................................................19,150,000
walls
Bricks in
used.........................................................................barrels. . 71,507
NO. 13. FOUNDATION WORK. GENERAL VIEW OF THE TOP OF THE TUN EL WITH RELATION TO THE GENERAL LEVEL OF THE SQUARE. APRIL 2 , 1905
NO. 13. FOUNDATION WORK. GENERAL VIEW OF THE TOP OF THE TUNNEL WITH RELATION TO THE GENERAL LEVEL OF THE SQUARE. APRIL 22, 1905.
NO. 14. FOUNDATION WORK. STATE OF THE WORK ON THE NEW JERSEY AVENUE SIDE OF THE BUILDING SITE. MAY 1, 1905
'A.
it
S.N..
NO. 14. FOUNDATION WORK. STATE OF THE WORK ON THE NEW JERSEY AVENUE SIDE OF THE BUILDING SITE. MAY 1. 1905.
NO. 15. FOUNDATION WORK. INEF ECTUAL EF ORT TO DRIVE FOR CONCRETE PILES ADJACENT TO THE TUN EL AT FIRST AND C STRE TS SE. THIS EF ORT AND THE CONSEQUENCES ARE DESCRIBED IN THE REPORT. MAY 1, 1905
NO. 1',. FOUNDATION WORK. INEFFECTUAL EFFORT TO DRIVE FOR CONCRETE PILES ADJACENT TO THE TUNNEL AT FIRST AND C STREETS SE. THIS EFFORT AND
THE CONSEQUENCES ARE DESCRIBED IN THE REPORT. MAY 1, 1905.
NO. 16. FOUNDATION WORK. SUBSEQUENT WORK, SHOWING THE METHOD OF EXCAVATING ALONG THE SIDE OF THE RAILWAY TUN EL TO SECURE THE FOUNDATIONS OF THAT SECTION OF THE SOUTHEAST BUILDING OVERLAP ING THE SAME. MAY 18, 1905
II
NO0. I. FOUNDAI ION WORK. SUBSEQUENT WORK, SHOWING THE METHOD OF EXCAVATING ALONG THE SIDE OF THE RAILWAY TUNNEL TO SECURE I HE FOUNDA-
TiONS OF THAT SECTION OF THE SOUTHEAST BUILDING OVERLAPPING THE SAME. MAY 18. 1905.
NO. 17. FOUNDATION WORK. FOUNDATION TRENCH AND CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS UNDER THE B STRE T COLON ADE. MAY 18, 1905
1. .
Ajf
1-3t ZZ
.1
.
...
-f.j
I
.'.A
.1
-Ak-~ ~ ~ -
MAY 18, 1905.

NO. 17. FOUNDATION WORK. FOUNDATION TRENCH AND CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS UNDER THE B STREET COLONNADE.
NO. 18. FOUNDATION WORK. FOUNDATION TRENCHES, WO D FORMING AND FOUNDATION WORK UNDER THE ROTUNDA SECTION OF THE BUILDING AT B STRE T AND NEW JERSEY AVENUE SE. MAY 8, 1905
. A
Iw:
9-
Iii
NO. 18. FOUNDATION WORK. FOUNDATION TRENCHES. WOOD FORMING AND FOUNDATION WORK UNDER THE ROTUNDA SECTION OF THE BUILDING AT B STREET
AND NEW JERSEY AVENUE SE. MAY 8, '905.
NO. 19. FOUNDATION WORK. ANOTHER VIEW OF THE FOUNDATION WORK AT NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND B STRE TS AND ALONG THE B STRE T COLON ADE. MAY 27, 1905
-
--7- .-
i.-'
NO.19. FOUNDATION WORK. ANOTHERVIEWOF THE FOUNDATION WORK AT NEWJERSEYAVENUE AND B STREETS AND ALONGTHE BSTREET COLONNADE. MAY27, 1905.
NO. 20. FOUNDATION WORK. SECURING THE FOUNDATIONS UNDER THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE BUILDING. INSTAL ING THE 8 INCH I-BEAM GRIL WORK. JUNE 3, 1905
-. .
7E.
D.-
tA>. 4-f
NO. 20. FOUNDATION WORK. SECURING THE FOUNDATIONS UNDER THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE BUILDING. INSTALLING THE 8 INCH I-BEAM GRILLWORK.
JUNE 3. 1905.
NO. 21. FOUNDATION WORK. GOING DOWN TO GET THE BUILDING FOUNDATIONS TO THE LEVEL OF THE TUN EL FOUNDATIONS. EXCAVATION FOR THIS PURPOSE IS SHOWN ON THE LEFT AND THE COMPLETED TOP OF THE TUN EL ON THE RIGHT. THE NORMAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE BUILDING ARE 10 FE T ABOVE THIS TUN EL TOP, JUNE 9, 1905
-I~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 7
I~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCAVATION FOR THIS PURPOSE

NO. 21. FOUNDATION WORK GOING DOWN TO GET THE BUILDING FOUNDATIONS TO THE LEVEL OF THE TUNNEL FOUNDATIONS. 10 FEET ABOVE THIS
IS SHOWN ON THE LEFT AND THE COMPLETED TOP OF THE TUNNEL ON THE RIGHT. THE NORMAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE BUILDING ARE
TUNNEL TOP. JUNE 9, 1905.
NO. 2 . FOUNDATION WORK. ANOTHER VIEW OF THE WORK ALONGSIDE OF THE RAILWAY TUN EL SHOWN ON THE LEFT. JUNE 26, 1905
I
4 .
",-.-,
.
, ..-
.11
..
I
i--
.t-_-__
.-
1.
~- f -_-
NO. 22. FOUNDATION WORK. ANOTHER VIEW OF THE WORK ALONGSIDE OF THE RAILWAY TUNNEL SHOWN ON THE LEFT. JUNE 26, 1905.
NO. 23. FOUNDATION WORK. ERECTING THE CONCRETE FOUNDATION WAL S ACROS THE TOP OF THE TUN EL JUNE 26, 1905
NO. 23. FOUNDATION WORK. ERECTING THE CONCRETE FOUNDATION WALLS ACROSS THE TOP OF THE TUNNEL JUNE 26. 1905.
NO. 24. FOUNDATION WORK. ANOTHER VIEW OF THE FOUNDATION WORK UP FIRST STRE T, ON TOP AND IN LINE WITH THE TUN EL. JUNE 26, 1905
op:7-
FIRST STREET, ON TOP AND IN LINE WITH THE TUNNEL JUNE 26, 1905.
NO. 24. FOUNDATION WORK. ANOTHER VIEW OF THE FOUNDATION WORK UP
Table: [No Caption]
Table: [No Caption]
REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMIalIT T7

Copper used on roof ......................... square feet 142,044
Terra-cotta blocks used in partitions ......................... do.... 241,200
Plaster cornice in corridors .................. ........................3.......... .......... miles .
3
Plaster cornice office rooms ...............
in do... 6
Plain plastering in offices......................................................... square yards. . 65,774
Plain plastering in corridors.(10 .d. 24,711
Elevators. ................................................................................... 12
Staircases. ................................................................................... 8
Mail chutes and gravity conveyers .each.. 5
Entrances. ................................................................................... 14
Windows. ................................................................................... 730
Interior doors.. 86
Electric conduits .....................l inear feet, or 30 miles. .
i5,ooo
Electric wire run in above conduits ..................... linear feet, or 40i miles 241x,ooo
Lighting receptacles in baseboards. ............................................................. 3,500
Push-button switches. ........................................................................ 1,300
Electric-clock outlets ..450
Electric lamps required...............................................o..........................0,ooo
Equivalent in i6-candlepower lamps to ..6,ooo
Radiators in rooms and halls................................................................... 56o
Heating pipe ......l...............................linear ... feet, or i mile 43,000
Public toilet rooms........................................................................... 32
Toilet-room lavatories. .................................................................... 144
Urinals................................................................................. 134
Water-closets ..212
Slop sinks ....................... 35
Drinking fountains in toilet rooms ......................2....7...... 27
Combined lavatories and drinking fountains in office rooms ..417
In addition to the office and committee rooms, the building contains accommodations for the following: A conference
room with cloak and lounging roomsn adjoining; a dining room, lunch room, pantries, and kitchen; a post-office room, with
space for public telephone booths and( telegraphic office; barber shop and bathing room, and in the cellar the necessary
storage rooms; the latter can be reached through three driveway entrances on C Street and at the corner of 13 Street and
New Jersey Avenue connect through the new subway with the Capitol.
Dates connected with the construction of the building:
Demolition of old buildings on the site commenced................................................ Feb. i, 1904
General excavation of site commenced ................................. July i8, 1904
Concrete work in foundations commenced............................................ .......... Apr. 12, 1905
First brick laid ........................... July 5, 1905
First stone set................................................................................ Aug. 24, 1905
Concrete foundations completed ........................... Nov. 29, 1905
Corner stone laid ........................... Apr. 14, 1906
Last stone on exterior set ....... ..................... ......................... Nov. 9, 1907
Building was occupied .................J..................Jan. io, 1908
With the exception of the mahogany utied for the doors and furniture in the offices, all material entering into the con-
struction and furnishing of the building is of domestic production.
The following list exhibits the extent to which the work was distributed over the United States: The marble for the
B Street and New Jersey Avenue fronts and for the rotunda and main stair hall was produced in South Dover, N. Y.,
while the marble for the C street and First Street fronts was produced in Georgia. The limestone for the court was
produced in Bedford, Ind, All of the above work was executed under contract with B. A. & G, N. Williams, of New
York City.
The House Office Building was erected and furnished under the direction of
the Superintendent of the United States Capitol Building and Grounds, acting
under the supervision of the following Commission of the House of Representa-
tives constituted for this purpose by an act of Congress:
The Hon. Joseph G. Cannon, Illinois.
The Hon. William P. Hepburn, Iowa.
The Hon. James D. Richardson, Tennessee.
The Hon. Walter I. Smith, Iowa.'
James C. Courts, secretary to the Commission.
Thomas Hastings, consulting architect, New York.
Consulting engineering services, special investigations, reports on materials
and devices proposed for use in the building and similar services, were rendered
by the following:
Owen Brainard, consulting engineer, New York.
Theodore Cooper, consulting engineer, New York.
Charles Sooysmith, consulting engineer, New York.
Swinburne & Clark, consulting sanitary engineers, New York.
John Stephen Sewell, Captain of Engineers, United States Army.
Arthur A. Ernst, consulting illuminating engineer, New York.
F. L. Averill, Washington, D. C., structural engineering work.
Prof. S. Homer Woodbridge, Boston, heating, ventilating, and sanitary engi-
neering work.
Succeeded lion. W. P. Hepburn of Iowa.
REPORT ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE OFFICE
BUILDING FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
G ONGRESS in the organic act contemplating the selection of a site, and
erection thereon of a fireproof building for office purposes of Members
of the House of Representatives, restricted the choice to one of four
squares forming the southern boundary of the grounds of the United
States Capitol. The square chosen, 690, forms an imposing site for the construc-
tion of a building of the type of the House Office Building. From the date of the
commencement of the general excavation to its occupancy by the House of Repre-
sentatives (60th Cong.) a period of three years and six months elapsed; from the
date of the laying of the first brick of the foundations to the occupancy of the
building, a period of two years and six months.
A reference to the photographs attached to this report will show that prior to
the commencement of construction Square 690 was occupied largely by buildings of
substantial character, most of them being homes. The best of these were located
along B Street and New Jersey Avenue. Some of those along New Jersey Avenue
were historically interesting. For instance, a photograph showing the corner of
C Street and New Jersey Avenue gives a very good view of the noted old Holt
mansion. At the corner of New Jersey Avenue and B Street is shown a view of
the old Congressional Hotel, which was for many years a favorite, abiding place
for statesmen of prominence. Adjacent to this building and its annex, and shown
in light tone, was the historic Middleton mansion, interesting because of its
association with early banking days in Washington.
The first step in the work, after the receipt of the court notice that the
property had passed into the hands of the United States, was the notification
to the various residents to vacate the property. In general this was carried out
without friction, and as far as possible with due regard to the convenience and
interests of persons occupying the various properties. Dispossession under
such circumstances is more or less a sad task always, and it was so in this case
particularly, because a large number of the people living on the square owned
the properties in which they lived and were giving up actual homes Which they
had occupied for many years. Once this task was completed, steps were taken
to clear the site and raze the buildings. For this purpose advertisement was
made, specifications were issued, and bids received. A contract was finally
entered into with Rezin W. Darby, of Washington, D. C. The net result of
the contract was that the Government secured the removal of all encumbrances
on the site and received back into the Treasury the sum of $6,130.50. This
work was completed in the spring of 1904, and preparations were then made
for commencing the general excavation.
GENERAL EXCAVATION.
Before taking up this subject it is well to state under what conditions the
excavation, or its progress, was eventually hampered by other construction.
Under a prior law-the terminal act of April 28, 1904-and under subsequent
adjudication on the part of the House Office Building Commission (Messrs.
Cannon, Hepburn, and Richardson) the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. was entitled
to pass through Square 690 with a twin railway tunnel, the bottom of which
was approximately 41 feet below the general level of the square and the top
approximately 10 feet below the line of the normal foundations of the building.
The worst feature of this project was the fact that the tunnel line passed
under the southeast corner of the proposed building, and in a long curve,
so that only a very small portion of the tunnel actually paralleled the lines laid
down for the foundation. The tunnel passed under the building for about
three-quarters of its length, leaving an overhanging section of the building at
the southeast corner projecting some 35 feet beyond the tunnel. Through
Square 690 the railroad officials had laid out the construction in the form of
open-cut work, which means excavation from the surface down, instead of
tunneling under the soil. This was some advantage to the future construction
of the building, in that it bared every condition with which our construction
proposed to deal, although it naturally delayed the progress of the general
excavation and caused no little difficulty in the foundation work, as explained
hereafter. A reference to the drawing will show the relation between the
foundation lines of the building and the position of the railway tunnel.
It was also arranged between the House Commission and the officials
of the railroad that the plans for the tunnel work should be approved
mutually by the chief engineer of the railroad company and the Superintendent
of the Capitol. Modifications of these plans, as hereinafter stated, were
amicably adjusted.
The general excavation on the square amounted to over 100,000 cubic
yards. This was an increase over the original estimate of 22,010 yards, due
to the development of the plan for the building during the progress of the
excavation and the necessities arising from the increased cellar height, clue
to the desire to keep the balustrade lines of the building below the level of
the Capitol balustrade. The original elevation decided upon from the
preliminary drawings was set at 62. The changes referred to carried the
elevation down to 58.46, accounting for the increase over the estimated
amount by 18,010 yards. The subsequent excavation of the terraces on
New Jersey Avenue and B and C Streets added 4,000 yards.
The character of the soil excavated from the site of the building was
generally of a gravel formation, and a large percentage of the trenches were
cut through beds of gravel in a conglomerate form of such density that it
was difficult to remove it with the ordinary pick. This was especially the
case in the excavation at the southeast corner of the building. The soil at
the northeast corner was a loam composed of sand and red clay for a depth
of 20 feet above the gravel. The heaviest cut in the excavation was along
the B Street front. The depth of the cut at the corner of New Jersey Avenue
and B Street was 16 feet below the curb line at its intersection.
The cut at the corner of B and First Streets was approximately 23 feet
6 inches, this being the point of the highest curb grade. The slope of the curb
from this point to the corner of C Street is 21 feet 6 inches. The slope of the
curb from B and First Streets to the corner of New Jersey Avenue and B Street
is 7 feet 6 inches. The slope from this point to the corner of C Street is
12 feet 6 inches, while the slope from the corner of C and New Jersey Avenue
to the corner of C and First Streets is 1 foot 6 inches.
i- During the month of July, 1904, a contract was made with the Brennan
Construction Co. for general excavation of the site to an elevation of 62 feet
above tidewater. This required the removal of approximately 86,000 yards of
soil.
The disposal of this amount of soil was a problem which had to be solved
by the bidders. The specifications issued for the work announced certain
opportunities for the disposition of material, but placed the actual responsibility
on the succesSfull bidder. By an arrangement with the Commissioners of the
District of Columbia the Brennan Construction Co. obtained permission to
dispose of material on the present site of the Union Station Plaza. To do this
required some means of quickly transferring the excavated material to that point.
Realizing that any facility, not an expense to the Government, which would
enable the contractor to proceed rapidly with the work would be of advantage
in the speed of future construction, this office added to the permission the
right to cross the east front of the Capitol with a narrow-gauge road. This
enabled the contractor to utilize steam engines and cars of the type shown in
the photograph, and also to employ rapid steam excavators on the site. The
cars had a capacity of 6 yards each. In general the Brennan contract covered
what might be termed the normal excavation. The excavations brought about
by the presence of the railway tunnel will be treated under the head of trench
excavations pertaining to the foundation work.
22 REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICEI1BUILDING COMMISSION
TRENCII EXCAVA'TJON---I)DEI FOUNI)ATION EXCAVATION.
The trench excavations for the greater portion of the building walls were
executed by the Brennan Construction Co., the successful bidder under another
contract, and amounted to 5,7431 cubic yards, at 75 cents per yard. The
remainder of the excavation, east of the driveway, and the deep foundation
excavation on First Street, along the line of the Pennsylvania Railroad tunnel,
were executed by men and apparatus employed by the Government, under the
direction of the superintendent of construction.
The excavation for the deep foundation under the First Street pavilion,
including the concrete footings for this feature, was given by contract to the
Brennan Construction Co., under their estimate for the work, $15,101. The
work was finished on November 26, 1905.
The only difficulty occasioned by water in the normal trenches was along
the line of B Street, where water percolated through the sides of the trenches.
This was evidently caused by a small spring, which was discovered directly
under the main entrance to the building, on the northwest corner. At this
point it was deemed advisable to increase the width of the footing 3 feet, and
this was done.
Referring to the deep foundation work caused by the presence of the
railroad tunnel, the original intention, instead of excavating to the depth
required along the line of the railroad tunnel for a safe footing, was to drive
concrete piles where required to a depth of approximately 26 feet; the piles
to be spaced about 2 feet 6 inches on centers, and capable of sustaining a
load of 25 tons each. This plan was indorsed by several eminent civil
engineers who were consulted by the superintendent of construction and he
at once ordered the machinery to be placed in position to execute the work.
It was found after several attempts that the steel tubes used for this purpose,
driven with a 3,000-pound hammer, would not stand the strain necessary to
drive them through the dense gravel formation. During this test it was
found that at a depth of about 12 feet the tubes buckled under the strain
and could not be driven to any greater depth. It was then determined to
excavate until firm soil was reached. Further reference will be made to the
excavation for foundations below the normal footing line in the treatment of
that subject.
'TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION.
As before stated, this office worked 'in harmony with the railroad company
to secure such reenforcement of that section of the railroad tunnel passing
through Square 690 as would insure a safe and convenient foundation for the
portion of the building which was to rest upon it. The railroad company
REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICF BUILDING COMMISSION 23
acceded to the wishes of the superintendent in the matter of construction and
reenforcement, and the general plans of the tunnel work were changed to suit
the circumstances. In connection with this work we called in the services of
eminent engineers, specially qualified for that class of work, and acted largely
upon their advice. The plan of the railway company was to construct a tunnel
with concrete walls surmounted by brick arches. At our request the plans
were changed, and the walls built of large blocks of dimensioned limestone.
These walls were topped off with skew-back stone of Port Deposit granite.
Upon these rested the brick arch work which covered the tunnel. This arch
was made stronger than usual. Wherever the building rested upon the tunnel,
the construction work of the tunnel was conducted upward to a height
sufficient to carry a series of interlaced 24-inch I-beams set in concrete.
These I-beams were intended to transfer the load of the building to the walls
of the tunnel and to relieve the strain on the brick arches. The finished top
of the tunnel at this point was at elevation 48.50. The elevation of the
finished top of all concrete footings over this section was 58.46, a difference
of about 10 feet, which represents the: height of the added foundation walls
deemed necessary to bring the elevation line to the normal line of the other
foundation work.
FOUNDA'I'IONS.
The scope of the normal foundations of the building is shown on the
drawings attached to this report. These drawings give the dimensions of each
feature and of the whole. Concrete foundations were used throughout.
All concrete footing walls of the foundation are composed of native
Portland cement concrete, the component parts of which were one part of
Portland cement, two parts of clean-washed river sand, and five parts broken
stone from the Potomac River quarries.
A raised platform was erected in the court of the building so that
wheelbarrows could dump the different materials in the concrete mixer without
shoveling. The concrete, after being assembled in the mixer, was dumped on
a platform, and then conveyed in wheelbarrows to the different points of the
foundation.
All concrete footings, with the exception of those described as deep
foundations, were 4 feet in thickness or depth, and varied in width, according
to the load which was imposed on them, from 7 to 9 feet, respectively, which
was the maximum width at the bottom of the trenches.
They were then reduced in width every 16 inches in height by a series of
steps. The width of the concrete footings at the top, when finished, was for
the exterior wall 5 feet wide, court walls 4 feet 1.0 inches, and for the corridor
walls 3 feet 9 inches wide.
In offsetting the footings for the stepping, as described, wood forms were
used. The last or top form, which brought the concrete to a finished level to
receive the brick masonry, was set with great accuracy in order that the
finished top of the footings at any point could be used for taking different
elevations of the building.
After the trenches for the footings had been excavated to the face of the
masonry walls of the tunnel, it was found that the soil against the side of the
concrete work of the tunnel had been disturbed and had to be removed. At
this point it was determined to excavate to the depth of the tunnel foundations
wherever the walls of the building came in contact with them, especially as
the building walls in some cases ran nearly parallel to the walls of the tunnel.
The deep excavations along the line and side of the tunnel varied in width and
thickness from 4 to 6 feet, according to the conditions. In making these
excavations it was important to keep the horizontal shoring solid against the
banks of earth in order to prevent slipping. This was done by using screw
jacks placed against the concrete walls of the tunnel, and 6 by 6 inch upright
timbers were placed against the face of the horizontal shoring to support the
earth banks.
It was found that in pursuing this method all timber could be removed as
the trenches were filled and rammed without leaving voids or other debris, at
the same time keeping the banks rigid.
In all cases where it became necessary to excavate the trenches from a
high to a lower level, the height and width of the stepping was controlled by
the character of the soil in the bottom of the trench.
The deep excavation along the east side of the tunnel at the corner of First
and C Streets, was done in the same manner as that described for the west side of
the tunnel. The level excavation under the southeast corner of the building was
left in the form of an angle caused by the curve of the open-cut tunnel. The
excavation within the lines of this angle was carried 3 feet 6 inches below the
finished top of the tunnel, and then covered over its entire area with a 12-inch
layer of concrete, on which was placed a layer of 8-inch I-beams spaced 16 inches
on centers. The spaces between the beams were filled with concrete, and well
rammed. Then an additional course of 8-inch I-beams was laid on top of these,
at right angles to the first layer. The entire angle was then finished with a layer of
concrete, which brought the mass up to a level with the top of the 24-inch beams,
which reenforced the concrete work of the tunnel roof immediately under the
building at that point.
The excavation of this angle, together with the deep excavation on the east
side of the tunnel and all concrete work up to the level of the top of the tunnel,
NO. 25. FOUNDATION WORK. BUILDING FOUNDATIONS COMPLETED AT THE SOUTHEAST, ACROS THE TOP OF THE TUN EL. JULY 1, 1905
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AT THE SOUTHEAST. ACROSS THE TOP OF THE TUNNEL JULY 1. 1905.

NO. 2'. FOUNDATION WORK. BUILDING FOUNDATIONS COMPLETED
NO. 26. FOUNDATION WORK. FOUNDATION WORK ALONG FIRST STRE T SE. VIEW SHOWS THE BUILDING FOUNDATIONS LEAVING THE CURVING LINE OF THE TUN EL THESE FOUNDATIONS WERE STEP ED DOWN SO THAT ON THE RIGHT THEY REACH THE BOT OM OF THE TUN EL AND ON THE LEFT REACH TO A DEPTH TO SECURE EARTH. ON THE RIGHT IS SHOWN ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL COR IDOR WAL S ABUT ING AGAINST THE SIDE OF THE COMPLETED TUN EL. JULY 3, 1905
NO. 26. FCUNDATION WORK. FOUNDATION WORK ALONG FIRST STREET SE. VIEW SHOWS THE BUILDING FOUNDATIONS LEAVING THE CURVING LINE OF THE TUNNEL
THESE FOUNDATIONSWERE STEPPED DOW.< SO THAT ON THE RIGHT THEY REACH THE BOTTOM OF THE TUNNEL AND ON THE LEFT REACH TO A DEPTH TO SECURE
EARTH- ON T HE RIGHT IS SHOWN ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL CORRIDOR WALLS ABUTTING AGAINST THE SIDE OF THE COMPLETED TUNNEL JULY 3. 1905.
NO. 27. THE FIRST BRICK ON THE NORMAL FOUNDATIONS WAS LAID JULY 5, 1905. THIS VIEW SHOWS THE PROCES OF LAYING AT THE LINES OF THE BUILDING AND CONDITION OF THE WORK ON JULY 8, 1905
195. THIS VIEW SHOWS THE PROCESS OF LAYING AT THE LINES OF THE BUILDING
NO. 27. THE FIRST BRICK ON THE NORMAL FOUNDATIONS WAS LAID JULY 5. THE WORK ON JULY S. 1905.
AND CONDITION OF
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NO. 28. LAYING OF THE POSITION OF THE CEL AR-STORY WINDOWS. JULY 24, 1905
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NO. 2a. LAYING OFF THE POSITION OF THE CELLAR-STORY WINDOWS. JULY 24. 1905.
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NO. 29. INSTAL ATION OF THE FIRST DER ICK TO BEGIN THE SET ING OF STONE AT THE CORNER OF NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND C STRE T SE. AUGUST 7, 1905
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NO. 29. INSTALLAT ION OF T HE FIRST DERRICK TO BEGIN THE SETTING OF STONE AT THE CORNER OF NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND C STREET SE. AUGUST 7, 1905.
NO. 30. CORNER OF NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND B STRE T. ROTUNDA SECTION OF THE BUILDING READY FOR STONEWORK. FIRST DELIVERY OF STONE SHOWN IN THE BACKGROUND. AUGUST 14, 1905
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ROTUNDA SECTION OF THE BUILDING READY FOR STONEWORK. FIRST DELIVERY OF STONE SHOWN
NO. 30. CORNER OF NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND B STREET.
IN THE BACKGROUND. AUGUST 14. 1905.
NO. 31. SET ING THE FIRST STONE. AUGUST 28, 1905
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NO- 31. SETTING THE FIRST STONE. AUGUST 28. 1905.

NO. 32. LAYING STONE AT THE DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE IN THE CENTER OF THE C STRE T RUN OF THE BUILDING. AUGUST 28, 1905
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NO. 3 . GET ING A GO D START ON THE STONEWORK. SEPTEMBER 13, 1905
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NO. 34. LAYING AT THE PAVILION AT THE CORNER OF NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND C STRE T SE. SEPTEMBER 18, 1905
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NO. 34. LAYING AT THE PAVILION AT THE CORNER OF NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND C STREET SE. SEPTEMBER 1S. 1905.
NO. 35. LAYING THE FIRST IRON BEAMS FOR THE CEILING OF THE CEL AR COR IDOR. SEPTEMBER 18, 1905
NO. 35. LAY;NG THE FIRS; 'RON EEAMS FOR THE CEIL!NG OF THE CELLAR CORRICOR. SEPTEMBER 13, 1905.
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NO. 36. INSTAL ING THE BEAM WORK OF THE FIRST FLO RS AND SHOWING EXPERIMENTAL CONCRETE ARCH UNDER THE ROEBLING SYSTEM. SEPTEMBER 28, 1905
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It). 36. INSTAlLING TtilE REAM WORK Or TlE FIrST' FLOORS ANO SHOWING tEXIWf;RIMENTAL. CONCRETE ARCII UNDER rTllf
ROCiULING SYSTEM. SEPTEMIIER 2m, 1905.
was done by the Cranford Paving Co. It amounted to 1,503 cubic yards of
excavation and 520 cubic yards of concrete.
In placing the concrete for the deep foundations, great care was taken in
ramming the mass thoroughly, so as to obtain the best results. At all points
where the foundation walls of the building intersected the tunnel masonry,
and where stepping was required to bring the concrete footings to their
proper level, the concrete was reenforced with a series of twisted steel bars
1X inches square. The bars were embedded in the concrete at different levels
in the course of construction, and the joints broken so that the ends of the
rods were never placed opposite each other, thereby insuring the best
practical results.
MARBLE AND BRICK WORK.
The marble and stone work of the exterior facades of the building was
finished and erected in place by B. A. and G. N. Williams, of New York
City, under their contract with the Government.
The marble for the New Jersey Avenue and B Street fronts was quarried
in South Dover, N. Y. The marble for the rotunda and main stair hall was
also quarried in South Dover. The marble for the C Street and First Street
fronts was produced in the State of Georgia from what is known as the Ball
Grounds quarries.
The marblework was commenced on the C Street front of the building
oil the 24th day of August, 1905, and was carried on continuously when the
weather permitted until November 9, 1907, when the exterior marble and stone
work of the exterior court walls was finished. The courses of marble were
generally 1 foot 4Y2 inches in height, and continued at this height around all
four faces of the building. The heavy slopes of the street grades affected
very materially the number of courses on each front.
Taking the top of the brick foundation walls onl B Street, there are 51
courses of marble in sight, including the large projecting cornice course; C
Street shows 61 courses in sight; First Street shows 56 courses in sight; and
New Jersey Avenue shows 55 courses in sight. The marble ashlar facing of
the walls alternates in thickness from 8 to 12 inches, in order to form the
usual bond with the brickwork. All the 8-inch ashlar was anchored to the
brickwork with two galvanized iron anchors IS4 inches wide, 12 inches long,
and Y4 inch thick8 All projecting courses of marble had bearing on the stalls
from 12 to 18 includes, according to the size of the stone and its projection
over the face of the walls.
In stating the progress of the stonework during the construction of the
building, the date of the completion of each story will be given as of the date
8202o012-- 11
when the floor beams were placed in position. On December 30, 1905, the
masonry work of the basement story was completed and the floor beams in
place.
The granite courses forming the base for the limestone facing of the
court walls and the granite piers and walls of the driveway were delayed
in delivery, and this delay retarded the progress of the court walls some
five weeks. Finally, after some of this stone was delivered on the ground and
inspected, the cutting was found to be below the standard required by the
specifications. The stone was ordered to be recut, and this caused further
delay. As soon as this work was completed the walls were rapidly constructed.
The limestone facing of the court walls was quarried and cut to the
required dimensions at the Bedford, Ind., quarries. The general character of
the stone in the court walls is very plain. The only attempt at ornament will
be found in the molded belt courses over the arches and under the sill line
of the circular head windows of the second story and in the molded cornices
and five panels over the large windows of the conference room in the
northwest corner of the court.
There are 57 courses of the court limestone in sight, the first S courses
projecting from the building line 2 inches, forming a base, The stone of the
different courses varies in thickness in order to bond with the brick backing,
the thin courses being 8 inches thick, and the alternate course 12 inches
thick. This stone is anchored into the brick backing with galvanized-iron
anchors from 12 to 16 inches long.
All stone used in the construction of the House Office Building, including
marble, granite, and limestone, was set and placed in position under the
supervision of practical inspectors employed by thei Government, whose duties
were to see that every stone was set on full beds of mortar composed of
La Farge's nonstaining cement and fine, sharp sandd. The vertical joints of all
stone were grouted with the same material.
Before the brick backing was laid all marble and limestone was given a
full coat of antihydrene paint to prevent any stain from the cement mortar of
the brickwork showing on the face of the stone ashlar.
When the stone walls of the court were finished, a force of men was set
to work washing the face of the walls and pointingup the joints with La Farge
cement. This work was done from swinging ladders secured to the stonework
of the roof balustrade. The same process was applied on the exterior marble
until the whole work was finished.
The principal decoration of the First Street elevation is the pavilion at the
corner of B Street. The elevation of this pavilion extends through the third and
REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSiON 27
fourth stories of the building. The ornamentation consists of four pairs of twin
columns, set on plinths that receive the cap of the balustrade, the columns being
adorned with turned balustrades and molded bases. The lintel course, which rests
on top of the capitals of the columns, is molded on the face and soffit, and forms
a part of the entablature over the pavilion. The ceiling is formed of three sunk
panels. The third-story windows of this feature have projecting molded archi-
traves, and under the sill there is an ornament of carved drapery. The second-
story windows have projecting molded caps and molded architraves on the face
of the walls.
The C Street elevation is ornamented with five balconies resting on heavy
carved corbles, with a balustrade of turned marble and heavy molded caps. There
are two molded belt courses-one under the third-story windows and one under
the second-story windows. The third and fourth story windows are finished with
a projecting molded architrave on the face of the marble walls. The walls of the
first story are decorated with rustic marble. This continues around the building
on First Street, and stops against the walls of the First Street pavilion.
The front elevation at the B Street entrance is ornamented with a large
circular head window with projecting molded architraves. The angles at the
top of the windlow between the circular architraves and the pilasters are
enriched with carved emblematic panels. On each side of this window there
are two free standing columns, extending from the level of the second-story
floor to the bottom of the architraves of the cornice entablature. The base
of these columns rests on plinths built up to a height to receive the cap rail
of the balustrade. The balcony is supported by two large carved corbels.
On each side of this window are four pilasters treated with plinths and caps,
molded to conform with the similar members of the columns. Immediately
back of the columns are two pilasters. None of the third-story windows shows
on this elevation. This space is treated with an ornamental sunk panel, carved
at the top. Oni each side of the center feature in the third story there is a
window with an ornamental molded pediment cap. This pediment rests
on richly carved corbels. The vertical sides of the windows have molded
architraves and lines of carved moldings. The entrance door to the vestibule
has a segmental head, with broad, deep-seated paneled jambs. This doorway
has a projecting molded architrave, with a line of carved molding. The
exterior face of the second-story marble ashlar is rusticated at this point. rilhe
ornamental features of the elevations at the entrance to the building at the
corner of New Jersey Avenue and. C Street, including the elevation of the
ornamental work on both sides of the main entrance at the corner of B Street
and New Jersey Avenue, are prototypes of the feature above described.
The doorway of the main entrance to the rotunda is finished in the same
way as the entrance to the marble vestibule at the corner of B and First
Streets. Immediately over this entrance, in the recessed wall, is a large circular
head window, the same as described for the corner of B and First Streets, with
carved panels in the angles at the top. There are also two free standing col-
umns, one on each side of the recess, with capitals, plinths, and bases the same
as those of the columns of the other features. The balcony over the entrance
doorways has an ornamental balustrade, with molded balustrades and cap rail.
The floor slab of the balustrade rests on two large richly carved and molded
corbels, which are placed at each end of the platform.
The long colonnade on the B Street front, between the corner features,
is composed of 16 twin columns and 2 single columns. The single columns
occur at the return walls at the end of the colonnade. The bases of the twin
columns rest on combination plinths sufficiently large to receive the twin
columns. An ornamental balustrade fills the space between the plinths of
the columns. These columns have molded capitals and a carved line of egg-
and-dart ornament. On top of these capitals is set the lintel course, which
forms the bottom member of the entablature under the cornice line. The
lintel course from the top of the capitals to the top of the pilasters on the
side walls has molded faces and ornamental soffits. Upon these lintels are
laid the ornamental panels of the colonnade ceiling. This lintel course is
carried around the side walls and rests upon the pilaster capitals. The
pilasters, set on wall plinths of the same height as the column plinths, have
molded bases, fluted shafts, and molded capitals corresponding with the
column caps. The windows of the fourth story directly under the ceiling of
the colonnade have molded architraves projecting beyond the face of the wall,
with a carved drapery ornament under the sill of each window. The third-
story windows of the colonnade walls have molded architraves. The cap of
the window head projects over the face of the wall. It is molded and has a
carved line under the soffit. The architrave is broken under the caps and
finished against marble corbels under the window heads. The space between
the corbels has a decorated panel.
In the faced marblework of the second story, directly under the marble
cornice course upon which rest the plinths of the column, there are 17
circular head windows, with deep revealed jambs which act as a stop for the
rustication of the marble ashlar.
The face marblework of the New Jersey Avenue front, between the
corner features, bears pilasters that start from bases which overlie the molded
cornice course directly over the rusticated ashlar facing of the secoiid-story
walls. On this front also the first-story ashlar facing is rusticated. There are
REPORr OP THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION 29
32 twin pilasters and 2. single ones which finish against the corner features.
These pilasters have fluted shafts, with molded bases and carved molded
capitals. The twin pilasters separate the windows of the several stories. At
the base of the pilasters there is a molded balustrade between the plinths.
This balustrade is located immediately across the front of each of the third-
story windows. The bottom of the molded entablature course rests on the
cap of the pilasters and projects beyond the face of the ashlar 5 inches.
The finish of the marblework at the jambs of the windows of the different
stories is the same as that described for the B Street front. The windows of
the first story have flat arches and deep revealed jambs, which receive the return
of the sunk rustication.
The balustrade over the New Jersey Avenue front and the B Street front,
with the return over the First Street pavilion, consists of pedestals placed at
each corner and angle of the building, showing the different breaks in the
outer walls. The caps of these pedestals are molded on the sides and
weathered at the top. The spaces between the pedestals are filled with an
open molded balustrade. The balustrade on top of the cornice on the First
Street and C Street fronts consists of two courses of stone. The first course
is a plain piece of ashlar, backed up with 13 inches of brick. On top of this
course is set a projecting molded course, weathered on top with a reglet cut
in the back face to receive the lead calking of the copper flashing of the
roof gutters.
The balustrade of the court walls is formed of three courses of sandstone.
The two bottom courses are backed up with brickwork and capped with a
molded course 10 inches thick and 20 inches wide. This course is weathered
at the top and has a reglet cut in the top face 4 inches from the edge to
receive the lead calking of the copper flashing.
All ashlar facing of the House Office Building, either of limestone or
marble, is 8 and 12 inches thick, respectively. These thicknesses were adopted
in order to bond with the brick backing.
MAR1LE, APPROACHES.
The building has four marble approaches to the main entrance, situated at
the corners of the buildingt. In extent they cove the breaks in the walls
formed by the projecting features of the corner pavilions.
The main approach, on the corner of B Street and New Jersey Avenue,
architecturally forms the base for the pavilions at this point. The floor of this
approach is reached by two flights of steps, one on B Street and the other
immediately in front of the main entrance. BIack of these steps and situated
on top of the platform are other marble steps leading directly to the entrances.
These steps, like the main steps leading from the sidewalk, are built between
large marble pedestals. The bottom steps are spread out and are returned
against the face of the pedestal and the walls of the building. The entire area
of this approach is excavated to the depth of the basement floor, and forms the
enlarged outlet of the Capitol subway. The spread-out of the subway at this
point is used for the storage of material and for access to the openings in
the walls of the rotunda. The floor of this approach is supported by steel
columns and girders upon which the floor beams rest. These beams are
12-inch I's, are built in the brick walls at either end, and are supported by the
steel girder in the center. Between these beams are built brick arches that
support the cement floors. The top finish of these floors is done in cement
and laid out in square blocks.
The marble facing of the walls is broken with rusticated projections that form
the bases of the pedestals which extend above the floor, At the floor line there is
a projecting cornice course which forms the bases of the balustrade pedestals.
The molded rails of the balustrades are made to intersect the projecting caps of
the pedestals and form the top finish of the balustrade.
The approach at the corner of First and C Streets was cut from Georgia
marble. The approaches at the other entrances are of South Dover marble. The
work was done under contract by B. A. & G. N. Williams, of New York City.
All the approaches are similar in design and finish, except at the corner of First
and B Streets, where the approaches are brought together and made to connect
with a circular balustrade. Between the approaches on B Street, and connecting
them, is a panel-faced retaining wall, finished with a broad molded coping, the top
of which is finished level with the parking. The sunken panels in this wall are
designed to harmonize with the face walls of the approaches. In the east wall of
the main approach a section of the balustrade is omitted, and forms an entrance
to the marble steps leading down to the area in front of the entrance to the first floor.
On three of the exterior sides of the building, namely, New Jersey
Avenue, B Street, and First Street, areas are built to light and ventilate the
windows of the basement. 'T'hese areas have a clear width of 6 feet, and the
walls are capped with marble and granite coping that finishes 9 inches above
the parking.
BRICKWORK.
In the construction of the brick walls of the building only the best
quality of hard-burned bricks was used. All of the bricks delivered on the
site of the building during the progress of the work were inspected by an
expert employed for that special duty.
The brickwork of the building, approximating 17,000,000 bricks, was
executed very rapidly. especially in the first stages of the construction where
there was no stone facing to the wall. Some days as many as 65,000 bricks
were laid in the walls. To keep a sufficient stock of bricks on hand and to
avoid delay it became necessary to enter into contract with all the local brick
manufacturers for a specified amount to be delivered on the ground in a
certain time. By this means a sufficient stock of bricks was obtained to supply
the demand for the daily consumption and also leave a reserve stock stacked
up on the premises. The brickwork was commenced July 5, 1905, when
the positions of all the walls were laid out on the top of the concrete footings.
This required the locating of all vertical chases on the interior faces of the
walls, chases for rain water from the roof, chases for the steam risers, and soil
and waste pipes for the plumbing fixtures.
The varying thickness of the walls, starting from the top of the concrete
footings, is as follows: Exterior walls, where faced with marble, 3 feet 5 inches
thick; court walls, where faced with granite, 3 feet 3 inches thick; corridor
walls, 2 feet 3 inches thick. The partition or crosstie walls vary in thickness,
according to their location, from 2 feet 3 inches to 13 inches.
In the erection of the brickwork for the corridors, walls were carried to
their full height in advance of the exterior walls. The 9-inch floor beams were
then placed and the rough concrete floors laid. It was found necessary to do
this in order to have an elevated position for the derricks used in setting the
stone. This plan was adopted in the erection of the building throughout.
After the exterior walls were brought to the proper height to receive the
marble facing, and from this period until the completion of the masonry work
of the building, the progress of the brickwork depended upon the amount of
stone that was set in the walls in readiness for the brick backing. All the
brick walls were reduced in thickness at the floor levels as the brickwork
progressed, as shown by the drawings of the several floor plans.
The mortar used in the laying of the bricks was composed of 1 part
Portland cement and 2% parts clean river sand. These proportions were strictly
adhered to in all brick masonry work during the erection of the building.
The Gustavino arch which supports the marble tile floor of the rotunda
was erected on strongly supported wood centering. The form of the center
was broken so as to allow for the projecting ribs which are seen from the
basement floors. The brickwork ring at the base of the arch along the line of
the circular wall also projected so as to intersect with the ribs which radiate
from a similar ring at the crown of the arch, the whole effect forming nine
sunk panels. The body of the arch was.-constructed of four layers of Gustavino
tile in Portland cement, with the joints carefully bonded. Upon them thin
brick walls were built, radiating from the main brick wall of the rotunda to
the top of the arch. These walls were carried from within 6 inches of the
finished floor of the rotunda up to the top of the arch, and the voids between
the brick dwarf walls were then covered with concrete slabs, upon which the
cement bed for the marble was laid.
The rooms constituting the series immediately around the main floor of the
rotunda on the north and west sides are built over brick arches which were
made necessary by the architectural construction of the building.
STEEL WORK AND METAL WORK.
The greater portion of the House Office Building may be classed under
the head of masonry construction. Steel work was used only in the construction
of the floors, the ventilating ducts, the roof, and dome of the rotunda. This
work consisted largely of iron beams of various sizes, with very little complicated
fabrication. All steel work was furnished under contract by the American
Bridge Co., of New York. That company completed the first contract three
months ahead of the stipulated date.
The steel beams required for the different floors were furnished and delivered
on the ground by the contractor, but were set in place and assembled by
mechanics and laborers employed by the Government. Shop drawings were
furnished by the manufacturers, giving the number and location of each beam.
All the 15-inch beams were set on cast-iron plates 1 inch thick and 12 by 12
inches square. All 12-inch beams were set on plates 10 by 10 inches square
and 4 inch thick. Nine-inch beams were set on plates 9 by 9 inches square
and X+ inch thick. Six-inch beams were set on plates 8 by 8 inches square and
X inch thick.
The plate girders at the corner of B and First Streets and New Jersey
Avenue and C Street, over the large conference rooms at these points, had
bearing plates 1% inches thick and 14 by 18 inches.
Generally when the brick walls were brought up to the proper height
the location of the beams was then determined and the plates were set in
cement mortar to their proper level, one plate being used on each floor as a
datum point to level from. This was done in all cases as soon as the walls
hadl been brought to the required height.
The beams that support the office room floors are 15-inch I-beams,
weighing 55 pounds to the lineal foot, with angles bolted on the web of the
beams at each end to act as anchors in the brick walls. The beams were
doubled and bolted together with separators, so as to form a girder where
they carry the additional load of the terra-cotta partition. The floor beams
were then spaced approximately 5 feet 9 inches on centers. These beams are
in all the office room floors at points where they come in contact with the
ventilating and hot-air-flue construction.
NO. 37. BEGIN ING THE STONEWORK ALONG THE B STRE T FRONT. OCTOBER 4, 1905
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NO. 3,. BEGINNING THE STONEW ORK ALONG THE BSTREET FRONT. OCT08ER 4, 1905.
NO. 38. CONDITION OF CONSTRUCTION AT NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND B STRE T SE. CEL AR STORY COMPLETE READY FOR FLO R BEAMS. ROTUNDA WAL S READY FOR THE INSTAL ATION OF THE GUASTAVINO FLO R ARCH. OCTOBER 17, 1905
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NO. 38. CONDITION OF CONSTRUCTION AT NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND B STREET SE. CELLAR STORY COMPLETE READY FOR FLOOR BEAMS. RC%-UNDA
WALLS READY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE GUASTAVINO FLOOR ARCH. OCTOBER 17. 1905.
NO. 39. VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION AT FIRST AND C STRE TS SE. OVER THE RAILWAY TUN EL. OCTOBER 21, 1905
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NO. 39. VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION AT FIRST AND C ST REETS SE. OVER THE RAILWAY TUNNEL OCTOBER 21, 1905.
NO. 40. BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING, LO KING FROM NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND B STRE T. NOVEMBER 24, 1905
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NO. 40. BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCT ION ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING, LOOKING FROM NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND B
NOVEMBER 24. 1905.
NO. 41. BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION ALONG C AND FIRST STRE TS. LO KING FROM NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND C STRE T SE. NOVEMBER 24, 1905
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AND C STREET SE. NOVEMBER 24. 1905.

NO. 4C. S.RD.S-EYE vIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION ALONG C AND FIRST STREETS. LOOKING FROM NEW JERSEY AVENUE
NO. 42. BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION. DECEMBER 1, 1905
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NO. 42. BjRY'S-EYE VEW OF T-E INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION. DECEMBER 1. 1905.

NO. 43. COMPLETED FOUNDATIONS FOR THE CORNER OF THE BUILDING AT B AND FIRST STRE TS SE. THESE FOUNDATIONS RUN DOWN TO THE DEPTH OF THE TUN EL FOUNDATIONS. DECEMBER 4, 1905
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NO. 43. COMPLETED FOUNDATIONS FOR THE CORNER OF THE BUILDING AT B AND FIRST STREETS SE. THESE FOUNDATIONS RUN DOWN TO THE DEPTH OF THE
TUNNEL FOUNDATIONS. DECEMBER 4. 1905.
NO. 4 . BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE CONDITION OF THE CONSTRUCTION. JANUARY 19, 1906
NO. I.IRD3'S-EYE VIEW OF TH E CONDITION OF THE CONSTRUCTION. JANUARY 19. 1906.

Nine-inch I-beams were used for all the corridor floors, and were spaced five
feet on centers. They weighed 21 pounds per lineal foot. Ten and twelve inch
I-beams were used generally in the angles of the building and at points where the
space between the walls was not over 18 feet. During the progress of the work
there was an organized force of men whose duty it was to lay in place the rough
concrete of the floor arches. These men commenced operations as soon as the
section beams were in place. The result was that in few instances would the
beams stand long without the rough concrete arches. The wire workers who
placed the Roebling arches were always on time with their work.
All material, except the steel beams and the cut stone, was hoisted with
elevators, there being four hoisting machines located in the courtyard at points
where they were most needed. The steel beams of the several floors, however,
were hoisted with the stone-setters' derricks. Very often this had to be done after
the stone setters had finished work in the afternoon, in order to avoid delaying the
stonework.
The steel work of the roof was erected on and supported by two lines of
steel columns, set upon the top of the brick walls of the corridors. These
walls were discontinued at the level of the attic concrete floors, and the
bearing plates of the columns set upon them. These columns are constructed
of one Y -inch plate 7% inches wide. To this plate was riveted four 3 by 3
inch angles, which formed the body of the colurmins. The columns were
generally spaced 18 feet apart, and set in pairs opposite each other, across
the corridor, 14 feet on centers. These columns were framed in pairs, with
3-inch angles, to which were riveted a panel of lattice bracing. On top of
the columns was bolted a heavy 15-inch I-beam, which formed a girder for
the sloping rafters. This girder was framed with knee braces. One end of
the knee brace was riveted to the shaft of the vertical column and the other
end was bolted to the bottom flange of the girder. Tjhe framing for the flsat
deck. of the roof consisted of 10-inch I-beams, framed with standard angles
into the web of the girder. Twelve-inch I-beams were used for all the sloping
rafters of the roof. These beams had angles framed and bolted on each end.
The angles on the bottom answered for a shoe, anchored in the brickwork
of the side walls. The angles on the top end of the rafters secured that end
to the web of the girder. These rafters were generally set about 6 feet apart.
The roof directly over the rotunda was framed of 12-inch hip and valley
beams, to which the smaller intersecting beams were riveted. The bottom ends
of the beams resting on the masonry walls had angle-plate shoes bolted on
them, while the top ends were framed to a large 18-inch channel ring, which
formed an opening for the rotunda skylight. Immediately under this roof
framing there was an inner curved framing of small channel members that gave
3434REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION
form to the dome ceiling. 'Trhe top ends of these curved angles were riveted
to and around the channel ring at the top. The bottom ends were secured to
a larger channel ring at the base of the dome. Immediately under the curved
ribs, and bolted to them, was a Series of small channel rings placed horizontal
to the curved ribs, and spaced 2 feet oIL centers. To these rings the wire lath
for the plastering was secured.
T'he elliptical ceilings of the two large committee rooms on the third
floor were constructed in the same manner as has been described for the
dome ceiling. The steel girders and beams of the large room on the first
floor, used for barber shop and bathroom, are supported on eight masonry
piers 3 feet 6 inches square. On these piers are seated eight large columns,
into which are framed the 15-inch steel girders that carry the floors of the
post-office and conference rooms at their respective levels. The 15-inch
I-beams that form the girders are riveted to the columns at one end and have
bearing on the masonry walls at the opposite end. The 12-inch intermediate
beams are framed into the girders at right angles and secured with standard
riveted connection. The floor of the conference room is framed in the samle
manner, with the same dimensioned girders anol beams as have been described
for the post-office room. The floor of the attic, which forms the ceiling of
the conference room, is framed with 12-inch I-beams, anld hangs from the
three heavy roof trusses especially designed for this purpose.
Cast-iron ribbed lintels, the full width of the wall, were used for the
first-stoIy door openings to the office rooms. Segmental brick arches were
usedl in the upper stories for the office-room openingfs. All the large
openings ill the brick masonry walls adjacent to the rotunda had assembled
I-beam lintels, bolted together with separators.
T'lhe building is furnished with seven steel-constructed stairways. The two
principal ones are located adjacent to the rotunda, one on1 the 13 Street front
of the l)uilding and the other on the New Jersey Avenue side.. These stairs
extend from the 1)asement floor to the fourth-story floors, and have
intermediate platforms between the floor landings. There are also three other
flights of stairs leading froom the basement to the attic story. These are
located at each angle of the building on the court side, and have intermediate
platform landings. The platforms are secured to the walls with large bolts
extending through the walls, with cast-iron washers back of the nuts. The
carriages are formed of steel channel beams, with cast-iron angles bolted to
the top flange of the channel. These form seats for the steps and risers.
Trle outside carriage, next to the wall, has an ornamental face-string bolted
onl it, and forms a base for the balustrade, which is ornamented and capped
with a large and continuous handrail of polished brass. The two flights of
REPORT OF TUE HOUSE OFFICE BIJIlI)ING COMMISSION 35
spiral stairs, located east and west of the barber shop, start in the basement
and have their landing on the fourth floor. These spiral stairs are constructed
similarly to those mentioned above, except that the treads and wall-face strings
are of cast iron.
Tlhe. attic space under the roof is lighted by 36 skylights. The outer
frames of the skylights are made of 10-inch channels, with lj -inch angles
riveted on the sides, on which the glass is bedded. The two intermediate ribs
are made of 2~-inch tees, inverted and bolted to the outer frame with small
angles. The circular skylight over the dome of the rotunda is framed with
inverted 3-inch tees to a small channel ring at the top, and at the bottom to
the large ring that forms a part of the roof framing. The glass of all the
skylights was set and bedded in flexible cement putty. Directly over the
main marble stairway leading to the conference room there are three large
sloping roof skylights, with frames constructed with steel bars which have a
covering of molded sheet copper and are glazed with wire glass.
.RO0F CONS'T'RUCTION.
The main body of the roof has a covering of 16-ounce copper. The
sloping sides of the roof have standing seams which are riveted to galvanized
ribs, set in and secured to the concrete roof covering. The rivets were spaced
6 inches apart. The copper covering of the decks of the roof was laid with
flat seams, the copper b)Cing secured to the roof with cleats nailed to the
cement covering. At intervals of 50 feet a folding expansion joint was macic
in the flat ('covering of the decks. Thie copper formniing the gutters was of a
heavier grade, weighing 24 ounces to the square foot. Trlis copper was carried
up the side walls of the gutters in the shape of flashing and was turned into
the regrets cut in the stonework, calked with lead.
The entire steel construction of the roof was covered with a 4-inch sla)b
of cin(ler concrete, reenforced with ex)andle(l metal. Wood centering wa13s used
while this work was being done. TFhe flat deck of the roof immediately over
the corridors was raised 2 inches in the center by increasing the thickness of
the concrete at that point, so as to convey the water to tile sloping sides of
the main roof.
All grading of the gutters to facilitate the flow of water to the outlets of the
down spouts was done ly increasing the thickness of the concrete in order to
obtain the desired slopes.
FLOOR (CONS~T'RUJC'TION.
The first concrete floors were started September, 1905. These were the floors
of the ventilating ducts over the basement corridors. They are supported by
4-inch I beams} placed about 4 feet on centers. Wood centering was placed under
the beams to hold the concrete in place. The space between the beams was then
filled with cinder concrete, while at the top of the beams this floor was reenforced
with No. 10 expanded metal and then finished with 2 inches of concrete, troweled
to a smooth, even surface.
'rhe first-story concrete floors were flat arches, supported during construction
by wood centers and reenforced with expanded metal. Where the cinder concrete
joined the beams the centers were so constructed that the face of the beams was
covered down to its bottom flange in the shape of a corbel support, at the same
time making the beams practically fireproof.
All other floors of the building were constructed with the Roebling arch
system, which did not require any wood centering, inasmuch as the fine wire
arch forms covering the steel bars held the concrete in place while it was being
tamped to an even surface. The form of this arch enabled the concrete to
cover the entire steel beam, bottom and sides. All the rough concrete floors
of the building were placed as soon as the floor beams were put in position.
IIn the early stages of the building this was found necessary for the storing of
the material used in the brickwork of the different stories, as well as for
protection to the men employed on the lower floors.
Trhe finished floors of all the office rooms were laid with Portland cement
concrete, 4 inches thick. The first layer, 3 inches thick, was composed of
cindler concrete, upon which was placed a 1-inclh finishing coat, composed of
I pale cement to 1%/. parts of sand. This was laid off in rectangular squares
and troweledi to a hard, smooth surface. All the floors of the basement rooms
and corridors were finished in the same manner as the office floors.
'I'ERRA-COTI'A PARTITIONS.
Tehe pIartitions separating the different office rooms, except where the brick
tic walls occur, are constructed of hard-burned terra-cotta ]hollow blocks, each
course being 12 inches high and 6 inches thick. All terra cotta was set with
the same character of cement mortar used in the brickwork, The partitions
enclosing the air ducts for the heating and ventilation of the different office
rooms were constructed of 4-inch hollow terra-cotta blocks in courses 12 inches
high. These ducts were built against the corridor walls within the room space
and on each side of the doorways, and were connected with the main air ducts
on the ceiling of the b)asement corridor. These ducts were carried vertically
through the several stories, with their outlets in the attic under the main roof.
IN''TERIOR FINISI I OF 'T'H, BHUILJDIN(-INTE.RIOR MARBLE'.
The marblework of the interior was let to several firms, principally on
Account of the necessity of having the building ready for occupancy at the
earliest moment possible. The greater portion of this work was done by the
contractors who erected the exterior stonework of the building, B. A. & G. N.
Williams. This work consisted chiefly of the marblework of the rotunda, the
marble stairs in the rear of the rotunda leading to the main conference room,
the marble jambs, architraves, and pediments of the entrance doors to conference
room, the two flights of marble steps immediately under the main stairs, and
the marble steps and risers of the two flights of stairs immediately east and
west of the rotunda.
The marblework supporting the rotunda arcade is supported by 18 rectangular
piers which start at the rotunda floor. These piers were connected by circular
arches at the top, on which was set the circular entablature course which
formed the base of the arcade balustrade. Immediately over these piers is
placed a row of 18 columns. Between these columns the space is inclosed with
a molded marble balustrade, and on top of the capitals there is a molded plaster
architrave that forms the base of the ornamental plastered dome of the rotunda.
The tile floor of the arcade is laid with South Dover marble, as is also the
base at the wall line immediately back of columns.
The main stairway across the circular corridor from the rotunda consists
of two flights, one flight at either hand on entering the post office from the
rotunda floor. These stairs are cut out of South 1)over marble and have
heavy ornamental balustrades.
Thhe wainscoting of the walls is of marble, with a neatly molded !Pap.
The wainscoting starts on the floor of the first landing, extends to the height
of the top of the b)alustrade of the top landing at the entrance of the
conference room, and forms a base for the ornamental plaster pilasters of the
side walls. T'he floors of the stair landings are laid with marble tile. The
main doorway leading from the landing at the top of these stairs to the
conference room is finished with heavy molded architraves, with plinths and
jambs capped at the top with an ornamental projecting marble pediment.
The marblework of the toilet rooms is the product of Georgia quarries, and
consists principally of the division slabs of the urinals, with the backs for the same
and the backs of the lavatories, together with the division slabs separating the
different closets. The jambs and caps of the fronts of the toilets and the hardwood
swinging doors, together with all the necessary hardware, were furnished and
erected by the Blue Ridge Marble Co. The floors are of Tennessee marble, laid
in rectangular tile.
The marblework for the three stairways on the court side of the building, one
situated on the northeast corner of the building, one on the southeast corner, and
one on the southwest corner, was furnished and erected by the Hilgartner Marble
Co., of Baltimore. These stairs start at the basement floor and land on the attic
floor, under the roof of the building.
38 REPORT OF Tri HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION
The steps and risers were cut from Vermont marble, and are 1%2 inches thick
and 12 inches wide. The risers are A inch thick and 6Yo inches wide.
The wall skirting is of marble, coped out to fit closely on the steps.
The skirting on the inside of iron face string is of marble coped over the
stepping in the same manner. This marble was set with Lafarge nonstaining
cement. The marble tile floors of the landings are of the same material as
the steps, and are set on a 2-inch bed of nonstaining cement.
The floors of the main conference room were laid with a ground of white
Vermont marble, with small squares of black marble placed at the angle of
each of the larger white tiles, forming a geometrical combination. The
border of this panel was finished with two lines of dark marble, separated by
a course of 12-inch white tiles. The base around the walls of the room is of
variegated or mottled marble, 9 inches high, beveled at the top. The marble
floors of the post-office room were laid with white marble in the form of
bisected squares. The marble border of this room was composed of two lines
of dark marble tiles, separated by a course of 18-inch white tiles, with a wall
base of white marble, 9 inches high, beveled at the top.
Thie partition walls and the wainscoting of the bathrooms are finished
with polished Tennessee marble, capped with a 2-inch slab, the whole being
about 7 feet high. 'The floors of the bathrooms are of coml)osition stone,
troweled to a smooth surface.
Thel floors and base of the barber shop are of TI'ennessee marble, with
a 1ordel' of the same material. Generally the floors of the corridors
throughout the buil(ling are finished with marble tiles, set on a 3-inch bed
of nonstaining cement. These floors on the wall side are finished with a
border of a shade darker than the body of the work. At the interifection of
the corridors, where the p)ilasters of the walls are located, two line; of dark
marble arc carried across the corridors at right angles to the side walls. The
space between these two lines corresponds to the width of the shaft of the
pilaster, and is filled with light-colored marble, forming a panel effect. All
the plastered it.alls of the corridors are finished with a 9-inch beveled top
marble base, fitted to the marble plinths of the corridor doors. These plinths
form a base for the wood trimming of the door frames. All corridor pilasters
repose on a heavy molded marble base, which finishes at the same height as
the base of the corridor walls.
The marble entrance vestibule at the corner of First and C Streets is
ornamented with eight columns. These columns stand free of the walls, and
are set on plinths at the base. Back of each column there is a line of
projecting pilasters with molded capitals. Surmounting the capitals of the
columns is a molded lintel course extending to the line of the finished
ceilings. Between each pilaster the entire wall is covered with large molded
marble panels, with top and base moldings. The four corners of each panel
are ornamented with a carved rosette. The floors are laid with square slabs
of marble 3 inches thick, with shaded borders.
PLUMBING AND) FIXTURES.
There are four extra-heavy cast-iron. pipe sewers, for the removal of
sewage and the drainage of rain water. Connecting with the public sewer in
C Street is the main 20-inch extra-heavy cast-iron pipe sewer, provided with a
20-inch extra-heavy cast-iron running trap and fresh air inlet on the house
side of the trap; then extending under building into the courtyard, which it
encircles. Into this 20-inch sewer is discharged all the storm water conveyed
from the roof through the several cast-iron rain leaders; likewise all the
surface drainage from the courtyard. Connecting with this 20-inch pipe sewer
at the curb on C Street, and running parallel with it around the courtyard, is
an extra heavy 8-inch cast-iron universal pipe sewer, which carries off the
waste from public toilets and lavatories in all office rooms except that from
a few lavatories on First and B Streets. It conveys also the drainage from
bathrooms and barber shop. Three brick manholes are installed over the
sewer in the courtyard, where it is desiralble to have access to the sewer for
purposes of inspection, repairs, and the removal of obstructions therein, while
at the extreme ends of this sewer jin the courtyard brick flush tanks are
constructed, with a capacity of about 300 gallons of water, operating
automatically once during each 24 hours and flushing out all accumulations.
Extending from the public sewer on C Street, and running along the First
Street side of the building, is a 3-inch extra-heavy cast-iron universal pipe
sewer to convey thel storm water from the roof, areas, approaches, and a few
locations on First Street. An 8-inch extra-heavy running trap is place(l in the
sewer at the curb, with an 8-inch fresh-air vent on the house side of the trap.
Extending from the public sewer in New Jersey Avenue near C Street,
and running along the New Jersey Avenue side of the building, is another
8-inch extra-heavy cast-iron universal pipe sewer to carry off the drainage
from the roof, areas, approaches, and ladies' toilet rooms. The last-mentioned
are three in number, located at the corner of First and C Streets. In addition
this 8-inch pipe sewer receives the drainage from the kitchen and serving
room. An 8-inch extra-heavy cast-iron running trap is installed in the sewer
at the corner of New Jersey Avenue and C Street, with an 8-inch fresh-air
vent on house side of trap.
The piping of the building above the basement floor is principally of the
so-called Durham system, which has many advantages over the cast-iron
system, among them being the fact of greater strength of the joints, which
can not work loose, as do lead-calked joints. All the wrought-iron soil, waste,
and vent pipes are held together with screwed threads, and all fittings used
are of the recessed drainage pattern.
In the system of drainage in the public toilets the soil stacks are located
at one side of the room and the vent stacks at the opposite side. The
horizontal closet, urinal, and basin connections cross the rooms near the ceiling,
outlets being afforded at suitable intervals for the closets, etc., that are located
on the floors above. The pipes turn to a vertical direction near the vent stack,
along which they run and with which they are connected at a point about 4
feet above their respective floors. These soil and vent pipes are carried up
through the roof. There are vertical terra-cotta vent flues, with openings at each
floor, continuing through the toilet rooms from the basement floor into the
attic; and there is installed in each terra-cotta flue a 1-horsepower motor-driven
fan, which draws the foul air through the local vents in closets and urinals to
the ,attic where a discharge and an immediate diffusion are effected through the
roof by the aid of two 15-horsepower motor-driven propeller fans.
There are two 6-inch water mains entering the building, one at the
intersection of First and B Streets and the other at the corlner of New Jersey
Avenue and C Street. They supply water to all the plumbing fixtures and
fire lines. The two cold-water mains are connected together in the baseillent
so that either or both can be used as (desiredI. A steam-heated hot-water
hcater is installed on 13 Street court side to supply hot water to all plumbing
fixtures'3. Galvanized wrought-iron pipes, distributing hot and 'Cold water, are
run on the walls. in the basement near the ceiling, from. which branches of
different sized galvanized-iron pipes aire taken off and fed to the vrIrtical rising
mains which supply other groups of fixtures and lavatories in the office
rooms. The horizontal hot-water distributing main, after leaving the hot-
water heater, is conducted around the corridor walls near the ceiling on the
court side, returning back on the corridor walls on the street sides and thence
to the bottom of the heater, thus insuring constant circulation. The rising
vertical hot-water mains ascend in the vent shafts to the attic, and there
descril)e a horizontal turn and descend through adjacent vent shafts, thus
creating a perfect circulation, so that hot water may be drawn at once from
anly spigot. A 5-horsepower centrifugal electric motor-driven pump is operated
for the purpose of insuring hot-water circulation. Galvanized wrought-iron
pipes have been installed throughout the building to deliver ice water to all
NO. 45. INTERIOR COURT, SHOWING PROGRES OF THE LIMESTONE WORK, LO KING NORTHEAST. FEBRUARY 19, 1906
1I
NO. 45. INTER OR COURT SHOWING PROGRESS OF 7HZ LIMESTONE WORK. LOOKING NORTHEAST. FEBRUARY 19. 1906.
NO. 46. LIMESTONE WORK IN THE COURT, LO KING TOWARD THE CAPITOL. FEBRUARY 19, 1906
A.
Ai 7
NO.45. LIMESTONE WO( ON HE COU TLOOKJNG TOWAPO THE CAPITOL. FEPRUARY 19,1906.
NO. 47. BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE CONDITION OF THE CONSTRUCTION. APRIL 2, 1906
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CONDIT ION OF THE CONSTRUCTION. APRIL 2. 1906.

NO. 47. BSRE'S-EYE v:E-.W OF THE-
NO. 48. VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION IN THE COURT. APRIL 2, 1906
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NO. 48. VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION IN THE COURT. APRIL 2, 1906.

NO. 49. BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION. APRIL 17, 1906
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NO. 49. BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION. APRIL 17, 1906.

NO. 50. DETAILED VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION AT THE CORNER OF FIRST AND C STRE TS SE. AND RUN ING ALONG C STRE T. THIS CORNER OF THE BUILDING OVERLAPS THE RAILROAD TUN EL FOR A DISTANCE OF 35 FE T. FROM THE CORNER ALONG C STRE T. APRIL 24, 1906
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THIS CORNER OF THE BUILDING

NO. 50. DETAILED VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION AT THE CORNER OF FIRST AND C STREETS SE. AND RUNNING ALONG C STREET.
OVERLAPS THE RAILROAD TUNNEL FOR A DISTANCE OF 35 FEET. FROM THE CORNER ALONG C STREET. APRIL 24. 190G.
NO. 51. BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION. MAY 4, 1906
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NO. S1 BIRDOS-EYE VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION. MAY 4, 190G.

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NO. 52. TOPPING OUT WITH THE THIRD-FLOOR BEAMS. MAY 14. 1906.
office rooms, each being provided with an ice-water spigot, located over
the lavatory.
The public toilet rooms have marble floors, and marble partitions 7 feet high;
also marble slabs, 7 feet high, in the back of the urinals and lavatories. Behind
the marble partitions and urinal slabs a space is left for the local ventilation of the
closets and urinals, this space being connected with the openings in the vertical
vent flues above referred to. The closets, urinals, and lavatories are of vitreous
ware. The closets and urinals are constructed with local vent connections, which
are conducted to the space provided for them through local vent openings cut in
the marble partitions. The flushing apparatus of each closet has a valve attachment
known as a "flushometer," which is directly- connected with the city water
pressure. Closets are of the improved siphon jet pattern. In the public toilets
and bath rooms the basins are supported by brass nickel-plated brackets, and are
fastened to the marble slabs by brass T-bolts. The office lavatories with integral
backs are supported with knee pieces fastened to the terra-cotta partition with
toggle bolts and a porcelain supporting leg to the floor. All the lavatories are
connected with heavy brass nickel-plated hot and cold water supply pipes, and are
equipped with heavy brass nickel-plated combination spigots, hot and cold, brass
nickel-plated tip-up water plug, and brass nickel-plated nonsiphon tap and pipe
to the wall. The urinals are flushed automatically by siphon tanks, fastened to
the walls with expansion bolts, back of the marble slabs.
There are 32 public toilet rooms, 144 toilet lavatories, 134 urinals, 212
water-closets, 35 slop sinks, 27 drinking fountains for toilet rooms, and 417
combined lavatories and drinking fountains in office rooms.
BATHROOM FIXTURES.
In bathroom appointments every precaution has been taken to make adequate

provision for the equipment of a building intended to accommodate a large
number of occupants, and to furnish for their use such accommodations as would
properly be considered necessary for a well planned, modern office building of
this size, including toilets, lavatories, and other equipment of the latest type and
best quality.
There are two large circular marble slabs, with four bowls in each,
equipped with nickel-plated combination hot and cold water faucets, shampoo
attachments, and circular glass shelves, supported with brass nickel-plated
standards. The slabs are supported by four brass nickel-plated legs. T he
bowls have brass nickel-plated tip-up basin plugs, brass nickel-plated t.xaps,
and brass nickel-plated hot and cold water supply pipes.
82020'-12-15
HEATING AND VENTILATING.
The building is heated by direct and indirect hot-water circulation.
The steam to heat the water is supplied by the new Capitol Power Plant,
located in Garfield Park, and is conveyed into the building through a 6-inch
extra heavy wrought-iron pipe which is supplied from a 14-inch extra heavy
wrought-iron conduit running through an underground tunnel, which also
supplies steqi for the United States Capitol, the Congressional Library, and
the Senate Office Building. The 6-inch branch pipe enters the House Office
Building near the intersection of First and B Streets, where it is connected with
two hot-water generators in the basement on the B Street court side. The hot
water is then sent up into the attic of the building through an 8-inch
wrought-iron pipe and thence passed around to the center of the attic on the
C Street side, where through a branch the water is returned on both sides of
the building to the B Street center. From this pipe there are 2 and 2% inch
distributing branches that run over to the wall, where each of the branches is
connected to four pipe manifolds, from which risers are carried down chases and
connections made from them to radiators on each floor. A return pipe from
the radiators is carried down the same chases, connecting with the main return
in the basement. There the main return is run to the hot-water generator.
The hot-water circulation through the entire building is aided by the
operation of a 10-horsepower electric motor driven centrifugal pump. Each
of the flow and return risers are valved so that any one set of risers can
be shut off. Each 2 and 2% inch distributing branch in the attic has
gate valves. Expansion loops are placed in all the main supplies, and also
in the main returns in the basement. A 6-inch Foster reducing valve on
the main feed line reduces the steam pressure in the tunnel steam main
from 90 to 50 pounds. The supply enters the building through the 6-inch
branch pipe. There is also a 5-inch reducing valve in the steam main
connecting with the hot-water generators, reducing the pressure from 50 to
35 pounds.
Heating and ventilating is accomplished by motor-driven fans which take
their supply of air from the outer atmosphere, drawing it over the surfaces of
steam-heated coils located in the basement of the building, and then forcing the
warmed air through the various ducts and flues into the rooms. There are four
of these fan rooms located in the basement, namely, on New Jersey Avenue and
on B, C, and First Streets. The main ducts for conveying the warmed air to
the vertical flues are located in the ceiling of the basement corridors on New
Jersey Avenue and B, C, and First Streets. They are approximately 12 feet wide
and 2 feet 6 inches high, and extend the length of the corridors. The vertical
terra-cotta heat and vent flues are on either side of the corridors next to the
Table: [No Caption]

door of each office room. The vertical heat flues connect with the heat duct
at the basement and ascend to the fourth-floor ceiling. The vertical vent flues
rise from the first-floor level to the attic. The heat flues are connected with the
main duct by galvanized sheet iron leads, with control dampers located in the
wall openings. These flues are approximately 3 feet 9 inches by 1 foot 1 inch,
inside measure, and in each room have openings wherein registers fitted with
hand levers are placed to regulate the air flow. These heat registers are located
about 10 feet above the floor, while the vent registers are located below the
lavatories, about 18 inches above the floor. Air in all offices and committee
rooms is kept in constant circulation by two 15-horsepower electric motor driven
propeller-exhaust fans, located in the attic. These draw the warmed air through
the registers under the lavatories, and thence through the exhaust ducts to the
attic, where it is discharged through the roof.
A 25-horsepower motor, directly connected with the plate fans, supplies
warmed fresh air to the main ducts on the New Jersey Avenue, B Street, and
First Street sides of the building. One 15-horsepower and 12-horsepower
motor directly connected with the plate fans supply the C Street duct. A
9-horsepower motor directly connected with a plate fan, and located in the
attic at the intersection of New Jersey Avenue and B Street, draws fresh air
from above the roof and forces it, over steam-coil heaters, downward into the
conference room, the post office, and the barber shop. One 5-horsepower
electric-driven motor, directly connected with a plate fan, is located in the attic
for kitchen and serving-room ventilation. Two 1-horsepower electric-driven
fans, directly connected, are located in the attic for the purpose of removing
air from the conference room.
Fans employed in connection with heating and ventilating system ..................................... 24
Motors for running fans .. ... .... ............ ....... ... .......................... 17
Pumps for hot-water heating system ................................................................ 3
Motors for running same .3..............................,.,,,,,,,,,,,..........3
Radiators .'..'''..''''''''''' .....'..'....''' ......'..''' ..'....'..''.. 563
Square feet of heat-radiating surface ............................... : .... 40,000
Piping in heating system ...........f ...................................... I 8feet.
ee 9,312
.................
Piping in drainage system ., I ., .,,., .. do, .. 30,570

Hot-water, cold-water, and ice-water piping .,,, ..... . . ,,,,., , ., ...... do ... 46,594
T otal piping ..........................................................................,do .. 1 66,476
or 31 4 miles.
ELECTRIC WIRING.
The electric work in the building consists of wiring for lights, motors,
legislative bells, and clocks.
The two-wire multiple system is used for lighting and motors, the current
for this purpose being furnished by the new Capitol Power Plant, at 6,600
voltqiroujh two feeders, either capable of carrying the total load of the
building-thus decreasing the liability of any serious interruption of service--

to four 400-kilowatt motor-generating sets (6,600 volts, A. C.; 125 volts, D. C.),
equipped with 220-volt A. C. induction-starting motors, directly connected
with the shaft.
Each of these feeders is connected at opposite ends of the high-tension
structure with four electrically operated oil switches, go that each feeder may
be used for any or all motor-generator sets. An electrically operated oil tie
switch is also installed in the high-tension structure in order that the two feeders
may be used in parallel if so desired.
The switchboard is composed of 16 white Italian marble panels, 4 generators,
4 motors, 1 tie, and 7 feeder panels, giving a total of 16, and a length of 42 feet. It
is equipped with two sets of bus bars, one for lighting and one for power, and
double-throw switches on the generator panels, so that the generators may be used
on either bus bar or one or more on each. The bus bars can also be thrown
together by means of two switches.
There are 12 single-pole circuit breakers on each of the 7 feeder panels,
making a total of 42 wire circuits, 36 of which are in use. These circuit breakers
take the place of double-pole switches and fuses.
All the feeders enter the hot-air duct under the ceiling of the basement corridor,
directly back of the switchboard, 16 running south and 17 north. These feeders
have slow-burning weather-proof insulation, and are supported in porcelain rack
insulators, attached to the ceiling beams of the hot-air duct. They vary from 9 B.
and S. to 1,300,000 C. M. in size, and feed from 1 to 10 panel boards, taps being
made with Dossert taps and lugs. The size is based on a three-volt drop, with six
amperes on each branch circuit.
The panel boards are of marbleized slate, mounted in sheet-steel boxes,
nearly all of which are of the surface type. There are 150 in all. The number of
their circuits vary from 4 to 30, the total number of connected circuits being
1,593. The branch wiring is unusual, in that the panel boards for the offices are
all in the basement. This simplified the feeder problem, shortened the average
length of the branch circuits, and materially decreased the labor cost.
The vent flues were used for conduit runs. Three-quarter-inch Greenfield
flexible conduit was used for all risers from the panel boards in the basement
to the first switch or other outlet on the various floors above. The balance
of the circuit was then finished with enameled steel conduit.
Each office is wired for two ceiling fixtures on one branch circuit, but is
controlled by separate push-button switches, so that the office may be divided,
if desired, and each portion have a ceiling fixture.
There are also 8 baseboard receptacles, 2 bracket, 1 clock, 1 legislative
bell, and 1 telephone outlet in each office. The receptacles and also the
brackets on opposite sides of the room are on separate branch circuits, and
are controlled from separate panel boards. There are parts of four branch
circuits in each room. Therefore four circuits would have to be opened
before the room would be without lights.
There are 3,500 baseboard receptacles installed for desk lights,
graphophones, fans, and other purposes. In addition to these there are 3,885
ceiling and side-wall outlets, 1,300 switch, 451 clock, and 467 legislative bell
outlets; a total of 9,610 outlets for all purposes, furnishing current for an
equivalent of 23,058 16-candlepower lamps. There are 35 motors, ranging in
capacity from 1 to 195 amperes, and 115 volts D. C.; 17 for ventilating, 9
for elevators, 3 for dumb waiters, 3 for hot water, 1 for cold water, and 1
motor generator set for the telephone system.
Service wires have been installed to each of the 12 elevator shafts, but
only 9 shafts have been equipped with cars to date.
LEGISLA'I'IVE BELLS, BUZZERS, 1'TC.
There is installed in the wall of the ventilating flue of each office a cast-
iron box 6 by 6 by 6 inches. These boxes project in the flue IS inches, and
are connected together in tiers of 4 by 23+ inch conduits,- ending in the
hot-air duct above the ceiling of the basement corridors.
One of these conduits is used for legislative buzzer wiring, the others for
telephone or other signaling devices. The boxes open in the rooms at the
baseboard, and are covered by a 6Yr by 6%2 inch nickeled plate. Each box
contains a 100-ohm Faraday buzzer.
The four buzzers in each tier are connected in multiple with a pair of
No. 14 B. & S. rubber-covered copper wires, terminating at the nearest one of
eight panel boards located in the basement.
A circuit of No. 6 B. & S. rubber-insulated wire, controlled by an automatic
switch located in the substation, connects all panel boards. This circuit and
all branch circuits are run through bridle rings from the point where they
enter the hot-air ducts to the various panel boards.
In addition to these room buzzers there are sixteen 12-inch gongs, one being
located in each of the four long corridors on each of the four floors. The
automatic switch-is controlled from the floor of the House of Representatives by
an automatic signaling device, making from one to five signals, through a pair of
wires connecting the two. The lighting current is used for the operation of the
system, the voltage reduction being obtained by means of a rheostat, connected in
series with the main feeder to the panel boards.
The clock circuits are run in a similar manner, and terminate at the panel
boards in the same boxes with the bell-panel boards.
Table: SUM ARY
Table: PANEL BOARDS AND BOXES

The clock outlets are located over the corridor door of each room.
SUMMARY.
l of
Numbe Capacity i6-
Location of outlets. outlets. canidlepower
lamps.
Ceiling ......................................................... 1,919 15,771

Bracket ......................................................................................... 1',213,610
Baseboard receptacle ......................................................... ..0...............................
. 3500 3,500
Wall receptacle.72,0 720
Courtyard .................................................................................... I
...................
l 137
Steps and street .29 300
Switches ...............................................................1...........................................
..... ................
Legislative bell. 467 ..
Clock .................. ........................................................................................5.._ _................
Total ......9
.................................................................... ,6o I............................
23,o38
;Ioitors (4,12 horsepower) .. ... 7,279
30,317
30.317X501i5i5.850 kilowatts.
PANEIL BOARDS ANI) BOXES.
Purpose:
Lighting ............. , 50
..........0...................... ....
C locks and bells, etc ......................................................................... 8

Paanel board:
..
Lighting .
. X,600
circuits.
.o.8.......
Bells do... io8 , . . . . *
Clocks............
,1.... 54
NWire:
Slow-burning weatherproof ......................... feet
. 42,054
Rubber insulated, lead covered. .........................
( ... 8,532
Rtblber insulated ........................................................................do.... 252,385
Total .(10.... 302,971
Conduit:
Greenfield flexible.......................................................................(1o.... 43,250
Enameled steel .do. .. 112,900
Total .............................................................................. (1.... 156,150
The motor-generator sets, high-tension structure and switchboard, together

with the wiring connecting them, were furnished and installed by the
Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co., it being part of their contract
for the heating, lighting, and power plant and substation apparatus.
The elevators were furnished and installed by the Otis Elevator Co.
The dumb-waiters were furnished and installed by the Thomas W. Power
Elevator Co., and the ventilating fans by the B. F. Sturtevant Co.
The wiring for lighting, motors, bells, clocks, etc., was done by the
Government.
PLASTERING.
The material for the plastering of the office rooms and corridors was
composed of sharp clean-washed river sand and rock lime. Platforms were
erected in the courtyard whereon were placed mixing boxes for slaking the
lime and mingling the sand and hair. A soon as this was done the contents
were dumped in spaces fenced off so as to keep the material from flowing
over too great an area. It was then left in large piles for two weeks, in order
that all the particles of lime would be thoroughly slaked. The character of
the work is what is known as three-coat work; the first, or roughing-on coat,
the second coat, that brought all surfaces straight and the angles of the room
true, and the last coat a hard finish of lime, putty, and calcined plaster. This
was used in running the cornices of the rooms and corridors and in finishing
the plain surfaces of the ceilings. The finishing of the side walls was done
with a mixture of fine sand containing an ocher pigment. This sand was
used with the slaked lime, and produced a buff color when the work was
floated to a smooth and even surface. It was utilized generally for the side
walls of the office rooms and corridors.
All the ceilings of the office rooms were finished with molded cornices
in the angles. The plain surfaces of the ceilings were finished white and
troweled to a smooth surface.
The side walls of the conference room are decorated with 20 pairs of
fluted pilasters, with foliated capitals and molded bases. Each pair of pilasters
rests on molded plinths which receive the base. The side walls have 8 large
panels, with raised centers and side moldings. Over the panels and
continuing around the walls are 16 carved emblematic panels. Over the panels
a projecting cornice, ornamented with carved medallions, carved moldings
and dentals, is carried around the room. The ceiling of this room is richly
decorated. The central feature is a large sunken oblong panel with a
projecting carved molding along its outer border. Between the large sunken
panels and the sides of the wall on the ceiling line there is a series of
decorated panels with carved features of a rich and harmonious design. The
interior caps of the three interior doors have projecting pediments with carved
corbels and elaborate carved moldings. The plaster decoration of this room
is finished with Keene cement.
The ceiling in the room of the Committee on Ways and Means is in the
form of an elliptical arch running the length of the room, with three small
intersecting arches cutting it at right angles. Under these arches on the side
walls are eight large pilasters, four on each side of-the room. These pilasters
have molded dental capitals. On and around the face of the elliptical arch
there is a projecting rib that starts at the top of the pilaster capital of one
side and finishes at the top of the capital on the opposite side. This rib is
ornamented with small deep-sunken panels. Each panel is finished with a
carved rosette.
'1'HE ROTUNDA LIASTERWORK.
The side walls of the first floor have projecting pilasters which continue
around the soffit of the ground arch and finish on the back of the piers at
the base line. The ceiling under the arcade floor at this point is finished
with a series of groined arches, one arch between each pier. The side walls
between the pilasters are finished plain. On the arcade floor back of each
column there is a fluted pilaster with foliated capital. These pilasters stand
on marble plinths and have molded plaster bases. The ceiling-of the arcade
is finished with sunken panels and carved moldings. The side walls of the
arcade are finished with 10 large slightly sunken panels, surrounded with a
neat molded border. The plaster cornice over the colums is decorated with
a Corinthian entablature, enriched with carved lines of moldings and is
finished with carved medallions. In the soffits between the medallions are
small deep-set panels, finished with carved rosettes. There is also a line of
dentals below the medallions. The top of this cornice is finished with a large
carved Cyma molding.
From this point springs the curve of the dome. Its interior face is laid
out in radial ribs, which diminish as they reach the eye of the dome. On
the surface of the dome a series of horizontal ribs intersects the radial ribs,
forming between the lines of ribs at their intersection sunken panels, each
having a carved molding around its outer edge. Around the eye of the dome
the plasterwork is finished with a molded architrave.-
CORRIDORS AND ROOMS.
The circular corridors back of the rotunda as well as the arcade floors
are decorated with slightly sunken molded panels. The ceilings of these
corridors are finished in the angle with neat molded cornices. The plasterwork
of the different stair wells is of the same character of work. The ceiling
angles and stair soffits are all finished with a small cove molding which slightly
projects from th-ewalls and ceilings. This, however, does not apply to the
plasterwork of the wells of the winding stairs. Here there is no ceiling mold,
and the soffit of the stairs is not plastered. All the rooms adjacent to the
rotunda have the side walls finished plain, with molded cornices in the ceiling
angles.
The plasterwork of the barber shop and bathroom is finished perfectly
plain. Four projecting ribs are carried across the ceiling and conceal the steel
NO. 53. VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION IN THE COURT. JUNE 1 , 1906
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NWt VIEW tI:- THE CONSTRUCTION IN THE COURT. JUNE 11. 1906.
NO. 54. STARTING THE STONEWORK IN THE THIRD STORY. JUNE 2 , 1906
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NO. 54. STARTING THE STONEWORK IN THE THIRD STORY. JUNE 22, 1906.
NO. 5 . CORNER OF C AND FIRST STRE TS SE. THIRD-STORY STONEWORK NEARLY COMPLETED. SEPTEMBER 1 , 1906
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NO. CORNER OF C AND FIRST STREETS SE. THIRD-STORY STONEWORK NEARLY COMPLETED. SEPTEMBER 11, 1906.
NO. 56. BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION. OCTOBER 15, 1906
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NO. 58. STRE T-LEVEL VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION. NOVEMBER 16, 1906
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NO. 58. STREET-LEVEL VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION. NOVEMBER 16. 1906.

NO. 59. BEGIN ING THE SET ING OF THE COLON ADE ALONG B STRE T. NOVEMBER 16, 1906
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NO. 59. BEGINNING THE SETTING OF THE COLONNADE ALONG B STREET. NOVEMBER 16, 1906.
NO. 60. BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION FROM THE CAPITOL. NOVEMBER 2 , 1906
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22. 1906.
NO. 60. BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION FROM THE CAPITOL. NOVEMBER
girders that support the floor beams above. The columns in this room are
finished as plain rectangular shafts.
The post-office room has eight columns, round shafts, with molded caps
and bases. The molded ribs of the ceiling which form the sunken panels
intersect at each column cap. Around the sides of the room the indented
ribs form 16 narrow panels. The panels in the ceiling have an ornamental
centerpiece from which hangs the electric lighting fixtures. On each side of
this room there are six pilasters, with cap and base mold corresponding with
the column cap and base, and at each end of the room there are four similar
pilasters.
The smoking room is finished with a ribbed ceiling, forming 15 sunken
panels. The sides of the ribs are molded, and the panels have a carved
egg-and-dart molding finishing around the line of the ribs. The side walls
are plain.
The wire lathing for the plastered ceilings was lashed to small angles,
fastened to the bottom flange of the floor beams with clips manufactured for
this purpose. Brackets of i- by 3/ inch iron were made to conform with the
outline of the cornice moldings. The bases of these brackets were turned
into the wall in holes drilled for this purpose, and firmly wedged in place.
The top end of each bracket was lashed with a small annealed wire to the
angles that were secured to the floor beams. On these bracket forms the wire
lath was firmly fastened with the usual wire lashing. All plastered surfaces
throughout the building where steel construction was used were finished in
like manner.
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR WOOD) FINISH.
The wood finish consists of the panel doors and jambs, transoms and
impost bars, molded base and shoe, architrave of the doors, plinth blocks,
window trim, plain door jambs, outside door and transom jambs, exterior pine
doors, window frames and sash, pine doors and frames of basement.
The interior doors of the building are faced with mahogany veneer on a
pine core. The panels are built up of three thicknesses of thin pine, glued
together with the grain of one layer running opposite to the intermediate layer.
The veneer is then applied and the panel raised and finished. The single doors
have six panels, and are generally 8 feet 6 inches high, 3 feet 6 inches wide,
and 2% inches thick. The large folding doors of the principal rooms are made
in two leaves, joined in the center with astragal moldings that conceal the
vertical joints. These doors were delivered at the building finished, and with
polished surfaces.
The interior closet doors, the communicating doors of the office rooms,
and the exterior doors of the court are manufactured of Michijan white ineL
so REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION
as are also the doors of the basement corridors. These doors have plain jambs.
The jambs of the corridor office doors have sunken, embossed, and molded
panels corresponding in height with the panels of the doors.
There are eight exterior entrance doors. Five of these are of mahogany
and are located at the main entrance of the building. These doors are hung
with spring hinges, and open in or out. Each leaf of the doors has eight
lights of glass, and over it a segment-head glazed transom. South of the main
approach on New Jersey Avenue, the entrance doors to the first story are
folding doors and of pine, with segment-head glazed transoms. There are two
entrance doors on the C Street side leading to the basement. These doors have
two leaves and are made of white pine. All of the above exterior doors have
pine frames, with staff molding finishing against the masonry.
The architraves of the doors are manufactured of Michigan white pine
and are built of three members, 7 inches wide, the back member projecting
beyond the face of the plastered walls 2 inches. These have wood plinths on
the room side and marble in the corridors. The molded impost bar that
separates the door and transom is mahogany.
Entrance to the building from the driveway is had through five large pairs of
folding doors. Two pairs close the corridors and are hinged to solid pine frames.
The other three pairs are overhung sliding doors. One of them shuts off the
kitchen, and the other two, on the east side of the driveway, are sliding doors,
used for the driveway of mail matter and printed documents. These doors are
constructed of the usual rail and stile skeleton, with chamfered edges. There are
no panels. The frames are covered with matched and beaded white pine, secured
to the chamfered frame. These doors are constructed with a view to withstanding
rough service.
The window trim consists of a plain strip 5 inches wide and seven-eighths
of an inch thick, planted on the rough boxing of the frame, and receives the
plastering. The windows have an inside sill, with wall apron and molding.
The finished bases of the walls of the office rooms are of white pine. They
have a shoe mold at the bottom and are capped with a wall molding on the top
edge. This base finish is a groove cut in the back of the wood plinths of the
door architraves. All the rooms of the building, except those that have side walls
architecturally treated, have white-pine picture moldings placed 18 inches below
the plaster cornices. These moldings are 4 inches wide and 1 Y4 inches thick.
The window frames and sash are manufactured from Michigan white pine
and are of the usual box-frame type, finished against the masonry with a staff
molding secured to the walls.
The window frames of the building are of two types-casement frames,
where each leaf of the sash is hung with hinges, and mullion frames, which
REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION 51,
have a vertical bar separating the sash in two equal parts-and hung with sash
weights and chains.
The windows of the first story have mullion bars, and have 16 lights of
glass each. The boxing for the sash weights are on the sides of the frames
next to the masonry walls only. They are hung with iron weights and steel
chains. These chains run in flat grooved axle pulleys and are concealed over
the head of the frame. Each weight is heavy enough to balance the sash.
There are 127 of these windows.
The windows of the second story have circle heads, with mullion and
impost bars. The circle transoms have two lights of glass apiece. The
windows below the impost bars have 16 lights. There are 123 of these frames
and sashes. The transoms are hung with hinges. The lower sashes are hung
with weights and chains, as above described.
The windows of the second-story colonnade on B Street are of the same
design, but have casement frames, and all the sash are hung with hinges.
This is done so as to allow passage from the office rooms to the floor
colonnade. There are 17 of these windows, with 20 lights of glass each.
The windows of the third story have square heads, with mullion and
impost bars. The transoms are hung with hinges and have two lights each.
There are 135 of these windows, each having 16 lights. The bottom sash is
hung with weights and chains.
The windows of the fourth story have mullion frames, with the sash hung
with weights and chains. There are 127 of these windows, with 16 lights each.
There are five large windows in the court wall of the conference room.
These are casement windows. They have two molded impost bars across
them at the top. The upper impost bar, intersecting the mullion, forms four
panels of sash, of four lights each. The lower impost forms the top finish
over the two bottom sash, which are hung with hinges. There are 32 lights
in each of these windows.
There are 9 side-light windows situated at the stair landings in the three
angles of the court, 3 on each story. The side-light sash of these windows
are stationary. The two center sash, one at top and one at bottom, are hung
with weights and chains. Three of these windows show between the first
and second landings of the stairs in the first story, and there are 20 lights in
each window. Immediately above them are 6 similar windows, with the same
number of glass panes in each. In addition to the sash, these 6 windows are
extended down to the floor of the stair landing, and are braced with broad
solid-wood panels for protection.
There are 6 casement windows in the fan rooms of the basement which
have 8 lights each, are hun with hines and
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also 4 windows, 2 on the east and 2 on the west of the court driveway.
These are casement windows with solid frames, and they have 8 lights each.
There are in the court wall of each story five small head windows, with
three lights of glass each. These windows light the small rooms on each side
of the corner stairways. There are 20 such windows in all. The sash are hung
with hinges, on solid rabbeted frames 2 inches thick.
The four large circular head windows in the B Street and New Jersey
Avenue pavilions have a sunken panel impost bar which separates the circle
sash from the square sash below. In the lower sash are two leaves of casement
sash, hung with hinges, and used as portals to the balcony floors. There are
14 lights of glass in each circular transom and 42 lights in each large lower
sash. The wood forming these sash is white pine. The rails and stiles of the
hinged leaves are reenforced with angle iron embedded in the wood, which is
2Y:3 inches nhick. All other sash in the building are 2 inches thick and have
check rails in the center of the windows.
Generally all of the interior woodwork of the building is plain in character
and finished white; four coats of lead and oil have been used. The only
attempt at artistic treatment appears in the mahogany paneled railing of the
raised platform in the room occupied by the Committee on Ways and Means.
This platform is reached by three steps at each end. On the first step of each
flight the mahogany panel starts from the step in the form of a scroll and
rises quickly to its finished height on the platform. There are 16 such panels
in all. Tile center panel is raised slightly above the panels of either side, and
bears in bas-relief the national emblem. The 8 panels at either side of
the central feature are slightly sunken, with covered corners. The panels are
finished with a raised molding. The grain of the mahogany is brought out by
the polished finish, and is exceedingly rich in color. The floor of the dais is
laid with white maple matched flooring.
All the interior wood finish of the building except the railing and platform
above mentioned was erected by mechanics employed by the Government.
HARDWARE.
The office doors are fitted with Sargeant & Co.'s brass-face combination
cylinder locks, with bolt attachments, brass-face plate escutcheons 9Y by 2Y/
inches, and knobs 2Y4 inches in diameter equipped with screwless spindles, all
manufactured especially for this building. The doors arm hung with heavy
five-knuckle 5 by 5 inch brass hinges, with loose holdfast pins, self lubricating.
The door transoms are hung with five-knuckle fast-joint 4 by 4 inch button-tipped
brass hinges. The transoms are fitted with lifts having travelers with an automatic
grip on a X-inch brass rod.
The casement sash have Cremorne bolts with cross-bar handles that operate
the top and bottom with one movement. These bolts are of polished brass, and
are secured with screws to the inner face of the sash. All windows are secured
with the Fitch-pattern sash fasteners and polished brass sash lifts. The stop
beads of all windows are fitted with the Ives adjustable bead screw.
All folding doors have concealed bolts at bottom and top, the top bolt
operating with a brass bar handle and the bottom bolt with a push plate.
The basement sash are hung with 4 by 4 inch brass hinges, with loose
pin butts, and are secured with brass spring bolts. The top bolt is operated
with a chain attachment.
The three double sliding doors opening into the basement driveway are
hung at the top with heavy barn door hangers, with steel tube-track and ball-
bearing sheaves. The three large portals of the main court entrance on C Street
are fitted with steel collapsible doors which fold, when open, back of the
granite piers, and are not visible from the street.
ELEVATORS, GRAVITY CONVE-YERS, AND MAIL CHUTES.
The building is equipped with five large passenger elevators and two small
ones for employees and freight. In the original plan of the building provision
was made for eight passenger elevators, of which only five have been installed.
The ornamental screens and doors have all been put in place, and are ready for
operation at any time that it is found necessary to install other elevators. These
elevators are of the Otis type, counterbalanced with sheaved gear at the top,
and are operated by a 20-horsepower electric motor. The worm-geared traction
machine has a magnet control with two speeds, fast and slow. Each elevator has
a capacity of 3,000 pounds, and while in use has a speed of 300 feet per minute.
Each machine is equipped with the latest modern safety appliances. The
entrances are fitted with ornamental steel screens, with sliding doors of the
same design. The original intention, which has been carried out, was to place
all the elevators contiguous to the stair landings on the floors of the several
corridors. The two freight elevators are located, one on each side of the
post-office room, and have entrances from the passages leading from the main
corridors to the rear doors of the post office. Their equipment is generally
the same as described for the larger passenger elevators.
There are located at convenient points in the main corridors five gravity
conveyers, installed by the Otis Elevator Co. The conveyers are constructed
of light steel sheet metal in the form of a large tube. In the center of this
tube there is a small hollow shaft made of light metal, to which the spiral
bottom of the conveyer is attached. The outer edge of the metal bottom is
turned down and riveted to the inside face of the large tube, and when
assembled has the form of a spiral chute, the spiral form being intended to
make gradual the descent. These conveyers deposit bundles and packages
on a raised platform or table in the basement-story rooms immediately below.
The openings in the corridor walls are 10 inches wide and 12 inches high,
and govern thie size of the package to be conveyed.
Five mail chutes are placed at suitable distances apart on the face of the
corridor walls of each story, and deliver in metal receptacles cut into the
brickwork of the corridor walls of the basement. These receptacles have
metal doors, fitted with locks and keys, from which the mail is collected.
The body of these chutes is rectangular and is constructed of sheet copper.
Above the openings for the deposit of letters, the front has a movable section
of plate glass, so that any congestion can be detected. The chutes are
rectangular in form, 9 inches wide and 3 inches deep. They are attached to
marble wall slabs that run from the corridor floors to the bottom of the
plaster cornices. Below the openings for the reception of letters, the body of
the- chute is enlarged and has a metal front.
COUJR'r PAVING ANI) LAWN.
Around the building line of the interior court a cement sidewalk 10 feet
wide has been laid. The coping of the walk is 6 inches above the bed of the
asphalt roadway, and decends to the entrance of the driveway in four broad
steps.
The roadbed is 20 feet wide, and slopes 6 inches, and is finished against
the curb of the parking. This curb is pierced at intervals of 50 feet with
openings that convey the surface water to the sewer intakes.
The road-bed has an asphalt surface laid on a 4-inch bed of broken stone,
and slopes 3 feet 6 inches from the angles of the court to the portals of the
driveway. Here the road is increased in width by a curved retaining wall that
acts as a support to the parking bank.
In the center of -this parking a large bowl-shaped fountain, 50 feet in
diameter and 3 feet deep, has been constructed. The concrete work is reenforced
with 3+ -inch steel bars, laced together and shaped to suit the contour of the
bowl. The outer edge of the concrete stands about 18 inches above the
parking.
The drivewayentrance to the court is through three arched openings, the
piqys and walls being of granite laid in courses the same height as the courses
of marble ashlar in the building. These openings are 9 feet 6 inches wide and
10 feet 5 inches high from the roadbed to the soffit of the arch at the center
of the opening. In order to reach these openings from the street the parking
has been omitted, and a sunken road cut and paved with asphalt blocks. This
roadbed crosses the sidewalk at two points 75 feet east and west of the portals,
and at its lowest point is protected by a concrete retaining wall, 3 feet high,
capped with a granite coping on which is set a large iron pipe railing along
the line of the sidewalk.
SUMMARY.
In summing up the dates upon which the masonry work of each story was
completed and the beams set in place, it was found difficult to determine the
exact dates on account of the delay on the First Street front. This delay was
partly on account of the unfinished condition of the railroad tunnel and the
necessity for the extra work required to obtain rigid foundations for the walls
adjacent thereto.
While the actual brickwork was commenced on the New Jersey Avenue
side of the building on July 5, 1905, the concrete footings of the deep
foundations at the corner of First and B Streets were not finished until
November 30 of the same year. The result was that when the brickwork
was started on the footings at the corner of First and B Streets, the steel floor
beams were being placed on the New Jersey Avenue walls for the first-story
floors. It was then decided to date the progress of the work from the actual
time that the steel beams of each floor were in place, complete.
The concrete work of the wall footings was commenced April 15, 1905,
and was finished November 30, 1905. The brickwork was commenced July
5, 1905, and continued during the erection of the masonry work. The first
piece of marble was laid on the C Street front on August 25, 1905; the last
piece was laid, completing the balustrade of the B Street front, on November
9, 1907.
The basement-story masonry was completed and the floor beams set in
place December 30, 1905. The first-story masonry was completed and the
floor beams set March 21, 1906. The second-story masonry was completed
and the floor beams set in place June 20, 1906. The third-story masonry was
completed and the floor beams set in place December 15, 1906. The fourth-
story masonry was completed and the attic-floor beams set in place April
15, 1907.
The steelwork of the roof was started February 12, 1907, and completed
August 14, 1907. As soon as the steelwork of the first section of the roof was
placed in position, the concrete covering was commenced and followed the
progress of the roof until completion.
The copper covering of the roof was commenced in the month of April, 1907,
and was completed during the month of November, 1907, amounting to 1,385
squares. Two hundred and eighty-seven thousand cubic feet of cut stone was
Table: [No Caption]

used in the construction of the building. Sixteen million three hundred and fifty
thousand bricks were required to complete the masonry work of the building.
Cement Eased in the brickwork
.............................. barrels 40, 000
Cement used in foundation ..........................do .... i 8, ooo
Cement used in arches and finished floors.......................................... . 12, 500
Sand used in brickwork........................ .yards. i, 200
Sand used in concrete ............................. i, ooo
Sand used in plastering ..............................do... 2, 250
Plaster cornice in rooms and corridors .............................. feet .... 47, 85o
Weight of structural steel (approximate) ................................ tons ... 2, 85o
In addition to the 410 office and committee rooms, there is the main
conference room, with cloak rooms and lounging rooms adjoining; a dining
room, lunch room, pantries and kitchen; a post-office room, with space for
public telephone booths and telegraph office; a barber shop and bathrooms,
and in the basement the necessary storage rooms. The latter can be reached
through three driveway entrances on C Street, and at the corner of B Street
and New Jersey Avenue they connect through the new subway with the Capitol.
With the exception of the mahogany used for the doors and furniture in
the offices, all materials entering into the construction and furnishing of the
building are of domestic production.
The following list exhibits the extent to which the work was distributed
over the United States:
The marble for the B Street and New Jersey Avenue fronts and for the
rotunda and main stair hall was produced in South Dover, N. Y., while the
marble for the C Street and First Street fronts was produced in Georgia. The
limestone for the court was produced in Bedford, Ind. All of the above work
was executed under contract with B. A. & G. N. Williams, of New York City.
The marble for the interior floors, toilet rooms, etc., was produced in
Maryland, Vermont, Georgia, and Tennessee by the Hilgartner Marble Co.,
the Rutland-Florence Marble Co., the Blue Ridge Marble Co., and the
Vermont Marble Co.
The steelwork was produced in Pennsylvania, and erected by the
American Bridge Co.
The steel lathing for floors was furnished by the Roebling Co., of
New Jersey.
The plain and ornamental plastering was executed by H. W. Miller,
(Inc.), of New York City.
Elevators and gravity conveyers were furnished and erected by the Otis
Elevator Co. The machines there manufactured in Yonkers, N. Y., and the
elevator cars in Cleveland, Ohio.
NO. 61. STE L FRAMING FOR RO F CONSTRUCTION. MARCH 1, 1907
NO. 61. STEEL FRArM NG FOR ROOF CONSTRUCTION. MARCH 1. 1907.

NO. 62. VIEW OF THE CONDITION OF THE CONSTRUCTION FROM THE CAPITOL. MARCH 9, 1907
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NO. 62. VIEW OF THE CONDITION OF THE CONSTRUCTION FROM THE CAPITOL. MARCH 9, 1907.
NO. 63. CONDITION OF CONSTRUCTION, SHOWING C STRE T SECTION WITH CORNER COMPLETE. MARCH 25, 1907
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COMPLETE. MARCH 25, 1907.

NO. 63. CONDITION OF CONSTRUCTION, SHOWING C STREET SECTION WITH CORNER
NO. 64. INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION. ROTUNDA SECTION. MARCH 28, 1907
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NO. 64. INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION. ROTUNDA SECTION. MARCH 28, 1907.

NO. 65. VIEW OF THE LIMESTONE CONSTRUCTION, SHOWING THE COURT STONEWORK COMPLETED. MARCH 30, 1907
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NO. 65. VIEW OF THE LIMESTONE CONSTRUCTION. SHOWING THE COURT STONEWORK COMPLETED. MARCH 30. 1907.
NO. 6 . DETAIL IN CONSTRUCTION, PAVILION AT THE CORNER OF NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND C STRE T. APRIL 18, 1907
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NO. 66. DETAIL IN CONSTRUCTiON. PAVILION AT THE CORNER OF NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND C STREET. APRIL 18. 1907.
NO. 67. DETAIL IN CONSTRUCTION. C STRE T FA?ADE. APRIL 18, 1907
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NO. 67. DETAIL IN CONSTRUCTION. C STREET FAqADE. APRIL 18, 1907.

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NO. 68. CONSTRUCTION OF THE COLON ADE ALONG B STRE T. MAY 3, 1907
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NO. 68. CONSTRUCTION OF THE COLONNADE ALONG B STREET. MAY . 1907.

The metal staircases were manufactured by the Snead Co., in New Jersey.
The elevator fronts were manufactured and erected by the Hecla Iron
Works, of Brooklyn, N. Y.
The mahogany doors were furnished by the Veneered Door Co., of
Athens, Ohio. Other interior woodwork is of pine, and was furnished by
Jos. L. Crupper, Washington, D. C.
Window frames and sash were manufactured by the Parkersburg Mill Co.,
of Parkersburg, W. Va.
The hardware was manufactured by Sargent & Co., and furnished by the
J. B. Lambie Co., of Washington, D. C.
The office floors are of cement produced in Pennsylvania.
The foundations were laid by the A. B. Stannard Co., of New York City.
The mail chutes were manufactured in New York by the Automatic Mail
Delivery Co.
The excavation and special foundations were made. by the Brennan
Construction Co., of Washington, D. C.
The rough brickwork was executed by the Brennan Construction Co. All
brick was manufactured in Maryland and Virginia.
The plumbing fixtures were manufactured by the Myer-Sniffen Co., in
Trenton, N. J.
The radiators were manufactured by the J. L. Mott Iron Works, of
Trenton, N. J.
The terra-cotta partitions were furnished by the National Fireproofing Co.,
of Washington, D. C.
The electric material was manufactured in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and
New York, and was furnished by the National Electrical Supply Co., of
Washington, D. C.
Typical electrical fixtures for corridors and offices were manufactured in New
York by the Cassidy & Son Manufacturing Co.
The special electric lighting fixtures were manufactured in New York by the
Sterling Bronze Co.
Nickel frame mirrors were manufactured by the Charles Parker Co., of
Meriden, Conn.
Pulleys for window frames were manufactured in New York by the Grant
Pulley & Hardware Co.
The dumb-waiters were furnished and erected by the Thomas W. Power Co.,
of Washington, D. C.
The rugs were manufactured in Lowell, Mass., and furnished by W. & J.
Sloane, of New York City.
NO. 69. VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION AT THE CORNER OF FIRST AND C STRE TS SE. MAY 1 , 1907
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NO. 69. VIEW OF THE CONSrRUCTION AT THE CORNER OF FIRST AND C STREETS SE. MAY ', 1907.
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NO. 70. RO F FRAMING OVER THE CEILING OF THE LARGE CONFERENCE RO M. JUNE 24, 1907
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NO. 70. ROOF FRAMING OVER THE CEILING OF THE LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM. JUNE 24, 1907.
NO. 71. CONSTRUCTION OF THE CONCRETE RO FING. JULY 18, 1907
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NO. 71. CONSTRUCTION OF THE CONCRETE ROOFING. JULY 1°., 1,4l7.

NO. 72. CONDITION OF THE CONSTRUCTION AT FIRST AND B STRE TS. AUGUST 26, 1907
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NO. 72. CONDiTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION AT FIRST AND B STREETS. AUGUST 26, 1907.
NO. 73. VIEW OF THE CONDITION OF THE CONSTRUCTION FROM THE CAPITOL. OCTOBER 26, 1907
NO. 73. VIEW OF THE CONO:TION OF THE CONSTRUCTION FROM THE CAPITOL. OCTOBER 26. 1907.
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NO. 74. SET ING THE LAST PIECE OF EXTERIOR STONE. OCTOBER 29, 1907
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NO. 74. SETTING THE LAST PIECE OF EXTERIOR STONE. OCTOBER 29. 1907.
NO. 75. INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION. SET ING THE ARCADE IN THE ROTUNDA SECTION. NOVEMBER 24, 1907
NO. 75. INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION. SETTING THE ARCADE IN THE ROTUNDA SECTION. NOVEMBER 24, 1907.
NO. 76. INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ARCADE AND COLON ADE IN THE ROTUNDA SECTION. JANUARY 31, 1908
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NO. 7 . GENERAL VIEW OF THE BUILDING FROM THE CAPITOL. NOVEMBER 23, 1908
NO. 77. GENERAL VIEW OF THE BUILDING FROM THE CAPITOL. NOVEMBER 23. 1908.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE HEATING, LIGHT-
ING, AND POWER PLANT FOR THE UNITED STATES
CAPITOL AND CONGRESSIONAL BUILDINGS i i
W
Ad 7 Senate
HEN the appropriation for the House of Representatives and
Office Buildings had been authorized, the question of
heat, light, and power for the same arose. The Capitol and the
Library each had its own steam-driven plant. Both plants were antiquated
and incapable of extension sufficient to care for their own needs and provide
for the wants of the new buildings, and as the carting of coal and ashes, with
the attendant noise and dirt, had always been a source of annoyance during
the sessions of Congress, it was finally decided, after a close study of existing
conditions, that a central generating station should be built to supply all the
buildings and that the old plants should be eliminated.
It was decided to install 8,000 kilowatts of generating equipment in the
new plant, and although some have claimed that this capacity is greatly in
excess of that necessary, the Government engineers had in mind the future
increase in the number of Government buildings on Capitol Hill and
continuity of service.
The question of the location of the plant was very thoroughly considered,
and careful investigations were made of several proposed sites. The site
finally selected was Garfield Park, a plot bounded by New Jersey Avenue, South
Capitol Street, Virginia Avenue, and E Street SE. The determining factors
leading to its selection were its location directly on the Pennsylvania Railroad
and at a convenient distance both from the river and the buildings to
be supplied. Owing to the fact that Garfield Park -was a Government
reservation, no appropriation was required for the ground.
The predominating idea throughout the design of the plant has been
continuity of service, and this has been adhered to closely, even at the sacrifice,
possibly, of some points of economy. The generating system selected was
three-phase, 25 cycles, at 6,600 volts. The reasons for the selection of this system
are mainly as follows: The Capitol and the Congressional Library are both
wired for 110 volts and have numerous direct-current motors installed therein.
Obviously, 110-volt direct current would have to be supplied to these buildings
unless expensive alterations were made. It was decided, therefore, to retain
this system in the existing buildings and to install it in the new ones, so as to
WQIZ-12-2 161
have a similarity of equipment in all the buildings. The maximum transmission
distance, or that from the generating station to the Senate Office Building, is
approximately five-eighths of a mile. This distance and the load to be carried
practically determined the use of alternating current for transmission.
The decision was reached, accordingly, to generate and transmit alternating
current and to install motor generator sets in each of the four substations,
namely, the Capitol, the Congressional Library, the House of Representatives
Office Building, and the Senate Office Building. Energy had to be furnished
also for the motor-driven pumps on the bank of the Potomac River, and, since
all the load consisted practically of motors, a frequency of 25 cycles was chosen.
An -additional reason for the selection of the system finally chosen was that
until the plant was completed it was necessary to feed the substations, which
were immediately established, from the Benning plant of the Potomac Electric
Power Co., so that the generating equipment had to be interchangeable, wholly
or in part, with the equipment in the station mentioned. This arrangement
also guaranteed exceptional freedom from interruption of service, as it is not
likely that a catastrophe would wipe out both stations, which are widely
separated.
The accompanying sketch (fig. 1) shows the general character of the
system and the relative location of the various points. The construction of the
plant was begun in February, 1909, and the station was placed in operation
July 18, 1910, although the plans were prepared and the appropriation made
some years before. In fact the plant is the result of plans and ideas which
have been maturing for 10 or IS years.
POWER-HOUSE. BUILDING.
The building is constructed of red brick, from a local yard, upon concrete
foundations that rest upon 790 simplex reenforced concrete piles, 16 inches in
diameter and from 20 to 24 feet in length, the load upon each pile being
approximately 25 tons. There are two Custodis radial brick chimneys, 212
feet in height and 11 feet in diameter at the top, each serving a group of eight
boilers.
The station is well ventilated, having large windows consisting of light
metal frames and wire glass, which admit a flood of daylight. The engine-
room doors are all built of copper calamine, and the fireroom doors of galvanized
calamine.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.
In the engine room there are installed four Westinghouse Parsons turbo-
alternators, each of 2,000 kilowatt rating, delivering three-phase, 2S-cycle current
at 6,600 volts. (Fig. 2.) The turbine operates at 175 pounds steam pressure, and
FIG. 1. MAP SHOWING LOCATION OF GENERATING STATION, SUBSTATIONS, AND PUMP HOUSE
FIG. 2. INTERIOR VIEW OF ENGINE RO M, SHOWING TURBO-GENERATORS AND CONDENSERS
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FtG. 2 INTERIOR vIwV OF ENGINE ROOM, SHOWING TURBO-GENERATORS AND CONDENSERS.

FIG. 3. EXCITER ON TURBINE SHAFT
FIG. 3. EXCITER ON TURBINE SHAFT.

the steam, after passing through the turbine, discharges into a double or twin
Bulkley barometric condenser, which is guaranteed to give a vacuum of 28 inches
when supplied with injection water at a temperature of 700 F. Should one side
of the condenser become disabled, the remaining side will continue to operate
and produce a vacuum of 24 inches under the same conditions. Under actual
operation these guarantees are improved, and a vacuum of over 29 inches is
obtained. The condensed steam discharges into a hot well, whence it may be
pumped to the boilers. An automatic valve permits the overflow from the hot
well to discharge through a 48-inch concrete flume to the river.
Each generator has a 37%2-kilowatt, direct-connected exciter mounted at
the generator end of the turbo set, as shown on figure 3. Each exciter is of
sufficient size to excite the fields of two generators and is connected to the
exciter bus bars. A storage battery of 74 cells is installed in the basement
and is controlled from the main switchboar3J. This battery has a capacity of
2,400 amperes, and floats across the ecitar bus bars continuously, so that
should one of the exciters for any reason be prevented from delivering
energy to the generator fields, the, storage battery will automatically furnish
the excitation, and no interruption would ensue. The battery also acts as a
voltage regulator, in that it tends to hold the exciting current constant,
irrespective of any change in the speed of the exciter. Should the exciter
speed decrease, the battery discharges, exciting the fields; and should the speed
increase, the battery becomes charged.
The battery is charged from the exciter bus bars while on the line by
means of a motor-driven booster that raises the bus voltage to the amount
desired for charging. The booster set consists of a 125-volt, direct-current
motor directly connected with and mounted on a common iron base, with an
interpole direct-current generator of 676 amperes at 65 volts. This machine
is located on the engine-room floor, immediately behind the high-tension
concrete switchboard structure, and is controlled from the main switchboard.
Energy from the exciter-storage-battery bus bars is used, in addition to field
excitation, for the operation of the crane and machine-shop motors, and also for
emergency lighting circuits in the main station and each of the substations.
These emergency circuits are fed by separate pairs of cables from the main
switchboard, and comprise about one-fourth of the entire lighting in the main
and each substation. They are automatically controlled by double-throw,
solenoid-operated plunger switches. Under normal operating conditions the
circuits are fed from the bus bars, and the energy from the lamps flowing through
the solenoids of the above-mentioned switches holds the contacts in the upper or
normal position. Should the circuit fail for any reason, the solenoids are
deenergized and allow the contacts to drop, thereby transferring the lighting
circuits to the auxiliary circuit, fed from the storage battery. As stated, these
auxiliary lighting circuits feed about one-fourth of the total lamp installation, so
that at no time will there be any possibility of any of the stations being in
darkness due to failure of the generating or transmission system.
SWITCIHIBOARDS.
Perhaps no feature in the design of the entire system better illustrates the
precautions taken against possible failure of supply, and also the excellent
construction and material employed throughout, than does the switchboard.
(Fig. 4.) This may be said to consist of two parts-the high-tension concrete
structure and the low-tension, marble-panel control board.
All of the high-tension apparatus, including bus bars, circuit-breaking
devices and transformers, is mounted on the concrete structure located on the
engine-room floor.
The low-tension board consists of 19 panels of white Italian marble,
mounted on a gallery immediately above the high-tension concrete structure,
overlooking the engine room. On this board are located all the low-potential
wiring, measuring instruments, and control switches, and from here the operator,
who has an unobstructed view of the engine room, controls the operation of the
entire system. He assumes control of the operation of the turbo-generators as
soon as the engineer opens the throttle, synchronizes them, and directs the
engineer to start up or shut down any machine, according to the load, as
indicated by the instruments on the board.
The switchlboard is (Iividcd into two sections, each being a duplicate of the
other, thus forming in reality two boards. The two sections are connected by
oil break and disconnecting switches that are normally in the closed position.
Should any trouble occur on one portion of the board, or should it be desired
to work on one section, the disconnecting switches can be opened and the
entire system operated from the other half of the board.
The turbo-generatorl are connected to each section of the board, thus
carrying the division to the extent of having practically two separate plants;
but one or all generators can be connected to either bus.
INSTIRIUMENT 1POSTIS.
On the engine-room floor, opposite each turbo-generator set, is an
ornamental iron post, mounted on which are the following instruments for the
information of the engineer: An indicating wattmeter, a synchroscope, a
vacuum gauge, a steam gauge showing the boiler pressure, and a steam gauge
showing the pressure inside the primary valve of the turbine or directly at the
blades.
FIG. 4. VIEW OF SWITCHBOARD, SHOWING HIGH AND LOW TENSION STRUCTURE
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FIG. 4. VIEWV OF SWITCHBOARD. SHOWING HIGH AND LOW TENSION STRUCTURE.

REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMISSON
BOIIER FQUIPMENT.
The boiler plant consists of sixteen 520-horsepower water-tube boilers,
operated at 175 pounds steam pressure, and located in two rows of eight on
either side of the middle aisle.
The coal is delivered over the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks to the south
end of the station and is dumped from the cars into a hopper, from which it
is automatically carried to a crusher that breaks it up so that it may be
handled by the automatic stokers. From the crusher it drops onto a bucket
elevator, which carries it up over the boilers and dumps it into a 16-inch
endless belt, which in turn distributes the fuel in a storage bin extending
over the length of the boiler room. From this bin, which has a capacity of
1,600 tons, the coal feeds. by gravity into new-model Roney mechanical
automatic stokers, which feed it directly to the furnaces. The whole handling
of coal from the time it is dumped from the cars is automatic. The crusher
and elevator are operated, respectively, by 20-horsepower and 15-horsepower
induction motors.
The boiler-feed water can be taken directly from the city mains, from the
river, or from the hot well. Two 6-inch city water mains are laid to the
plant, each being brought from a different street, rendering a failure of
water supply extremely improbable. The city water is fed to the boilers by
Metropolitan injectors, each boiler having an independent injector. The
boiler-feed water, as above stated, may be taken directly from the hot well, in
which case it is fed to the boilers by Warren high-pressure, outside packed,
plunger-feed pumps. There are three of these pumps, any one of which is
capable of taking care of one-half of the total boiler capacity.
The ashes from the furnace drop into a hopper directly underneath.
Hand-operated carts run on1 tracks directly under each set of boilers, collect the
ashes, and take them to the end of the building, where they are dumped into an
elevator run by a 10-horsepower induction motor, which lifts them up and dumps
themn into a breaker, whence they are (lischarged through iron chutes into the
railroad cars beneath.
STEIAM PIPING IN MAIN STATION.
The steam piping is so arranged by the proper placing of valves and
duplication that a unit system could be maintained if desired, four boilers serving
each turbine in the most direct way, and each entirely independent; or any
possible combination that may be necessary can be obtained by the proper use
of the valves.
Nonreturn stop valves are used on all boilers, so that any boiler can
automatically be cut in or out of service, and in case of any accident whereby
any boiler loses its pressure the remaining boilers in service would not be damaged.
CONI)ENSING WATER.
Water for condensing purposes, and also for boiler feed when desired, is taken
from the Anacostia branch of the Potomac River.
ARTIFICIAL ILLUMINATION-MAIN STATION.
Artificial illumination throughout the station is furnished by means of

incandescent lamps, the wiring for which is all installed in loricated conduit.
HEATING MAIN STATION.
No arrangements have been made for heating the building, and it is believed
none will be necessary, owing to the presence of the boilers and engines.
ELECT'1R IC CRANE'-MAIN STATION.
A 50-ton electric traveling crane, equipped with two 25-ton hoists, operated
by direct-current motors, is installed in the engine room, and was of great
assistance in the installation of the machinery.
MOTORS FOR MACIHINE,-SI-1lO' TOOLS.
D)irect-current motors, taking current from the storage battery, are used
for driving the various tools in the machine shop, so that should any accident
cripple the generating equipment, the machine shop could still be used in
making repairs.
SHOWEIR IA'T'IIS ANI) LOCKERS.
The welfare of the employees is not overlooked, and large, commodious
shower baths and wire-frame lockers are provided; one set for the engine-
Iroomll employees, and One for the use of boiler-room employees.
SUBS'T'A'I'IONS.
CAIBLES.
Electrical energy is sent from the generating station to four substations

and the pump house, each being connected with the main station by a duplicate
set of triple-conductor paper-insulated, lead-covered cables, laid in vitrified tile
conduit. The lead sheaths of all cables in each manhole, or where run on racks,
are bonded together and grounded.
LOCATION OF SUIlSTATIONS.
The substations are located in the basements of the following buildings:

The Capitol, the Congressional Library, the House of Representatives Office
Building, and the Senate Office Building.
FIG. 5. HOUSE OF ICE BUILDING SUBSTATION, SHOWING MOTOR GENERATOR SETS AND SWITCHBOARD
.1 11
FIG. 5. HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING SUBSTATION. SHOWING MOTOR GENERATOR SETS AND SWITCHBOARD.
SUBSTATION EQUIPMENT.
The equipment in these stations consists of motor-generator sets, each

composed of one 6,600-volt synchronous motor, directly connected with and
mounted on a common iron base with one 400-kilowatt, 125-volt, compound-
wound, direct-current generator, with a small induction motor for starting
purposes and high-tension and low-tension switchboards for the control of the
alternating-current and direct-current circuits. The Capitol substation has five
motor-generator sets; the House Office Building, four; the Senate Office
Building and Congressional Library, three each. These sets may be started
from the direct-current end by means of energy from the bus through starting
rheostats, or by means of small induction motors mounted on the ends, as
shown in figure 5, fed through step-down transformers.
The high-tension switchboards are similar in design and construction to
the high-tension switchboard in the generating plant. As stated above, each
substation is connected to the. main station by duplicate cables; also by the
emergency lighting cables. The cables are laid in vitrified tile, and follow
the course of the steam tunnel connecting the various buildings. The cables
are brought in directly to the high-tension switchboard, where they lead to
disconnecting switches, thence to oil circuit breakers, and through disconnecting
switches again to the synchronous motors.
As in the main station, the operation of the station is controlled entirely
by the low-tension switchboard. These boards are built of white Italian marble,
and upon them are mounted measuring instruments, control switches, carbon
circuit breakers, and knife-blade switches for the control of the direct-current
circuits. On the line panels are mounted control switches for circuit breakers
for two circuits from the power house and for one from the station of the
Potomac Electric Power Co.
The synchronous motor panels are equipped with an alternating current
ammeter, an indicating wattmeter, a power factor meter, and a direct-current
field ammeter; also control switch for the oil circuit breaker, field rheostat,
starting motor switch, field switch, voltmeter, and synchronizing receptacles.
Each generator panel is equipped with two single-pole carbon circuit breakers,
an illuminated dial ammeter, field rheostat, two single-pole knife switches, a
field switch, and a watt hour meter. The feeder panels are equipped with
ammeters and circuit breakers, the latter performing the combined function of
fuses and switches. Voltmeters are mounted on swinging brackets at the end
of board.
The direct-current portion of the board has two sets of busbars, one for
motor and one for lamp circuits. The two buses can be connected together
by a tie switch, so that they may be operated together. A novel feature
noticeable here is the red coloring of all the handles of the circuit breakers
on motor circuits. This enables the operator to ascertain quickly and readily
the motor circuits in case of trouble. A glance at figure 6 will show that
with such a number of breakers on the switchboard it is of very great
assistance to have some ready means of designation. The rheostats are
mounted above the panels and operate by means of sprocket-and-chain
transmission. A common starting switch for use in starting the motor
generator set from the direct-current end is mounted on one of the generator
panels. A marble panel upon which are mounted two oil switches for the
high-tension sides of the step-down transformers used for the starting motors
is installed in a convenient location. Equalizer switches are mounted on
pedestals immediately in front of the motor generator sets.
CAPITOL SUBSTATION.
The Capitol substation will be operated and used as a distributing station,

sending direct current to the other stations, as follows: To the Library of
Congress, from 10.15 p. m. to 8 a. in.; to the House and Senate Office
Buildings, during the recesses of Congress.
As the distance is considerable, a 5-kilowatt booster for each of the three
outgoing circuits, mounted on a common bedplate directly connected with a
30-horsepower motor, has been installed in the Capitol substation. Each booster
is capable of raising the voltage 10 volts when a current of 500 amperes is flowing
in the circuit, and less in proportion to the load. This will result in considerable
saving in operating expenses, as it will eliminate the necessity of running other
stations at such times as are stated above.
STE.AM TIJNNEIL.
There is a reenforced concrete tunnel 6,600 feet long, 7 feet high, and 4%4
feet wide, with walls approximately 12 inches thick, running from the power
house to First Street and up First Street to the Senate Office Building, with
branches to HIouse Office Building, the Congressional Library, and the Capitol,
wherein the steam-heating mains are carried on racks spaced about 20 feet apart
to the various buildings.
S'T'EAM TUNNEIL PIPEl RACKS.
The pipe racks have been installed for a duplicate steam main. In addition
to this, provision has also been made for an 8-inch high-pressure water main
connecting fire lines in all buildings to a high-pressure pump, to be located at
the power house, taking its supply from the river.
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FIG. 6. HOUSE OF ICE BUILDING SWITCHBOARD. DISTRIBUTING PANELS SHOWN AT LEFT
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OFFIC'-E BUILL.!%G SWITCHBOARD.

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DISTRIBUTING PANELS SHOWN AT LEFT.

STEAM TUNNEL LIGHTING.
The tunnel is lighted throughout by electricity, and the circuits are so
arranged that one can enter or leave at any entrance and turn the lights on or
off as desired. The tunnel is inspected during each shift, or every eight hours.
STEAM PIPING IN TUNNEL AND POWER HOUSE.
Steam is taken from the main header through a reducing valve for supplying
heat to the various buildings.
Starting from the power house, a 14-inch main is used, which is reduced
at the House Office Building branch to 12 inches, is again reduced to 10
inches at the Capitol branch, and from the outlet for the proposed new building
to the Senate Office Building a 7-inch main is used. The House Office branch
is 6 inches, the Library branch 7 inches, and the Capitol branch 9 inches to
the Y, where it feeds into 6-inch mains entering the House and Senate wings
of the Capitol.
All high-pressure lines for the station and steam-heat transmission are of
extra heavy steel pipe, with welded flanges for all sizes 5 inches and above in
diameter, thus eliminating all threaded joints.
The steam line is well anchored throughout its length. All low places are
trapped, and the water removed therefrom is carried back through an open
return to the hot well at the power house. Expansion joints are installed every
250 feet. So well has the steam-heating system been designed and installed
that under normal conditions of operation there is a drop in pressure of only
4 pounds from the reducing valve at the power house to the maximum point
of transmission-the Senate Office Building-and the amount of water trapped
is negligible.
All steam pipe in the power house and in heating; mains running through
the tunnel to the various buildings has an 85 per cent magnesia covering, 2
inches thick, over which is placed a layer of paper, and this in turn is covered
with heavy canvas, sewed on and painted.
RESERVE BOILER PLANT IN CAJI'rOL.
A reserve plant of boilers, of sufficient capacity to furnish steam for the
system, is maintained in the Capitol. Should the main system be prevented
for any reason from delivering steam, all that would be necessary would be to
open the valve on the reserve plant and allow it to feed directly into the
system.
82020'-12-22
PUMPING STATION FOR CONDENSER WATER.
The pump house, in which is installed the condensing water pumps, is

located on the bank of the Anacostia Branch of the Potomac River, about
4,400 feet from the power house.
Two 20-inch centrifugal pumps have been installed, directly connected
with Westinghouse vertical 250-horsepower 6,600-volt induction motors, with
provision for a third. Figure 7 shows one of the pumps and motors.
The pumps are located 7 feet below the water level, in separate
compartments, either of which can be pumped out independently by means
of a small pump driven by a 5-horsepower induction motor, so that repairs
can be made without stopping all the pumps. These pumps can be started
and stopped from the power house if desired.
The water is pumped to the power house through a 3-foot cast-iron pipe,
and the overflow from the hot well returns through a 4-foot concrete flume
to the river.
OPERATION OF MAIN STATION.
The plant has been in operation since July, 1910, and already marked
economies in cost of operation over the old system have been noted.
CHANGE FROM OLD 'TO NEW PLANT.
It gives me great satisfaction to state that all changes from the old to
the new plant have been made without any interruption to the service.
MATERIAL FURNISHED BY CONTRACTORS.
All the electrical apparatus has been Furnished by the Westinghouse
Electric & Manufacturing Co. and the steam turbines by the Westinghouse
Machine Co., of Pittsburgh, Pa.
r'phe boilers were furnished and elected by the Atlas Engine Works, of
Inidianapolis, Ind.
The boiler feed pumps were furnished by the Warren Steam Pump Co.,
of Warren, Mass.
The electric crane was furnished by Manning, Maxwell & Moore (Inc.),
of New York.
Injectors were furnished by the Hayden & Derby Manufacturing Co., of
New York.
The steam pipe was furnished by the Ball & Wood Co., of Camden, N. J.
Coal and ash handling apparatus were furnished by the R. H. Beaumont
C!., of Philadelphia, Pa.
FIG. 7. INTERIOR VIEW OF PUMP HOUSE, SHOWING ONE OF THE VERTICAL INDUCTION MOTORS
IX
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FIG. 7. INTERIOR VIEW OF PUMP HOUSE, SHOWING ONE OF THE VERTICAL. INDUCTION MOTORS.
Table: SUM ARY OF PIPE, EXPANSION JOINTS, ETC., IN STEAM TUN EL
Table: WATER PIPE FROM PUMP HOUSE TO POWER HOUSE
Table: CABLES CON ECTING SUBSTATIONS- EXTENDING AND INCREASING OLD FE DERS IN CAPITOL, ETC.- OILED CAMBRIC INSULATION AND LEAD COVERED
Table: OILED CAMBRIC INSULATION- DOUBLE BRAIDED
~7T
SUMMARY OF PIPE, EXPANSION JOINTS, ETC., IN STEAM TUNNEL.
Size (diameter). Length. Expansion Anchors. Racks.

joints.
Feet.
14 inches......................................................................................... 1,979 9 ............ 10s
i1 inches .......................................................................................... 909 4 48
io inches .......................................................................................... 298 ............
..is..
...... ...... .
9 inches ........................................................................................... 653 3 .33
7 inches ........................................................................................... 21073 8..o6
6 inches ............ 613
Total ..................... 6,515 60 ............ 330
WYA1ER PIPE FROM PUMP HOUSE TO POWER HOUSE.

Cast iron: Insgth In feet.
36-inch .. 4,390
24-inch .. 90
14-inch .. 42
Total .... 4,522
Concrete:
48-inch .....4..............
,.4,190
.........
CABLES CONNECTINO SUBSTATIONS-EXTENDING ANI) INCREASING OLD FEEDIERS IN CAPITOL, xTC.-OILDI) CAMBRIC
INSULATION AND LEAI) COVEI(EI).
Number of conductors. Size (B. and S. or C. NM.) Number

feet. of Weight.
Pounds.
Single ..... . . . . . 2,000,_00 C. MI. . jo,0o 108,350
Do .......................................................................................... 1,000,000 C. 'M *-- 3*- I,192 18,o54
Do .......................................................................................... 90o,00oC. M ~~700 3,669
Do ............................................ ............................. 700,000 C. M 4,048 17,752
Do .... 65o,ooo C. MI 400.... 40
i,670
Do ........... 6oo,ooo C, M * 91 3,647
Do ........ 55o,oo C. I *1..... 1,919
Dc,.......................................................................................... 503,Oc0o C. NI .. 5,680 19,717
I) .......................................................................................... 450,000 C,M. ......... 2,024 6,S46
I)o ......................................................................................... 400,000 C. NI.3,516 10,587
Io .......................................................................................... o50,000 C. hI ..,,,,, 1,814 5,073
D)o ......................................................................................... 300,000 C. I .1,844 4,647
D)o....... 2so,000 C. NI 13.04 2,956
I)o ... . . . 3-0 II. a11dl S 540 702
Do ........................................................................................ 2-0 ll. and S . 1,080 1,210
Total ........................... .............. . ......... . 37,596 1 206,509
2
103 tolls.
OILPI) CAMBIIRIC INSULATIION-DOUBLE BRAIDPI)ED.
Number of condtuctors. Size (C. NI.). Number of \We ighlt.

feet.
'oundsi.
Single . . . . . . . . . . . 500,000 1,210 2,290
M) ........ I.................................................................................. 400,000 1,370 211,13
Do. 300,000 So3 6to
otal............................................ I. ...................... 3,080 15,032
I
I 2109.
Table: WIRE, CABLE, ETC., CON ECTING POWER HOUSE AND SUBSTATIONS- PAPER INSULATED AND LEAD COVERED
Table: DUCT FOR HIGH TENSION LINES BETWE N POWER HOUSE AND AL SUBSTATIONS
Table: DUCT FOR LOW TENSION LINES USED TO CON ECT OLD AND NEW WORK IN THE CAPITOL, SENATE OF ICE BUILDING HOUSE OF ICE BUILDING, AND LIBRARY

WI/RE, CABLE, ETC., CONNECTING POWER HOUSE AND SUBSTATIONS-PAPER INSULATED AND LEAD COVERED.
Number of conductors. Size

(B. and S.). Voltage. |Number
feet.
of
Weight.
'.- ..
1101unds.
3. .......................................................I.......................... 40 13,000 8,226 76,633
3 ..6.............................................I.................................... 2 300 3,962 30,903
3 .. ............................0I................................................. I1-0 13,00) i,16 99,912
3. ................................................................................. 6 13,00o 9,268 43,170
................................................................................. 4 600 ,88 13,98Z
............................ I..............I.............................I.................... 1-0 600 2,69o 8,839
................................................................................. 4 600 1,123 2,64S
................................................................................. 6 6oo 1,041
Total .........................
......- 613
............4...
............
177,135
I)UCT FOR HIGH TENSION lINES BETWEEN P'OWER HOUSE AND ALL SUBSTATIONS.
Duct feet.
20-way ...1 1,934 X 20 38,68o
6-way .885 X i6 =
14,I6o
8-way. ,841 X 8=30,728
4-way .4,434 X 4 17,736
Total
---- ....... 101,304
I)UCr FOR LOW TENSION LINES USEID T0 CONNYC1 OLD) AND) NFE%' WORK IN TIlE CAPITOL, SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING, AND LIBRARY.
Duct feet,
36--way ................................................................................... 119 X 36 =
4,284
,3'2 wa y..............................................................................*.*.* 59 X 32I1,888

..y 1i26X28=3,528
24-way.
.........
.. I.I....
I ..... . 125 X 24 = 3,000
12-wa) ............................... 390 X 12 4,68o
8-way ................. 470X 8 3,76o
4-way ......... -.
-.. - 250X 4= 1,000
20-way 8o X 20 1,6oo
Total. ............. 11.11 ...... I 23,740
HIigh tensions cable manholes ...... 39

Low tension cablc manholes .........................1...
................... 15
Total ........ 54
Table: STATEMENT OF AMOUNT AP ROPRIATED, EXPENDED, AND BALANCE ON HAND SEPTEMBER 1, 191
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING :: HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING APPROACHES :: HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING FURNISHINGS
HEATING, LIGHTING, AND POWER PLANT :: SUBWAY CONSTRUCTION.
HOUSE OFFICE 13UILDING.

STATEMENT OF AMOUNT APPROPRIATED, EXPENDED, AND BALANCE ON HAND SEPTEMBER 1, 1911.
APPROPRIATIONS.
Urgency deficiency bill, Feb. i8, I904 ..................... ....................................... $570,000.00
Sundry civil bill-
Mar. 3, 1905 ........9,..80,o,000o
June 30, 1906 ....... 500,000.00
Mar, 4, 1907 ........................................... ............................ 1,050,000.00
May 27, 1908, to reimburse appropriation for money exp1)ended for extraordinary deep foundation. 109,611.16
I)eficiency hill, Mar. 4,1909, completion building
for of and balances due on contracts ................ ,7,160.0o
4
Balance from purchase of site, and refunds, available for construction ................................. 7,722.84
Total . , ....... 3,264.494.00
EXPENDITURES.
Stonework ......... , , , . ..............., $1,041,952,80
. ..
Excavation and added excavation ..................................,,,,,..... 64,884.69

Concrete footings and foundations .................................................. 24,072.92
Concrete roof construction ....................20...................,.........,. ,, 20,o613.87
Concrete floor, subbasement .1.8,769.19
.......,.,.,,,,,,,,,,,
Stone steps, coping of areas, etc 11,349.76
Interior marblework ..............,2............!58,976.12
Rough brickwork ..........3.. ,............... 398,802.98
Steel framing .......................... 159,805.23
Cast plates and linteks .,,................. 6,307.11
Chopper, etc., for roof ............., 41,922.35 . . , . ,
Plastering, plain and ornamentalai.65,566.8I

Window frames, doors, and woodwork .130,038.54
Painting,1
.....3.....,,,,,
,., 32,53.13 ................... , ,
lPlate glass .......,,,,,,,,

7,752.84
Contingent ..... ,,,,, 24,792.70 ................................
Drafting material, blue print, etc .... .........4....,.,,.. 4,304.28 ....
Traveling expenIscsC
.....................,,,, 2,322.02 ....,.,,,,,,,,,,,.
Advertising and printing ......................, , , 3,280.11 ..........
T'eclmical bocoks........................ ,... 686.32

I ailing, telephone, telegrapll ..,0.....................,.....,,,,,,,,,,.. 1o98.75
Tools, storehouse, etc ..................... 2,173.94 , , . .
,,
Skylights ....3, 3,191-74 ........ ......
Draftsmen and assistants ..........................................................- 36,999.15

2.
sctep
Table: STATEMENT OF AP ROPRIATIONS, EXPENDITURES, AND BALANCE ON HAND SEPTEMBER 1, 191

Office force and expenses, including watchmen, timekeeper's and constructor's salaries .... $50,865.17
Architects fee ....................,,,,,,,,,,,,,........ 31,703.95
Iron stairways and elevators ..................1....................12,960.32
Concrete fireproof construction and finished floors .,

i8,657.i8
Terra-cotta partitions .................. . ................ 43,434.84
Deep foundation at tunnel ...............109,.,
, , .... .
tog,671.16
Ventilation ..... 28,502.00
Steam heating ................................................................ 61,367.47
Plumbing ............................................................ 154,413.56
Electrical work and chandeliers ..................................... 88,157.60
Drafting-room construction, engineering, instruments, etc .............................. 2,92.25
Total expenditures .......................,................ 3,263,927.85
Balance, Sept. 1, 1911......................

............... 566.15
AP1'PROACHES, IlOUSE OFFICE, BUILDING.

STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS, EXPENDITURES, AND BALANCE ON HANI) SEPTENMBER 1, 1911.
APP~lROPgRIATIONS.
Sundry civil bill, May 27, 1908 ......................... ,.... $119,600.00
I)eficielncy bill, Jtulnc 17, 1910 ........................,.
, , , . ............... 12,800.00
Total ...............
I ............ I...... I........ I.............. I....... ........... 132,400.00
E.XPEII)ITURES.
Stonev work .... $78,049.42
Excav; Itiolls. .............3.........................................
I .......... 1,310.85
Concr ctc footings andI foundations .... .,. .. .,
. ............,,.... 1,718.75
Stollc and coping of areas ........................... , .,,
555.60
Marbl steps, waterproofing and roof ...1,2...,.
, , , , , .
1 z29.33
Rough brickwork ................,,...,....,....,.......,...,..10,668.68
Concr( ctc paving, etc .................. ............ 8,378.05

Steel firanling ......
1,495.99
Coturt, currl)an(d parking ..6,20,69.....................,,.,,.,.,.. 16,720.69
Colitil gent ..................... .......... 339.84
Draftiiiig material .,.................. 27.84
ig,telegraph,
I-latililt and telephone .................10..............................
......
10.83
Tools, etc .............................. 485
I)rafts men andl assistants .................
............................. 2077.55
Office force and expenses .........,,..... 6,775.00
ing, sewers, dowvnspouts I........
.....80.....2I....,
. ......... . ,
82605
Flectri cal material and workl...,,,,,
. ...,,,,,, .,.
. 1,965.70
'T'otal ............. 132,155.02
BIlance onl hand Sept. 1, 191 1............................................................ 244,98

Table: STATEMENT OF AP ROPRIATIONS, EXPENDITURES, AND BALANCE ON HAND SEPTEMBER 1, 191
Table: SHELVING FOR HOUSE LIBRARY UNDER FURNISHINGS
Table: STATEMENT OF AP ROPRIATIONS, EXPENDITURES, AMOUNT DUE ON CONTRACTS, AND BALANCE ON HAND SEPT. 1, 191

FURNISHINGS, HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING.
STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS, EXPENDITURES, ANT) BALANCE ON HANI) SEPTEMBER 1, 1911.
APPROPRIATION.
Appropriated, sundry civil bill ............................................................... .....
S300,500.00
EXPENDITURES.
Furniture ......................................................................... $263,786.o0
Typewriters ....................................................................... 27,698.68
Shelving for bookcases, etc .......................................................... 2,734.46
Doors, jambs, etc.................................................................. 64-.o
Painting .......................................................................... 140.00
Contingent and miscellaneous supplies............................................... 3,933.40
I)rafting material .................................................................. 62.oo
Traveling expenses ................................................................. 283.87
Advertising and printing........................................................... 257.98
Hauling, telephone, and telegraph .................................................... 543.48
Draftsmen and assistants.......................................................... 394.43
299,898.31
Balance on hand Sept. 1, 1911 ................................................. * I .......... 601.69
SHELVING FOR HIOUSE LIBRARY UNI)ER FURNISHINGS.
Appropriated in urgent deficiency bill, Aug. 5, 1909 ... 4,200.00
Expended for shelving ....................................................................... 4,169.38
Balance on hand Sept. 1, 191 I........................................................... 30.62
HEATING, LIGHTiNG, AND POWER PLANT.
STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS, EXPENDITURES, AMOUNT DUE ON CONTRACTS, AND BALANCE ON HAND SEPT. 1, 1911.
APPROPRIAXIONS.
Sundry civil bill, approved Apr. 28, I004 ..........................$..130,000.00
Sundry civil bill, approve(l Mar. 3,1905 .363,000.00
Sundry civil bill, approved Mar. 4,1907 . ,237,000.00
Deficiency bill, approved Mar. , 1909 .98,5oo.oo
Sundry civil bill, approve(l Mar. 4, 1911 .64,357.65
'Total .......................................................................... ,89.2,857.65
1
E X E1N BITUR ES.
E.xcavationI ....................................................................... $73,258.94
Concreting, forms, floors, etc........................................................ 42,410.71
Pipe supports and piping.......................................................... 3,513.03
Concrete footings and foundations, site ............................... 18,103.38
Roof construction ............................ 15,839.56
Stonework, court, curb, and parking................................................. 10,217.30
Rough brickwork .............................................................. 66,22S.o8
Steclwork anid frramging. 55,107.27
Tunnels-engincers' work .......................... 2,015.50
Boiler house, storage of tubes ...............................- 900.01
plastering ......................... 7,856.30
Window framies, sashes, doors, etc .................. ....... ......... 1o,642.01
Painting ......................................................................... 5,750.38
Contingent ....................................................................... 14,198.78
Drafting material, blue print, etc .................................................... $6,216.45

Traveling expenses .................................................. 5,093.91
Advertising and printing .2,842.84

Hauling, telegraph, telephone, etc .814.68
Pools, etc ......... 764.65
Skylights, etc .....
... .... ... .... ... ... .... ... .... ... ... ............... 1,034.98
Draftsmen and assistants .20,928.02
Office force andl expenses, including constructors, clerks, watchmen, timekeepers, etc .39,122.89
Iron stairways 4,ogg.65
Concrete floor construction at plant .17,704.85
Architect's fees .8,123.60
Deep foundation piling at site .25,434.19
Ventilation .664.20
Steam heating ant(I electrical transmission. 127,179.58
Plumbing and sewers. 34,386.92
Electrical work and conduit line, including cables. 83,977.78
WVaterway and punphouse.
.124,350.68
Engineering instruments .534.26
Auxiliary apparatus and installing .79,171.74

Machinery (Westinghouse and Atlas) .602,022.55
Chimneys ........................................................................ 15,608.60
Westinghouse percentage contract ............
.. ...............6I..............I. 61,827.70
Mlaome contract .205,163.01
Glass ..5.''00
Ilousc substation .767.88
Transportation cars ................... 8,253.45
Expenditures ,802,132.31
Due on contracts and bills .70,621.66
Total expended andtIu ....................................................... ...... 1,872,753.97
Balance oil hand Sept. 1, 1911 .20,103.68

APPENDIX
OFFICE BUILDING, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Washington, D. C., March 5, 1903.
THE commission, consisting of Representatives-elect to the Fifty-eighth Congress, Joseph G. Cannon,
1 of Illinois; W. P. Hepburn, of Iowa, and James D. Richardson, of Tennessee, appointed as
attested in the following certificate of the Clerk of the House of Representatives:
"CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES,
"IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
"March 3, 1903.
"The Speaker appointed Mr. J. G. Cannon, Mr. W. P. Hepburn, and Mr. J. D. Richardson the
commission authorized by the sundry civil appropriation act, approved March third, nineteen hundred
and three, to acquire a site for and to direct and supervise the construction of an office building for the
House of Representatives.
"Attest:
"A. MCDOWELL, Clrk."
and under the provision of lawv contained in the sundry civil appropriation act for the fiscal year 1904,
approved March 3, I903, which reads as follows:
"To acquire a site for and toward the construction of a fireproof building for committee rooms,
folding room, and other offices for the I-louse of Representatives and for necessary office rooms for members
thereof, to be erected on one of the squares bounded by B street south, C street south, First street east,
an(l First street west, as the Commission hereinafter provided shall determine, seven hundred an(l fifty
thousand dollars; and said building shall be constructed substantially according to the plans prepared
under the provisions of an act of Congress approved March third, nineteen hundred and one, with such
modifications as may be found necessary or advantageous, and at a cost, exclusive of site, not to exceed
three million one hundred thousand dollars, for any part or all of which sumn contracts are authorized to
be entered into.
"Said construction and letting of contracts, including the employment of all necessary skilled and
other services, shall l)e under the control of the Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds,
subject to the direction and supervision of a commission, which is hereby created, to be compose(l of three
miembers-elect to the I-House of Representatives of the Fifty-eighth Congress to be appointed by the Speaker
of the Fifty-seventh Congress; vacancies occurring, b)y resignation or otherwise, in the membership of
said commission shall be filled by succeeding Speakers of the I-louse. The commission herein authorized
shall, within thirty days after their appointment, determine which of the squares above described shall
be acquired and use(l for a site for the building herein provided for, and shall notify the Secretary of the
Interior in writing of their determination, wlhereupon the Secretary of the Interior shall, within thirty days
after the receipt of such notice, proceed in the manner prescribed for providing a site for an addition to
the Government Printing Office in so much of the act approved July first, eighteen hundred and ninety-
eight, as is set forth on pages six hundred and forty-eight an(l six hundred and forty-nine of volume thirty
of the Statutes at Large, to acquire the square so determined upon; and for the purposes of such acqui-
sition the Secretary of the Interior shall have and exercise all the powers conferred tupon the Plublic Printer
in saidI act.
"The appropriations herein andI hereafter made for said site and building shall be disbursed by the
Secretary of the Interior".-
net this day at i2 o'clock 11., in the rooms of the Committee on Appropriations of the [louse of
Representatives.
After a brief consultation with Elliott Woods, Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds,
touching plans for the office building, and an examination of plats showing the squares of ground referred
to in said law, the commission directed that Bernard R. Green, superintendent of the Congressional
Library Building, and Capt. J. S. Sewell, of the Engineer Corps of the Army, in charge of the construction
of the Government Printing Office Building, be invited to attend the next meeting of the commission.
The commission thereupon adjourned to meet to-morrow at 3 o'clock p. m.
MARCH 6, 1903.
The commissionmet at 3 o'clock Im.,
p. pursuant to the adjournment of yesterday. All of the
members were present.
Bernard R. Green, superintendent of the Congressional Library Building, and Capt. J. S. Sewell, of
the Engineer Corps of the Army, in charge of the construction of the Government Printing Office, appeared,
and were heard as follows:
STATEMENTS OF BERNARD R. GREEN, SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CONGRESSIONAL LIBRARY BUILDING, AND
CAPT.J. S. SEWELL, OF THE ENGINEER CORPS, UNITED STATES ARMY.
Mr. CANNON. Gentlemlen, Col. Hepburn, Mr. Richardson, and myself were appointed, under an act
of Congress, by the Speaker to select a site for the Office Building for the use of theIlouse of Represen-
tativcs. We are confined to four blocks: One, this, where the Congressional Hotel stands; one where the
Coast and Geodetic Survey and the Butler House are; the next, just west of that; and the next down
where the car stable is. We are confined to one of the four. Now, areyou familiar, Mr. Green, with
the formation of the ground in the respective blocks ?
Mr. Glmu-.N. Yes, sir; I am. The first and fourth are pretty much alike in outline and shape; also
the second and third.
Mr. CANNON. Tlhe area of the first and fourth is the largest, I think ?
Mr. Gitu .EN. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Now, take the first, the Congressional Hotel block I will call it. Is there any inade
land on that ?
Mr. GREEN. I (lo not believe there is; I (lo not think so. At any rate, not to a depth that would be
a consideration in the foundationwork.
Mr. CANNON. Now, I want to ask you, in connection wvith the terminal legislation that has just been
had-tunnel legislation. Yesterday, onl reading the act to provi(le for a union railroad station in the
District of Columbia, approved February 28, 1903, wve found that probably the railway-the Philadelphia,
Baltimore Washington-has tile right
& to run its tunnel through the Congressional Hotel block, or it
has the right to strike the street just beyond the southeast corner of the block-
Mr. GmrEN. At First and C.
Mr. CANNON. Yes; and then up First Street, onl the east of the block and onl the west of the Library,
anud so on1.
Mr. GlmEN. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. We have not a map here. I-Have you a map, Mr. Courts?
Mr. CouLD s. That atlas ?
Mr. CANNON. Yes; I want to locate the streets. Nowv, Mr. Green, you are an engineer by profession ?
Mr. GjREEN. Yes, Sil.
MIr. CANNON. I-low long have you l)een engaged in the practice of your profession ?
Mr. GREEN. All my life-for 40 years.
Mr. CANNON. In Washington here ?
Mr. GRE EN. I have lbeen here 26 years.
on1
Mr. CANNON. What works have you been engaged in Washington ?
Mr. GREIUEN. I went under Gen. Casey, to take charge of the State, War, and Navy Building. As it
went on, wing by wing, it took i i years before I got through with it. '1heen I came up here to take charge
of the construction of the Congressional Library Building, and built the whole of it. Those two buildings
have covered 20 years, but at the same time I was assistant to Gen. Casey in the construction of the Wash-
ington Monument, and had charge under him of the construction of the Army Medical Museum. For the
commissioners of the Soldiers' Home I also had charge of the construction of several of their large buildings
and the general heating plant, and of the water supply, which I designed, and all that sort of thing.
Those are the principal buildings that I have had to do with.
Mr. CANNON. YOU put in the foundation under the Washington Monument?
Mr. GREEN. I was assistant to Col. Casey, who had charge of it. I may say I gave him the cue to
it; the general scheme I devised and laid out. He utilized it. We worked together. I was associated
with him for a long time very intimately. In fact, when I went to work first, as a youngster just out of
my professional school, I went to work with him down East, when he was a young captain. I was con-
nected with him in almost everything he had to do. Then I was assistant to him on the State, War, and
Navy Building. We worked together all the time. I have also done some other things here. My friends
about town are continually after me for advice and things of that sort, so that I have looked after important
buildings here outside of Government work.
Mr. C.,NNON. Now, by this terminal-station act [indicating on map] the construction must strike the
intersection of New Jersey Avenue and D Street-
Mr. RICHARDSON. The intersection of D Street and New Jersey Avenue.
Mr. CANNON. Yes; then it must strike B Street at the intersection of First. There are two points
that seem to be fixed.
Mr. GREFN, Yes.
Mr. CANNON. I am not sure just what interpretation would be placed upon the act, whether the tunnel
or construction must strike C Street at the intersection of First Street or not; but probably not. It is
evidently open from B Street and First; that point and the next point, New Jersey Avenue and D Street,
they evidently would claim, and possibly would have the right to take any route they choose from D Strect
and New Jersey Avenue to B and First Streets. They have a profile, I think, or a survey, that shows, on
coming from the first point, New Jersey Avenue and D Street, that they cross block No. 692 and strike in
the eastern portion of block No. 69g0-call it the Congressional Hotel block-and run along in that block
two-thirds or three-fourths of the way in the block before they strike First Street, and then in First utp to
the intersection of B and First.
Mr. GREEIN. Yes,
Mr. CANNON. Now, I will ask you whether it is entirely practicable and would be good construction
for the railroad, coming as it does through block No. 692, to go from the New Jersey Avenue point on D
so as to strike First Street, not striking block No. 690?
Mr. GREEIN. It depends somewhat upon the direction of the line, as it reaches (lowvn here [indicating],
whether it comes in this direction or how near northerly the direction of the line is at this point.
Mr. CANNON. They must reach this point ?
Mr. GuREEN, Yes; butt they must come tip on a tangent to strike this curve easily. For instance, as
an illustration, they could not come up in this direction [indicating] without cutting into this block. It is
somewhat important to knoow what directionn the line takes as it comes to reach that point, and, whenll there,
which way the track points. Probably another map would show this.
Mr. CANNON. Now, find Second Street southwest where the railroad crosses it.
Mr. RIcHARDSoN. There is where it leaves it.
Mr. CANNON. Now I will read from the act to provide for a Union railroad station:
"* * * thence curving toward the north, crossing over Virginia Avenue with a clearance of fifteen
feet above the present curb thereof, crossing over First Street southwest and Delaware Avenue southwest,
at a point about forty feet north of the north house line of E Street, with a clearance of not less than sixteell
feet; thence curving to the northward, crossing over Canal Street and Soutth Capitol Street, with a clearance
of not less than fourteen feet above the curbs thereof; thence passing undler the intersection of 1) Street
with New Jersey Avenue, C Street southeast, and 13 Street southeast at the intersection with First Street;
thence continuing under the west side of First Street to near E Street northeast; thence curving to the
eastward, etc."
Mr. GREEN. From that description I do not see how they could encroach much on that lot.
Mr. CANNON. Can not they just as well make the curve a little larger and miss that block altogether
and come in here at First and C Streets?
Mr. GREEN. I do not know but they might. This scale shows that it would probably be a practical
railroadcurve. It does not look like an acute curve.
Capt. SEWELL. I think that would be perfectly practicable. The turn could be made readily.
Mr. CANNON. I want to ask you what the effect of the construction of that tunnel would be, assuming
it to be 30 feet underground, or about that, with good construction; and in First Street from C to B, what
the effectwould be upon a building here [indicating on the map], a large building, say one that cost
$3,000,000, or in that neighborhood, taking in the whole square?
Mr. GREEN. Well, considering the margin of ground likely to be left around it-the building itself
would notor fill up theof thelot entirely-I think theasconstruction of a tunnel there would have no effect upon the
stability safety building, especially I think it is very likely that the tunnel would be built first;
that is, it could be. Both could be built with reference to each other, and it would be a safer construction,
so far as that would be concerned, than to undertake to run a new tunnel rather close to an old foundation.
Mr. CANNON. If both were builtwith the understanding that both were to be built together ?
Mr. GREEN. Yes, sir. There is another thing, by the way-the grades. They are going above
ground
Mr. RICHARDSON. No; they are coining by tunnel.
Mr. GREEN. The tunnel up here opposite the Library [indicating] is 50 feet below the surface.
Mr. HEPBURN. They said the tunnel would be 38 feet below the foundation of your building; fifty-odd
feet from the bottom of it.
Mr. G iEEN. From the street?
Mr. HEPBURN. Thirty-odd feet.
Mr. GR EN. Well, that is of no importance in regard to the lIibrary Building, because the tunnel
would be so far away that it would not affect that.
Mr. CANNON. I want to put another question to you. Suppose that this tunnel were built at a point,
say, a hundred feet, more or less, from the southeast corner of block No. 690 Street,
and gradually approached
First Street two-thirds of the way from the southeast corner before it struck B now properly built,
with the knowledge and understanding that a building of the kind I have described was to cover this block
and be in part built over the tunnel, and the same knowledge existing in making the foundation for this
buil(ling, wvhat effect would that tunnel have upon the building?
Mr. GRFEN. If the tunnel were built with reference to the construction of the building above it, it
would have no effect and vould in no way endanger the building. The effect of the running of the trains
through the tunnel at nights vould be that of slight rumbling sound and very slight vibration.
Capt. Si.wil i~. It would cause vibration, but it wvould not en(langer the building or cause cracks.
Mr. RICIHARDSON. What distance should there be from the foundation of the newv Office Building to
the tipper part of the tunnel in order for it to be safe to have the tunnel under the Office Building ?
Mr. GREEN. Tlhe foundations of the building could be built as a part of the tunnel, for that matter.
In fact, that is howv yout would construct it, anyway. I should say 20 or 30 feet from the bottom foundation
of the building; or, if there were no tunnel under the construction of the building, you would go down to a
depth equivalent to the bottom of the tunnel.
Mr. RIcHIARISON. You would not leave any earth between the foundation of the tunnel and the
building ?
Mr. GiREEN. IPractically none. There would not be any difficulty from vibration of the building after
tile tuLIneCIa were l)uilt. The worst possible effect could be nothing worse than the production of some slight
blemlislh, slight crack or something, that could be easily remedied. Objectionable effects are not to be
apprehene(le(l
Mr. RiCIIARDSON. Would the trains pasisig through the tunnel interfere with tile comfort of this
Office Building or the rooms oln the ground floor ?
Mr. GREEN. I think not. Of course the sound might be perceptible. There might be a very slight
vibration observed, but you know the tracks are ballasted, or can be ballasted, on the bottom of the tunnel
upon material that would largely deaden the vibrations. They lay the tracks on ballast in tunnels the same
as they lay them on the earth roadbed outside.
Capt. SEWELL. When at West Point the West Shore Railroad went under the parade grounds the
vibrations were found to be sufficient to destroy the accuracy of astronomical observations, but people
occupying the buildings were not conscious of the vibrations at all, unless they were using instruments of
that kind; and they made the railroad move around some distance. But I do not think there would be any
vibration here that would be unpleasant-
Mr. CANNON. Or dangers, or affect the permanency of the structure ?
Capt. SFWELL. No; not if both were built with a view to each other.
Mr. CANNON. Then, if it was the sense of Congress, notwithstanding that a tunnel might pass through
there, to select this site, it is merely a question of some additional expense in making the foundation ?
Mr. GREEN. A very slight additional expense. I do not know what the law requires the railroad
company to do. I expect they may wish to go under this square here, but do not know what they are
required to (1o. Probably they would buy it themselves rather than undergo the expense of supporting
it in a safe way. I suppose they intend to buy it if the Government does not,
Mr. CANNON. I will want to ask you some further questions subsequently about these other lots.
But if the commission, the congressional commission, the House commission, should be clearly of opinion
that block No. 690, the Congressional Hotel block, was decidedly preferable to either of the other three
blocks, as I gather from you the fact that the tunnel might be constructed through that block, would not
in your judgment be such a factor as to prevent the location of the office building upon the block ?
Mr. GREEN. Not at all, unless in the construction of the building there should be any purpose to
utilize ground any deeper down-as far down as the tunnel happens to be. I am assuming that you would
have an ordinary basement under the building and that there would be no interference there.
Mr. CANNON. There is no proposition to go down 30 feet for the basement.
Mr. GREEN. I noticed in a newspaper that it was contemplated to put the heating apparatus below. If
that were (lone it might be necessary to have connection with the tunnel for coal and supplies to be brought
in underneath. Being so near it, and the construction of the tunnel going on at the same time, it might
be an excellent arrangement to have a branch tunnel there and bring coal cars directly in. You could hoist
the coal from the deep place into the bins; or, indeed, have the coal bins down there and bring the coal
up in elevators to the boilers if they happened to be high enough to require it.
Mr. CANNON. Do you say that would be practicalle?
Mr. GitrEN. Yes, sir.
Mr. HIEPBURN. That would be an additional reason for selecting that block ?
Mr. GREEN. Yes, sir.
Mr. RICHARDSON. That could be (lone where you come onX the street at the corner of C and First, or
if you come through the block ?
Mr. GREEN. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Upon the whole, then, I gather from your opinion that, as prudent men, the commission
need not stop in its conclusion for the purchase of block No. 690 onlaccount of the construction of a tunnel,
under the terminal legislation ?
Mr. GREEN. No, sir.
Capt. SE WE.LL . I agree with you thoroughly.
Mr. CANNON. You have heard Mr. Green's statement, Capt. Sewell, and agree with him thoroughly ?
Capt. SrEW.EI.. Yes; I agree with him thoroughly in everything he has said.
Mr. CANNON. Now, we will jump block No. 689-the Butler Building and Coast Survey Building are
on that, owvned by the Government, I .believe-and will come to block No. 636 and block No. 635, or, for
that matter, discuss Nos. 689, 636, and 635. We know about their location, as connected with the Capitol.
But take No. 635 first, and discuss that. That is in area about the same as No. 690, as a location, I mean,
_KFtJK1 UP III I . UL ]1 w1JIV1MI(iN
fiomn the liature of thc ground an(l the c <xpreCsc of a foundation. D)o you know how high this No. 635 is
above tide water ?
MIr. GirE.N. No; but I should not think it wvas m1ore than i6 feel:.
Mr. CANNON. And you, Capt. Sewell?
Capt. SmuwL.mi I was going to say i5 feet.
Mr. GR.EIN. 'Tle IPennsylvania station is about io feet. That is about the lowest place. When the
wNater comes in floo00 in the river and overflows the lower part of the city, it has been deepest around that
station. We know by that, as well as by the city levels, that that is about tile lowest place. This place
upl) here [indicating] is not more than 5 or 6 feet above that.
Mr. CANNON. Is there much made ground there otl Nos. 635 an(l 636 ?
Mr. GrEE.N. I don't know definitelyy, but I think there is. It has been filled in there, all over this
region, but to what depth I can not say. In the old inaps there is indication of Tiber Creek along the
Botanic Garden. There was aln old stream running through it, I think, and it cam-e out east of the Arsenal
Point; and that is where the old James Creek Canal is now.
Capt. S T'.I..'I'here Nvas a creek that came in; there.
M-r. CANNON. Mr. Woods state(l to us yesterday that in part of' No. 636 there was a fill of prol)ably
;3o feet.
Mr. GIu'lN. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. I (10 not reColct whelCthler or not wve asked him how much fill there wvas ill No. 635.
Mr'1. RICHARDSON. Yes; hie said-
MrI. HEPBURN. I think hie said that belowv 1o feet or so there wvere quicksands and marshes.
Mr1'. CANNON. To go hack to No. 690 for a single (qIuestion: 'he soil at No. 69o is l)ploal)Iy as the soil
wa s at the Congressional Library ?
MIr. GREEm.N. I think it is. It must be.
Mr. CANNON. Ilow (deel) (li(l youl go for the Congressional Library ?
M 1r. GREEN. To the cellar; not to any extraordinarily (lep)th.
Mr1. CANNON. Youl ,ad(1 110 trolible about the foundation there and (lo not anticil)ate an)' at No. 69o ?
MNr1. (GREEN. No, sil-.
MIlr. CANNON. Now, thart fill at No. 635 anId at No. 6;6---have youl any knowledge as to how (leel) we
would have to go there for a foundation ?
M\,r. GitEI;N. No; I have not. I should wV'ant to go below the fill, whatever it was, and after reaching
the natural formation there, although it might not be of a very firm characcer, I shouldllnot apprehendanly
serious difficulty or cxl)pes ill providing a safe foundation for the building.
Ml. CANNON. No, 635 Wa1s spoken of as having been a swamIp or of a swampy nature ?
Mr. C;,m.1N. YCS, Sir'.
Mr. CANNON. SlIpl)ose that W,-as filled 15 feet or that this other Nvas filled 30 feet, whien )'oiu get below
the fill (lO YoIu think you could safely put in a foundation on top of the soil. as it originally was ?
Mr. GREEN. Yes; I can on1lY judge by comparison anld analogy of tile character of that groun(l. The
o0l original and natural material must 'e 'ery much like what it is all the way (down the Avenue, where it
is very unifori--and as it is along the Botanic Garden-as indicated by foundations. It is rather soft,
blut not of a particularly troublesome character. They piled tilhe ost-Office Building because that is a
very tall building, and I think more than likely they made a more elaborate foundation than necessary there;
but it was not a very great expense. It does not ad(l inuch per cent to the general cost of a building to puit
in extra foundation Nvork. It is the cheapest work on a building.
Mr. CANNON. In the Post-Office Building WCer thce piles put (lown close together ?
Mr. GliRE.N. Only under the walls, not close together anywhere; probably 3 or 4 feet apart. But they
were drivel down to hardpan, something like 25 or 30 feet down, till they struck a hard stratum 5sup1)osed
to he rock or bowilders and(1 sand. I put in a ound(lation for the Raleigh Hotel extension on the north side,
and( fouid the ground there just the same as it wvas across the vay--pretty soft. Columns standing on
extra strong foundations WvereulseC(. The reqireCl a more carefully laid foundation than walls would,
and I had to go dowvn there in Some places to this same stratum, which was evidently bowlders and fine sand
closely compacted together, being practically as firm as a rock,
-ECOUSEDOFFICE N
Mr. CANNON. And that is about 30 feet?
Mr. GREEN. About 4.o feet from the street level.
Mr. CANNON. Take a building of the size here contemplated, say blilt of brick and granite-presuiim-
ably masonry-large enough for a basement, an(d tilen say 400 rooms I5 by 20 feet, with courts anid areas,
etc. Do you think that in this low ground you coul(l afford to make a much less firm foundation than
you did at the Post Office or the Raleigh H-otel ?
Mr. GREEN. Ihat was a differently constructed building, tile Raleigh Hotel. It is made of steel
columns. Each one has to have a good foundation, because it concentrates a great load in one place. But
in buildings built such as this would be, only three stories high, and with long walls spreading out a.nd
distributing the weight, the foundation could be more easily obtained without going to any great depth or
to an exceedingly firm stratum like rock or hardpan.
Mr. CANNON. If you should construct the building on No. 636 with a 25 or 30 foot fill, would you fill
that or excavate ?
Mr. GREEIN. It would depend upon what ve found below the fill there. I think that would be
managed better by putting in concrete columns, as they are doing in Chicago nowadays.
Mr. CANNON. So far as the foundation is concerned, whether you built on No. 635, or on1 No. 636,
or on No. 689, or on No. 690, you would have no great trouble about the foundation ?
Mr. GREEN. No, sir; I would not apprehend any serious difficulty there. I think it would be a very
secondary consi(leration as between the different locations.
Mr. CANNON. Or the foundation onl No. 635-you can correct my guess anid put in your own-as
compared with the foundation on No. 690, it wVould cost what I Fifty thousanddollarss more, or how
much ?
Mr. Gn-IulN. It should not; I)ossi;)ly not more than $io,ooo more.
Capt. SIwi:i1i,. I expect it might go $o0,000, but I would hardly expect it to makc $5o,ooo.
Mr. RicHARDSON. That is nominal.
Mr. GIRRUN. I have heard Mr. Woo(ls CXpl'CSS the idea that this building wvoul(l have some connection
with the Capitol un(lergroun(l by a tuinnel.
Mr. CANNON. I think that is entirely probal)le.
Mr. GREE.N. If that is done, this building seems to be the one building of all the buildings near the
Capitol which should have a sort of Siailese-twvin relationship with the Capitol, because it will be the building
that everybody will have to go back and forth from on short notice; anid the underground connection would,
no doubt, be more feasibly constructed and operated than one to the block down here [indicating oni the
miap] on the lower grade. Another thing-a large sewer has been put through thc Capitol Grounds there
[indicating] in recent years. That might interfere with the underground connection if you occupied that lot.
Mr. CANNON. That sewer has been puit down between No. 635 anid No, 636 ?
Mr. Gana.N. Yes; it C01-1CS 111) along here, anid )asses along there [indicating].
Mr. CANNON. Through the Capitol Grounds andI west of the Capitol, an1d probably between No. 635
anid No. 636 ?
Mr. GREEN, Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. AnId you say nothing ab)owt the lower ground being much belowv the level of the Capitol
Building-you think it likely that that sewer would be liable to interfere with that subway oln No. 635 to
the Capitol ?
Mr. GREEN. Yes, sir; a good spacious tuinnel [indicating] would reach down lperhlapls; belowv the sewvr
andI also the drainage level. I am not sure about. that, but it seems very likely.
Capt. SE~VELI.. I feel pretty sure it would.
Mr. GREEN. That would be. entirely obviated if you chose this block [indicating No. 69o]. Our
book-carrier tunniel over here from the Library is only about IO fect below the surface.
Mr. CANNON. Are there any questions, gentlemen, that you want to ask of Capt. Sewell ? 'Yonl [to
Capt. Sewell] have heard Mr. Green's statements ?
Capt. SEWEYI.LL. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. What have you to say about that?
Capt. SEWF.LL. I agree with that, except I might expect a little bit more extra cost than Mr. Green.
86 REPORT OF THEIHOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION
Mr. CANNON. A little more extra cost at No. 635 than he expects ?
Capt.SIw.L. Yes, sir; it might run to J2o,ooo or $25,ooo,
but notmore than that, I should think.
Mr. CANNON. Now, I am curious to ask you gentlemen-both of you have had experience-you [to
Capt. Sewell] are an Army officer?
Capt. Si.wEriI.. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNONI. Andyoul [to Mr. Green] are a civil engineer ?
Mr. GREFN. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. I will ask you [to Mr. Green], having done much of construction-the wings of the
north end of the State,W ar, and Navy Building, the Library of Congress, and other buildings-you are
not an architect, nor you [to Capt. Sewell]? You constructe(l the Government Printing Office ?
Capt. Srnvi-m..- Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. This building is to be constructed under thle superintendence of the Superintendent of
the Capitol, Mr. Woods. HIe has made, or caused to be made, un(ler the direction of Congress, certain
preliminary plans, I think two or three, which in a general way governmore, I apprehend, with respect to
the amount of room we want than anything else. I-Ie hasmade some elevations and a report. Now, from
youroneexperience,Mr. Green, what wVoul(l it be prudent for the commission to do-the House commission,
the that is now\\ sitting-after they shallhlave chosen the site? Whatwould it he pru(lent for the
commission to (lo with reference to getting a plan for the building ?
Mr. GRE.EIN. Well, there are twoways to (10 it, andl the commissioninay decide for itself. Either go
an(lstruction of goodarchitect,
select a a man wvho is accustomed to and experienced in making designs for the con-
plaIls
buildings, an(1 employ him asyour architect, andlhave him furnish all
for thce building as you wish it to be, with such facilities and arrangements of space as you want. You
the and designs
must tell him what you require in the building and not leave him to go ahead onl his own knowledge, in your
beCauIsC hie is not likely to know. Let himn spend all needful time onl sketch plans reaching
conclusion, as thait the building shallbc planlne(l to furnish all the accommodations thwat the House requires.
TIhe more study you give to that sul)ject in the beginning the letter, so long as it tends to arriving at a
safe conclusion. The architect will not know, but he can help you a great (leal as you work along. I-Ic
will getyour- ideas, and show you what can be(lone in reaching the desired endI along good lines. lie ought
to be a mivaln able to (lothat, as a really good architect Nwill be able to (1o,
the)' areagreed he
When thelprelimoinary plans have so far j)rogresse(l that upon, then should make
under
the final designn and working plans of the building, carrying the work on, of course, the Superintendent
of the Capitol, who will manage all the business and work in harmony with the architect. Nowv, the
architect should foirnish all the plans that aire required and such specifications as are necessary to describe
what his plans represent, and the superintendent should use thenm. Ile, of course, will be acting for the
commission, looking out for the client's side of the l)usiness, The rest of it is a matter of construction
that can be (lone by making a number of contracts from timiC to timnc, as materials are re(luire(l, employing
some men directly, in the way I expect to (lo with the National Museutm.
Or, if the plans are very wvell completed beforehand, so as to draw conpl)lete specifications for the
whole building, contracts can be let for the completion of the whole building. Under propel supervision
and inspection, andI all that, the building can l)e manage(l by the superintendent taking practically the
position of general contractor., as I did with library
the Building, and as I rather think I will (10 with thc
National Museum Building, and Capt. Sewellas
an officer knows thoroughly well how to (lo that,
didl
it is
with the Government Printing Office Building. If
a very excellent wvay to build an important building.
I have always believed in that system; but if you have not the organization or practical detailed experience
for intelligent sul)erv;sion to handle the business in that way, then you must resort to the other practice
in the market of making a general contract for the whole building, and let the contractor wrestle with the
puestioil of details, buying materals, handling men, and seeing that the materials and work comle along
in proper order without hitch.
In that way )ou pay the contractor a profit arnd you are not likely to get quite so good a piece of work.
You are not always likely to get the work into the hands of the best contractor. I do not mean the one who
knows most about it, but the one who knows his business best and is best adapted for handling it well, and
REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILtDING COMMISSION 87
not only honestly, but liberally, doing good work throughout instead of looking out for his owvn interest Morc
than for the interest of the Government. There is apt to be more or less friction as to details as the building
goes up; but if the building is built in the way I first mentione(l we have control of all the contractors ourselves
directly, and are not likely to meet entangled or involved questions. If you want to change anything, or
if things have gone wrong, or if something has happened that you can not quite locate as between one
contractor an(l another, with a general contractor you must straighten it out with him alone. That leads
to more or less "extras" and "gives" and "takes," and there is likely to be, in consequence, a less perfect
building all through than you would get the other way. At the same time you pay the contractor's profit.
He takes certain risks; he looks out for his ovwn interests; but the Government, through the officer in charge,
must look out for the Government.
Mr. CANNON. It is proposed to build a building here to cost, first an(l last, exclusive of site, in round
numbers $3,ooo,ooo. After you get your plans the law provides that the construction shall be under
the Superintendent of the Capitol, who has had long experience at the Capitol and knows something of
the demands of the respective bodies, both the Ilouse and the Senate, in the way of common utility. Your
opinion would be that you would get the best results if lhe be a competent superintendent to let the work
in sections, so to speak ?
Mr. GREU-N. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. That is---
Capt. SEwVia.a. In classes I would express that.
Mr. CANNON. Yes, inl classes. To illustrate, the foundations
Capt. Sivwni ,i. Yes, you would let one contract for the excavation alone. There is a large sum of
money to be saved by that, and another contract for the foundation, or for the brickwork; and one contract
for the steclwork-for that requires a special planIt-both for manufacture and for erection; and it would
be better, probal)ly, to Ict the contract. for that, and the man who does that might not (1o anything else.
In that way your superintendent would have control of the manl who would really (lo the work.
Mr. CANNON. Now, with that procedure, you get a better building ?
Capt. Sli.wi;II.. Yes, for less money.
Mr. GRtErEN. For less money, or it micans you would get a better building for the samec money P
Capt. Sa xwvi.mX. Whichever way you look at it.
Mr. GREEN. You would get it for less Money, or you would get the building done better--l would
not say a greater amount of work, I (1o not say a certain -,amount of' feet of wall, or quantity of wall, but
better work. In the Library Building we made about two hun(lred contracts, all the way from a million
an(l a quarter of dollars (lowvn to a thousand dollars, or something like that. As things go along, and you
find( you want to modify something that may be done later and is not necessary to be done at first, you
will be able to (lo, because it is not in the contract. On the other hand, if it is a "give," the contractor
gives 25 per' cent; andi if it is a "take," hle takes 15O per cent, because it is in his hands; lie has the con11
tract, and is not looking out for your side of the case.
MIr. RICHaARDSON. You call modify any one of the smaller contracts ?
Mr. GR1t1EEN. The contractors (10 not always do this, but the)' are taking risks all the time, and (lo
not always come out with great profit to themselves.
Capt. SI Fevw1.1. eCW private builders are able to take ulp) the thing in that wvay. 'he Government
has special employees that call (o it.
Mr. CANNON. Are you [addressing Mr. Green] familiar with the plans that Mr. Woods has made ?
Mr. GRY:E.N. Not with the plan proper; not the ground plan, but I have seen elevations an(l perspec-
tives. I have a pretty good idea of them,
Mr. CANNON. You know Mr. Woods ?
Mr. GREEN. Yes; I am acquainte(l with Mr. Woods.
Mr. CANNON. Now, with your familiarity with his report, and having read the act which refers to
the plans-and lie has made three, covering the amount of space afforded in each one and has made some
elevations and drawings as to floor space, but with power to change and modify-now, from the standpoint,
first, of a desirable building in connection with its site and the surrounding buildings, under the terms
of the law, if you were this commission yoursClf wVould you get an elevation or take your elevations and
plans and submit them to a board of architects, or to .an architect, and after consultation with theem or
him agree upon a general plan an(l contour of the lbuilding, and having done that let the working plans,
to l)e inmade by such experts as the builder might employ ? Or would you hire an architect outright, inde-
pen(lent from the superintendent ?
Mr. GREEN. No; I would not hire anl architect. I am sure it would be more direct and more satis-
factory, if the commission feels independent enough-and I do not see why it should not-to select an
excellent architect, a man of recognized ability in this country (you can get a crank to (1o it or you can get
a man that will be entirely satisfactory), get hiim, not independent of Woods, but to work under Woods,
to be your architect under your control. I-le can not be independent. The practice is to pay a percentage.
Architects get 5 per cent on the cost of the building, and it is worth that if they do their whole duty. The
architect should furnish all the plans for every part of the building, exterior and interior, and he should
work Uinder your directionn andl under tile direction of the superintendent.
Mr. CANNON. You say that hc furnishes all the drafts and all the plans and has his own office, and
all that sort of thing. But is it practicable to get: an architect of sufficient ability, one that the commission
could trust, to make the general planis, an(l hire him on a salary, and let the Superintendent of the Capitol,
having the roonis an(l office and everything of that kind, on his owvn motion and by consultation with this
architect, get his skilled olraftsmen, anol so on ? In other words, is it prolctical)le to let the Superintendent
of the Capitol make the working plans in connection Nvith the work ?
Mr. (GiRFIEN. I-Ie would 0not gain anythhig by that. The architect had better make the plans in his
own office in Newv York, or wherever it may be. lie will have an outfit and facilities better than anything
youl call have here. I-le has his men who understand the business and call make (Irawings more quickly.
One thing dependss uponl another; stonework andblrickwork, ironwork and plumbing, an(l heating and
ventilating, and(l founlations, all have to 6e worked along together, and must agree with each other. Con-1
putations have to be nadle and parts fitte(l togethier-everythling from the foundation to the top win(lows.
IIHundreds of (drawings must be ma(1de for that building. Prol)al)ly they would make fully 500 or 6oo
drawings. They must be mia(le so that all the workmen, all the manufacturers around the country who
are doing anything for the building, will havC the same thing to go by. Copies of the (lrawvings must be
setit out to the (liflerent people, that the)' may all work together, correctly.
Now, a resl)ectable aarchitect would make all those plans and send them (lown here. You know copies
of plans are very easily' imaide nowadays, very cheaply, andl they could make y copies, and the architect
would have those ima(le at his own office at his own expense. 1-lis percentage would cover that. You
need have no trouble with the architect. At least he would not be in the way here. I-le would be furnishing
these things as f{ist as they would be re(luire(l. I-le should have certain supervision of the work to see that
certain things are done to his mind. But that is all done under the superintendent, however, and he and
the superintendent Would be in constant communication. I-He would be here frequently and have a resident
representative. I would have all the l)lanls sent here; first, the general plaiis, and then the pl~lils for thle
dilllerent contractors. lIhe stonework, for instance, would be cut in several differentt PlaceS, and the steel-
work mallde somewhere else.
Buildings nowadays are manufactured, not built. They are prel)aredl in various parts of the country
and( t)rought here to be plit together. The real work done on the ground nowadays in bluil(ling a house
is a very smriall part-relattively a smail fraction of all that is really (lone for the construction. Where you
have 150 n1en here ptllting UI) a l)uilding, you would probably have 500 or 6oo in other parts of the country
at work on the several parts or portions. The l)laIns therefore can be made in one place as well as in another,
so long as you are in reasonably intimate relations with the architect's office. I mean to say he could be
here frequently. An architect in New York, for instance, would have his own man1 dow lo here, so that they
coul(l be in perfect touch with each other; and if there is anything in tile plans that you or the sul)erintendent
wvacnt to keel) your eye on as lie goes along, the architect could showv you the preliminary sketches as he
works out thel details and you could correct them before he went too far.
Mr. CANNON. Now, taking the law which has passed here, which makes Mr. Woods superintendent,
and so on--as in the employment of an architect by private construction, or construction by individuals-
REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE 13UILDING COMMISSION 89
would the employment of a superintendent to fill the place that Mr. Woods fills, at the expense of thle builder,
be indicated, or would the architect furnish out of his 5 per cent that kind of superintendence-the general
superintendence ?
Mr. GREEN. Oh, no; he would not take his place. Mr. Woods would be practically the general
director, and would be active in looking after the work on the ground. I (1o not mean in detail. It would
depend on how you went on with the construction. Now, if' he should contract by classes of work, first
the foundation, and then something else, and so on as the building proceeded, hie would have plenty of
business,
Mr. CANNON. Let me put it in another way. Take the plans to which Congress refers in this act.
Considering thle fact that Mr. Woods is Superintendent of the Capitol and under salary, and performs the
duties under the direction of the commission that is referred to, if we employ an architect outside, is 5 per
cent too much for the work of the architect, considering what Mr. Woods has to (1o ?
Mr. GREEN. Well, you are coming to a point that I have thought of a good deal. We have not in
this country reached a point where, with thle numerous big buildings that are going on, especially Govern-
ment buildings costing millions of dollars, a proper adjustment, to my mind, has been made as to the
compensation of architects. Architects have their own rules, and in the long run few of them make a great
deal of money. Five per cent commission is a sort of "robbing Peter to pay Paul." If anl architect gets
a building to cost $50,ooo, a dwellingg house that is full of detail, he gets 5 per cent, and probably will make
only I per cent out of it--there is so much for him to (1o, SO many draftsmen to employ, and so much detail,
that hie has but little left for himself. But let him take one of those tall 2o-story buildings with 15 stories
all alike; he would build a building costing $2,000,000 and make ouit of that probably 3 per cent net,
because the building is of such a character as to require relatively so much less wvork on the part of his
office. But a building of the kind you are talking about would have a good (leal more work than that in it.
Mr. RIciTARDSON. Buit, Mr. Green, will not those floors, be pretty much the samiec-five or six of them ?
Mr. GREEN. Well, pretty much, but with more or less variation. 'lThat (Idleend(s upon the plan of thle
building. But even then, with a building costing $3,ooo,ooo-thc .architects will grow to it after a while-
it is only in the last few years that this has come to be done. Most of thle work formerly was in the
hundreds of thousands, and 5 per cent was a very moderate commission. But it has always seemed to me
that in great Government: buildings, costing millions of dollarss, 3a or 4 pei' cent would pa)' the architect
quite as liberally as 5 l)er cent on buildings of smaller bulk and less total cost. Two or three acts of Con-
gress have stipulated what tile architect's compensation would be. In the case of the Carnegie Library
Building, which cost $35(,000, thle architect got 3 per cent because the lalw fixed it. That Wlas altogether
too little in that case. I-He ought to have had at least 3Y2 or 4. I think thei'e have been other laWs; at
least, some proposed that di(l not pass,
Mr. CANNON. Let me ask you: In buil(ling this Libirary of Conggress you were sui)eiinten(lenlt and had
general charge of it ? Did you not have llarchitect ?
Mr. GREEN. We had architects, but we emjployc(l them. rhat was a pecuiliar' situation. We had twvo
architects in town here who buttonholed Congress until they were finally engaged by a commission, an(l
then they came before Congress and made out that they had devote(l a whole (lozen years of their lives to
working out those plans. When the building was begun Congress turne(l the whole thing over to ain officer
to manage it, and we employe(l one of those architects, but found latcr that he had limitations which
compelled us to put another architect in his place. But we hired the architects and so prel)aed(l those l)lans
out-selves, and I suppose they cost uls in the neighborhood-I (1o not believe it was less than 3Y per cent.
That was actually paid out-no part as profit, because there was nobody to get profit.
Mr. CANNON. That did not cover the fees for the general plans ?
Mr. GREEN. No; there was no fee paid. The original architects Wvent before the Court of Claims
an(l got $48,ooo, and then came in with another claim for $0o,ooo, which was denied.
Mr. CANNON. In the case of the State, War, and Navy Building, you had plans there?
Mr. GREFN. Yes; that building has not much design about it. It was designe(l by Mullet. lie built
the first wing of it under Secretary Fish, of the State Department. I-Ie had all outfit for Government
designing which they did in those days. When I came here with Gen. Casey he turned it over to mIle. We
got some draftsmen and went to work on the plans as we found them, which was all that could be dorne
in that case.
Mr. CANNON. Now, let me ask you about the National Museum Building. You are to be architect
there ? You have plans there ?
Mr. GREE.N. Nothing is said about that in the act, but you have the Hornblower & Marshall designs.
They are sketch plans, and they are simply the skeleton upon which the detailed designs will be made.
Mr. CANNON. How are you going to get plans?
Mr. GREREN. We are going to employ those architects to make then.
Mr. CANNON. On1 a percentage ?
Mr. GREEN. On a percentage, I suppose. It is the best thing to do. It will cost 5 per cent.
Mr. HEPBUIRN. Suppose you did not do it that way, but employed an architect, what would you expect
to pay ?
Mr. GREEIN. I do not believe I could get a desirable architect that way.
Mr. HIIEPFURN. Are there no competent architects that could be employed on a salary ?
Mr. GREEN. No; I (do not think there are-none of professional standing-who would do that.
Mr. HiJ PnuRtN. l)o you know any instances where 5 per cent has l)een paid to architects on large
buildings running ulp into the millions ?
Mr. GlrEE N. I have no doubt of it, but I can not specify. Over in New York they are doing that all
the time with buildings costing millions, and the architects are doing them in that way. There are, of
course, cases where architects cut under, but they are the cheap, adventurous fellows.
Mr. RICIIARDSON. What (lid the architect get who planne(l the improvements of the White Ilouse ?
Mr. G1REEIN. I suppose hie got at least 5 per cent, but I (1o not know.
Cap)t. SvI,XYI,. The schedule of the American Institute of Architects calls for io per cent onl interior
work, ai'.d there is a good (leal of that class of work there.
Mr. GREEN. Where there is a good *1eal of fine retaill designn, it sometimes costs as architect more to
make thel design and (lrawings-say for a mantelpiece, for instance-than the whole mantelpiece costs. It
is brains and office labor that go into these things. A mantel that could be put up for $So might cost $50
for the drawings alone, The architects get IO petr cent for interior work under their own schedule. It is
like the doctor, or playing a lprofessionlal maan a professional fee. The lawyer gets sometimes Sioo for five
minutes' talk.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Take a building like this, to cost 6,13,ooo,ooo, andl pay the architect S per cent; that
is $i5o,ooo. What does hl pay out of that ?
Mr. GitI -.N. I-He prol)ably pays at least $so,ooo for his l)lans al(1 dlraftsmen an(d office expenses.
Mr. RIcIIARDSON. Whom0l woulklde paly--all the cost of running his office, of his office outfit ?
Mr. GnE.EN. Take anl office like Post's, in New York, or that of McKim, Meade & White. It is as
big or larger than that of the Supervising Architect of the 'Treasury, eloP10Ying 50 or ioo men.
Mr. RIChIAltI)soN. Hlc wvouldl p)ay OUt $50,000, and the balance would go to him for his headlwork ?
Mr. GCrErN. Yes. Anl able architect in love with his work sometimes will spenil all the money he
gets, and more, if he has the Money, to produce vork satisfactory to himself. McKim is a maln like that.
I-le is in love with his profession. They will study things, you know, make plaIl after plan ant( tear them
up, as a sculptor or a painter often does until he produces what he wants. They get their hearts interested
in their work and make plan after plan until they are satisfied or conclude that they have done their best.
A man does not have his best inspiration every (lay in making designs any more than a poet does in writing
a poemi. I-lc is always taking some chances in designing a building, for after the lbuilding is irrevocably
built he can not take it down and change it, and he is therefore very anxious over it. I am speaking of a
true architect. That is where the money goes in a great inany cases. They expand a large part of their
percentage, so that the 5 per cent rule is a pretty good one no doubt, But I see you are going to do a great
deal of very large Government work, and the regulate rate may possibly be rather high.
Mr. CANNON. Capt. Sewell, you have an1 architect on the Government Printing Office ?
Capt. S1EWEL1,. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. What did that cost?
Capt. SEWELL. He only designed a part of that work, and I paid him 3- per cent on what he designed.
That was his own proposition.
Mr. CANNON. What was the total cost?
Capt. SEWELL, His fee amounts to about $25,000, and the total cost of preparing all the plalals, I sup-
pose, is about 2 YX per cent.
Mr. GREEN. So that 5 per cent would not represent more than what has actually been done in the
architect's office.
Capt. SEWELL. We have done for 2Y2 per cent rather more in the preparation of plans than we would
have got from an architect. I mean that 2Y2 would include the cost of the architect's work. The whole
cost of the preparation of plans does not exceed more than $6o,ooo, including the architect's fees, and that
is az%4 per cent of the cost of the building.
Mr. GREEN. The larger part of the plant and the material is rather more of an engineering than that
of an architectural production.
Capt. SEWELL. I found an architect who was willing to leave the engineering features in my hand,,s.
Mine is a factory building, and it had to be a factory building first.
Mr. HEPBURN. What was the total cost of that, Captain ?
Capt. SEmi .. The authorized limit is $2,149,000, but we will get off within that limit. I (1o not know
just how much that will be, but I think about $15,ooo less.
Mr. I-HE PBURN. That case and that of the Library of Congress are the only instances wherc that result
has been achieved in the United States ?
Capt. SElWvL1L. No, sir; there have been a good many buildings built within the limit of cost, but no
fuss has been made about them. I have (lone several buildings here in Washington and have always come
out within the limit of cost, and I know of other people who have (lone that. I think Mr. Green and
Gen. Casey always came out that way.
Mr. GREEN. Most of those cases where limits have )ccln exccc(lc(l are the result of alterations and
chaInges.
Capt. Si-m-vai,. I)owVn at the Printing Office we have put in a whole lot more work than we estimated
for originally, but we had good luck in our contracts and saved money, andi after I was sure that: we ha'l
the money to pay for changes we made them; but I made sure first,
Mr. CANNON. Which of these plans that have been made, so far as they have been made, considering
the location of this building,, its proximity to the Capitol Building and the Library of Congress, with a view
to other buildings that wouldl harmonize with the Capitol and the Library of Congress, and this building
constructe(1 as it ought to be---what would you say as to the feasibility of Mr. Woods proceeding with his
plans for the outline of the superstructure or elevation, and as to thie wis(lom of submitting that, say, to a
board of eminent architects for criticism and suggestion ?
Mr. GitEE.N. That would not accomj)lish much. You have really got to have your building finally
designed by one man. It is really like putting a board at work to write a ploenl. There are different ways
to design a buil(ling, and different menCl have different ideas, anid it really would turn out in the end to be
one manl's work.
Mr. CANNON. Would you advertise for l)lans ?
Mr. GREEN. Youl mean to have competition ?
Mr. CANNON. Yes.
Mr. GREnE N. That would be a way to decide on an architect. You would get a variety of designs,
and that would have its advantages; but in a building of this kind, where the general character of its archi-
tecture would be j)ractically fixed or dletermine(l by that of its neighbors, I do not think there would be
much gained between the several plans that would be submitted by excellent architects. I (do not think
there would be much choice between them.. They would all resemble each other a good (leal.
Mr. CANNON. Capt. Sewell, you are, I understand, to have charge of the building of the War College ?
Capt. SrEwE-LL. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. What is that to cost?
Capt. SEWELL. $400,000.
92 REPORT OF TI-IE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION
Mr. CANNON. You (do not know what the compensation of the architect is to be ?
Capt. Si.sw-LmT.. Yes; they are to get 3Y2 per cent.
Mr. CANNONi. By special contract ?
Capt. S-wnLL Yes; according to the proposition which they inaee to the Secretary of War. I pro-
posed to them that we divide the work-somewhat as in the case at the Printing Office--but they would
not take it on those terms, and the matter was referred to the Secrftary of War, and they finally made a
proposition to Thim that they wvould take it at 3Y2 per cent. It would have come to that anyway, because
there is a larger portion of architectural work, plure and simple, and less of engineering work, which I design
myself.
Mr. CANNON. What is your opinion as to the practicability of getting an architect for this building-
as to what compensation should be allowed ?
Capt. Si-wEI.i,. I think that if all the pla11s are thoroughly prepared, so that they are thoroughly good
construction plaIls and ready to be put into the field for construction purposes, the cost of plans, by whom-
soever prepared, would be abo)u1it 3 per cent on the cost, and I think that that would be suitable for the
compensation of the architect. And as far as the cost of )lans is concerned, it does not make any difference
whether he prepares them or whether tile superintendent of construction prepares them. I have found
this with architects, that when they are strong on the architectural side they may not be strong on the
engineering side, and sometimes I have had to take their plamis and do them over. And by doing that, by
(loing them over, I can save more than the cost that the doing them over amountts to. I would not care
whether the plans were (Irawn in the architect's office or in my own office; hut I would want to have control
of those drawVings, as to what lhe should furnish and what they should contain, If he does that, I should
say that for full and complete drawilng 3 per cent or 3'% per cent on such a building would be rather small,
I think 5 pier cent is a little large. If I were ine charge of the construction myself I should wvant ain architect,
but I Would not feel like paying him 5 pcr cent.
Mr. CANNON. Four?
Capt. Sr-vNvi-.i.. I Should not worry about it if he got four.
Mr. CANNON. From' 3!'. to TheICre are a great manly competent architects in the country ?
Capt. SI.\Vmm.m, . Yes.
Mrl. CANNON. These architects that are going to make the plaiIIs for the new museum building, you
would not hesitate to employ them ?
Capt. Sl'wmli,. No, sir.
MIr. CANNON. You would not be subject to criticism ?
Capt. SE\\'I.imI., Oh, no; I would be perfectly willing to trust that work to Hornblower & Marshall.
It is a great advantage to have your architect where you can get him on the telephone or go to see hirn in
five minutes after you want him.
Ml-. CANNON. Nowv, in matters of construction, you know Mr. Woods, and know his adaptability in a
general way. Now, from the technical standpoint, after you get your architect, is Mr. Woods thoroughly
competent to (1o this wvork ?
Capt. SuwnYm. I should say so, from what I know of him. I have only known him a;Ishort time.
Mr. CANNON (.addressing Milr. Green). What (10 you say about it ?
Mr. GREEN. I think he would manage it very well; but I do not believe hie has had much experience
in general building, but he has the faculty and(ldisposition to find out things that he does not know--to get
someI)ody to tell him. I-le will not go ahead unless hie is sure he is right.
Capt. SvwiLm.w. I think hie is a brilliant executive, and that is more important than mere simple detailed
technical knowledge.
Mr. I-IPBliuRN. Mr. Green, let me ask you: You are familiar, more or less, with these plans and with
the general plurpose that Congress had in viev in authiorizing this building. Now, vith that knoowledge
and your knowvledge of the plamis and with your experience, would you hesitate to undertake the construction
of this building without the employment of an architect ?
Mr. GREEN. Myself?
Mr. HEPBURN. Yes, sir.
Mr. GREEN. I would hesitate to undertake the designing of it. I suppose you refer to the whole thing P
Mr. HEPBURN. The plans as they progressed.
Mr. GREEN. I would not want to undertake it, because I would not think I could produce a creditable
design. It is altogether too conspicuous and important a building to be entrusted to one not specially
;accustomed to fine architectural design. I could design the construction, mechanical, and engineering part,
but not the esthetic, on which its beauty wholly depends.
Mr. HEPBURN. Suppose the elevations were prepared for you and the arrangement of the exterior,
would you then hesitate to prepare the rest of the drawings ?
Mr. GREEN. There is a good' deal of the interior that ought to be intelligently and carefully designed.
Of course, I am not a trained architect on the msthetic side. I have rubbed up against architects and
architecture for a generation and, of course, must know more or less about it; but I was never trained as
an architect, anid I would not undertake to design any such building. I would be out of my element. I
might work pretty well in it and might possibly surprise myself, but--
Mr. HEPBURN. It seems to mle that the man who produced the Library of Congress is overmodest
when he says he could not produce this building.
Mr. GREEN. I designed all of the construction, mechanical and utilitarian features, and had entire
control of the architects, but it is the artistic question. I did compel the architects to make some important
changes in their schemes, which they liked better than their own after they were done. In an important
building you must have a design made by a manl who has not only the talent, but also the training and
experience. Now, the young fellows can not design as well as an older maln. The older a man gets the
more experience he gets-the better he designs. Mr. McKim is designing finer things now than he formerly
did. Hle is more sensible--he is growing. He is a manl in the fifties now, and has done very much work.
It is like painting a picture. There are painters an(I painters, and there are architects and architects.
The engineer and the architect necessarily come in close contact these (lays, Their work is merged together
all the time. The importance of the engineer's side of the construction is much greater now than formerly
an(l much more apparent, because the work done nowa(lays is so much more extensive and there is a
higher refinemllnt of construction. We have other materials to work with now. 'IThere is a higher economy
in construction, so that buildings a-re built for much less lonely than they were then, and they arc not all
built for the same purl)poses.
Mr. CANNON. Capt. Sewell, (10 you agree with Mr. Green about the architect ?
Capt. SiEwELul. I think you ought to have one. I would not un1(lertake to design a building like that
without an architect.
Mr. GREEN. No; it would be like a manl undertakking to be his own lawyer.
Capt. SEWELL. TWo separate and distinct professions are require(l to get up a building.
Mr. GREEN. You might ask ilec to undertake to be my own lawyer, an(l I might (1o it after a fashion;
but it would surely be a poor job.
Capt. SEwli.I.. There should be an engineer and an architect, and you must either have ain engineer
or an architect to do the engineering work.
Mr. GRE EN. You can not design the flesh of a man without first having the skeleton to work on.
You can not make a modern building without a skeleton, anld then pult the flesh on it; and they must fit.
Capt. SEWEI,-. The engineer is all right otl the skeleton, but you must have the architect for the rest
of it. As a rule, you must have the architect determine what the outsi(le is to be, and have tile engineer
to put in tile skeleton to hold it up without spoiling the archLect's design in ally way.
Mr. CANNON. Are there any other architects in the city of the reputation of the people who designedly
the new Museum building ?
Mr. GREEN. I do not think there are of quite their quality.
Capt. SEWELL, Not in the matter of artistic architecture.
Mr. GREEN. There are other excellent men here. Our friend, Mr. Hill, who designe(l the exterior
walls of the Government Printing Office, is a most substantial an(d conservative architect, but he is not
on the artistic plane of Mr. McKim.
Mr. CANNON. These men who planned the Museum are recognized as good men?
Mr. GREEN. They are thought of as among the best men. But the greatest architects are pretty
likely, like the greatest lawyers, the greatest musicians, and SO on, to gravitate toward the big cities, so
that naturally in New York you would expect to find, not all the best men in the country, but a large
proportion of them. And no matter what architect you get, you pay him the same price. Therefore it
does not cost a cent more to get a first-class one, the best there is, than a second or third rate one. And
certainly a Government building of the class of the one under consideration should be designe(l and handled
by one of the great men. There is enough for the other fellows to do. It will look better and put your
commission on a better footing to have a man of that kind to lean on. You will have the credit if you pick
out a first-rate man. You will have the credit for exercising the foresight and wisdom of proceeding in
that way, for in money you (to not receive a cent, while in the quality of the work or in the credit of having
made an effort to (1o the best that could be done no fault could be found with you.
Mr. CANNON. Is it practicable, Capt. Sewell, in your judgment, to get a first-class architect who
would do the architectural work and tile engineering work, with or without Mr. Woods, utilizing him so
far as practicable, and the whole thing to cost from 3AS to 4 per cent ?
Capt. SEWELL. Yes, sir; I think that could be done.
Mr. GREEN. Yes, indeed; I think that.
Capt. S~vm.ii. I think you could get a good mian to (1o that.
Mr. CANNON. And that wVould cover the making of all the plalmns ?
Capt. SEWELL. Yes, sir.
Mr. GREEN. And the necessary supervision of the architect himself, to see that his ideas are properly
exlpresse(l ill the work; and that he can (1o through the superintendent.
Mr. CANNON. Of course the matter of contracts wouldrest with the superintendent, whether hie
would let five contracts or one hundred ?
Capt. SEWVE.!.. Yes, Sir; I do not think the Government should (10 in that as a private l)uil(ler would
halve to (10.
Thereupon, at 5 o'clock 1). in., the commission adjourned to ml1eet on Saturday, March 7, at 9.30
o'clock.,a. l.
MIVARcH! 7, 1903.
'I'lle commission imet at 9.30 o'clock a. ni., pursuant to a(ljournment. All of the members were
p resent.
William H-I. Brown, chief engineer of the Pennsylvania Railroad; George \V. Massey, general counsel,
Pennsylvania Railroad; Fred. D. McKenney, counsel, Pennsylvania Railroad; John Cassels and S. C.
Neale; also Elliott Woods, Superintendcet of the Capitol, and Capt. J. S. Sewell, of the Corps of Engineers,
United States Arm'j, appeared before the commission.
IMr. CANNON. WCe desire to talk for a minute with you, gentlemen, with reference to square No. 690-
the Congressional Hotel block. An act was passe(l during the session touching a terminal in Washington
in connection with a uniondepot. Subsequently an act was passe(l for the acquiring of one of four blocks
of ground for the construction of an office building-an annex to the Capitol.
Mr. Hepburn, Mr. Richardson, and myself, under the terms of the law, are constitute(l a commission
to inquire touching the location of the site. In connectionlwith the performance of that duty it became
pl)Ol)Cr to know as to the intention of the railroad in regard to the construction of its tunnel. Assuming
for the purpose of this inquiry, at least for the present)purposes of the inquiry, that three points are neces-
sary for the railroad to make, one at the intersection of a street whose name I do not recall but you gentlemen
will know-what is the name ?
Mr. MASSE.Y. D Street and New Jersey Avenue ?
Mr. CANNON. No; the one before that. That is where the tunnel would take its departure from tile
present track, Where is the next point you make ?
Mr. MCKENNEY. The next is South Capitol and Canal Streets, the next one is at New Jersey Avenue
and D Street, and the next is First Street and B Street-this point [illustrating on map]. It is that one
and that one and that, as set forth in the bill.
Mr. CANNON. Now, in the profile you show the tunnel would strike block 690 in the neighborhood of
a hundred feet from the southeast corner of the block ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. And it would strike First Street in the neighborhood of IOO feet from the northeast
corner ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes, sir; about 125 feet.
Mr. CANNON. Passing on a curve through block 690?
Mr. BROWN. At the northeast corner,
Mr. CANNON. Near the northeast corner ?
Mr. BROWN Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Assuming it is ioo feet, that is not exactly accurate, but about the same distance it
would enter block 690 from the southeast corner of block 690.
Mr. BROWN. No. It would enter on the southeast corner at C Street, about IRo feet from the corner.
Mr. CANNON. And it would run out of block 690 about the same distance from the northeast corner
south to B Street ?
Mr. BROWN. That is right.
Mr. CANNON. Why should you not, or is it practicable, to take your departure from this fixed point
on New Jersey Avenue and D Street so as to miss block 690, passing near the southeast corner of the
block and striking First Street near the southeast corner and then proceed along the line of First Street to
your destination ?
Mr. BROWN. It wvould not be practicable wvith these points fixed. We could not get around them.
Mr. CANNON. Why?
Mr. BROWN. When we first had this line run it was along the middle of First Street-the middle of
the wagon road between curbs-and then the Library people, or a congressional committee, took it up to
know whether it would injure the Library, or not, by running through, and directedl us to move this over
to the west side of First Street, to get it farther away from the Library. That is one of the points that fixes
this line; and another point here we wvcre obliged to go over these streets by the District Commissioners
andl they insisted upon uls going under New Jersey Avenue, blut in order to go under New Jersey Avenue
we have to get high enough to get tinder this [indicating on map]. As it is it is a very heavy grade down
here to get it along this line [indicating]. It comes down like this and goes down undem here. Now, we
have to get un(ler that point, and we could not get the curve out here that would be practical for our long
passenger trains and go clear of that block.
Mr. CANNON. From the profile there, you run up to the property line on the vest side of First Street
in front of the Capitol Ground.s ?
Mr. BmtOWN. Not exactly. The house line is back here. The house line is in continuation of this line
here; but there is no house line, as we call it, on the Capitol Park.
Mr. CANNON. HoIw wide is the sreect in front of the Capitol Grounds or in front of the Library ?
Mr. BROWN. It is a I io-foot street.
Mr. CANNON, Hlow wide is your tunnel ?
Mr. BitOWN. The tunnel ought to be 25 feet inside. It vould be about, outside, nearly So feet from
the outer edge of the wall.
Mr. CANNON. I am speaking of the width of the tunnel complete.
Mr. BROWN. Twenty-five feet inside.
Mr. CANNON. What is the width of the walls?
Mr. BROWN. The walls ought to be at least I2z. feet thick on each side to carry the arch.
Mr. CANNON. That would be 50 feet?
Mr. CANNON. And the street is i Io feet wide, excluding the property line?
Mr. BROWN. Yes, from house line to house line, I IO feet.
Mr. CANNON. I-low far is the Library of Congress Building from the house line?
Mr. BROWN. It is about Ioo feet projection to the center--
Mr. CANNON. About IOO feet?
Mr. BROWN. Ycs.
Mr. CANNON. As it is you have that ioo feet from the Library of Congress to the house line, and
then you have I 10 feet in front of you, and you would have 55 feet to play on1, if I am correct, in the west
half of the street ?
Mr. BROWN. That would be to the edge of the wall, about 150 feet, or something like that, from the
Library.
Mr. CANNON. This locates the tunnel on the west side of First Street, and that means you have any-
where within 55 feet to place your tunnel.
Mr. BROWN. On1 the west half of the street.
Mr. CANNON. If the street is IJo feet wide the west half would be 55 feet, and you have a 25-foot
wide tunnel ?
Mr. CANNON. You need iRSY' feet for walls on each side?
Mr. BROWN. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Now, you are sure you are right about the width of First Street there ?
Mr. McKE.NNiEY. According to Col. Biddle's report the street is I 10 feet wide.
Mr. CANNON. Exclusive of the property line ?
Mr. McKENNEY. Yes, sir. That means between building line and building line 10 feet.
Mr. BROWN. Thirty-five feet between curbs; wagon road 55 feet wide, and pavements woild be 2734
feet.
Mr. CANNON. Then you would have a play of S feet?
Mr. BROWN. That is all.
Mr. CANNON. If you are confined to the west side of First Street you would have a play of 5 feet in
ad(lition to what the 1)rofile shows on1 the east ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes, sir, We are in the middle of that half, and WC could ml0Ove 234 feet. We are in
the middle of that 55-foot strip, an(l there would be still S feet between the edge of our wall and the house
line-5 feet between the east edge of the wall and the center of the line of the street-? 34 feet on each side.
We could only move the center o( the line 232 feet.
Mr. CANNON. Suppose you were to strike block 690 at the southeast coiner, what would be the
additional length of your tunnel in connection with that profile which you have ?
Mr. BROWN. It would not make much difference in the tunnel, but it would make the curvature so
sharp we could not get a Puldlman train around it. The actual length of the tunnel would not amount to
very much. The trouble is we can not cross this street any lower dowvn. This is quite oln an incline, and
we had a line at one time down here, and the Engineer Commissioner waind the committee who had it in
charge insisted on us going un(ler New Jersey Avenue instead of over it, and the only place we can get
under is here, and then we have to raise the intersection some 3 or 4, feet to do it.
Mr. MASSEY. This point is absolutely fixed. We have not any power to change it.
Mr. CANNON. I understand those two points are absolutely fixed. But you have a play oln this point
onl New Jersey Avenue and D, over block 692, to go where you please.
Mr. BROWN. But we could not miss that block and get to that intersection and this.
Mr. CANNON. 1There is no necessity of missing that block. In fact, you could not miss it.
Mr. BROWN. We could not go outside of that and get through to this point here and get around here
with a curve that would be practicable. We could not hauil a passenger train around it without breaking
all the platforms up and hoods and couplings; it would be too short.
Mr. CANNON, When are you going to construct this tunnel ?
Mr. BROWvN. We are going to commence it right away.
Mr. RiclAmRDSON. I understand you have five years to (lo this work. I am not quite sure about the
limitation [examining the bill]. Yes; it is five years.
Mr. McKE.NNEY. Yes, sir; it is five years.
Mr. BROWN. There is quite a bit of work on it, and we have to start it in order to get it done in time.
Mr. RICHARDSON. The bill says: "That of the work herein described, etc., shall be completed and the
main passenger stations and terminals shall be ready for occupancy within five years from the date of the
passage of this act."
Mr. BROWN. Our architects are working on the station and wve expect to get ready for bids in a very
short time, arid this thing we expect to put under contract this spring, right away.
Mr. CANNON. The elevation in connection with the Baltimore & Ohio and the Baltimore & Washington,
or the Pennsylvania Railroad, the depot, and the tunnel-which will take the longest to construct ?
Mr BROWN. Well, I suppose this piece of construction here, including the tunnel and that viaduct
up to New York Avenue, will be about the last thing done.
Mr. CANNON. In other words, your Union Depot?
Mr. BROWN. At Massachusetts Avenue; yes.
Mr. CANNON. That would take the longest?
Mr. BROWN. That would take a good while. It would take over two years to build that house.
Mr. RICHARDSON. How many feet is it from where you enter your tunnel on the south to where you
come out at the north ?
Mr. BROWN. It is 3,900 feet of tunnel.
Mr. RICHARDSON. One thousand three hundred yards ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Fhree-quarters of a mile ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes; three-fifths of a mile.
Mr. CANNON. What is your distance from your intersection on First Street and 13 Street and the inter-
section of D Street and New Jersey Avenue ?
Mr. BROWN. It is about a thousand feet--i,iSo feet from center to center.
Mr. CANNON. What is the curve there ?
Mr. BROWN. It is what engineers call a three-thirty curve. That is, about 1,700 feet radius.
Mr. CANNON. Have you any more marked curves than that on your line of railway ?
Mr. CANNON. More Severe?
Mr. BROWN. Yes, Sir. We have Up as high as a 6-degree curve.
Mr. RICIIARDSON. From 13 and Newv Jersey Avenue, if you wvent by the intersection of' C and First,
what would be that curve ?
Mr. BROWN. It vould take about 8 degrees to get around that corner.
Mr. RICHARDSON. And that is too great ?
Mr. BROWN. That is too great for a passenger train.
Mr. CANNON. Take the Pennsylvania road l)rol)er from Baltimore to Pittsburg---what is your greatest
curve ?
Mr. BROWN. Here may be one or two of 7 degrees, but nothing more than th.,t.
Mr. CANNON. What would this be?
Mr. BROWN. Nine or ten.
Mr. CANNON. Take your Horseshoeis not that a more pronounced curve thian this Nvould be ?
Mr. I3BoRW. No, sir; the Horseshoe curve is a 7-degrCe curve.
Mr. CANNON. And if you miss block 690, this would be what ?
Mr. BROWN. It would be a 9 or 10 degree curve if you missed block 690.
Mr. CANNON. Can you make a little calculation and give us the statement of riat precisely ?
Mr. CANNON. Your present curve is how much?
Mr. BROWN. It is a three-thirty.
Mr. CANNON. As laid out?
Mr. BROWN. Yes, Sir'. We are trying to make our road all through everywhere we can a mriximu'n
of a 30-minute curve. The time is coming when we have to get people from New York to Washington,
98 REPORT OF '1THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION
PittsbArg, etc., in the quickest time possible to do so, and in order to do that we are spending millions of
dollars taking out even 2-degree curves. We are trying now to get 30-mninute curves-half a degree.
Mr. CANNON. What suggestion have you to make of a curve that would give you the same-what do
you call it-radius-to get from B Street and First to the point on your main line on the same radius ?
Suppose y'ou were to mark it out--what modification would you mark it out to give you the same radius
the profile shovs ? I-low should you vary it if you had to make B and First and construct your railroad
and miss block 690 ?
Mr. BROWN. Miss this intersection ?
Mr. CANNON. I am speaking of missing that intersection.
Mr. BROWN. We could not do anything without missing that intersection. We could put that same
curve farther down here and miss the block. We 'would miss that intersection-this place here-and go
through Garfield Park-three things we are not allowed to do.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You could not go tinder that ?
Mr. BROWN. No, sir; we would have to go over that because that comes down here right sharply.
You have to raise that intersection, as it is now two or three feet. We would rather do that than to have
the road at grade or overhead. We would not %vant to build it at grade under any circumstances.
Mr. CANNON. I-low long would it take you to construct that tunnel ?
Mr. BIROWN. Well, Wve could do it this year.
Mr. CANNON. You could build the tunnel from end to end in 12 months ?
Mr. 3BRosZN. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. And it would take twvo years to build that union depot ?
Mr. BROWN. It would take longer than that. It would take twvo years at least.
M r. CANNON. H-low long would it take to complete the elevation-the viaduct?
M r. BROWN. That could be all going oln at the same time. It would probably l)e done at the time
the house was being done. We would aim to get everything done by the time the house %vas ready.
Mr. CANNON. Of course you would have to have your viaduct and house before you can use your
tunnel ?
M r. 310oWN. Yes, sir.
M r. CANNON. Now, it still take three years, as I understand you, or two an(l a half years ?
M r. BROWN. A little over two years for the house.
M r. CANNON. It would take twvo years plus to build the house and viaduct, this union depot antI the
viaduct, and it would take one year to build this tunnel ?
M\4 r. BROWN. Yes, sir.
M r. CANNON. I mean working diligently; I just wanted your best judgment about it. What is the
difference in expense of making that tunnel under Garfield Park, roughly estimated-substantially the
same ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes; it would be about the same thing. The whole road would cost a good bit more,
because this would have to be all on viaducts around here. Now, we have the right to change that street,
and Wve intend to make a solid bank here and here and only bridge the street. Now, if we came along
here, we vould have to build a steel viaduct, and nobody can tell you when you can do that with the present
status of the steel business.
Mr. CANNON. How high would it be?
Mr. BROWN. It would be 2o feet high over here.
Mr. CANNON. You would not build a steel viaduct rather than make a 2o-foot bank ?
Mr. BROWN. They would not let us put a 20-foot bank diagonally across Garfield Park.
Mr. CANNON. Why not?
Mr. BROWN. They never allowed us to go in it before, and object to it.
Mr. CANNON. Why not put it across Garfield Park, providing you put the street under your viaduct
just like you do north of the Union Depot ?
Mr. BROWN. We tried that once before, and they were not willing to allow us to cross over.
Mr. CANNON. "They" mean the people you consulted with, the Engineer Commissioner or the
District Commissioners ?
Mr. BROWN. And the committee who had this in charge.
Mr. CANNON. After all, Garfield Park and the part of the city through which this runs is of no more
importance than where you make the viaduct over here on Massachusetts Avenue, is it ?
Mr. McKENNEY. 'The people in that section have always insisted so, and they beat us out before.
Mr. CANNON. In point of fact it is not one ten-thousandth as important as far as travel is concerned,
as a matter of fact, as it is up here in this vicinity ?
Mr. McKrNNEY. That is the only park in that end of the town, and there was a great outcry when
it was thought before we were going to take 2% acres off one end of it.
Mr. RICHARDSON. What would be your legal opinion as to the right of changing from the two points
fixed in the terminal act; that is, that youl must cross Newv Jersey Avenue at the intersection of D Street,
and you must strike C Street at the intersection of First Street. I-lave we that right? I will ask you, Mr.
Cannon, and you gentlemen also, without new legislation could we change the location of the Pennsylvania
Railroad from those two points that are defined in the act, or would the road have any discretion to change
from those two points ?
Mr. CANNON. I dto not know.
Mr. MASSEY. Probably unfortunately for the railroad company I happen to be in the relation of its
legal adviser and I would not feel justified in advising the railroad company the)' could depart in the slightest
way from these fixed points.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You mean the points fixed in the law ?
Mr. MASSEY. Yes, sir; that is my opinion. That is what I would be constrained to advise, because
you will observe the language of this act is,we are not only authorized, but we are required to construct
this in conformitywith the locations described in the act, and in the seventh section of the act, which refers
to the commencement of the construction, it says, "That before any portion of the work of construction
within the District of Columbia hereindescribed shall be begun, plans thereof in accordance with the
provisions of this act that shall be submitted, etc."
Mr. RICHARDSON. Then you consider that the points, the intersection of Newv Jersey' Avenue and D)
Street and the intersection of First and D Streets, are arbitrarily fixed in the law from which you could not
depart?
Mr. MASSEY. Quite right.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You think from those two points it isdiscretionary or optional withytoul as to tile
line you run as between those two points ?
Mr. MASSEY. I think that the railroad company would be authorized under the terms of this bill in
naming those two fixed points from which they are not authorized todepart, to prescribe such intermediate
line as would be reasonably practicable for the purposes.
Mr. HEPBURN. The intersection at New Jersey Avenue andI) Street might mean a variationof 150
feet, might it not ?
Mr. MASSEY. I confess that is a little bit elastic. A point of intersection between two streets would
in the ordinary interpretation ofthe phraseology refer to the intersection ofthe centers, and that would
be a conservative
Mr. HEPBURN. Yet you do not propose to reachthe center at all in B and First Streets ?
Mr. BROWN. Then there is another clause, this line must be on thewest half of the street.
Mr. MASSEY. That is anotherthing fixed. This can not be locatedeast of the center ofthe line on
First Street.
Mr. McKENNEY. The main points are fixed absolutely on the streets right through.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You have an intermediate point here which is "crossing over First Street SW.,
and Delaware Avenue SW., at a point about 40 feet north of the north house line of E Street."
Mr. McKENNEY. That fixes the point there, and it fixes the point in here at this intersection.
Mr. CANNON. But I take it, as you run your road in front of the Capitol and the Library on -hewest
half, the moment you reach the center of D Street you might slightly deflect feet from there gradually
55
up toxvard the east side of First Street east of block 690, and run your curve-in other words, there you
have f;ot i lo feet to play on, that is cast of your line as shown by your profile out here near the northeast
corner of block 690, so that NVoUld greatly ameliorate the conditions in the event you construct, I take it,
so as to avoid touching block 690?
Mr. MASSEY. WN\ould not that he in First Street ?
fITr. CANNON. But you are not confined in First Street except to B.
Mr. MASSFY. Where is your authority to be in First Street at all until we get to B Street?
Mr. CANNON. Let us look at it here. If )'o1l have not the authority, your profile is wrong.
Mr. MASSEY. That being fixed and this point being fixed, that is to say, we must go into First Street
at the intersection of 13. That is an engineering feature, and therefore, as the chairman remarks, that can
be construed as authorizing it.
M1. CANNON. It seems to me in constructing that you have got to construct it in front of these Capitol
grounds on the west half of the street. TIhe moment yol leave the west half of the street, construing the
act together, you may gradually come over here, so far as you can from an engineering standpoint, to the
very property line of First Street here, and run through First Street down to this corner.
Mr. BRoWvN. But that would make a tunnel so that )'ou coukl not run a train through it.
Ai4r. CANNON. I am1 not talking about that; but yet if you had to build that road there that would give
you that nuoch more room to go on and make your tunnel of a less radius.
Capt. J. S. SENVEtLL. You mean greater radius.
Mr. CANNON. With a greater radius than you voull if you could not strike First Street at all there.
IVr. BROWN. Then to get from that point you have to make it so sharp we could not reach that point
again. If)ou011make this curve an) easier on one sideyou have to take it out of somewhere else.
Mr. CANNON. SupposeyoIl had this lo i feet here to play on,would it make it amore favorable curve
if)'ou could come fromn here ?
M\r. BROWN. Itwould make it sharper. It would be better here than there, but you vould have to
take itul) somewhere else.
Mr. CANNON. Well, the fact remains that )oul can make that tunnel in a year ?
Mr. BiOtwN. If wve couldI put it under contract to-dca)' and give the contractor the say it would he
nearer three)'ears than-
Nm11. CANNON. Capt. Sewvell isan engineer officer in the Army anid has charge of something of con-
struction in ffiecCity. swishI nowyou vould ask questions about that curve, so as to develop the facts
about it froman engineering standpoint, so it will be inblack and white,
Capt. Sinv\i.L.. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. If there is anything Nve haveomitted I wish you would take it as one engineer officer
would wvith another and discuss it.
Capt.Si}'ml.
Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. And wvhenyoul speak, locateyour various lines that you speak of, and curves, and
streets, and so on, so that anybodywvho reads it can trace it in connectionwith themap.
Capt. SEWvELL.. Here is Virginia Avenue, and First Street here [indicating on map]. The railroad
company has to have its line in the direction of Virginia Avenue. When it gets on Virginia Avenue it has
to be-in thedirection of First Street. The angle made by those streets represents a certain change of
direction they have to accomplish where they leave Virginia Avenue and where they strike First Street,
anti now is thequestion of how they will locate the curve in between. It seems to me thatthe only points
where we have a little latitude under the act are where the railroad crosses-the intersection of Canal Street
and South Capitol Street andwhere it crossesthe intersection of NewJersey. Avenue and D Street.
The act does not say that the point of intersection shall be considered asthe intersection of the axes of
the streets, and, as a atter of fact, this curve as laiddown does not pass through the intersection of the
m
axes ofthe streets, and would I like to ask Mr. Brown whether would
it not be possible by shoving these
points
farther south, possibly a little farther east, whetherhe could not with a practical curve, possibly a
little sharper than 30 30', come in tangent to First Street and at some point near the intersection of D Street
south. If he could do that it might get the tunnel possibly not off square 690, but still far enough to the
southeast to prevent any interference between the tunnel and this proposed building.
Mr. BROWN. rhen you mean to move the curve at the intersection of D Street and New Jersey
Avenue
Capt. SEWELL. And if necessary here [indicating on map].
Mr. BROWN. We could not move it at the intersection of New Jersey Avenue and D Street more than
2o feet at the outside, and that would not make a difference of more than lo feet on square 690.
Capt. SEhN'vEiI. Could it not be moved a little more than that ? For instance, here you had a location
once vliich is indicated by these lines. 'Fhere mist he a little more from that line to that [indicating oniliap].
Mr. BROWN. We could not move it any more from where it is now without moving Ivy Street.
Capt. SI svFrll . If the law absolutely fixes that, that may be troublesome, although the road might
pass tangent to that point with a retaining wall at that point [indicating oil map].
Mr. BROWN. There is only room for two tracks there now.
Capt. SE\wYu.I. There is only room for two tracks.
Mr. BROWN. As soon as we get out of the tunnel we want four tracks; two tracks in the tunnel, and as
soon as we get into daylight we would want four tracks.
Capt. SEWELL. You spread to four tracks here immediately [indicating on m11ap] ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes.
Capt. SEWELL. And this is just the space you need for tracks ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes.
Capt. SFWELL. If that street is fixed by law
Mr. BROWN. It is.
Mr. CANNON. Which one is that?
Mr. BROWN. Ivy Street. I think it is un(ler the paragraph for vacation of streets.
Mr. CANNON. Is that in the new bill ?
Capt. SEWEII. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. What section?
Mr. McKrNNEY'. That would be in section 5 [reading]:
"The necessary land to form a western exit from IvXy' Street to Canal Street as shown on1 the Pla1e filed
by said company as required by this act."
Mr. CANNON [reading]. "That the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company shall (ledlicate to the
District of Columbia," and so forth.
Mr. McKE NNEY. That follows immediately.
"Also, in the city of Washington the following-named streets arc hereby vacated, abandoned, an(l
closed, to wit: Ivy Street, between South Capitol Strect and( a point 220 feet east thereof."
That is found at the top of page 6.
Mr. BROWN, A point 220 feet cast thereof. That is the way the plan is drawn. On the bottom of
page 5, that refers to this plan, and this is the plan [indicating]. It has a reference at the far end that this
plan is one that is mentioned in the Senate bill of such a number.
Mr. McKENNEY. We could probably squeeze that a little, and this a little [indicating on map].
Mr. BROWN. But we could not get out of that bluff.
Capt. SEWELL. How could you get to that corner ?
Mr. BROWN. Instead of entering the center line 12o feet from the house line we could probably' bring
that down to I 10 feet and still comply with this law.
Mr. Woo-s. That is practically 6o feet from the building line to the corner of the building-6o feet
that way and about ioo feet this way.
Mr. BROWN. The whole depth of the block.
Mr. WOODS. No; at this point.
Capt. SEWELL. Plot that on there.
Mr. WOODS. What is that scale; ioo feet to the inch ?
82X0-12-26
Mr. BROWN. Yes.
Capt. SEwNEIAI,. You want 6o feet to the hundred.
Mr. WOODS. It just about touches that line there.
Capt. SEWVELL. It just about hits the center line. In order to miss the building you would have to
shove it over, then, at least 25 feet. If you got the tunnel moved 25 feet to the east there you would just
about graze the corner of the building.
Mr. BROWN. You say the edge of the building is 6o feet from First Street ?
Mr. WOODS. The edge of the building is 6o feet from First Street, ices-no; I mean from the building
line, Mr. Brown.
Capt. SENE:LL. Whoever fixed that building line fixed it pretty good and hard.
MIr. CANNON. We have an irresistible force and an immovable body. The immovable body is the
railroad company, but the irresistible force was created after the immovable body was created.
Capt. SENVE LL. The center line of the tunnel Wvouldl have to be gotten 37Y2 feet from that point, and
even then part of the foundation of the building and part of the foundation of the tunnel would be a common
structure.
Mr. McKENNEY. Why should not that happen ? What would be the difficulty about that from an
engineering standpoint ?
Mr. BIoosN. About what ?
Mr. McKENNEY. About a part of the foundation of the building and a part of the foundation of the
tunnel being a common structure.
Mr. BRO\VN. It would be entirely practical. I could put a io-story house on that.
Mr. CANNON. And not shake it?
Mr. BROWN. Not shake it.
Mr. M\IcKFNN eY. That is the point.
Mr. RICHARDSON. In building your tunnel are you intending to open it from the surface to the bottom,
or only dig through ?
Mr. BROWN. Only a short distance. here is a profile of the ground as it is to-day, and here is the
track. This would be an open cut probably as far as C Street. This could be done the same way. We
could go a little farther there.
Capt. Si.wEL l . You could make the open cut a little farther to accommodate the necessities of this
building ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes. Suppose a tunnel was there built to-day. It would be a great deal safer to let
that tunnel alone and put this corner of the building away from the center line, because it would come over
the side wvall of the tunnel instead of over the arch; it would be a better foundation.
Mr. CANNON. If you0 Would put the tunnel farther in on the lot
Capt. Si.Xvtil.. Leave it where it is.
Mr. BROWN. It would be a little bit better for tile building if this line were drawn in.
Capt. Si.\vELL. That would bring that corner right over the east wall of the tunnel.
Mr. WOODS. That meaSuremlent is as close as we can make it nowv.
Capt. SEWE.LL. That street prevents any changes of these points.
Mr. CANNON. Withl your tunnel in First Street, along as it may be constructed when yo11 come to 690,
is it practical, without too great an expense, to put a switch in there in which freight, coal, and other things
could be delivered ?
Mr. BROWN. Out of the tunnel?
Mr. CANNON. Out of the tunnel into the basement of this building.
Mr. BROWN. I would not like to do that. I would not like to put a switch in the tunnel. We have
enough risk in the matter now without an open switch.
Mr. RIIADItSON. Suppose you made the switch a line from the south entrance up to B Street and to
the intersection of First Street without having them connect there with the main line ?
Mr. BROWN. There would not be any trouble about putting that switch here, about Ivy Street, and
rimnnintx it alongside of the tunnel ut into this block, crossing the streets at grade.
REPORT OF THE HOUSE
OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION 103
Mr. RICHARDSON.
Mr. BROWN. That
would have to approach
I mean, put
would
prepared
a
be
third track in the
safe
to
for the
stop, and
tunnel, not to
passenger
there would
traffic.
run
It
through,
is
be a great deal of delay in

dark in lout
the
to back
tunnel,
running
trains
and
in.
trains
trains
through
Mr. there.
WOODS. Then, according your idea, you do not want to put a switch in there of any kind ?
Mr. BROWN. If
Mr. WOODS. Not in the tunnel.
)'ou could
put switch in
there, it would mean a great saving in handling
documents,
and Mr.
so on,BROWN. We go over that
street and under this
one, and there would be no trouble in putting a
siding in there and

running in at grade, and all the traffic that would be across those streets would not be
any objection.
Mr. CANNON. You would not cross but one street ?
Mr. BROWN. We would cross two-New Jersey Avenue and C Street.
Mr. WOODS. Could not that come in 20 feet below the street level?
Mr. BROWN. You could build a separate tunnel alongside of it.
Mr.
Mr. WOODS. I mean an open cut.
BROWN. We have double-track tunnels on our road today that we
into when a passenger
not allow anything
due-even on a double track-for the purpose of making safer for the
train is
go. (do it
to
passengers. You
and there is a great
you have a wreck in a tunnel you can not get the passengers
understand
of
there, out
deal
trouble. That was illustrated in the wreck on the New York Central
iii the
tunnel. I could build it
there, but am sure the transportation department would not wvork it.
Mr. CANNON. It is entirely practicable, however, to build thesxvitch ?
Mr. BROWN. Here ? Entirely so.
Mr.
Mr. CANNON. Would that be an expensive construction ?
BROWN. No,sir. expense, suppose,would be to get property
The
most
this where run
through. You could

pinch come there and go up New
on
Jersey Avenue, go up that block without
touching this property,
Mr. WOODS. that is on the Virginia Avenue side.
Would it not
advisable to keep down to the grade
level, to the level of the basement
IVlr.SE~EWI.E.
story of that building, to go through there in a cut ?
Capt.
BROWN. Yes; that
pretty heavy grade there, but
is a
p
Yes. You have some retty heavy grades there as it is.
much
tunnel [indicating on map]. It is perfectly practicable for a sidetrack.
than here out not worse to get of the
Capt. SEWELL. That grade

Mr. RICHARDSON.
BROWN. Yes.
mouth of tunnel the
difficult proposition anyway.
the
i is a
Mr.
main track at the south
I do
why there
some
point outside of
not
be
of
would
you had your sidetrack
the
leave
any danger
right along with

entrance the tunnel and run
to
your
double tracks, have this third track

to the west running right up to that building underground, so that there
would be no connection the
siding from the
north, and you would do all the coupling and
connecting
for your siding south
your
of
the tunnel and
entrance to in the daylight outside out of the tunnel.
Mr. BROWN. There point
is
the is against again in, and that
that us is they do not allow
to haul a freight train over the road south of Massachusetts Avenue.

Mr. RICHARDSON. You
not strike that siding at
all. you
did, you would go
cle: r through
the tunnel to the south and back in.

Mr. BROWN. You would
have to cross New Jersey Avenue at grade. You could go along B
Street,
probably.
Mr. RICHARDSON. it level with your track?
Why would not be on the same
Mr. BROWN. It would take a new tunnel.

Mr. RICHARDSON.
Why widen your tunnel for three tracks instead of two?
Mr. BROWN. They would
one of them being a sidetrack with freight
not want three
tracks, cars stand-
ing on it. In New York
to-day we are going to build two single-track tunnels instead of having double-
track tunnel, for the
purpose giving each train a tunnel of its thus avoiding the chance
of
own, of running
into a wreck in the tunnel. We are doing this in New York; and also west of Altoona, in Pennsylvania, we
are doing the same thing, in order to give each train a separate run of its own.
On our Allegheny tunnel to-day we do not allow a Pittsburg passenger train to go through when there
is a freight train in there, and we do not allow a freight train to go ahead of a passenger train in either
direction.
Mr. RICHARDSON. I was thinking inasmuch as this siding I amn speaking of would not have an outlet
at 13 Street and First Street, that is, to the north, but that you would connect with that siding entirely from
the south outside of the tunnel, and all the cars would have to back in on the siding, that there would be
no danger on the main line.
Mr. BROWN. There would not be any trouble in putting a single-track tunnel in there for four or five
hiind red feet. It would only take 500 feet of a tunnel to reach from out of doors there, you might call it,
into the cellar of this building.
Mr. RiCHARDSON. H-owv far would that be from the main tunnel ?
Mr. BROWN. Anywhere outside that that you would choose to build it; anywhere outside of this wall
you choose to build it.
Mr. RiCHARDSON. And the cost of doing that would not be greater than the additional cost )'Ou
would have to incur in making a wider tunnel for three tracks?
Mr. BROWN0N. I do not think it would cost a bit more.
Mr. RICHARDSON. It seems to me to be desirable, if possible, that the basement of our office building
connect in some way for the accommodation of freight and heavy articles from the basement of the building
,with the railroad, so as to load and unload from the basement of the office building right directly upon
the road.
Mr. CANNON. I think it probable that this building when completed will not only act as a document
room for the I louse, but possibly the Senate-I am not speaking about that, but the House-and I think
it entirely likely that in connection with the basement there will be heating machinery that will heat the
building, and, in all probability, in the end, the Capitol. Of course it is desirable, if that is the case, to
get coal and freight in by some provision in the way of a switch.
MIr. RiCHiAiRDsoN. Directly connected with the road ?
Mir. CANNON. Directly connected vith the road.
MIr. BROWtN. That is entirely practical. You are building on that lead-pencil line farther up New
Jersey Avenue and that makes it easier for you than for us. That is entirely practical.
Mr. CANNON. Under the act of Congress the building is practically an annex to the Capitol. There
is practically no discretion left with the commission except to locate this building on block 690.
We examined yesterday Mr. Green, as well as Capt. Sewell, and got some little knowledge of the
other three blocks ourselves. But for the future development of the city, the Library being where it is,
the possibilities on the other side of the Capitol grounds and the possibilities also due east of the Capitol
grounds, north of the building of the Library of Congress, the whole conformation, the hillside and every-
thing, indicate that in the practical extension of the Capitol it should be on block 690. When the act was
passed, and in its preparation-I was on the conference that had charge of it and on the committee that
proposed it--it (lid not occur to me about any railroad tunnel under this block. I had an impression
that youl just went on First Street, and I knew if you did go on First Street that practically it would be as
safe for this foundation as it would be for the Library of Congress foundation and perhaps safer, because
the foundation would be built in view of the construction of the tunnel and the tunnel built in view of the
construction of the building.
Now, this matter of your profile and proposed location appeals to our minds for the first time after
the passage of this act. The best way is to be entirely frank about the matter. We can not act at all,
in my judgment, unless we locate the building upon that block. If we do that we have not the slightest
desire on earth to in any way embarrass the railroad company. It does not make any difference whether
we thought this legislation was wise or not, it is the status, and there is no good policy or sense in doing
anything else except to deal with the status. Now, the possibility, without further legislation, of your
making a practical curve here is a matter partly engineering, which your-engineers and our engineers are
perfectly competent to take up, and the legal status is a matter to be taken up with the solicitor or the
legal authorities of the railway upon the one hand and the legal authorities of the District-
Mr. CASSELS. The District or the United States ?
The CHAIRMAN. The United States. It is immaterial-take it up with us, for that matter; but of
course we would have to call upon somebody.
Mr. CASSELS. It would be the Attorney General.
The CHAIRMAN. Possibly the Attorney General or the Solicitor General or the attorney for the
District
Mr. CASSELS. It would not be the attorney for the District.
The CHAIRMAN. Precisely. Well, let that be as it may, to be taken up in good faith from the legal
standpoint, and if, after consultation from the engineering standpoint and legal standpoint, you can make
your tunnel, well and good.
There is no further trouble about it. Possibly, from what you say and from what our engineers say,
a tunnel constructed through that block and a house over it is not objectionable provided your tunnel
is constructed and your foundation is constructed from that standpoint. You are of that opinion and
our people are of that opinion also. Now fortunately you have already stated that this tunnel, by working
diligently, can be done in a year; your viaducts and depots in two years. I am quite sure there is no
intention upon the part of this commission, and I should say there would be no intention on the part of
Congress, to do anything except to accommodate to the conditions that neither the railroad company, on
the one hand, nor Congress, on the other, had in mind when the subsequent legislation was enacted.
Now, I do not know; we have to study.. You showed me section 5 in connection with Ivy Street.
I have not studied this act. If I had, I possibly would not be competent to pass upon that. It is a mixed
question of engineering and construction, and the act itself, whether you can proceed or not, and whether
we can proceed or no without further legislation; and if further legislation is to be had, then it becomes a
practical question for the tunnel people to proceed along the line of legislation in view of whatever is
necessary to enable a construction of the tunnel on the one hand and the construction of the building on
the other, which I have no doubt can be worked out, and worked out properly, when Congress should be
in session.
So far as I am concerned, I am going away on Tuesday, to be gone probably a month, and as we
are required to act in' 30 days, if my colleagues will agree with me we will take that action between this
and Tuesday. I think that is all I want to suggest or state. My colleague possibly may have something
to say.
Mr. BROWN. Why could we not leave the tunnel line just where it is and make the side walls strong
enough to carry the corner of the building? It would not cost any more extra money for foundations
on the top of the tunnel than if the building was not there.
Mr. CANNON. I have no doubt that could be done, but the question arises, Must we not acquire the
fee if we proceed at all ? The matter of excavation, and so on, might be possibly delayed until Congress
could come together, although we want to construct this building as rapidly as possible.
Mr. RICHARDSON. I do not see why it would be necessary to delay.
Mr. CANNON. Probably not.
Mr. HEPBURN. Might there not be this trouble? This commission instruct the Secretary of the
Interior as to location, either selection, and under the law it is his duty at once to secure that fee. And
if you have any intervening or countervening rights he would at once proceed to dispossess you of them,
because the Government wants the fee there.
Mr. CANNON. Yes; the Government must have the fee before it begins the construction, and hence the
importance of taking up with you gentlemen, the engineers, and the representatives of the Government
from the legal standpoint and the representative of the railroad company from the legal standpoint, to see
what of discussion, what of accommodation they can make without any change of law.
If you could arrive at a conclusion on close study and you could get your tunnel with a proper radius,
it is easy of solution. On the contrary, if you can not do it-well, I can not speak for Congress; I have
only one vote in the House.
Mr. HEPBURN. And probably you won't vote.
Mr. CANNON. We three have votes, though. Yet here is a condition where something of accommo-
dation has to be made-either a different departure from the line of the railroad as it now is when you
start your viaduct or subway, when you start your viaduct and tunnel at a different point of departure on
the one hand, or retain the point of departure on the other, showing the line over, with fixed points, and a
provision that the railway may occupy a fee and an easement for the tunnel.
Mr. HEPBURN. It does seem to me that the matter presents difficulties, because if we take the position
that it is practical to build the walls or foundations of the building in connection with the tunnel walls I
suppose that we would want, if it is practical to do it, to have those foundations in by the time that Congress
meets. That vould perhaps force action upon your part.
Mr. CASSELS. Is not that Capt. Sewell's judgment?
Mr. BROWN. What-to reenforce our walls ?
Capt. SEWELL. Yes; that is entirely practical as a matter of construction.
Mr. CASSELS. Why does not that settle it ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. Then the practical question would arise, Is it possible that the railroad company
would prefer any claim against the Government for any increased cost in the construction of their tunnel
by reason of our putting the building on this square ?
Might it not be necessary for your line to be varied a little in order that our wall might fit upon your
arch at the right place ? Either that or we would have to remove the line of our building a little, possibly,
to accommodate itself to your arch.
Mr. BROWN. Either could be done-
Mr. RICHARDSON. Inasmuch as they are both to go up together it seems to me there ought to be no
practical difficulty in that, because you can vary from 5 to IS feet along there without any difficulty, or we
might vary the line of our building a few feet without difficulty.
Mr. CASSELS. Assuming Capt. Sewell is going to put it up-
Capt. SEWELL. Oh, no; Mr. Woods would have charge of the construction.
Mr. HEPBURN. If you found rock there there would be no noise or shaking.
Mr. BROWN. No. If there was rock there I do not think you would ever feel it at all. And if we
found earth we would put in for our own protection enough wall to hold everything.
Mr. HEPBURN. There would be no rumbling?
Mr. BROWN. No.
Mr. McKSENNEY. Is it not a fact that in this underground construction in New York they are iamking
quite a point of comparison with that subway with big buildings and hotels over it ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes. We are going to build a tremendous passenger station right onl top of the track,
and that will be a great deal worse than setting it on an arch.
Mr. McKENNEY. And then in the subway rapid transit construction, near the corner of the Govern-
ment post-office building, are they not making an arrangement by which they can open a chute into that
subway for the purpose of handling the mails ?
Mr. BROWN. I believe they are.
Mr. HEPBURN. What will be this method of construction ? Will you cut clear down all the way ?
Mr. BROWN. No; only at the beginning. After we get down to C Street it is too deep, and we will
make a tunnel as if we were going through a big mountain, not touching the surface.
Mr. HEPBURN. Will that entire cut be through rock ?
Mr. BROWN. We do not know that altogether; we rather think so.
Mr. HEPBURN. So you will have rock overhead ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes; but even if we had we would arch it; put an arch in.
Mr. HEPBURN. Suppose you had it in that condition, will there be any space over your arch, or how
will you fill that ? There will have to be some space there.
Mr. BROWN. An open space between that and the solid rock?
Mr. HEPBURN. Yes.
Mr. BROWN. No; we never leave any space there. We do not leave any chance for a rock to drop
down and break the arch.
Mr. HEPBURN. You will fill that with masonry?
Mr. RICHARDSON. What is your estimate of the distance from the top of your arch under this square
690 to the foundation of our building, what would be the space between ?
Mr. BROWN. We had that figured out here.
Capt. SEWEILL. It came to about I4 feet, as I remember it.
Mr. BROWN. No; 28 feet at B Street and about 12 or I4 feet at C Street. Where the building would
come it would be about 14 feet.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You imagine that the intervening matter is rock ?
Mr. BROWN. I suppose there is some soil in there.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Would it make any difference whether it is soil or rock in the vibration in the
building?
Mr. BROWN. I do not think it would. It would leave the ground. With the track raised, it would
make a vibration in the end, you know, and that is 4o feet below the surface.
Mr. RICHARDSON. But how far would that track line be below the basement of the office building?
Mr. BROW1N. Well, it would be the difference between 26 and 6o, which is 34 feet below the surface
of the ground. I do not know just exactly where your basement would come. That is at the lowest place,
C Street, 34 feet, and at B Street, 52 feet down to the track.
Mr. HEPBURN. Do the foundations of this building rest on rock r
Mr. WOODS. We do not know; we have not made any borings for that.
M r. RICHARDSON. You mean the Capitol Building.
Mr. WOODS. The foundation for the Capitol Building rests on gravel.
Mr. RICHARDSON. And how about the Library Building?
Mr. WOODS. I am not certain; I do not know.
Mr. CASSELS. I can tell as to the Butler Building, because I was here when it was built. That is on
gravel. They went down about 6o feet.
Mr. WOODS. The foundation of this wing runs down 45 or 50 feet to catch that gravel. It seemls to
extend on a slight incline toward the Library Building.
Mr. CANNON. I want to ask right on that point whether you go through rock or not, if you go down
the depth you indicate. I will ask you if it is not true when you come to make your arches and walls,
when you are through the construction of your tunnel, is it not substantially the same as if you did go
through rock.
Mr. BROWN. Yes; it will be. We make those arches strong enough for our own protection so as not
to need any repairs for a long time to come; because it would be a place we would not want to do any
repairing-a double tracked passenger line like that.
Mr. CANNON. We called -in Capt. Sewell and yesterday we called in Mr. Green. Mr. Woods, under
the law, superintends this construction. He occupies the same position to this extension of the Capitol
that Capt. Sewell does to the Government Printing Office and that Mr. Green will to the new National
Museum Building. Now, Mr. Woods, you have heard this conversation and participated in it somewhat,
and will you be kind enough to say whether you agree with the engineer officer of the Army and these
gentlemen about the practicability of this building ?
Mr. WOODS. I certainly do. I do not think there is any doubt but what we can construct a foundation
there that will be absolutely safe in every respect.
Mr. CANNON. You mean in conjunction with the tunnel?
Mr. WOODS. In conjunction with the tunnel.
Mr. CANNON. Well, is there anything else?
Mr. CASSELS. That settles it.
Mr. NEALE. That settles it.
Mr. CANNON. I will say this. We do not want any delay in the construction of this building, and as
one individual Member of Congress I do not want any delay in the construction of this tunnel.
Mr. NEALF. We will go right ahead, if Mr. Brown says so.
Mr. CASSELS. The railroad company is certainly not going to delay.
Mr. RICHARDSON. It will be entirely feasible and entirely agreeable to your operating engineer to
work in constructing your part of the tunnel in harmony with Mr. Woods, our superintendent, in making
the foundation of the building.
Mr. BROWN. Certainly. We can fix that between us without a bit of trouble whatever.
Mr. MASSEY. It may not be inappropriate to observe, if I may be allowed to interject this suggestion,
which is entirely in harmony with the inquiry propounded by one of the members of the commission (I
think it was Mr. Richardson) some moments ago with respect to the additional expenditure that will be
required to make the construction of that portion of the tunnel, the strength of the walls, and the other
equipment in connection with it, adequate for the purpose of your intended construction, I think it may
be assumed-I think I will be willing to assume-that whatever additional outlay that is imposed upon
the railroad company so far as this structure is concerned as the superstructure in connection with your
superstructure, that there would be no claim made b)y the railroad company against the Government for
that additional expense.
Mr. RICHARDSON. It is very well to have that in the record.
Mr. MASSEY. I think I ought to say it--
Mr. RICHARDSON. I asked, in order that we might have an expression from you gentlemen, as to
whether you thought it would be of sufficient moment or importance to justify you gentlemen in saying
that we had added additional obligations upon you or made any exactions upon you in requiring you to
conform your subway to our superstructure.
Mr. MASSEY. We do agree that it is an additional exaction and that it does involve an additional
expenditure, the amount of which I can not state, but it is but fair and right that you should have an answer
to the inquiry; and I think I will be safe in assuming-I will assume-that whatever additional expenditure
may be required in the construction of the tunnel to accommodate the superstructure the railroad company
will make. Am I right?
Mr. BROWN. Yes.
Mr. CASSELS. Do you not think itwould be fair tosay we will divide it?
Mr. MASSEY. No; I have said what I have said.
Mr. BROWN. Itwill not cost any more to reenforce that tunnel---
Mr. CASSELS. It ought not be much oneway or the other.
Mr. BROWN (continuing). And carry this building than whatwe customarily put in if that were not
there at all.
Capt. SEWELL. The total amounts of money involved will be very small anyway.
Mr. BROWN. Mr. Massey is right.
Mr. RICHARDSON. I think the main point is to have your superintendent work in harmony with ours,
so that there will be no conflict in bringing the two points together.
Mr. MASSEY. The committee will understand that has already been assented to by the chief engineer
of the railroad company.
Mr. RICHARDSON. If there was any controversey to arise during the construction, who would be the
arbiter on the part of the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. in getting together with our superintendent?
Mr. MASSEY. What was that?
Mr. RICHARDSON. I say if there were any disagreement between the constructor in charge of your
subway and our superintendent in putting our foundations there, who would be the final arbiter of that
question ?
Mr. MASSEY. The chief engineer.
Mr. RICHARDSON. And he is now present?
Mr. MASSEY. He has consented to it.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Then if our superintendent, Mr. Woods, or whoever he might be, did not agree
with your man or act in harmony, then this commission might be called in. I do not know about that.
At any rate, Mr. Brown speaks for your road ?
Mr. MASSEY. There would be no room for any dispute there, as I understand Mr. Brown. If I
misunderstand him, he will correct me. His statement was that there will be no difficulty in seeing that
the railroad company's work is done in such fashion as would be satisfactory to the representative of your
commission. Am I right?
Mr. BROWN. Yes.
Mr. MASSEY. I thought that covered the whole of it.
Mr. CASSELS. On the other hand, whom should we appeal to-to Mr. Woods, on the part of the
Government ?
Mr. CANNON. We will represent the Government. Mr. Woods is superintendent of construction.
Of course Mr. Woods's opinion about this matter from the standpoint of an expert, if necessary, reenforced
by Capt. Sewell and Mr. Green, we would be apt to rely upon, although not knowing a thing about it.
Mr. MASSEY. We understand that this commission is the center, the source of authority, with reference
to this construction-the final source of authority with reference to this construction on the part of the
Government.
Mr. CASSELS. No; is not the construction in the Interior Department ?
Mr. HEPBURN. No; merely condemnation.
The CHAIRMAN. Condemnation.
Mr. MASSEY. Therefore, if there was any controversey or criticism too remote to be even within the
limits of possibility, in view of what Mr. Brown has said, his statement was that the railroad company
would make its construction such as would be satisfactory to those who were charged with the supervision
of the governmental annex.
Mr. CANNON. You spoke a little bit ago of an examination by the respective engineers and of consul-
tation between the legal authorities, the solicitors, as to what can be done under the law as it is, and see
how far the whole thing can be done without additional legislation. That of course would progress; we
would go on and designate to the Secretary of the Interior this block. He would proceed to get the title.
Now, I can conceive of a question arising as to whether this commission would have tie authority to grant
an easement under the block to which we acquire title without legislation. You can see at once that
question.
Mr. MASSEY. I appreciate, Mr. Chairman, the pertinency and force of that inquiry; but it seems to
me that inasmuch as Congress has already authorized and required the railroad company to locate and
construct its tunnel railroad and its viaduct railroad upon a certain defined route, that the assent of Congress
has already been given to that location and to that use, and therefore that the exercise of that easement
would be in no way inconsistent with what has been declared to be the congressional intent and purpose;
and, although the property may be acquired by the Government, and the fee acquired, and, as I understand,
of course, the Government would desire to acquire its title, and probably find it indispensable so to acquire
it, it would nevertheless be a fee charged with the railroad easement-I mean upon the assumption that
the railroad's interest was not divested-charged with easement, and the fee would be a fee of the United
States.
Mr. CANNON. Considering the two companies together?
Mr. MASSEY. Considering the two companies together.
Mr. RICHARDSON. The only difficulty that strikes me in that, Mr. Massey, is that Congress does not
by an act, up to this time, acquire a title to square 690, but we go along in the exercise of a discretion given
to the commission, and we choose that square after legislation.
Mr. MASSEY. I concede that; but while the acquisition is made under a subsequent act, it is not the
act of this commission that makes the acquisition of title. The title is derived, as I understand it, by the
process of condemnation.
Mr. RICHARDSON. That gives us the absolute fee.
823-12-27
Mr. MASSEY. That gives you the absolute fee.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Then where does your right come in to the easement subsequent to the acquisition
of a fee?
Mr. MASSEY. But Congress has subsequently authorized and defined the location for the railroad
which they have not only authorized and empowered us to construct, but have changed the phraseology
in the original act, which Congress thought it wise change, although they required us to construct. So
to
that the peculiarity of this phraseology I was struck with when the amendment wovas made. The language
I employed, " authorized and empowered," and the committee struck out empowered andI said " required." " "
The)' meant to make it mandatory. It is not inconsistent, I with the Government title in fee that
can say,
the easement may be exercised on the location precedently established Congress.
Mr. RICHARDSON. As the obligation in no wise interferes with our full and complete use of tile fee.
Mr. MASSEY. Quit.o
right, sir.
Mr. RICHARDSON. It is no impairment of our right to it or to affect the utility of it, so far as we are
concerned, an(l in no wise impairs the value of our fee.
Mr. MASSmE. Nor in noway interferes with the purpose you intendl todevote it to.
Mr. CANNON. Is there anything else?
Mr. MASS F Y. Then, as I understand it, we leave the matter in about this situation: That it is understood
that our own construction will bemadewith reference to and in view of the needs and necessities of the
sul)erstructural conditions, and that the railroad company is to make its structures ill such fashion as vidl
be satisfactory to and approved by, in accordance wVith Mr. Brown's undertaking, those who represent
tile United
shall
States-tthe
authorities representing the United States with regard to this building-and that
be so far as the railroad company is concerned(,
without claim any)
or demand upon the United upon
States for the additional expense.

Mr. RICHARDSON. And may' we add that ifill theOpinionofthis CommililiSSiOnl thereshould be asiding
or side track from
the southern terminal of the tunnel to thu basenment of our building, that it mlaybe con-
structed or will be onstructed ?
Mr. MASSEY. Is there an)' engineeringdificult)y-
Mr.BIROWN. No trouble about that.
Mr. MASSEY. That of course would be constructed not at our expense.
r. CANNON. Let us see about that. Suppose the Governmentdoes not constructtile building; you
must go to work and acquire the easementyourself to constructthe tunnel. If we acquire the fee and
either un(ler existing legislation or legislation intile future)'Oul have the easement; you get it wVithout cost.
Now, it is desirable that either the construction of aln
additionaltuiiel orby) construction Onthesurface
of the arch, or a viaduct, orpartly subway and partly viaduct, if that is correct language, that we should
have a switch fromt some point where it would be safe to the railroad company and fairly convenient to
the public, orwithout inconveniencing it unduly-that we should have a switch that would bring freight
to the basement of this building. TFhat is almost a necessity withthe uses thatwve anticipate it should be
put to. It seems to me, as you do the carrying and in case itworks
of acquiringthe easement, it seenvl;
out thiswvay,
to me as though you ought to build that switch.

wouldbe relieved ytou
Mr. RICHARDSON.Thatwould be a considerable item.
Mr. HEPBURN.Inl your statement that they get the easementwithout cost, does not that assume e that
in some ay or other this commissionwould have some authority upon that question, which, of course,
w
we do not want to assume in any way ?

struction
Mr. CANNON. You are right about that. I am not expressing any) opinion whether under the con-
of the twvo acts or not-I think it is entirely likely that under the construction of
the tvo acts,
when we
acquire the fee under the
subsequent act that they would have an easement for the construction
of the tunnel under that
arrangement that would not
injure buildings; but I
am not bound by that, and
I am not binding the Government by that.
It seems to me that
your construction of the two acts is
plausible, but suppose that it is not that way;
suppose that we acquire fee and

subsequently legislation is required that would give you the easement
REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION ill
on the one hand, or a different point of departure from your existing railway, so as to give you the proper
curve, I am assuming that the legislative body would be a reasonable body
Mr. CASSELS. It has always been
Mr. CANNON. Thank you. (Continuing.) And would work it out. But it seems to me the chances
are if we acquire the fee that we will have to pay for it. Then if you have an easement after we do acquire
it that is your good luck. I do not know what it would relieve you; a hundred or two hundred thousand
dollars, I reckon.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Is it not a fact that you would have to pay for all the property you run under if
the Government does not take 690 ?
Mr. MASSEY. It is an undoubted fact, Mr. Richardson, that we would be required to purchase or
condemn our right of wvay, and I fully appreciate what has been so aptly suggested by the chairman and
the other members of the committee. If, therefore, the situation so eventuates as that the railroad company
acquires the easement for its railroad through the property that the Government shall acquire in fee, and
that acquisition an(l enjoyment is made to the railroad company without any expense to it, I think we ought
to put that siding in without expense to the Government. I think it is fair and right to do it-at our own
expense, provi(le(l, of course, the Government furnishes the right of way to the siding. I mean the property
on which to lay' it. Does that meet your view, Mr. Brown.
Mr. BROWN. Yes.
Mr. CASSELS. Would not that depend upon the cost ? Would it not be cheaper for us to buy the
right of wvay ?
Mr. MASSEY. All I understood wvas a siding to accommodate the new building. The chairman
suggested that siding might be either by a subway or might be on the surface.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Depending onl the conformation
Mr. CANNON. Or both.
Mr. MAssrEY. Yes; or both, partly one and partly the other. I asked Mr. Brown about the engineering
features, but on the general proposition, if the railroad company becomes possessed without expense, of
its easement to that property for this railroad, then it ought to put in that siding for the Government
without expense to the Government.
Mr. RICHARDSON. B3y "that property" you mean square 690?
Mr. MASSEY. I (do, sir.
Mr. CANNON. An(d that wvoulc go surely far enough, if when we come to the final survey and it was
clearly in(licate(l that there should be an indepen(lent tunnel where it was necessary to go under it rather
than on top-you said you would not put a track for a siding in your princil)al tunnel ?
Mr. BROWN. No, I would not.
The CIHAIRMAN. If there nvas any' tunnel made there for the switch to go in it would have to be a
separate tunnel, especially for the siding?
M r. BROWN. Yes, sir; especially for the siding.
Mr. CASsrLS. What would the length of that be ?
Mr. BROWN. Six or seven hundred feet, probably. It would have to commence about half way
between New Jersey Avenue and South Capitol Street, where our line goes out to the surface, and then
it could be on the same grade as the railroad tunnel, (lip under C Street. There will be no trouble in
building that in that way. We would not like to put it in the main tunnel as a siding.
Mr. RICHARDSON. As a fact, that could be put in after the main tunnel was built and after our Office
Building was constructed.
Mr. BROWN. Yes; certainly.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Of course, in constructing the Office Building there ought to be an inlet into the
building designed for that.
Mr. BROWN. To the foundation.
Mr. RICHARDSON. In the construction of the foundation; yes.
Mr. CANNON. Mr. Hepburn agrees that it would be a great convenience to have your siding of some
kind during the process of construction, if possible.
Mr. BROWN. Construction of the building?
Mr. RICHARDSON. You could not do that, because the tunnel itself would not be in operation.
Mr. BROWN. Suppose you decide on that block, how soon do you suppose the building would be
started ?
Mr. WOODS. The)' would start the foundation immediately upon the acquisition of the property.
Mr. CASSELS. It will take 90 days under the law to condemn it, will it not ? It will be appealed, but
yo'u can take possession by giving bond.
Mr. BROWN. If we were going to start this to-morrow, first we would start the connection with the
main line so as to get a track in there to carry away our own material, and your siding could go off of
that temporary track the same as our own.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Still there would be no law authorizing us to acquire any title for that siding.
Mr. BROWN. Would you have law enough to go under New Jersey Avenue and C Street?
Mr. RICHARDSON. No, the Secretary of the Interior would have no authority to acquire any title to
that property for a sidetrack.
Mr. CANNON. I take it, not under this legislation, but for the construction of your tunnel, you have
authority of course to construct such tracks under your act as would enable you to do that from an economic
standpoint, and when you did, if you made that construction, it would run in your train that would carry
our material.
Mr. BROWN. That is all right beyond the switch, but the point that you cross New Jersey Avenue
and C Street would be a different place from where we would cross it.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You did not acquire the easement over the line that the switch is supposed to run
on, but the easement over your main line, and we would have no authority without an act of Congress to
authorize the Secretary of the Interior to acquire the title to property to enable Us to build a switch.
Mr. BROWN. I think that can be arranged with temporary construction of sidings across the street
at grade, could it not ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. As a fact, does this act require you to build two tracks? Can you build more
than that?
Mr. McKENNEY. We can not. It provides for tvo tracks proceeding front this point at the viaduct.
We can only put two tracks in.
Mr. MASSEY. We are limited to two.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You are required to put two, and not more than two?
Mr. MASSEY. Yes. [Reading from act:] "Is hereby authorized and required to locate, construct,
maintain, and operate a double-track railroad."
Mr. CASSELS. The act of i901 gave us the power to construct not less than two nor more than four
tracks.
Mr. BROWN. That act gives us the right, however, to make an arrangement with the District Com-
missioners to build temporary tracks for the construction of the work and then take them up after we are
through.
Mr. McKENNEY. Yes; the first section provides for a double track for a certain distance, and then
when it gets to a point on the north line of Montana Avenue, etc., it says, "And is hereby authorized to
locate, construct, maintain, and operate a line of railroad of two or more tracks."
Mr. MASSEY. The expression of the one is the exclusion of the other.
Mr. RICHARDSON. It seems to me, then, the only feasible thing for us to do with the present legislation
is to so design our foundation in the building as to provide in the hereafter that you gentlemen shall run a
switch to it from your main line.
Mr. MASSEY. That is, you mean, have the foundation so constructed it will be adapted to that situation
when the situation arises and when the right of way for that siding shall have been secured?
Mr. RICHARDSON. That is it.
Mr. MASSEY. At your expense and not ours?
Mr. RICHARDSON. Yes; in order that we may not have to tear out the foundation of the new building
in order to provide a foundation for the siding.
Mr. CANNON. Of course, in working out this matter there would be almost constant consultation
between our superintendent and the engineer department of your company.
The commission went into executive session.
James C. Courts was appointed clerk to the commission.
Thereupon, at i2.I5 o'clock p. In. the commission adjourned to meet tomorrow at 2 o'clock p. m.
MARCH 9, 1903.
The commission met at 2 o'clock p. m., pursuant to adjournment of last meeting. All of the members
were present.
J. A. Collins and John Lovett, citizens of Washington, D. C., appeared, and were accorded the
following hearing:
STATEMENTS OF J. A. COLLINS AND JOHN LOVE'X'.
Mr. COLLINS. We came up to get some information and make some statements in regard to block
No. 635.
Mr. CANNON. Which one is that?
Mr. COLLINS. The one where the car line is.
Mr. CANNON. Where- the cow barn is ?
Mr. COLLINS. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Not the one where the marble yard is ?
Mr. COLLINS. No, sir.
Mr. CANNON. You mean the corner block ?
Mr. COLLINS. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Now, just as briefly as you can, make the statement.
Mr. COLLINS. I want to show you what our idea is. Possibly you might not have had your attention
called to certain things that could be done with that block that would give it special advantage over the
other blocks. From Delaware Avenue to First Street there is a fall of nearly 40 feet--39 feet odd.
Mr. CANNON. From the Butler Building?
Mr. COLLINS. No; not from the Butler Building-from the corner below that, where the marble yard
or stone yard is.
Mr. CANNON. You mean from one corner to the other there is a fall of 4o feet ?
Mr. COLLINS. Yes, sir. I had a map with me at home that would show it, but I had no idea of making
a statement and so I did not bring it with me. Now, First Street is IO feet above tidewater-
Mr. CANNON. First Street is away up here [indicating].
Mr. RICHARDSON. No; he means First Street SW., Mr. Cannon.
Mr. COLLINS. Yes; that is IO feet above tidewater. Now, it is 39.89 feet to the top there, so that it
is a fall of nearly 40 feet from one corner to the other. Now, if you build a building there you have two
subbasements of i6 feet at least, and all lighted from the outside by windows, without any excavation at all.
Well, then, on the south side the fall is pretty nearly the same. There is a fall from the B Street to
the C Street side which would leave you one story lighted from the oustide, so that you would have natural
light all the way around.
The Pennsylvania Railroad runs two blocks south from Pennsylvania Avenue. They want to put the
power house that heats and lights it in that block. You can build a spur from the railroad there, from
that railroad, by which you can run the coal right into that building without any digging or grading.
Then, in the other direction the Printing Office stands on G Street near First Street. Now, you have
an enormous mass of documents to haul to the folding room from the Government Printing Office, and
that all can be brought up to that building without any haul uphill.
Mr. CANNON. You mean to run a track up First Street ?
Mr. COLLINS. By a street line, or in wagons, just as you please. You would have no grade to overcome.
You can put your entire power plant there, and never haul a pound of coal, by building a spur from the
railroad into that lower subbasement to First Street, which is lo feet above tidewater.
And another thing: On the opposite side on that same line are the Senate offices-the Maltby House.
Now, you have massed up on the east from here [pointing] the Library and the Supreme Court Building
and all the improvements that have been made on1 this side of the Capitol. This west front is barren,
almost. It is adesolation there. And the north side is fairly improved from First Street to the Maltby.
Now, if you had this new building down on this side, with the Maltby or a new building in its place over
there on that side-and I believe there is a provision made by the Senate to that effect-and they should
have the same consideration for their own comfort ash
Mr. CANNON. No; there is nothing about the Senate OfficeBuilding in the law that passed.
Mr. COLLINS. Anyway, you would have the House wing on one side and the Senate wing on the other;
an(lwould havethe anBotanic Gardenallisthebelow. Now, if that
then other block near No. 635 was turned into the Mall you
open park way through, and this part would be improved in comparison with that
of the Capitol. But the especial advantage would be the approach for that heavy machinery
onandthecoaleastandsidesupplies and heating apparatus,without any hauling.
Mr. CANNON. Do you control that
Mr. COLLINS. Yes; practically.
property?
Mr. CANNON. What is it worth ?
Mr. COLLINS. Well, that is a question that I am not at liberty to state. I do not know. The interest
rests in a friend of mine, and he will have to make the arrangement himself as to the price. I do not know
anything about the price.
Mr. LovE'rr. The price would not be exorbitant; I know that.
Mr. CANNON. That would depend upon what you would call exorbitant.
Mr. LovrErr. 178,000
I made an estimate. You have 690
square feet in block No. 635. In No. you
have 201.000 square feet. Now, youdeduct area alleyways in both blocks, you have a difference of
if the of
23,000 square feet. Now, there areno improvements to speak of on No. 635. They are practically valueless.
But here [referring to block No. 69o] you have a fine hotel, and Judge Holt's old residence on the corner
back there, and all the other valuable buildings, with $2oo,ooo or $300,000 worth of improvements.
Mr. CANNON. You have no idea of what the value is ?
Mr. LovF'ri. Estimating the land value at the same price, you have got to go 4o feet underground to
get the same level you are at on First Street SW.
MTr. CANNON. How far have you to go, did you say? You are IO feet above tidewater, in a swamp.
Would you not have to go 20 or 30 feet down there for a foundation?
Mr. LovwErr. I have never been underground there, or attempted to make a foundation; but at any
rate you would save enough in the area, more than enough, to pay for that difference.
Mr. CANNON. Why?
Mr. Lovir-r. Because you have more in this block already than in this [indicating], and you have no
iml)rovements that you will have to throw away and pay for.
-Mr. CANNON. There are no alleyways through the other block, No. 635?
Mr. COILLINS, Oh, certainly; there is a large alley, 30 feet wide, that runs from north to south in this
block, No. 635, and the calculated area of this alley is deducted from the general area of the whole block,
because the area of the alley belongs to the United States already.
Mr. RICHARDSON. We would not have to pay for that area?
Mr. COILILINs. No; so there is a difference of nearly 24,000 square feet in the block, and the alley the
United States already owns, and you would not have to pay for expensive buildings on the ground.
Mr. LovFrir. I will give you some idea. The best of it would be somewhere in the neighborhood
of $4. a foot.
Mr. CANNON. Down here?
Air. LovTorr The best of it-for that which lies up the hill.
Mr. CANNON. Why, block No. 690 and this block together are not worth $4 a foot if you were to put
one of them right on top of the other, in my judgment.
Mr. HEPBURN. At $4 a square foot that would be more than four times the appraisement.
Mr. COLLINS. You have got 178,ooo feet in block No. 635. At $4 a foot that would be $712,000.
Mr. HEPBURN. It is all appraised at $240,000.
Mr. LovErr. Property is not appraised at anything like its real value in this city.
Mr. HEPBURN. They say it is appraised at 6o per cent of its real value. At $+ a foot we could not
touch that at all, because the appropriation is not sufficient.
Mr. LovFr'r. Excuse me; for the whole block it would not be probably more than a half of that.
When I said $+ a foot, I was speaking of the upper corner there.
The commission went into executive session, whereupon the following action was had:
On motion of Mr. Hepburn, it was determined by the commission that, of the squares mentioned in
the act authorizing the commission, and for other purposes, the block numbered 690 be chosen as the one
to be acquired as a site for the office building in contemplation. And accordingly the following notice of
their action ill the promises was prepare(l and signed for delivery by the commission to the Secretary of
the Interior:
House OF REPRESENTATIVES,
JJas/iwgton, D. C., Marc/i 9, I9o.
Hon. E. A. HITCHCOCK,
Secretary of the Interior.
DEAR SIR: At a meeting held this 9th day of March, 1903, of the commission of the House of Repre-
sentatives appointed March 3, 1903, as attested by the Clerk of the House of Representatives in the accom-
panying certificate, and under authority of the following provision contained in the act entitled "An act
making appropriations for sundry civil expefises of the Government for the fiscal year ending June 30,
I904, and for other purposes," approved March 3, I903, namely-
"To acquire a site for, and toward the construction of, a fireproof building for committee rooms,
folding room, and other offices for the House of Representatives, and for necessary office rooms for Mlenm-
bers thereof, to be erected on one of the squares bounded by B Street south, C Street south, First Street
east, and First Street west, as the commission hereinafter provided shall determ;ile, $75o,ooo; and said
building shall be constructed substantially according to the plans prepared under thle provisions of an act
of Congress approved March 3, 190i, with such modifications as may be found necessary or advantageous,
and at a cost, exclusive of site, not to exceed $3,i00,000, for any part or all of which sutmn contracts are
authorized to be entered into. Said construction and letting of contracts including the employment of all
necessary skilled and other services shall be under the control of the Superintendent of the Capitol Building
and Grounds, subject to the direction and supervision of a commission, which is hereby created, to be
composed of three members-elect to the House of Representatives of the Fifty-eighth Congress to be
appointed by the Speaker of the Fifty-seventh Congress; vacancies occurring, by resignation or otherwise,
in the membership of said commission shall be filled by succeeding Speakers of the House.
"The commission herein authorized shall, within thirty days after their appointment, determine wh/ic/
of the squares above described shall be acquired and used for a site for the building herein provided for, and
shall notify the Secretary of the Interior in writing of their determination, whereupon the Secretary of the
Interior shall, within thirty days after the receipt of such notice, proceed in the manner prescribed for
providing a site for an addition to the Government Printing Office in so much of the act approved July 1,
i898, as is set forth on pages 648 and 649 of volume 30 of the Statutes at Large, to acquire the square so
determined upon; and for the purposes of such acquisition the Secretary of the Interior shall have and
exercise all the powers conferred upon the Public Printer in said act.
"The appropriations herein and hereafter made for said site and building shall be disbursed by the
Secretary of the Interior"-
the undersigned members-elect to the House of Representatives of the Fifty-eighth Congress constituting
said commission, determined, and hereby notify you as required in said provision of law, that they have
determined, that of the squares mentioned in said law, the one which is numbered 69o, bounded on the
east by First Street SE., on the south by C Street SE., on the west by New Jersey Avenue SE., and on
the north by B Street SE., and separated from the southeast section of the present Capitol grounds by
13 Street SE., shall be acquired by you in the manner prescribed, and used for a site for the building
mentioned and authorized to be constructed by said law.
Please acknowledge receipt hereof.
Very respectfully, J. G. CANNON,
W. P. HEPBURN,
JAMES D. RICHARDSON,
Members of the Commission.
On motion of Mr. Hepburn, it was
Ordered, T hat the Superintendent of the Capitol be directed to make all necessary borings, examina-
tions, and investigations on block No. 690, with a view to the designing of the necessary foundations for
the building contemplated by the act.
And on motion of Mr. Hepburn, it was
Ordered, That the Superintendent of the Capitol be instructed to communicate with competent first-
class architects in relation to the architectural work of the elevation and interior of the building contem-
plated by the act, and that he report their names and terms to the commission.
Thereupon the commission, at 3 o'clock p. m., adjourned, subject to call.
WASHINGTON, D. C., March 9, o903.

Mr. ELLIOTT WOODS,
Superintendent of the Capitol.
SIR: At a meeting, held this day, of the commission of members of the House of Representatives
appointed to determine the site for an office building for the use of the House of Representatives and to
supervise and direct the construction thereof the following action was taken, namely:
On motion of Mr. Hepburn, it was
Ordered, That the Superintendent of the Capitol be directed to make all necessary borings, examina-
tions, and investigations on block No. 690 with a view to the designing of the necessary foundations for
the building contemplated by the act.
And on motion of Mr. Hepburn, it was
Ordered, That the Superintendent of the Capitol be instructed to communicate with competent first-
class architects in relation to the architectural work of the elevation and interior of the building contem-
plated by the act, and that he report their names and terms to the commission.
Very respectfully,
JAMES C. COURTS,
Clerk to the Commission.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,

Washington, March II, 1903.
Hons. J. G. CANNON, W. P. HEPBURN, and
JAMES D. RICHARDSON, Commissioners, etc.
SIRS: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 9th instant, advising
me that you had determined upon square No. 690 as the site of a building for committee rooms, etc., for
the House of Representatives, for which appropriation was made in the sundry civil appropriation act
approved March 3, 1903 (Public, No. 157).
In accordance with the directions of said act I have this day requested the Attorney General to institute
proceedings before the supreme court of the District of Columbia for the condemnation of said square.
Very respectfully,
E. A. HITCHCOCK, Secretary.
IJashington, D. C., March .j, i904.
The commission of the House of Representatives to determine the site for, and to direct and supervise
the construction of a fireproof building for committee rooms, folding room, and other offices for the House
of Representatives this day met at 2 o'clock p. in., in the Speaker's room.
President Joseph G. Cannon, of Illinois (chairman); W. P. Hepburn, of Iowa, and James G.
Richardson, of Tennessee.
There appeared before the committee Mr. George V. Massey, general counsel; Mr. W. H. Brown,
chief engineer of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Mr. Elliott Woods, Superintendent of the Capitol Building
and Grounds.
Mr. CANNON. Where would you put the switch connecting with the proposed power house for the
House of Representatives Office Building?
Mr. BROWN. You would have to put the power house in the north side of the wall along the park, as
it is to-day, and then you would have to cross the wall onto the north side onto the park side of the wall.
Mr. CANNON. What is there here [indicating] ?
Mr. BROWN. That is the park.
Mr. CANNON. On the other side of New Jersey Avenue?
Mr. CANNON. How far up does it extend ?
Mr. BROWN. Second Street.
Mr. CANNON. This is First Street. How many feet is that ?
Mr. WOODS. You mean beyond New Jersey Avenue? About 6oo.
Mr. BROWN. About 6oo feet; something like that.
Mr. CANNON. You know the topography down there, do you ?
Mr. CANNON. If you put a power house there at this point here-
Mr. BROWN. New Jersey Avenue?
Mr. CANNON. Yes; New Jersey Avenue. How much would it mar the park; that is, if you put it here ?
Mr. BROWN. I do not think it would mar it as much, because if you take here [indicating] you would
cut a nasty notch out of the park, and there you get a triangle like that, and it would not hurt the park.
Nearly rectangular, nearly square.
Mr. CANNON [indicating]. Is that the point, Mr. Woods ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Just show where we were looking at this morning.
Mr. WOODS. This red line indicates it. We were down at this corner.
Mr. CANNON. The difference from here to there [indicating] is about 400 or 5oo feet ?
Mr. CANNON. And then you would go, if you wanted to reach the Capitol with your steam concern, or
wanted to reach this building, you would run down that avenue and reach it here. Where is our building
here ?
Mr. BROWN. There is the office building [indicating].
Mr. CANNON. You would run on down in front, then. It would be a straight line, would it not?
Mr. WOODS. Mr. Brown, however, makes the point that in crossing New Jersey Avenue here [indi-
cating] that would strike into their railroad tunnel; but if we lay those mains as they are laid, for instance,
in New York we would not build a regular form of tunnel for it. It would be laid under the surface.
Mr. BROWN. Close to the surface.
Mr. WOODS. Probably close to the surface.
Mr. CANNON. Now, what is the depth between the surface and your tunnel top at that point ?
Mr. BROWN. About 3 feet.
Mr. WOODS. That is very little for us. But that could be avoided by coming up South Capitol Street
or coming up First Street as we propose to do now.
Mr. CANNON. Which is First Street ?
Mr. BROWN. This is First Street [indicating].
Mr. CANNON. Suppose you put your power house here at this point [indicating].
Mr. BROWN. That is all right if we go on down to First Street with the power house to this First Street
line, and if we had this loop system
Mr. CANNON. Is this the office building [indicating] ?
Mr. BROWN. That is the office building.
Mr. CANNON. Then you would have less distance to run from there to there [indicating] than if you
would come up New Jersey Avenue?
Mr. BROWN. Why not go up First Street ?
Mr. CANNON. I say you would have less distance going up this street [indicating] and cross over the
top of the tunnel.
Mr. WOODS. That is easily done.
Mr. CANNON. It is a shorter distance than it would be to run up this [indicating]?
Mr. BROWN. It would be better for another reason. I will tell you why. This bridge has to be raised
some six or eight feet, and there is to be a grade put on it like that [indicating] to get up to it, and this
would be a new embankment to put your station in. It would be better for you to put it on First Street-
on1 the east side of First Street up there, or any side of First Street until you get up to this place, and cross
over the top of the tunnel. You see I have got plenty of room there to cross over, because you have got
15 feet between the bottom of your cellar floor to the top of the tunnel, about, have you not ?
Mr. WooDs. Yes, sir.
Mr. BROWN. I'hat would let you cross in there, but you could not cross there with a pipe.
Mr. WOODS. If we put in, as is proposed, a loop system, eventually, then we do not need to touch
New Jersey Avenue, because we would come up First Street. Instead of crossing here [indicating] we
would come down there, come around through the center of the Capitol, and down South Capitol Street,
anal then cross to the power house again, leaving New Jersey Avenue free and also freeing ourselves of the
railroad tracks.
Mr. BROWN. You would have no trouble, then.
Mr. CANNON. Col. Hepburn, do you understand this is now where he suggests ? Here is where we
looked for a power house this morning, running down here.
Mr. HEPBURN. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Now, this is a reservation, is it not [indicating] ?
Mr. BROWN. That would be a little harder to get at there, because when this bank is made for New
Jersey Avenue (io or 15 feet of a bank there) you would have to have a tunnel under the bank to get into
the house.
Mr. CANNON. Would that not interfere with the switch ?
Mr. BROWN. The switch would be on this side, Switch would go in there as well as not, only it
would put that much additional cost to your house building and tunnel under New Jersey Avenue.
Mr. CANNON, Did you look at that enough to see whether that would mar that park unduly? We
concluded it would not, here,
Mr. HEPBURN. I did not think of it here, but I did there. Is this the point where we went first
[indicating] ?
Mr. WOODS. The first point we went to was here. We drove in there [indicating].
Mr. HEPBURN. Undoubtedly it would mar the park there very much, but I thought down here next
this avenue
Mr. CANNON. It would not mar it at all ?
-Mr. BROWN. You could not get a switch into it there, without putting in a point switch--a dangerous
switch.
Mr. CANNON. You can get a switch here [indicating] ?
Mr. BROWN. No trouble there at all.
Mr. HEPBURN. That seems to be right in the midst of this [indicating].
REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION. 119
Mr. CANNON. Just across the railroad there are yards. Thirty or forty tracks, you say ?
Mr. WOODS. As I understand it, the Government has turned over to you all this ground between this
proposed new main line and old lines over there [indicating], which you make into a yard.
Mr. BROWN. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. This is your yard here [indicating]?
Mr. WOODS. That is the-old line now.
Mr. CANNON. This is the new line [indicating] ?
Mr. WOODS. That is the new line.
Mr. BROWN. The end of the Virginia Avenue tunnel is right here, and all this is yard up there [indi-
cating].
Mr. HEPBURN. This is the direction of the present tunnel [indicating] ?
Mr. HEPBURN. You come in this way?
Mr. HEPBURN. How do you come in around this [indicating]? Do you back in always?
Mr. BROWN. This runs on down to Long Bridge, and the new line, the first avenue line, comes off
the old line at about Second. Street.
Mr. HEPBURN. Do you run on down here with your passenger trains, and back them up here [indi-
cating] ?
Mr. BROWN. We are building a cut-off, in order to come off the north end of the station, and keep
on to the south end. Now, you know, the southern trains have to come in to Sixth Street, and switch out
that way.
Mr. CANNON. As it is, you do not use this for passengers at all. This is for freight exclusively ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. That is along the new branch ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. All your passengers that will come over the Long Bridge will come here, except
you maintain a station down there [indicating] ?
Mr. MASSEY. This side of the Long Bridge.
Mr. CANNON. Now, suppose we would put our power house there [indicating], you would put a switch
to it?
Mr. BROWN. There would be no trouble putting a switch into that if you put the power house at the
New Jersey end of the park.
Mr. CANNON. At what point, for instance, would you commence here with your switch ?
Mr. BROWN. Along here, just before we got on to the South Capitol Street Bridge; probably within
a couple of hundred feet of the South Capitol Street Bridge, and then we. would cross at that with a safety
switch. We would have to cut a hole in the wall we have there.
Mr. CANNON. And then you would hook it right up here, then ?
Mr. BROWN. We could either do that or do this: Here is the property, and here is the park [indicat-
ing]. Now, we could put the switch in here, and we could do that, and then you could put your power
house here, or you could set your power house that way [indicating] and we could go back a little bit farther
and put your switch on that side, whichever you choose. Does not make a particle of difference now.
Mr. HEPBURN. It would be more desirable to have it on the south side of the power house.
Mr. CANNON. It would be less of an annoyance to the park.
Mr. WOODS. It ought to be on the south side of the power house.
Mr. BROWN. No trouble about that at all.
Mr. CANNON. Now, your power house would be here. This is private property here, is it not [indi-
cating] ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes, sir; that is private property.
Mr. CANNON. You would build your power house right there?
Mr. CANNON. Not a great ways from that private property [indicating] ? This reservation and this
reservation [indicating] is park up there, is it not?
Mr. BROWN. Up to there [indicating]. There will be no communicating for park purposes across
this way, across New Jersey Avenue, because this will have to be put on a bank; New Jersey Avenue will
have to be raised up there some 8 or IO feet to get over the new railroad.
Mr. CANNON. And it will be 6 or 8 or IO feet right in front of that plot ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes; this power house you build here would hardly be visible from the foot walk of
that private property.
Mr. CANNON. That relieves us entirely. Col. Hepburn, you understand it, do you ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. I was not with you?
Mr. WOODS. I would think if that was located in here and proper~work done to form this into a rec-
tangle, it would not be obnoxious to the city at all.
Mr. BROWN. They would have to remodel all this part in the park. That is the intention.
Mr. CANNON. That would have to be remodeled, anyway.
Mr. BROWN. That is what I mean to say; on account of our cutting it up. We have to-day a board
fence IO feet inside of our line in order to keep the workmen-the Italians-from getting over in the park
and dirtying it up, and all that; and when we get the wall built that fence will come down. That fence is
now IO feet inside of our line, on the Government property. So, if your power house went up against
where that board fence is now, there would be almost room enough for your siding inside of the fence, next
the railroad.
Mr. CANNON. If our power house-what do you mean ?
Mr. BROWN. If you build here now, up against the board fence, as it is to-day.
Mr. CANNON. Are you IO feet in the park or IO feet on your line ?
Mr. BROWN. That board fence is IO feet on the Government property. They allowed us to put it
there temporarily, until we got the wall built.
Mr. CANNON. Then that IO feet would be room for the switch ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes, sir; very near.
Mr. CANNON. I will say to you, Mr. Richardson, we have been considering the proposition of putting
she heating apparatus out of here, out of this building altogether, and of dispensing with the tunnel that
we talked about branching off from the railroad tunnel, and have an independent tunnel to run into our
basement, abandoning that and putting a power house where we could get up on the railroad, take away
our ashes and bring in the coal, both, and putting it of sufficient size when we begin so that it could be en-
larged; that we could run our steam pipes down here, say, on First Street, and run in here, and then when
we wanted to, run farther on and heat the Library, and run farther on and heat that building, and we could
run across here and heat the Capitol. The idea being, which Mr. Woods tells us is quite practicable, to
dispense with everything that is heating, at least in these public buildings up on the hill here, and to get
rid of the danger, and the smell, and the expense, and all that, of having the various heating plants.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Is that what you call the power house ?
Mr. CANNON. That is what you call the power house here [indicating].
Mr. RICHARDSON. You get the steam over there ?
Mr. CANNON. Yes; just run your steam in.
Mr. WOODS. Supply everything-current, power, and everything else.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You would change this tunnel, then, would you not? Change the location of it?
Mr. CANNON. YOU would not interfere with the railroad tunnel, because we have got a couple of
conflicting acts, but it would not change the railroad tunnel. We spoke of having a bridge off in here in
our hearings, which are in print somewher( here-I do not know just where-branching off arid making
an independent tunnel into the basement of our public building, which, it seems to me, it would probably
be apt to avoid. Now, it would take two-thirds of an acre, would it not, for your power house ?
Mr. CANNON. We went down and looked at the site, which is down on quite low ground, and
removed from all this property here. Col. Hepburn and myself did not see any objection to putting a
power house there and taking that much off the park. Here runs the railroad [indicating]. But it does
not seem to be feasible now. A suggestion that we put it there--
Mr. RICHARDSON. Near New Jersey Avenue?
Mr. CANNON. Near New Jersey Avenue. There is private property [indicating]. Now, New Jersey
Avenue is to be from 6 to 8 feet here above grade, right along New Jersey Avenue, right in front of that
private property, to get over their tracks. Now, if you would put your power house right in there, that
grade is the objection to that private property. That would be obnoxious to the private property to some
extent, but as that has to come in, I do not see that it would injure this part at all if we would take two-
thirds of an acre there for a power house, and then we would have our switch in here.
Mr. RICHARDSON. That looks all right.
Mr. CANNON. We do not go up there exactly [indicating].
Mr. HEPBURN. We were where we could see it.
Mr. CANNON. This is reservation, which, I suppose, has been counted a part of the park. That is
practically cut off; this grade cuts it off, and it would be an independent park, or it might be a little park
over there, or might be used for other purposes, so far as that is concerned.
Mr. RICHARDSON. The division there would be something like that down on the Mall now, where
the Pennsylvania Railroad comes in at Sixth Street ?
Mr. BROWN. Occupied by the Fish Commission house.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You have got a road right through the park there by bridge. There is this New
Jersey Avenue crossing that would be very much like the crossing that is over Sixth Street in the park-
about what would be C Street SW.
Mr. CANNON. If you think, without binding anybody-if you and Col. Hepburn seem to think well
of that- det us go ahead now and take up our other matters that we have in view.
Mr. RICHARDSON. That is agreeable to me.
Mr. CANNON. Both of you gentlemen were present at our last meeting.
Mr. MASSEY. We were, sir,
Mr. CANNON. The stenographer was after us, and the hearing was in black and white.
Mr. MASSEY. Very accurately reported, as I remember it. And I read it afterwards.
Mr. CANNON. Now, as I recollect it, in substance (let us see if I have the right understanding of it), it
was along the line of the construction of the tunnel under block 690 that you, at your own expense, were to
make that tunnel, so as not to interfere with our building or not to harm our building. That would
include walls and everything else, so that if we chose we could raise our building upon the tunnel; and
then, as I recollect it, you were to construct a tunnel at your expense, the branch tunnel spoken of, from
some point here not far from where your principal tunnel commences, up to the basement of the Govern-
ment building, without expense to the Government?
Mr. RICHARDSON. The office building?
Mr. CANNON. Yes; office building; without expense to the Government. I think we did not attempt
to bind the Government-that is my recollection-by any talk that might be had, because it was not clear
to our commission what the legal rights of the Government might be upon the one hand or the rights of
the railroad upon the other. Now it seems to us that that hearing did not contemplate their paying any-
thing for the right of way, did it ?
Mr. MASSEY. That was the suggestion; that was the consideration.
Mr. CANNON. Now, if it suits our convenience to dispense with this tunnel and make our power house
as indicated, or to dispense with it, however we may heat the house, it seems to us the equivalent of the
cost of the tunnel you should make good. Is that right ?
Mr. HEPBURN. I would think so.
Mr. MASSEY. Do I understand you, Mr. Speaker, if this be dispensed with and the railway company
is accorded, without expense, title to its right of way through block 690, that in view of what was discussed
with the commission a year ago, which then contemplated a tunnel to be constructed into the basement of
the annex building and which we then undertook on behalf of the railroad company we would construct
without expense to the Government, upon the understanding that we were accorded the right of way
without charge-if that be dispensed with, you think, maintaining the same conditions with reference to
free right of way through this property, we should furnish an equivalent for the cost of that tunnel ?
Mr. CANNON. Yes, sir.
Mr. MASSEY. I do not see why that is not entirely fair and reasonable. That was the understanding
before, Mr. Brown.
Mr. BROWN. When that proposition was made the understanding was that this house was going to
set back from the street ioo feet or 90 feet around and that would only bring one corner of the building
on the tunnel, and we have to put $40,ooo of reenforcement in that tunnel to carry the house to the present
location.
Mr. HEPBURN. Was there anything definite fixed ?
Mr. WOODS. Was it not a fact that I discussed with you at the time that the lines of the building were
not decided upon ?
Mr. BROWN. The lines of the building were not entirely decided upon at that time, it is true.
Mr. MASSEY. It was so stated.
Mr. CANNON. I think you will find, if you read it over-I have read it once since-we were in reality
(discussilng the occupying of the whole of this ground for a public building, and discussed the question
whether it could be done with safety, and that you, gentlemen, and Mr. Green, and the engineer officer
all agreed that it could.
Mr. HEPBURN. If you remember, some weeks ago, when we talked about a possible change, and
when we talked about going up to Philadelphia to stand over those tunnels to see what the effect of vibra-
tion was, Col. Cassel expressed the opinion then that that was all definitely arranged, and going up there
would simply be gratifying to our curiosity, without in any way changing the aspect of the facts.
Mr. BROWN. There is no engineering difficulty in making that tunnel strong enough to carry a house,
as shown on the plan there to-day. The one point I make is that we have to put a great deal more of
reenforceinent on the plan than was contemplated when it first came up. Because, if the house sat back
90 feet from the building line, one corner would only come on this side, while all the tunnel, instead of
lapping clear over-
Mr. HEPBURN. Was there anything said that that building would be 90 feet ? That is a side street.
There is not like anything like the same reason for setting that line back that there would be on the Penn-
sylvania Avenue line or New Jersey Avenue line.
Mr. BROWN. We will be in just this fix: If the Government was not in this case at all we would have
had to buy the properties on First Street, have had to buy the lots and fee of them at a cost of $133,895.
We had prices on them before the Government came there to do any condemnation; we were told you
were going to use it; that the Government was going to condemn the property and wanted us to keep out
of it and drop the matter right there. The most expensive lot of all, at the corner of B Street, which is
now used as a hotel, would not have been hurt by the tunnel at all. We would have skipped that house
entirely, and wve certainly could have received all that property for at least two-thirds of what the Govern-
mient gave for it.
Mr. MASSEY. Are these offers-
Mr. BROWN. From real estate people.
Mr. CANNON. You are not speaking of the whole block ?
Mr. BROWN. Just the front, on First Street. It would have cost us $133,000 to have bought the
whole lot.
Mr. HEPBURN. Lot fronting on First Street?
Mr. WOODS. That means all along here [indicating].
Mr. BROWN. We would have had to buy all of that lot, because it is all one property, and all these
lots here [indicating], and here is where this hotel is. The tunnel skips the hotel building entirely, and
we could have gotten at least two-thirds of our money back out of that surface, including the hotel, and
that would have made our right of way cost us $48,ooo.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Do you estimate now that it would cost more money, Mr. Brown, if the foundation
of the building extends over nearer to First Street than we were considering at the time ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes, sir. We have to put forty-three thousand and some odd dollars there as
reenforcement.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Why?
Mr. BROWN. Because it has to be built larger, stronger, and heavier.
Mr. RICHARDSON. What do you mean by this statement here on page 32, Mr. Brown [referring to
report of proceedings of 1903] ?
"Why could we not leave the tunnel line just where it is and make the side walls strong enough to
carry the corner of the building? It would not cost any more extra money for foundations on top of the
tunnel than if the building was not there."
Mr. BROWN. That ;s the corner of the building. The corner of that building only came on the side
wall, go feet from the house line each way. That would not cost very much, but here we have got to put
in $43,000 worth of reenforcement. You want us to put in $43,ooo worth of reenforcements and give you
the price of the tunnel down here, which is about 600 feet long, $45,000 more.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Would you make the top of the tunnel there stronger with the building coming
over it than if the building did not come over it ?
Mr. BROWN. Oh, my, yes.
Mr. RICHARDSON. What you said there did not indicate much, but that was simply because you put
the corner on it ?
Mr. BROWN. NO; that was simply because of the cost of the corner of the building. Now, when
we talk about that, the corner of the building was to come on the edge of the wall, just about like that,
and it was that one wall that we proposed to make heavy, to carry this corner of the building, as stated
in there [indicating]. The old building came to about there, or a little bit more-little larger than that.
The corner of the building did not come quite out into the arch of the tunnel, just came within the side
wall. There would not have been any trouble making that side wall-a little piece of masonry like that-
but this thing that we have got to put in here now will cost $43,oOo.
Mr. CANNON. My general recollection is that there was nothing in this conversation that indicated
that we were bound, or even contemplating, not occupying the whole of that block for our building.
Mr. BROWN. The $43,000 in the tunnel there in the shape of work, and then putting $45,ooo worth
more of tunnel, it would make about $50,ooo more than it would have cost us if the Government had not
come into the block at all. We could have gotten through there for $48,000.
Mr. WooDs. It seems to me that the whole tenor of that hearing that day, after reading this over,
was this, that whatever we had to do the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. would stand ready to support it in
the way of construction. In other words, I do not see anything in that hearing that limits us to figure
on a building line 8o feet back, although it may have been suggested in the hearing that that was the
initial line laid down.
Mr. BROWN. That was the building that we were talking about that day. That was the under-
standing, that the building was not going out to the building line. I think you will find in that report
there it mentions something about strengthening up the walls to support the corner of the building; this
building that is here now.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Your statement then was you would build it just as if it was not going to be sure;
you would build it just as strong. You would not have to add anything to the strength of the wall because
it came there ?
Mr. BROWN. We would have to make the wall stronger; but it makes a great deal of difference
whether you get the corner of the building over onto the arch or onto the side wall, because we can make
the side wall a part of your foundation; but where we get over on the side arch with nothing under it,
you have got to reenforce the arches to make them strong enough.
Mr. MASSEY. Have you got anything in your plans to show the difference in the plan of construction
of the tunnel at this point ?
Mr. BROWN. No; I have not. The plan of a line, as it was approved by the Commissioners, had
the building marked on it and checked around.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Could you give us some idea, from your knowledge of the thing, what would be
the difference in the construction if the building had to lap over the arch and if it did not have to lap over ?
What would be the difference in the construction ?
Mr. l3RowN. The building that we calculated, or we were talking about at that time, would be just
about what would be your inside wall, your rear wall, your corner that was to come over on the side wall
of the tunnel. Now, this is the outline that you want to build on now [indicating], and all the southeastern
corner of the building comes over to the tunnel and some of it across the tunnel.
Mr. RICHARDSON. What is the difference in the size of the construction you would have to use in
the two foundations ?
Mr. BROWN. In the old, original plan all we would have to do would be to build an extra side wall
there to support -the-corner of this building. Now we have to build a wall there 250 feet long on that side
and 175 feet in the middle, and 150 feet on this side, heavy walls like these, and put iron beams across
this way, and bridge it over, so that you can build the foundation of the house right on top of the tunnel.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Then, in your opinion, would it be safe from vibration ?
Mr. BROWN. Yes; I do not think it would feel it at all.
Mr. HEPBURN. What would the other construction have been ?
Mr. BROWN. The building would not have been on top of the tunnel.
Mr. HEPBURN. I am speaking of the tunnel. What is the difference in the construction of the tunnel ?
You say the wall has to be reenforced. How much? What would have been the wall under the old
scheme as you suggested ?
Mr. BROWN. This side wall would not have gone down so deep, and it would have only been about
half as thick as this-would have been built out of concrete; the eastern side wall would only have been
about half as thick as it is shown here, and then we would have dispensed entirely with these I beams that
go across on top.
Mr. HEPBURN. What is the thickness of those walls now?
Mr. BROWN. On the tunnel ?
Mr. BROWN. Four feet.
Mr. HEPBURN. There would have been z feet, without reference to the building?
Mr. BROWN. Oh, no; been 4 feet without reference to the building.
Mr. HEPBURN. Now they will be 6 feet?
Mr. BROWN. Now they will be 6 feet; but the expensive portion of it is no top of here, where you
have to put in 24-inch I beams, suppose, 24 feet back under the heaviest portion of the building; and
there is so much more of it. The building as it was set back from the house line did not occupy so much
of the top of the tunnel as does this.
Mr. HEPBURN. I was trying to get the difference in the construction of the tunnel under the two
propositions.
Mr. BROWN. There is a difference of about $43,000.
Mr. HEPBURN. I had that money difference in my mind, but it was the mechanical difference that
I wanted.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You want to know what made that $43,000?
Mr. HEPBURN. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. You may take the whole document, and there is nothing in the negotiation, taking it
all together, that looked toward binding the Government to set its building line back 6o feet, or any other
distance.
Mr. MASSEY. There was not anything in that situation that justifies that conclusion. That is not
the point about which I understand Mr. Brown is speaking-that there was no such definite, fixed arrange-
ment that the Government should be limited in the extent of the building. It was fairly understood and
distinctly mentioned at that hearing that the extent to which the Government might extend its building
was not definitely settled; but the plan then disclosed, tentatively, of course, and the calculations which
were made, a9od the conditions which were stated, were based upon the theory of a structural condition
that made the corner overlap the tunnel, the side wall; but there was no understanding by which any-
body was bound it should not be increased.
Mr. CANNON. How long ago was it that you read this?
Mr. MASSEY. The last day I was down here I read it all over.
Mr. CANNON. Is it fresh in your mind ?
Mr. MASSEY. Quite so.
Mr. CANNON. I read it over in October in a hurry, but I have not any doubt, from my general recol-
lection, but that you were to construct, so far as an arrangement could be made, a tunnel so as to support
our building; that you were not to have anything to pay for the right of way after wve had condemned the
fee, and in addition, at your expense, we furnishing the right of way whereby you could take the street,
you were to make the tunnel without expense to the Government.
Mr. MASSEY. That was absolutely the understanding, but that was based upon this theory, as Mr.
Brown suggests. I asked Mr. Brown what the expense would be to this tunnel. I asked him what the
expense would be to increase the tunnel walls to support the corner of the building, and then we agreed
we would build that tunnel, being furnished with the right of way, without expense to the Government.
But that there was any limitation, or any suggestion of any limitation, I remember, Mr. Speaker, you said,
just before the conclusion of your conference, "This is not definitely settled. Our present inspection is
as it is stated here, but the building may be enlarged; it is not definitely settled yet." I remember that
distinctly.
Mr. WOODS. My impression is that the line mentioned in the hearings, the distance of that building
line, was never disclosed until that hearing. In other words, it was not disclosed beforehand, was it ?
Mr. MASSEY. I do not know but that it was discussed here that day between you and Mr. Brown.
And Mr. Brown came to me and said, "The location of this building is such that only the corner of it
comes on our tunnel wall, and therefore it does not involve any very considerable additional expense."
You remember that, Mr. Brown ?
Mr. BROWN. I remember it perfectly.
Mr. CANNON. You are in Washington right along?
Mr. MASSEY. No, sir; I am general counsel of the company, at the general offices in Philadelphia.
Mr. CANNON. I think this is a fair conclusion: Now, if we abandon the tunnel, it is equitable to
relieve you of that cost; it seems to me equitable you should pay the difference.
Mr. MASSEY. Let me make a suggestion for your consideration, Mr. Speaker and members of the
commission. Certainly it can not be fairly urged that a subsurface occupation-that an easement consti-
tuted by a subsurface occupation which leaves the surface available, and as available as it was without
exercise of the easement-is to be computed on the basis of the square-foot value to the Government.
Mr. CANNON. I am not computing any values at all; I am trying to get what would seem to me to be
equitable. You say you can make that tunnel so as to support the building ?
Mr. CANNON. I say that we thought you could when we selected the site. When we condemned that
land, we had already selected it and concluded to build there. Then, I say, in addition to that, without
regard to its cost, you thought it would be equitable-and legislation was then spoken of--for you to pay
the cost of the small tunnel. If I was a private individual, and you were a private individual instead of
representing the Pennsylvania Railroad, and I was representing myself, I would say that that was the fair
conclusion to be drawn from our conference. Now, then, if we dispense with that other tunnel, it seems
to me that you ought to reimburse the Government for that amount. If we do not dispense with that other
tunnel, you ought to build it.
Mr. MASSEY. If we did not dispense with the other tunnel, we agreed to do it, fairly and frankly.
Mr. CANNON. Precisely. Now, the fact that we dispense with the other tunnel and put our power
house there-if we conclude to do it, which has not been determined upon yet-down on your line where
it would not bother you on your passenger line, and where you could deliver through time and up to the
edge of eternity the coal that we want, and take away our ashes and do anything else for use we wanted
you to do and we would have to pay you for, would be along the line of your interest ? This exact question
never would have arisen, it seems to me, if it had not been that we were considering the point of making
a general power house that would heat all the public buildings on the hill here.
Mr. MASSEY. I see, sir. It goes without saying, Mr. Chairman, that it would be infinitely preferable
to have authority of legislation granting the easement.
Mr. CANNON. Why, yes; it is preferable, and it is preferable that the full agreement should be made
as to the construction of this tunnel, as we talked, to accomplish what must be accomplished with safety
to the Government, if we build that building. If I represented the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. I would
want the legislation.
Mr. MASSEY. I say, it goes without saying that it is preferable.
Mr. CANNON. And, representing the Government, I would prefer the legislation, because when the
legislation is had the parties who act for the Government are free from criticism. And I would act for the
Government in this case precisely as I would act for myself.
Mr. MASSEY. I had the impression, Mr. Brown, that some land that wve owned is wanted
Mr. CANNON. There is not enough of it, we find on examination. I-How is the plan that you have
prepared ?
Mr. WOODS. The plan that is now prepared puts this line of the building-
Mr. RICHARDSON. That is, the east side of our Office Building?
Mr. WOODS (continuing). Right on the building line, the east line of the projection.
Mr. RICHARDSON. On the square?
Mr. WOODS. Right there [indicating].
Mr. CANNON. Runs right up here to the line [indicating].
Mr. RICHARDSON. And that projects our building, then, of course, across their tunnel ?
Mr. MASSEY. Altogether across it.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Why did you gentlemen assume before that we were not going any farther than
the first wall of your tunnel ?
Mr. MASSEY. It was so stated by Mr. Woods and it was so stated here.
Mr. WooDs. Somebody asked how far back the building would be set, and I thought somewhere
about 8o feet from the building line. After all, it was only a tentative situation; it could not have been
anything else. I would like to state that during this past summer, as these plans have advanced in con-
sideration-I think Mr. Brown will bear me out-they have received a copy of the advanced lines, have
you not?
Mr. BROWN. Yes; but these lines are all subsequent to that other hearing.
Mr. CANNON. I do not think, if you take it altogether-and I will submit it to you, taking it altogether,
if you were at liberty to decide it, I would be willing to stand or fall by your decision.
Mr. MASSEY. I think this: If we get the right of way through there, we ought to carry the tunnel to
carry your building, no matter how you build.
Mr. BROWN. Of course, we will
Mr. MASSEY. I think in the present situation-of course we are embarrassed by it; it wvas embarrass-
ing when the Government came in and acquired this land-but I do really think, under all conditions,
the matter ought to be adjusted and solved that way.
Mr. BROWN. This tunnel we have proposed to build will cost about $45,ooo; and here are three or
four thousand dollars more of reenforcement of the small building. That is to say, it would cost us $50,000
oil the plan we are talking about. Now, it will cost us $43,000 to reenforce the tunnel so that you can
build a large house clear out to the other place, a difference of $7,000. Suppose we give you $7,000 for
the right of way and put $43,000 in the tunnel ?
Mr. MASSEY. Suppose we were confronted now, right here to-day, with the situation as it originally
stood, respecting that tunnel, and the commission still wanted the tunnel instead of the building, and it
turned out that the plan of the building, the sketch and plan of the building, had been enlarged to this,
extent, would say, "Gentlemen, we think you ought to make an allowance for that." The figures were
based on the theory that the corner of the building was over the tunnel, and do you not think we ought to
build the tunnel, if we agreed to do it before ? I mean, in good faith,do you not think we ought to ?
Mr. BROWN. If you think so, I will admit it.
Mr. MASSEY. You are a practical, experienced man; I want to put it to you in that way.
Mr. BROWN. I think, as we are putting so much more expense on the tunnel, they ought to divide the
expense a little with us.
Mr. MASSEY. Suppose that is assented to, how are we going to arrange it ?
Mr. CANNON. If that is assented to, it seems to me you ought to agree to put your switch in here, we
furnishing the right of way if we build the power house there [indicating]. In other words, we have got
to authorize the building of that power house. We have got to have legislation; that is, we take a part of
the public reservation there and provide for it. And with that it seems to me that you ought to sit down
and prepare, within the scope of our understanding, the legislation that you want.
Mr. MASSEY. May not the entire matter be dealt with, and appropriately dealt with, in some measure
in connection with the legislation ?
Mr. CANNON. Precisely.
Mr. HEPBURN. You can prepare that portion for our consideration that would suit your purpose, and
we can prepare that portion that is necessary for our purpose.
Mr. CANNON. For the power house?
Mr. HEPBURN. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Of course. Now, I would want your engineer and our engineer to put in the-
Mr. MASSEY. That I would not know. That is a practical question.
Mr. CANNON. That is a practical question. They both know what they want to get at; that they
would furnish you with. Now, we would prepare figures as to the power house, or we could do the other-
Mr. MASSEY. What details are there to go through now, Mr. Woods ?
Mr. WOODS. That could be done this way, I think. The Pennsylvania Railroad have submitted at
my request, for instance, a drawing showing the proposed reenforcement of the tunnel under the Office
Building.
Mr. MASSEY. Instead of showing reenforcement of the tunnel, it is showing, practically, the character
of the construction of the tunnel between this point and that point [indicating]. Simply, the tunnel
through that square shall be constructed in accordance with the plans agreed upon, prepared by the
Pennsylvania Railroad and agreed upon on the part of the Government.
Mr. HEPBURN. Why would it not be better for the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. to undertake to so
construct that tunnel as to bear the walls of this building?
Mr. MASSEY. There must be a basis for it, you know.
Mr. HEPBURN. I think the basis, then, is largely your engineer officer. You have got to do it in a
sufficient way.
Mr. MASSEY. You mean, put us in a position of insurer?
Mr. HEPBURN. That is just it.
Mr. WOODS. That is all right.
Mr. CANNON. The Pennsylvania Co. is good.
Mr. MASSEY. We have a little margin left yet.
Mr. HEPBURN. Suppose, on the other hand, Mr. Cannon, we agree that Mr. Brown makes his (draw-
ings. Suppose Mr. Woods agrees with him. It does not help the matter. I think we would be perfectly
willing to risk Mr. Brown when his company becomes the guarantor of his work.
Mr. CANNON. I would be perfectly willing the act should provide the tunnel should be constructed
so as not to interfere with the use of the Government for the building, and that its construction should
be subject to the approval of the road and its chief engineer and that of an engineer officer of the Government,
Mr. Sewell-an irresistible force and an immovable body, which would probably not meet, but they would
fight it out.
Mr. MASSEY. I do not see any objection to that, to the tunnel to be constructed beneath this square
690 in such fashion as to support the building, upon plans to be approved by the engineer of the railroad
company and Mr. Woods.
Mr. CANNON. The engineer with Mr. Woods?
IMIr. WOODS. Suppose that all three join hands on it. I am willing to assume my responsibility in it.
Mr. CANNON. I am perfectly willing to have Mr. Woods. He can call Mr. Sewell to his counsel if
he wants any counsel.
Mr. MASSEY. He would seem to be the proper officer.
Mr. CANNON. I think so myself. I do not know but that you are an engineer. That is satisfactory
to me, if it is satisfactory to the gentlemen.
Mr. MASSEY. Mr. Brown, do you want us to put in a switch at our expense ?
Mr. CANNON. If we furnish you the right of way.
Mr. RICHARDSON. That is on a level, is it not?
Mr. MASSEY. It is not up on a level, Mr. Brown.
Mr. BROWN. The grading does not amount to much.
Mr. MASSEY. Let me suggest. You say that that tunnel would cost about how much money ?
Mr. BROWN. $45,000.
Mr. RICHARnSON. The one you abandon?
Mr. MASSEY. The one that is to be discontinued. I would like to submit this, and think we ought
to submit it to the president. I do not think we should absolutely conclude it here, even if we were in a
position to do so. I would like to submit this proposition-if the president approves when we report to
him, subject to the approval of the president of the company: That if the company can get the right of
way, the grant of the easement of the right of way through square 690, which belongs to the Government,
that it will contribute $40,000 towardthe payment of the cost. How much is that power house going to
cost?
Ml. WOODS. $250,000.
Mr. MAssEY (continuing). As a contribution toward the payment of the powei house. I am thinking
of putting it in that form; how else could we get legislation that Would be germane to the bill ?
Mr. CANNON. Any of it would be germane.
Mr. MASSEY. It will be germane when you pass it.
Mr. IIEP3URN. That switch, as we propose it now, will not be near so expensive as that tunnel that
you proposed to build. If we content ourselves with the switch instead of the tunnel, I think you ought
to be quite willing.
Mr. CANNON. I-le proposes to give us $40,ooo, and do that.
Mr. MASSEY. I am setting off the switch as against $5,ooo. I am endeavoring to carry out what you
gentlemen understood, and what I understood, to be the general suggestion at the conference a year ago.
Mr. RICHARDSON. State that again.
Mr. MASS1.Y. Assuming that the tunnel that we promised to build at our expense will be abandoned
and(l not insisted Upon, and that you have a power house down here, and we are to put in a switch to it,
and upon Mr. 13rowvn's statement that this tunnel would have cost $45,ooo if it had been built, I say my
propositioll is that we shall complete that tunnel beneath square 69o in a fashion that will be absolutely
,adequate to carry this building, and Upon a plan to be approved by Mr. Woods and Mr. Brown, and put
in this switch at our own expense, and make a contribution of $40,000 toward the cost.
Mr. CANNON. For the abandonment of that tunnel ?
Mr. MASSEY. I say that.
Mr. CANNON. That is, from the formal understanding, wve contribute $5,ooo toward the completion
of the switch ?
Mr.MASSE-Y. Ifyou will agree with me, I will recommend it to the president, and, subject to the
approval of President Cassatt, I will assent to it. Will you joinme1 ?
Mr. BROWN. Oh, yes.
Mr. CANNON. Now, then, I should think, at that, we could discuss among ourselves if we should want
to abandon that tunnel-
Mr.HEPBURN. I prefer that.
Mr. RICHARDSON. I agree with you.
Mr. CANNON. So we are now at a point-have arrived at an understanding that will solve the matter.
Mr. MASSEY. Understand, this proposition of mine is made subject to the approval of my president.
Mr. HEPBURN. This is mere suggestion, because we have got to get our authority from Congress.
Mr. MASSEY. I understand. I mean from a tentative standpoint. We would not be justified even
from our standpoint in regarding it as tentatively concluded until we submit it for the approval of our
president.
Mr. CANNON. In the former matter, I believe your president was here ?
Mr. MASSEY. No, sir; not at that hearing. The president was down here only about five or six weeks
ago, you remember, sir.
Mr. RICHARDSON. What communication do we have from our power house, as contemplated under
the new plan, to the office building ? What is the nature of the connection ?
Mr. CANNON. Here is First Street. We build our power house-
Mr. RICHARDSON. Come right up First Street to the office building, as I understand it.
Mr. CANNON. Here is the office building here [indicating].
Mr. RICHARDSON. That is the power house?
Mr. CANNON. And that is the power house [indicating]. Now, we cross under there and we run up
here [indicating].
Mr. RICHARDSON. Run what?
Mr. CANNON. A pipe to carry the steam.
Mr. WOODS. Pipes and electric ducts both go together.
Mr. CANNON. Run it up First Street here to our power house; and then we will build a power house
sufficient, either by addition or in the first instance, so that we con extend that pipe up here and heat that
[indicating] and heat that [indicating]; and we can extend it up here and run the pipe down or through
this way and heat the Capitol.
Mr. WOODS. This present scheme is designed to cover the whole thing-the future neighborhood
over there-and come over that loop down South Capitol Street and back to the power house again, either
half of which loop is capable of carrying the whole thing in case of a breakdown on any one section. Instead
of coining back this way we come back on a lower level.
Mr. BROWN. Heat or steam ?
Mr. WOODS, Probably with hot water in this case.
Mr. CANNON. You have got to run the circuit ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes, sir; instead of carrying it on one street, if anything happens we can use either one.
Mr. CANNON. It seems to me you can do it for much less cost by constructing here so that you run
your pipe up wherever you want to, and run it back through your same opening.
Mr. WOODS. You mean by making the trench larger?
Mr. CANNON. Yes; it would seem to me at much less cost.
Mr. WOODS. I am taking this on the recommendation of expert engineers that it is better to hnave
two systems.
Mr. RICHARDSON. When we abandoned this tunnel, Mr. Woods, that brought the line there of their
main tunnel up to the southwest corner of our office building; the object of that tunnel and road in there
was to deliver our freight for the folding room and for the supplies for this building right into the basement ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Now, that being abandoned, how (do you contemplate getting that same quality and
kind of freight into the office building ?
Mr. WOODS. Go right in through C Street onl the level.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Into what?
Mr. WOODS. Through an archway into the courtyard.
Mr. RICHARDSON. From the main tunnel ?
Mr. WOODS. No.
Mr. RICHARDSON. From the surface ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes. That is 22 feet below 13 Street.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Simply a driveway in; not a railroad?
Mr. WOODS. Not a railroad.

Mr. CANNON. When we abandon this for heating purposes, just how deep may we go for this
foundation? I do not know what the excavation may be here.
Mr. WOODS. May be IO or i2 feet below C Street.
Mr. CANNON. And we will utilize the whole of this building, including the heating and all that kind
of thing, for whatever we choose?
Mr. RICHARDSON. But there will be no way by which there can be delivered into the basement of the
new building any freight directly from the railroad ?
Mr. WOODS. No.
Mr. RICHARDSON. We did have that when we proposed to have that tunnel?
Mr. CANNON. That wve did have, but when we move the heating apparatus out of that the necessity
for that practically vanishes. I do not think public documents ought ever to be handled there. I think
public documents ought to be handled outside the Capitol, and down in connection with the Government
Printing Office. Do you not think so ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. I am inclined to think that is true.
Thereupon the commission adjourned.
Washington, D. C., MarchI12, 1904.
The commission this clay met at i.30 o'clock p. in. in the Speaker's room. All of the members were
present.
There appeared before the commission Mr. George V. Massey, general counsel, accompanied by
Messrs. John Cassels and S. C. Neale, of counsel, for the Pennsylvania Railroad; Maj. John Biddle,
Engineer Commissioner of the District of Columbia, and Mr. Elliott Woods, Superintendent of the Capitol
Building and Grounds; whereupon the following proceedings were had:
STATEMENT OF MR.G. V. MASSEY.
Mr. MASSEm. Referring to thepleasant conferences that Iwas privileged to havewith the commission
last Saturday and to the consensus of views thatwas then reached, which I then stated distinctly should be
regarded on our part as an agreement, subject to the approval of the president of the company, as you will
recall, although Idid not feel I was authorized to make a finality of the matter until I first had submitted
it to his consideration; but, pursuant to the understanding, both Mr. Brown and myselfsubmitted it to
him on Monday morning and stated to him that we had stated to the commission that we would recommend
the acceptance of that to him.
Mr. Cassatt considered the matter very carefully and said in substance that his assent and approval
had been given to the proposition,which was tentatively consented to at the conference a year ago, with
reference tothe construction of asiding into the annex building at the cost of the railroad company, when
the company indicated its willingness to contribute that cost upon the hypothesis that the plan of the annex
building, as then tentatively contemplated by the commission, would involve an additional expenditure on
the part of the railroad company beyond what would be required in the ordinary course of tunnel construc-
tion of from $5,ooo to $8,ooo, but that under the present conditions the plan, as now determined upon, of
a building which would cover the entire tunnel enlarged the expenses of the railroad company in construction
by the sumof $43,230, so that there was that essential feature of difference in the two conditions; and
therefore ifthe commission were inclined to insist upon the theory of an adjustment on the basis of the
antecedent conditions, as assented to a year ago, without reference to the value of the easement, which I
reported to him was the sentiment of the commission, he felt that that payment by the company ought to
be considerably reduced.
Now, frankness becomes every situation between gentlemen, and especially between gentlemen under
conditions of this sort. I feel a little bit embarrassed about it. Possibly I was a little too liberal in' my
view. At the same time I made that proposition, and I made it in good faith and I assented to it in good
faith and I presented it to the president in good faith, and I think I am entitled, in a proper way, to appeal.
to the liberal sense of the commission in the matter. But with the understanding that I made it in good
faith-and I am going to stand by it-if you do not think, under all the circumstances, that it ought to be
abated, I would like to make this suggestion to the commission: Considering all these features and giving
due weight to them, if the payment of the contribution by the railroad company be reduced to $30,000 in
cash, it will be fairly acceptable all around, and certainly up to the full measure of the equities in the case,
as I view it.
That is the suggestion I have to make for your consideration, gentlemen.
Mr. CANNON. I have not reread that original hearing since probably in December, and my " forgettery"
is pretty good; but I have an impression of what seemed to me to be a fair construction of the whole
conversation at that hearing.
* * * * * * * * *
Mr. HEPBURN. You know, gentlemen, $Io,ooo can excite a good deal of criticism, as you will believe
when I tell you that the whole money value involved in this controversy of this last week in the House of
Representatives relating to Post Office Department matters was $14,170.
Mr. MASSFY. That I understand perfectly well, Col. Hepburn. But in answer to what you say you
said, Mr. Speaker, the strength of this position from our standpoint, as I view it, is that the proposition of
$30,000 is ample, full, just, and equitable, and defensible anywhere, and before any forum.
Because what is the situation ? We think there would be a good deal of contention, which I have
referred to heretofore-that is to say, that the route has been located by Congress; we are required to
construct on that route; we can not depart from it. Those were fixed conditions, and subsequently Con-
gress passed an appropriation bill which contained a provision for the constitution of this honorable comn-
mission and the selection by them of a site for this annex building. Therefore, the repeal did not rest on
a qualification by necessary implication, but the commission was required by that bill to make a location
in a larger territory.
Therefore having located and acquired that site in accordance with the determination of the preceding
year by Congress locating and fixing the route of the road, and with no means to alter it, it seemed to me
that there was a good deal of force in the suggestion that the Government must be taken to have acquired
that site subject to the necessary easement for that railroad that they had required us to construct on that
route.
We are not asking the Government for any money. It is not any appropriation of the Government's
money. But we are paying money-a contribution or consideration-for a title which has that feature of
doubt and uncertainty about it at the outset, from the Government standpoint; so that, in fact, we are
paying, Mr. Speaker, in the last analysis--if we pay $3o,ooo instead of $40,oo0-we are actually paying
$73,ooo for that subsurface route, with the surface untouched, and with the largest opportunity to utilize it
for the purposes of this site, as fully and completely as if there was no tunnel or railroad under it.
Mr. CANNON. There is something other, now, than this in the whole proposition. I regard as advan-
tageous to you the change involved in the abandonment of the little tunnel into the basement of this annex
basement, just of from your passenger route, and the placing of it down on your freight line, exactly where
you want it when you come to serve the Government and where the Government will serve you in the way
of business, and it seems to me if I was the Pennsylvania Railroad I would not take $50,000 for that change.
Mr. MASSEY. There is an element in that, Mr. Speaker, and a factor of some consequence from the
operating standpoint. I concede that is not without its value, and I do not minimize it. But are we not
paying $83,ooo, in fact, for this right of way? Is not that just what we are doing to-day if we were to
pay $40,000 ? And are we not paying $70,000 if you accept the proposition for $30,000 ?
I have simply presented what I had to say, and I have presented it as briefly as possible. I have
simply presented the equities of the situation as they appear to us, and as they appeared to Mr.-Cassatt,
for your consideration and for such action as you think proper and right under all the circumstances. I
do not want to be understood for a moment as departing from any definite understanding, as we had it,
subject to the approval of the president of the company. There is no misunderstanding as to what passed
between us.
Will it be the least embarrassing to you-to any member of this commission-will it be the least
embarrassing to make this change ? If it is, that ends it right here.
Mr. CANNON. I have been doing most of the talking-
Mr. MASSEY. If it will be in the least embarrassing to you, Mr. Speaker, we will not disagree.
Mr. CANNON. I will not refuse to face anything that is fair; but from my general recollection of that
whole hearing, and from mdy understanding, frafikly, it would be embarrassing to me.
Mr. MASSEY. Then we 'need not discuss it another minute, Mr. Speaker. That ends it.
Mr. CANNON. We have not retired to consult. Let the other brethren speak for themselves.
Mr. HEPBURN. I think it would be very much better, in view of all the circumstances, that the amounts
that were name(l l)efore should be adhered to.
Mr. CANNON. Do you agree, Mr. Richardson ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. I agree; certainly I agree.
Mr. MAss Y. Then let me have a pen and I will sign it right here.
Mr. RICHARDSON. I will say with perfect frankness that what I said to you after the last hearing
was said sincerely, and that was that I thought we did not lose anything in the trade. That was my
language. I can not decline to say it again. Yet as it is a little embarrassing to us all, in view of all the
circumstances, I am willing, however, to say what I said on the floor of the House in justification of it. I
think it is right to (1o it. It is what we have agreed to as fair and right and just. At the same time--
Mr. CANNON. The railroad has conceded, you would say, quite all, under the understanding that it
ought to and that it is fair to the House and the country, all around ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. I would say we out-traded them.
Mr. CANNON. I would not say that. I would not want to say that.
Mr. MASSEY. I do not think you have traded, Mr. Richardson. I made this proposition in view of
what passed in the hearing a year ago. I thought it was a fair and just and reasonable conclusion to be
dlrawvn from it, although I confess I did not give proper weight to the additional cost that would be entailed
by this change. May I read this provision ?
Mr. CANNON. Yes.
Mr. MAssrEY (reading):
"Upon payment into the Treasury of the United States by The Washington Terminal Company of
the Sum of forty thousand dollars, and the undertaking of said company, at its expense, to construct and
maintain a siding from a connection with the tracks of the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington
Railroad Company to a heat, light, and power building intended to be established and maintained at a
point oln Government reservation numbered seventeen, near the line of New Jersey Avenue extended, in
connection with and appurtenant to the fireproof building for committee rooms, folding room, and other
offices for the [louse of Representatives, authorized by act of Congress, approved March third, nineteen
hundred and three, entitled 'An act making appropriations to supply deficiencies in the appropriations
for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and three, and for prior years, and for other
pllrposes,' the said The Washington Terminal Company, its successors and assigns, shall have and be
possessed of the right and to occupy and use for the location, construction, and operation of its railroad,
authorized by act of Congress, approved February twenty-eighth, nineteen hundred and three, entitled
'An act to provide for a union railroad station in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes,' a
subsurface parcel of land through and beneath square six hundred and ninety, in the city of Washington-
recently acquired by the United States as the site for the fireproof building-of such width, not less than
seventy feet, as shall be required for the location, construction, and operation of said company's railroad
on the route as located conformably to the requirements of said last-mentioned act"-
Mr. CANNON. "Of such width, not less than 70 feet ?"
Mr. MASSEY. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. What would be the maximum ?
Mr. MASSEY. I was furnished with this plan, Mr. Speaker. You have a copy of this, have you not,
Mr. Woods?
Mr. Woois. Yes, sir.
Mr. MASSEY. That is 76 feet.
Maj. BIDDLE. That is a cross line. A straight line would be this way [indicating on plan].
Mr. CANNON. I was only going to say that somebody might say-
Mr. MASSEY. Suppose I put that in as "more or less" ?
Mr. CANNON. Yes, I think that would be better; or perhaps it would be claimed that in the future
it might anticipate an additional tunnel.
Mr. MkSSEY. Very well, suppose I say "not exceeding 70 feet ?"
Mr. CANNON. Yes.
Mr. MASSEY (continuing):
"Of such width, not exceeding seventy feet, as shall be required for the location, construction, and
operation of said company's railroad on the route thereof as located conformably to the requirements of
said last-mentioned act. The said railroad to be located and operated in a tunnel, which shall be con-
structed in such manner, and of such structural strength, as to assure the safe and convenient use of said
square six hundred and ninety for the purposes of said building site, in accordance with plan of construction
to be approved in duplicate original by the Superintendent of the United States Capitol Building and
Grounds, and also by the chief engineer of the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington Railroad Company;
and one of such duplicates shall be filed by said superintendent and the other delivered to said the
Washington Terminal Company."
Mr. WOODS. Will you repeat that clause-" as to assure" ?
Mr. MASSEY (reading):
"The said railroad to be located and operated in a tunnel, which shall be constructed in such manner
and of such structural strength as to assure the safe and convenient use of said square 690 for the purposes
of said building site."
I restore that. Probably I put that a little more strongly than I promised to do. That is what I
understood you wanted. I tried to carry out your wish.
Mr. CANNON. And then you refer to the plan of construction, and it is to be approved by your chief
engineer and Mr. Woods?
Mr. HEPBURN. I think that covers it.
Mr. RICHARDSON. I think so. You mean safe, convenient, and secure against all vibration, I suppose,
and damage to the walls ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. And to decorations on the walls ?
Mr. MASSEY. It would not be safe unless it did that, Mr. Richardson.
Mr. CANNON. If you get the description large enough, you always weaken it if you go into details.
I do not know but that it is large enough. Then the plan is to bring it about by your chief engineer and
our representative ?
Mr. MASSEY. I intended to put it in such fashion that it would not be open to any debate.
Maj. BIDDLE. Is that the part of the tunnel that is under that square [indicating] ?
Maj. BIDDLE. The rest of it is treated as it is treated in the railroad station ?
Mr. CASSEL. There is an error there, in the citation of the act. It should be the sundry civil bill.
Mr. COURTS, clerk to the commission. Yes; it should be the sundry civil bill. I can correct that.
Mr. MASSEY. I will correct it. I want to correct it so that I can have my copy to take home.
Mr. CANNON. Yes; I think you had better correct it.
Mr. CASSEL. Mr. Courts can tell you where to change it.
Mr. MASSEY (reading): "Authorized by act of Congress, approved March 3, 1903, entitled 'An act
making-
Mr. COURTS. You can just refer to it as the sundry civil appropriation act. That would be
sufficient.
* * *^ .L -
134 REPORT UFTI{ TIOUSH OFFTCE BUIDTANU ICUMMI~blUN
Mr. CANNON. You have that fixed, have you ?

Mr. CANNON. That is the way it will go in the act ?
Mr. CANNON. Then you will prepare our legislation for the power house ?
Mr. CANNON. I do not see anything to change there, do you, Mr. Courts ?
Mr. COURTS. No, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Col. Biddle, you are familiar with Garfield Park, are you not ?
Maj. BIDDLE. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. At the intersection of Newv Jersey Avenue ?
Maj. BIDDLE. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Somebody said that there-was a street between the railway right of way and the
reservation.
Maj. BIDDLE. The bill provides for 40 feet there.
Mr. CANNON. Which bill ?
Maj. BIDDLE. The railroad bill.
Mr. CANNON. What conceivable use the street is there for I do not know; but we want, as I under-
stand it, in providing for this switch, Col. Hepburn and Mr. Richardson, to be located close to the right
of way at the intersection of New Jersey Avenue-we want it at the proper point for them to run off of
their railway right of way and run through the wall. And then we want to furnish them with right of way
enough, and no more-right of way enough to enable them to run up on the south side of the power house;
and that would make us construct the power house, probably taking from three-quarters of an acre to an
acre that wve ought to take-the exact amount I have not got at hand-right at the corner of New Jersey
Avenue and the railway right of way, for the purposes of the power house. We went down and looked at
it and found there would be from 6 to 8 feet of elevation there, so that we do not concede that it will
injure the park, and it will give Ius what seems to be desirable to run our main up First Street to reach
this building and the Capitol and the Library of Congress.
I think if you will have a word of conversation with Mr. Woods it would be well, so that you would
get your minds how much room you want for this power house. You had better go or send somebody
in
with Mr. Woods down there and describe where the right of way would be for the branch. You see, we
furnish the right of way. When it leaves the right of way it crosses through the wall, and then we furnish
the right of way up to the power house. How much I do not know, but you could find out about that.
But it seems to me we want a description of the amount of land that is to be taken for the power house
and for the switch on the present reservation.
Maj. BIDDLE. I would like to see exactly what plans the railroad has for making that switch and the
turn. As a general proposition, Mr. Speaker, it would be preferable to keep that 40-foot roadway there.
In view of the small number of cars that go there it would be best to have that width. I would like to
see, as I stated, just how the railroad tracks are to come in there. If it can be done, all right; if not, that
is all there is of it.
Mr. CANNON. I am telling you what we and the railroad want to arrive at. They want to reach LiS
oil fair terms with their switch.
Mr. NEALE. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Where you would come off your right of way to reach us on the siding by our power
house I do not know.
Mr. RICHARDSON. That is an engineering question.
Mr. CANNON. Yes, sir. Amongst you I wish you would give us a description to write into the act--
a description of the place for the proposed power house and for the switch.
Mr. HEPBURN. That will have to be done pretty soon, will it not ?
Mr. CANNON. Yes; it ought to be done
Mr. COURTS. By Tuesday, I should say.
Mr. CANNON. Mr. Courts says by Tuesday.
LJr rTE ?TV= VrMF
Anrinsz ITUTEDTIyU XIflViISwaI05
Mr. NEALE. You will want to report the bill then ?
Mr. COURTS. No; it will not probably be ready before Saturday of next week.
Mr. CANNON. I suppose it will be just as convenient to do it in the next two or three days as at any
other time ?
Mr. NEALE. Surely.
Mr. RICHARDSON. I would like to ask what would be the length of that switch from where it meets
the main line of the road to the power house ?
Mr. WOODS. I should say that that switch would have a total length, including that part along the
power house, of about 450 feet.
Mr. RICHARDSON. And about how far will its line be from the nearest line of the railroad ?
Mr. WOODS. If this 40 feet on Virginia Avenue is to be retained and the power house is to go back,
then the switch itself would stand, I should say, about 50 feet from the wall.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Would the road or street retained in there be of much value ?
Maj. BIDDLE. I think it would. To the south of the railroad there is so much trackage that you can
not possibly get by without going a long way around, while this road gives a crosscut.
Mr. RICHARDSON. The road running there would have to cross this switch ?
Maj. BIDDLE. Yes. But there would be only one train a day or so, and that would not interfere
seriously, I should think.
Mr. WOODS. You would retain that only for very heavy traffic ?
Maj. BIDDLE. Another point, Mr. Woods: Would it not perhaps be a better arrangement of the trains
to take them right into the park, unless right alongside of that power house ? That would give them a
place to turn.
Mr. WOODS. I have thought of that, and much of that will depend upon the final details which the
expert engineer would suggest.
Mr. CANNON. If you can not finish your plan as to where you run up to the power house, then I
think you would want to fix the wording of the enactment broad enough to enable you to do the best thing
when it is indicated.
Mr. NEALE. That is right.
The following is the provision as perfected by Mr. Massey:
"Upon payment into the Treasury of the United States by The Washington Terminal Company of
the sum of forty thousand dollars, and the undertaking of said company, at its expense, to construct and
maintain a siding from a connection with the tracks of the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington Rail-
road Company to a heat, light, and power building, intended to be established and maintained at a point
on Government reservation numbered seventeen, near the line of New Jersey Avenue extended, in connec-
tion with and appurtenant to the fireproof building for committee rooms, folding room, and other offices
for the House of Representatives, authorized by act of Congress approved March third, nineteen hundred
and three, entitled 'An act making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the Government for the fiscal
year ending June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and four, and for other purposes,' the said The Washington
Terminal Company, its successors and assigns, shall have and be possessed of the right and easement to
occupy and use for the location, construction, and operation of its railroad authorized by act of Congress,
approved February twenty-eighth, nineteen hundred and three, entitled 'An act to provide for a union
railroad station in the Distrct of Columbia, and for other purposes,' a subsurface parcel of land through
and beneath square six hundred and ninety in the city of Washington, recently acquired by the United
States as the site for said fireproof building, of such width, not exceeding seventy feet, as shall be required
for the location, construction, and operation of said company's railroad on the route thereof as located
conformably to the requirements of said last-mentioned act. The said railroad to be located and operated
in a tunnel, which shall be constructed in such manner and of such structural strength as to assure the
safe and convenient use of said square six hundred and ninety for the purposes of said building site, in
accordance with plan of construction to be approved in duplicate original by the Superintendent of the
United States Capitol Building and Grounds, and also by the chief engineer of the Philadelphi:i, Baltimore
and Washington Railroad Company, and one of said duplicates shall be filed with said superintendent and
the other delivered to said The Washington Terminal Company."
- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
April 8, 1904.
At a meeting of the commission held this day in the room of the Speaker, at which all of the members
were present, Mr. Elliott Woods, Superintendent of the Capitol Building, submitted the following letter
from Thomas Hastings, architect.
CARRERE & HASTINGS, ARCHITECTS,
New York, April 2, 1904.
SIR: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of April I, in which you ask that if you present
my name as consulting architect, etc., to the commission of the House of Representatives appointed by
the House to supervise the construction of the office building therefor, I will agree to the following con-
ditions, which I quote in full as numbered:
" I. The United States will establish and maintain in Washington an office for the production of all
plans and working drawings necessary to the construction of said building, employing and regulating the
salaries of all persons in employ, other than the services of the consulting architect, which services are
later set forth. To this do you agree ?"
'I agree to the above condition.
"2. Under the terms of paragraph one (I) will you accept for your services as consulting architect
the sum ot $io,ooo per annumn, based on a period of approximately two and one-lhalf years from the date
of your employment, any extension of time beyond the period named and the salary therefor to be subject
to the approval of the House commission, after the same shall have been mutually agreed upon by the
Superintendent of the Capitol and the consulting architect: Provided, That the said superintendent shall
pay all necessary and legitimate traveling expenses ?"
I agree to the above condition.
"3. Will you agree to the proposition that the interior of said office building and its arrangements
shall be subject to the direction of the Superintendent of the Capitol, approved by the House commission;
and will you agree that, in conformity with the arrangements, program, and plans already prepared, you
will arrange or compose and become responsible for the correct architectural effect of the exterior of said
building-subject, of course, to those modifications mutually agreed upon as best befitting the architecture,
general utility, and general character of the edifice and convenience of the House of Representatives ?"
".4 Will you, as consulting architect, by consultation and advice, direct your best efforts not only to
the production of a suitable exterior architectural effect (for which you must stand inevitable merited or
unmerited criticism), but in addition to the successful production of a practical working office edifice, to
meet the intention and terms of, and in accordance with, the law of Congress, which places the Superin-
tendent of the United States Capitol Building and Grounds in full control as the supervisory officer, you
to render the said officer services of full loyalty and confidence?"
I take it that this is to form the basis of the contract which will be subsequently made.
Very respectfully, yours,
THOMAS HASTINGS.
ELLIOTT WOODS, Esq.,
Superintendent United States Capitol, etc., Washington, D. C.
OFFICE OF SUPERINTE-NDENT
U. S. CAPITOL BUILDING AND GROUNDS,
Mr. ITHONMAS HASTINGS, Washington, D. C., April 4, 1904.
Architect, New York City.
DEAR SIR: I beg to acknowledge with pleasure the receipt of your communications of April 2, 1904,
in which you agree to the various propositions enumerated by me in a letter dated April I, addressed to
you, and all of which concern the proposed presentation of your name as consulting architect, etc., to the
commission of the House of Representatives appointed by the House to supervise the construction of an
office building, etc.
In reply I beg to say that I will present this matter at once to the House commission with my recom-
mendation that you be employed.
Very respectfully, ELLIOTT WOODS,
Superintendent U. S. Capitol Building and Grounds.
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT,
Mr. THOMAS HASTINGS, Washington, D. C., April II, 1904.
Architect, New York City.
DEAR SIR: I beg to inform you that at a meeting held this day by the commission of the House of
Representatives, appointed by the House to supervise the construction of an office building therefor,
approval was given by the commission to my selection of you as consulting architect in connection with
the construction of an office building for the House of Representatives. Said approval was based on the
terms of the correspondence between us, namely, my letter dated April I, 1904, addressed to you and your
reply thereto dated April 2, 1904, addressed to me. In accordance with the terms of said approval and
correspondence you are hereby appointed consulting architect in connection with the construction above
named, and you are requested to enter into contract with this office on forms which will be prepared by
me and submitted for your signature.
The terms of service and compensation, namely, $io,ooo per annumi, will begin on the date of corn-
pletion and signing of contracts.
Very respectfully, ELLIoTrr WOODS,
-Superintendent U. S. Capitol Building and Grounds.
The letter was considered by the commission and the following order was made, namely:
Ordered, That Mr. Elliott Woods, Superintendent of the Capitol Building, in charge of the construc-
tion of the office building for the House of Representatives, is authorized to enter into a contract with
Thomas Hastings, architect, in accordance with the stipulations made in the foregoing letter, and that
the said letter be made a part of the contract.
MONDAY, January 23, o905.

The commission met in the office of the Speaker.
All of the members were present.
Mr. Elliott Woods, superintendent of construction, laid before the commission the following
correspondence:
JANUARY 6, 1905.
WILLIAM H. BROWN,
Chief Engineer Pennsylvania Railroad Co.,
Broad Street Station, Philadelphia, Pa.
DEAR SIR: We are prepared to commence work on the concrete footings of the eastern section of
the House Office Building, particularly those which are involved by the presence and construction con-
nected with the Pennsylvania Railway tunnel through square 690.
In accordance with the terms of the sundry civil act approved April 28, i904, and with the hearings
held prior to the passage of said act, you are requested to afford by further proceedings in connection with
the tunnel and on the lines of the building running adjacent thereto the necessary security for the con-
struction of the normal lines of footings of said building in so far as said construction is affected by the
presence of the said tunnel and in accordance with the additional plans to be agreed upon under the terms
of said act.
The progress of the construction of the tunnel, the disclosure of the nature of the soil, and the con-
ditions adjacent to the tunnel have been sufficient for this office to formulate tentative schemes which
will, we believe, secure the necessary safety to the normal footings of the building. These are herewith
presented tentatively for your consideration and discussion. I respectfully ask that this matter be taken up
at once, in order that construction of our footings may proceed at the earliest possible moment.
I write this letter by authority and by (direction of the House commission.
Blueprints and copy of the act referred to are herewith transmitted.
Very respectfully,
ELLIOrr WOODS,
JANUARY 19, 1905.
Mr. WILLIAM H. BROWN,
Chief Engineer Pennsylvania Railroad,
DEAR SIR: On January 6, I905, I wrote you a letter transmitting blueprints, etc., all relating to
certain work in connection with the foundation of the House Office Building, as they relate to the tunnel
construction in square 69o.
Having received no answer and fearing the letter may have gone astray, I inclose you herewith a copy,
and in case you desire will send you duplicate blueprints.
Very respectfully, ELLIOTT WOODS,
JANUARY 20, 1905.
Mr. ELLIOTI' WOODS,
Superintendent U. S. Capitol Building and Grounds,
JJ'aslitngton, D. C.
DEAR SIR: I have your letter of the i9th instant, enclosing a copy of your letter of January 6.
As I understand your letter, you expect us to build the foundations for your house outside of the tunnel.
This wve can not consent to do. We have already spent more than twice as much money reenforcing the
tunnel as wve promlisedl to do at first. Our original proposition, which was accepted, was to build you a
siding from New Jersey Avenue and D Street into the basement of the new building for the House of
Representatives on block 690 and to reenforce the south wall of the tunnel, so that you could set the corner
of your building upon it. You then changed the plan of the building to cover the whole lot, and asked
for certain reinforcements of the tunnel and inverts to the arches, which has cost us a great deal more
money than the original estimate.
We can not see our way clear to spend any money outside of the outside wvall of our tunnel.
Respectfully,
Whi. H. BROWN, Chief Engineer.
After consideration of the foregoing it was, on motion of Mr. Hepburn, ordered that a letter be directed
to A. J. Cassatt, Esq., president of the Washington Terminal Co., and copies thereof be sent to the president,
chief engineer, and general counsel of the Pennsylvania Railroad Co., a copy of which follows:
JANUARY 23, 1905.
The WASHINGTON TERMINAL Co., Washington, D. C.
GENTLEMEN: We call your attention to the act making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of
the Government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1905, and for other purposes, approved April 28, 1904,
especially to that portion of it (copy inclosed) to be found on page 480 of volume 33, United States Statutes
at Large.
In proceeding with the construction of the tunnel referred to in said act, we are informed by the Super-
intendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds, Mr. Elliott Woods, that it is necessary for certain con-
struction to be made upon each side of the tunnel passing through square 690 to insure the safe and con-
venient use of said square for the purposes of the Office Building site, and that the necessity for such
construction arises from the presence and manner of construction of your tunnel through said block. Mr.
Woods is fortified in this view by the most competent expert engineering services. By the letter and the spirit
of the law we are clear that this work is to be done by and at the expense of the Washington Terminal Co.
We instructed the Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds to communicate with the
chief engineer of tile Philadelphia, Baltimore & Washington Railroad Co. touching the premises. He
proceeded to do so by letter of the 6th of January, instant (copy inclosed).
Not receiving a reply to the letter, the Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds, on the
i9th of January, instant, addressed Mr. Brown another letter (copy inclosed). Mr. Brown, under date of
January 2o, replied by letter (copy inclosed).
Mr. Brown's letter ignores the law and seemingly manifests an indisposition to act in accordance with
the request and suggestions of Mr. Woods. The Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds
desires to progress with the work of construction of the Office Building on block 690 and can not do so
until you comply with the law in question. We ask you to proceed at once to a compliance with the agree-
ment in letter and substance contemplated by the law.
There will not be upon our part, and we trust there will not be upon your part, any disposition to
procrastinate or evade the letter or the spirit of the law. There is, in our judgment, no room for misunder-
standing. The law speaks for itself. The notes of a consultation held on the 12th day of March, 1904,
between Mr. Massey, who, we believe, is the general solicitor for the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. and we
suppose to be also legal adviser and representative of the Washington Terminal Co., and the undersigned
commissioners, which consultation led to the enactment of the law of April 28, 1904, shows that the con-
struction wve give to the act is the construction contemplated by both parties at the time the law was enacted.
The presence and construction of your tunnel through said square 690 has already caused delay in the
prosecution of the construction of the Office Building for the use of the House of Representatives, causing
restudies of and changes in the building plans. Of this delay the commission have been reasonably tolerant.
We therefore request that you will give this matter prompt attention, thus avoiding further and( unnecessary
delay in the construction of said building.
We have sent copy of this communication to tile president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. and to
Mr. W. I-I. Brown, chief engineer of that railroad, as well as of the Philadelphia, Baltimore & Washington
Railroad Co., and also to Mr. Massey, solicitor of the Pennsylvania Railroad Co.
With respect, etc., yours, truly,
J. G. CANNON,
W. P. H-EPBURN,
Commission to Supervise and Direct Construction of
Office Building for the House of Representatives.
[Extract from 1. 480, vol. 33, U. S. Stat. X]
Upon payment into the Treasury of the United States by the Washington Terminal Company of the
sum of forty thousand dollars, and the undertaking of said company at its expense to construct and maintain
a siding from a connection with the tracks of the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington Railroad Com-
pany to a heat, light, and power building intended to be established and maintained at a point on Govern-
ment Reservation numbered seventeen, near the line of New Jersey avenue extended, in connection wvith
and appurtenant to the fireproof building for committee rooms, folding room, and other offices of the
House of Representatives, authorized by act of Congress approved March third, nineteen hundred and
three, entitled "An act making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the Government for the fiscal
year ending June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and four, and for other purposes," the said The Washington
approved February twenty-eighth, nineteen hundred and three, entitled "An act to provide for a union
railroad station in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes," a subsurface parcel of land through
conformably to the requirements of said last-nentioned act. The said railroad to be located and operated
accordance with plan of construction to be approved in duplicate original by the Superintendent of the
United States Capitol Building and Grounds, and also by the chief engineer of the Philadelphia, Baltimore
and Washington Railroad Company, and one of such duplicates shall be filed with said superintendent and
the other delivered to said The Washington Terminal Company. (Sundry civil appropriations bill.)
JANUARY 6, I905.
WILLIAM HS. BROWVN,
DEAR SIR: We are prepared to commence work on the concrete footings of the eastern section of the
House Office Building, particularly those which are involved by the presence and construction connected
with the Pennsylvania Railvay tunnel through square 690.
In accordance with the terms of the sundry civil act approved April 28, I904, and with the hearings
held prior to the passage of said act, you are requested to afford, by further proceedings in connection with
the tunnel and on the lines of the building running adjacent thereto, the necessary security for the con-
presence of the said tunnel, and in accordance with the additional plans to be agreed upon under the terms
of said act.
The progress of the construction of the tunnel, the disclosure of the nature of the soil, and the conl-
ditions adjacent to the tunnel have been sufficient for this office to formulate tentative schemes which will,
we believe, secure the necessary safety to the normal footings of the building. These are herewith
presented tentatively for your consideration and discussion. I respectfully ask that this matter be taken
up at once, in order that construction of our footings may proceed at the earliest possible moment.
I write this letter by authority and direction of the House Commission.
Blueprints and copy of the act referred to are herewith transmitted.
Very respectfully,
ELLIOTTr WOODS,
JANUARY 19, 1905.

DE AR Slit: On1 January 6, i905, I wrote you a letter transmitting blueprints, etc., all relating to cer-
tain work in connection with the foundation of the I-louse Office Building, as they relate to the tunnel
construction in square 690.
Having received no answer, and fearing the letter may have gone astray, I inclose you herewith a
copy, and in case you desire will send you duplicate blueprints.
Very respectfully,
ELLIOrr WOODS,
REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION - 141
JANUARY 20, I905.
Mr. ELLIOTT WOODS,
Superintendent U. S. Capitol Building and Grounds,
JJashiington, D. C.
DEAR SIR: I have your letter of the i9th instant, enclosing a copy of your letter of January 6.
As I understand your letter, you expect us to build the foundations for your house outside of the
tunnel. This wve can not consent to do. We have already spent more than twice as much money reen-
forcing the tunnel as we promised to do at first. Our original proposition, which was accepted, was to
build you a siding from New Jersey Avenue and D Street into the basement of the new building for the
House of Representatives on block 690 and to reenforce the south wall of the tunnel, so that you could
set the corner of your building upon it. You then changed the plan of the building to cover the whole
lot and asked for certain reenforcements of the tunnel and inverts to the arches, which has cost us a great
deal more money than the original estimate.
We can not see our way clear to spend any money outside of the outside wall of our tunnel.
Respectfully,
WM. H. BROWN, Chief Engineer.
SATURDAY, January 28, i905.
All of the members were present, together with Hon. J. C. McReynolds, Assistant Attorney General
of the United States.
The chairman laid before the commission the following letter from A. J. Cassatt, Esq., president of
the Washington Terminal Co.
THE WASHINGTON TERMINAL CO.,
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDrENT,
Philadelphia, January 25, 1905.
GENTLEMEN: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 23d instant, addressed to the Wash-
ington Terminal Co., and to assure you that this company has no disposition to evade any of its obliga-
tions under the agreement as set forth in the shorthand notes of the conference between Mr. Massey, Mr.
Brown, and yourselves, and as subsequently embodied in the sundry civil bill, which provides that-
"The tunnel shall be constructed in such manner and of such structural strength as to assure the safe
and convenient use of said square 690 for the purposes of said building site, in accordance with plan of
construction to be approved in duplicate original by the Superintendent of the United States Capitol
Building and Grounds and also by the chief engineer of the Philadelphia, Baltimore & Washington
Railroad Co."
The tunnel has been so constructed and in conformity with plans duly approved as provided in the
agreement, and there is nothing to prevent the immediate prosecutioti of the work of constructing the
building.
The question now arising is not one covered by the (contract. It-is this: Mr. Woods claims that
owing to the building of the tunnel the earth on either side was so disturbed as to make it necessary to
go to a greater depth for the foundations of your building than would otherwise have been required. This
is an engineering question about which Mr. Brown, our chief engineer, differs from Mr. Woods, as he
believes that in any case your foundations would have had to be at the same depth as now proposed,
owing to the nature of the material; but, admitting that Mr. Woods is right, wve are unable to discover
how, by any either literal or fair construction of the contract, any obligation devolves upon this company
to do any palt of this work or contribute to the cost thereof.
Yours, truly,
A. J. CASSATi-r, President.
Hon. J. G. CANNON,
Hon. W. P. HEPBURN,
Hon. JAMES D. RICHARDSON,
Commission, Office Building, Hfouse of Representatives,
JJashington, D. C.
142 REPORT OFT-THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION
After consideration of which letter, it was, on motion of Mr. Richardson, ordered that a letter be
directed to A. J. Cassatt, president of the Washington Terminal Co., a copy of which follows:
A. J. CASSATT, Esq., JXashington, D. C., January 28, i905.
President Jashington Terminal Co., Philadelphia, Pa.
DEAR SIR: We beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the P5th instant, in reply to our letter of
the 23d instant, and its enclosures, concerning the necessity of certain extraordinary construction deemed
to be requisite in order to secure the foundations of the House of Representatives Office Building, which
is now in the course of construction in square 690 in the city of Washington, D. C.
The commission, after mature consideration of the whole subject, including the plain intent, as we
construe it, of the law of April 28, 1904, the opinions of expert engineers (copies inclosed), as well as the
attitude assumed by your company in your letters, are still of the opinion that the increased cost should
be borne by your company of making all necessary concrete or masonry construction that may be required
in order to secure the normal footings and foundations of the building in question that are contiguous to
and endangered by the presence of your tunnel and the manner of its construction.
Unless you will reconsider your conclusions communicated to us in your said letter of the 25th instant,
and will undertake to do said construction or assume to bear its cost when done by the United States, we
shall, in order to avoid further delay in the erection of the building in question, direct our superintendent,
Mr. Elliott Woods, to proceed forthwith to the execution of the work that we believe should be done by
your company and at its cost, in which event we shall be constrained to endeavor, through proper channels,
to recover from the Washington Terminal Co., for the United States, a sum equal to all necessary expenses
thus incurred.
We respectfully request that you will acknowledge the receipt of this letter, and advise us whether you
still adhere to the conclusions communicated to us in your letter of the 25th instant.
Very respectfully, J. G. CANNON,
W. P. I-hEPBURN,
Commission to Direct and Supervise Construction of
Office Bu4ilding for the House of Representatives.
U. S. CAPITOL BUILDING ANI) GROUNDS,
Mr. EilXorr Woons, WJ~asliington,
D. C., January ?8, o905.
Superintendent U. S. Capitol Building and Grounzds.
SIR: Referring to your verbal instructions of yesterday, I have the honor to make the following state-
ment as to the probable construction of foundations for the office building, House of Representatives, had
there been no tunnel through the square.
I can state that the bottom of normal footings all around the 1)uilding would have been only about 4
feet 8 inches below the subbasement floor, the satiic as proposed for all the work except where the ground
has been disturbed by the tunnel construction.
So far as the general excavation, trench excavation, the borings, and two loading tests have disclosed
beyond the area affected by the tunnel, the subsoil at the above-mentioned depth is perfectly satisfactory
for the normal foundation.
The ground under southeast corner of building beyond tunnel has been excavatedl and can now be
seen, an(l must certainly be classed as good soil. TFhe only reason why it is necessary to use concrete piles
at this place is that the soil has been disturbed.
I halve no doubt that normal footings would have been usedI on the First Street side of the building.
Of course it is possible that a few soft spots of small area might be discovered on the First Street side, but
these would not change the character of the footings, nor would they appreciably increase the expense.
Very respectfully, F. L. AvERILL,
Consulting Structural Engineer.
Mr. ELLIOrr WOODS, Washington, D. C., January 28, 1905.
DEAR
SIR: In reference to
construction of the foundation for the House Office
Building,
the
had there
been no tunnel through square, can state that from the character of the soil developed by the general
excavation, as well as the excavation at the corner of First and C
Streets, prove conclusively that the bottom
of the normal footings of
building could have been safely kept at the present depth of feet 8 inches
below the subbasement floor, the same as contemplated for all foundations except where the ground has
been disturbed next to the exterior walls of
tunnel. The test that has been made outside of the area
occu-
pied by the tunnel has been

satisfactory, and proves conclusively that the present soil without
reenforcement
is amply sufficient to carry the load required by the building.
Respectfully, S. S. HUNT.
THE WASHINGTON TERMINAL CO., OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT,
P'hiladelphia, February 2, 1905.
DEAR SIRS: Your valued favor of
the 28th
ultimo, referring to the obligations devolved by the Federal
statute upon the Washington Co. Terminal in the construction of its railroad through square
690, has
been given respectful and careful consideration.
reply
In
beg I
say that, believing
to
Washington
and obligation as prescribed by
the Terminal
Co.
be constrained
to have fully complied
with its
duty
statute, the the
company will to adhere to the conclusion
expressed in my communication of the 25th ultimo, and while the differences existing between your
hon-
orable commission and the
company's officers respecting the interpretation of the statute are
from the
company's standpoint to be
regretted, it can interpose no objection to the course of procedure outlined in
your letter, and if the ultimate
judicial determination of the question be adverse to the company's contention
it must gracefully accept the consequences.
Yours, very truly, A. J. CASSATI',
President.
[Ion. J. G. CANNON,
Hon. W. P. HEPBURN,
Commission, Office Building, House of Representatives, JJ'aslhington, D. C.
REPRESENTATIVES,
HOUSE OF
Mr. ELLIOIT WOO DS , Xashington, D. C., February19905.
3,
Superintendent of Construction, House of Representatives Office Building:
You are
hereby instructed
asonry, piling,
or other work that in
your
proceed
judgment is required
with the construction of all necessary
to make secure the footings and m

concrete,
foundations of the office
building for the
Iouse Representatives, in order to assure the safe and convenient use of square
690 in
the
city of
Washington as site
for said
building, keeping an exact account of all expenditures incurred
any work
for and all
such is
required to be done because of the presence and manner of construction
the;
of the railroad
separately
of the presence therein
tunnel
proportion
of
of
the
of
said
Washington
tunnel
Terminal
expenditures incurred within the
as well as
Co. through a portion
building
the proportion thereof incurred outside of said
of said square
lines of said
690,
square
and
on
showing
account
building lines.
Very respectfully,
J.G. CANNON,
W. P. HEPBURN,
Commission to Direct and] Supervise Construction of
MARCH 6, 1905.
At a meeting of the commission to supervise the construction of an office building for the House of
Representatives, held in the Speaker's room, at which Messrs. Cannon and Hepburn were present, the
Superintendent of the United States Capitol Building and Grounds presented to the commission the ques-
tion of the deep foundations on and adjacent to the railway tunnel in square 690, and suggested the inad-
visability of attempting to proceed with this work for the whole, under contract, due to the fact that until
the work developed the quality of the soil and proceedings to take any contract let for the same as a whole
would be subject to many revisions, and that if so stipulated in the specifications a very high price would
no doubt be obtained for the work.
The superintendent was therefore authorized to proceed with this particular section of the work,
under favorable terms to be secured from contractors, said terms to be based upon the proposition that
the Government would furnish all material required, or as much thereof as possible, and that the con-
tractor would furnish appliances and skilled operators and receive rental for the said appliances at a rate
per diem only when in actual service, and that the contractor should receive in addition to this rental the
cost of his skilled labor plus not more than I5 per cent for his superintendence and use of minor tools.
MARCH 8, 1905.
There was an informal meeting of the commission this day at which there were present Messrs. Cannon
and Hepburn.
At the suggestion of Mr. Woods, superintendent of construction, they visited the building site and
viewed the condition of the construction of the railroad tunnel through the southeast corner thereof. The
question of proceeding with the footings and foundation of the office building at that point was discussed
and it was agreed that Mr. Woods should proceed with the work at once, notwithstanding any opposition
that might be interposed by the railroad company.
Washington, D. C., March 8, I905.
-Ion. E. A. HITCHCOCK,
Secretary of the Interior.
SIR: I am directed by Hon. J. G. Cannon, chairman of the commission in charge of construction of
the office building for use of the house of Representatives to acknowledge receipt of your letter of May 5,
1904, concerning the question of compensation for disbursing the appropriations made for said building,
an(d to say that at a meeting of the commission it has been determined that the subject is one over which
they have no control, but that it is a matter wholly within your discretion, subject only to the laws appli-
cable to compensation for disbursements for construction of public buildings.
Very respectfully, JAMES C. COURTS,
Secretary of the Commission.
Yashington, D. C., March I7, 1905.
The commission of the House of Representatives to determine the site for and to direct and supervise
the construction of a fireproof building for committee rooms, folding room, and other offices for the House
of Representatives, met this day at I o'clock p. m. in the Speaker's room, first floor.
Present: lIon. Joseph G. Cannon, of Illinois, chairman; Hon. W. P. Hepburn, of Iowa; Hon. James
D. Richardson, of Tennessee, and Mr. James C. Courts, clerk to the commission.
There appeared before the commission Mr. John M. Carrere, of the firm of Carrere & Hastings,
consulting architects, accompanied by Mr. Owen E. Brainard, of and a partner in said firm, and Mr. Elliott
Woods, Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds; whereupon the following proceedings
were had:
Mr. CANNON. Col. Hepburn, will you and Mr. Richardson question these gentlemen concerning
this matter ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. You have all talked it over. Go ahead, sir, you and Mr. Hepburn.
Mr. HEPBURN. We wanted to talk with you, gentlemen, about the relative merits of the three classes
of materials-limestone, marble, and granite-for which bids have been received. What is the difference,
or is there any difference, in the durability of the structures made from those three different kinds of stone ?
Mr. CARRERE. Of course, I take it vou mean with regard to your building?
Mr. CARRERE. They are all sufficiently durable. It is a question, I might almost say, of thousands of
years' experience. The granite will outlast any of the others, but either one of them will last long enough
for any building of this kind. I have no preference at all on that point, because I think that either of the
three materials would answer the purpose.
Mr. HEPBURN. What will be the difference?
Mr. CARRERE. May I qualify that? By durability I mean as to the stone becoming deteriorated
at all. Of course, they do not stand the weather equally. They are changed in color differently.
Mr. HEPBURN. Which will deteriorate most in color from the artistic standpoint ?
Mr. CARRERE. The limestone.
Mr. HEPBURN. It will become less attractive ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; less attractive, and it will become so more rapidly.
- Mr. HEPBURN. Simply in its discoloration ?
Mr. CARRERE. It is a very soft stone. It is very absorbent, and the rain will drive the dust into it,
and it will very soon become very much darker; and as it becomes darker, it loses its life and becomes
muddy and putty-like. The granite does not-change very much, although it darkens. The marble changes,
but improves with age. The marble, which at first is white and glaring, and to some people, perhaps, dis-
agreeable, as it gets older mellows and becomes very beautiful, as you can see here in your own building.
Mr. HEPBURN. Which stone would give you the greatest uniformity of color in a building?
Mr. CARRERE. The greatest evenness of color ?
Mr. CARRERE. I do not think there would be very much difference.
Mr. HEPBURN. Will it be possible to get marble of the same shade-different blocks that would have
the same shade of blue or green ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; it will be possible to get the marble so that the average of it will be even. There
would be no more difference between two pieces than there would be on the same piece.
Mr. HEPBURN. That would be practicable?
Mr. CARRERE. Absolutely so.
Mr. HEPBURN. What is the difference, probably, as to promptness of delivery of the three materials ?
It was stated here by the chairman--and I think that is the opinion of all the members of the commission-
that this building should be completed for the occupancy of the Sixtieth Congress--
Mr. RICHARDSON. Which meets the first Monday in December, 1907.
Mr. BRAINARD. In December?
Mr. RICHARDSON. Yes; in December.
Mr. BRAINARD. lThat is three seasons-three open seasons.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Three full open seasons--
Mr. CANNON. Counting this one.
Mr. CARRERE. Of course, the limestone would probably be delivered, on the whole, faster; but, on
the other hand, it comes from a northerly State, and they will not be able to quarry it during certain months
in the year, and one of the marbles comes from a Southern State, where they will be able to quarry it all
the year round. I think that the granite would take longer to supply than either of the other stones.
Mr. HEPBURN. What do you think of the practicability of securing the delivery of the stone in time
for the completion of this work as suggested ?
Mr. CARRERE. Well, Mr. Hepburn, I think that depends a great deal on which of these marbles you
use, or on which of these stones you use. It happens that we are pretty well informed concerning the
matter. Most architects have not the opportunity, but we have been obliged to make such a thorough
and exhaustive study of the question of quarries that I think we can speak with considerable knowledge.
Either Mr. Brainard or myself have visited every marble quarry that we know of in the country, so
that we know what kind of marble there is there, and how much they can get out of it, and what their
facilities are, and even what their financial backing is.
Mr. RICHARDSON. And the probable supply P
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; and the probable supply.
Mr. HEPBURN. Are you familiar with these bids?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; with the marbles and with all the stones.
Mr. HEPBURN. What do you say as to the feasibility of procuring marble from the lowest bidder in
time for the purposes of the building ?
Mr. CARRERE. Either one of these bidders for marble-the South Dover or Georgia-can furnish it
in ample quantity.
Mr. HEPBURN. Within the time allotted ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; within the time required. I doubt about the Vermont marble. In fact, I am
quite sure-
Mr. WOODS. If you will pardon me, have you looked into the Vermont marble question of late?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; as late as last Sunday, in this way: They have furnished you with a sample,
which is about as beautiful as anything you can imagine. It is statuary marble. But I am absolutely sure
that they can not supply it.
Mr. BRAINARD. Certainly not within a reasonable time.
Mr. CARRERE. Certainly not within a reasonable time, because there are 230,000 cubic feet required
for the building. We are engaged in building the McKinley Monument at Buffalo, where there is only
9,ooo cubic feet to be supplied. They have supplied the marble, but it does not look like that marble at all.
It is very heavily marked, and that was a very special case, you see. It was a monumental shaft or obelisk,
where they were supposed to have selected the material very carefully. That is an unusual Diece of marble,
and I do not think that is a fair test.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You mean the sample?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes. You can not get it. They could give you marble that would be satisfactory,
but it would not be like that.
Mr. CANNON. You doubt if the Vermont people would give the marble that would be satisfactory
within the time necessary ?
Mr. CARRERr. I think it would be very difficult to do so. They have the climate to contend with,
and the stratification of their marble is such that in order to get the marble you need they would have to
waste a good deal. If we wanted a hundred thousand cubic feet, they would have to quarry 2oo,ooo or
250,000 cubic feet in order to get that much out of it, and that takes time. They would have to quarry
twice as much marble as we can use in order to get the quality that we want.
Mr. CANNON. The Vermont quarries-they are at Proctor, Vt. ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; at Proctor
Mr. BRAINARD. And at Rockland.
Mr. CARRERE-. They are wonderfully equipped there. Of course they have very large orders, but
the stratification of their marble is such that in order to get the white marble they have got to get a great
deal of the gray and green spotted marble with it, and they have to cut it so as to separate the twvo elements.
Mr. CANNON. You would consider it, notwithstanding their equipment or what it might be, as imprac-
ticable to get the marble that would be satisfactory so as to complete the building within the time required ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes, in the time specified, and the reason for it is this: We would not find out-for this
is my experience-we would not find out if the marble was not satisfactory, or that a great deal of it was not
satisfactory, until it was at the building, and then to reject it and wait until the new marble is supplied
would cause a tremendous delay. You see the difficulty. They take marble and they say, "This will go;
this is good enough," and they would send it. It is impossible to decide that when the marble is quarried.
You have to put it on the bed and rub it to see what the colors will be, and you would be rejecting a lot
of finished material, which causes delay.
Mr. CANNON. You can not inspect it there ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; but the inspection would not be final.
Mr. BRAINARD. If we did it there you would have to take so many years to get that quality of material,
even if you inspected it accurately when it came from the quarry.
Mr. CANNON. And it is your opinion that this building could not be completed within the time specified
with that marble ?
Mr. CARRERE. I do not think it can, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Let us exhaust the marble question. You say there is another sample from South
Dover, N. Y.?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; from South Dover.
Mr. CANNON. Are you entirely familiar with that, sir?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. That is a thoroughly reliable concern ?
Mr. CARRERE. Perfectly so; yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. As much so as the concern at Proctor?
Mr. CARRERE. I think so; yes. The Proctor people we know about. They have done very extensive
work. The South Dover people have done work for us, and we know them by actual experience.
Mr. CANNON. Both of them are up in G so far as reliability is concerned ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. What do you say as to the South Dover quarry? Would you have an assurance, would
you feel assured, that if that marble were used we would have this building in time ?
Mr. CARRERE. More so than any other, because the general average of their marble is much whiter
and we would be able to use more of their marble that they actually quarried.
Mr. CANNON. Yet both at South Dover and in Vermont, for that matter, the climate is a little against
them ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; but I think the wastage at South Dover would be so much less than in Vermont
that we would get greater results.
Mr. CANNON. From the climate in both places they would have to work it in the spring and summer
and fall?
Mr. CARRERF. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. What is the open season ?
Mr. CARRERE. They quarry all the winter, but in the winter the work is conducted at a great disad-
vantage. They are constantly stopping. They are constantly having accidents and storms and things,
so that the output is light in the winter.
Mr. CANNON. You would not hesitate, if you had the work at the price you bid, if you were a contractor
yourself-you would not hesitate about saying, "I can complete this building and get the marble from
South Dover?"
Mr. CARRERE. No, sir; I would not.
Mr. CANNON. Now, then, coming down to the Georgia marble, are you familiar with that?
Mr. CARRERE. Perfectly; yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Are they like the other two in capacity-natural capacity, and quarry open, and all that
kind of thing?
Mr. CARRERE. The quarry is there, and the marble is there. We think it is the best quarry in Georgia.
The equipment is not equal to that of the other two, but of course that would be supplied. The quarry
does not belong to those people, the Williams people, who have bid, but they would handle it, aiid they
would supply the equipment.
Mr. CANNON. None of those quarries belong to the people who bid ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; the South Dover belongs to Williams, and the Vermont belongs to Proctor, who
has bid on the Vermont marble. But the company in Georgia is a separate company, and these people
would get control of the output. That is the way they do.
Mr. RICHARDSON. So that the equipment would be sufficient?
Mr. CANNON. With the marble in Georgia, and its quality, and the opening of the quarry, as it is,
with the labor and everything, you would have the same feeling, that the building could be completed,
if that was the material used, within the time required ?;
Mr. CARRERE. Well, less so, for the reason that there, again, the amount of wastage is greater, and the
local conditions of labor are less favorable. They have less skilled labor, and they would have to quarry
more marble in order to supply a given quantity. As against that, however, they would have an open
season to compensate for it. In the case of the New York Stock Exchange, which was built of marble
from a neighboring quarry in Georgia, and part of it from this quarry, and where they wanted about the
same grade of marble as we would want here, they had a very good contractor, but they had considerable
delays in getting the marble, on account of the conditions which I mentioned-the labor conditions and
the quarry conditions. But I think it would be about an even chance between that quarry and the other
two, with all the odds in favor of the South Dover, so far as time is concerned.
Mr. CANNON. What do you mean by an even chance ?
Mr. CARRERE. On time; of getting the marble within the specified time.
Mr. CANNON. An even chance with Georgia and South Dover?
Mr. CARRERE. And Vermont, yes; with the balance in favor of the Georgia and South Dover quarries.
Mr. CANNON. But you say it can not be done from Vermont?
Mr. CARRERE. I think it will be very much more difficult.
Mr. CANNON. I mean within the time specified.
Mr. CARRERE. I mean it will be very difficult to accomplish. I think it can be accomplished with the
Georgia, and I am absolutely positive that it can be done with the South Dover. I put them in that order.
Mr. CANNON. South Dover first, Georgia second, and Vermont third?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; don't you think so [addressing Mr. Brainard] ?
Mr. BRAINARD. Decidedly so.
Mr. CANNON. And you would put it as to desirability, South Dover first, or Georgia first ?
Mr. CARRERF:. No; I would put it in the same order of desirability for your purpose-put South
Dover first.
Mr. CANNON. Georgia second, and Vermont third ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. NoW, let us go to the granite. What are the lowest bids on granite ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. Nine hundred and ninety-two thousand three hundred and seventy-three dollars.
Mr. WOODS. Mr. Speaker, may I put a question there, just to get it in the record ?
Mr. CANNON. Yes.
Mr. WOODS. What is the difference in cost between the bids for the South Dover marble and the bid
for the Georgia marble ?
Mr. CARRERE. Fifty-one thousand dollars.
Mr. CANNON. And what is the difference between the Vermont and the South Dover ?
Mr. CARRERE. The Vermont people only bid on the exterior of the building, so that it is difficult to
establish that.
Mr. WOODS (to Mr. Cannon). Using the Vermont marble, I use the lowest figure, the alternate prop-
osition, $1,008,373, as against $929,000, the bid from South Dover.
Mr. CANNON. That is the difference between South Dover and the alternate bid from Vermont, with
the court partly of limestone ?
Mr. WOODS. No; the difference between--
Mr. CARRERE. The Vermont would cost $79,373.15 more than the South Dover.
Mr. RICIHARDSON. And it would be correspondingly greater than the Georgia--$51,ooo added to that
greater.
Mr. CARERRE. Yes; it would be $I30,000 More.
Mr. CANNON. You can eliminate this if it is not a fair question to ask, and I suppose it is a fair question
to ask: Considering the certainty of delivery within the time specified and the quality of marble, without
regard to the cost of the building, which of these marble propositions is the best ?
Mr. CARRERE. My preference would be decidedly, under these circumstances, for South Dover.
Mr. CANNON. Notwithstanding it is; how much higher?
Mr. RICHARDSON. Fifty-one thousand dollars.
Mr. CANNON. More than the Georgia ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. Why so?
Mr. CARRERE. Because the marble-I am not taking it on the basis of the calculation there, but from
my knowledge of what we can get from the quarry-because the marble, in my judgment, would be the
most suitable and the least marked of all the marbles. It would be freer from the blue and green or other
marks in such quantity as to destroy the general harmony of the effect. In the other marble every now
and then you are apt to get a blue stone or a dark stone, which will make a disagreeable spot for many
years to come, until the whole thing mellows. If we could take each stone and match it with the stone
that comes next to it, so that these markings would be all beautifully accorded, as in interior working-in
wainscoting and things of that kind-the marking would not be an objection; but when you are using stone
in such large quantities as this it is impossible to do it, and the stone that is quite discolored might come in
contact, in immediate contact, with a stone that is quite white, and the only way to avoid it is to use a marble
that has practically none of the dark stains and which is as generally uniform in color.
Mr. CANNON. Is the Corcoran Art Gallery built of marble ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; it is of Georgia marble, the same as this, or this and a neighboring quarry.
Mr. CANNON. Is there anything else, gentlemen, that you want to ask about the marble ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. I do not think so.
Mr. WOODS. I do not remember, but do you remember whether or not the finished surface of the
Corcoran Art Gallery is the same as the finished surface of the House office building is to be ?
Mr. CARRERE. No. The surface of the Art Gallery is tooled and not sand rubbed.
Mr. WOODS. Would this sand rubbing bring out, in greater force, the marking of the marble ?
Mr. CARRERE. It Will.
Mr. CANNON. Now, let us go to the granite. The lowest separate bid for the granite for the four
street facades is that of William Bradley & Son, of New York, $875,000, and the lowest separate bid for
limestone for the court, partly in limestone, is the FUrst-Kerber Cut Stone Co., of Chicago, III., $11 7,373.15,
making $992,373.15 on granite. Is that less or more than marble ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. It is a little bit more than marble.
Mr. BRAINARD. $875,000 is the lowest marble to compare with that.
Mr. WOOD. How would it be with the South Dover?
Mr. BRAINARD. $929,000.
Mr. CANNON. You already stated that you are familiar with these granite quarries ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; but less familiar than with the marble. But we know all about them.
Mr. CANNON. What have you to say, from your knowledge of the granite, taking this lowest bid of
Bradley & Son, who seem to be the lowest on the marble also ?
Mr. CARRERE. No-
Mr. BRAINARD. Bradley (lid not bid on the marble.
Mr. CANNON. Who was that man?
Mr. BRAINARD. WillialmlS.
Mr. CANNON. Oh, yes; Williams. I)o you know what granite he bid on ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Where is that?
Mr. CARRERIE. Fox Island, Me.
Mr. CANNON. Now, taking the same things into consideration-time, quality, and everything else-
can that be furnished within the time ?
Mr. CARRERE. I think it will be more difficult to furnish the granite than the marble, because the
quarrying season is very much shorter, and the quarrying conditions of labor, and so forth, are very much
more difficult to handle. In the case of this particular granite of Fox Island, we are the consulting
architects for the Manhattan Bridge in New York, and they have been awarded the contracts for a part
of one of the anchorages, and we are obliged there to use three kinds of granite because they are not able
to furnish any one kind in sufficient quantity in the time prescribed.
Mr. CANNON. How much time is that?
Mr. CARRERE. I think it is a year-is it not [addressing Mr. Brainardl ?
Mr. BRAINARD. Yes.
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; and it is a very simple, big, coarse work-just buttress work.
Mr. CANNON. If they had the contract for granite, would they be as well off as the contract people
would be on marble, as to time ?
Mr. CARRERE. I do not think so, because the man who is estimating does not control the quarry. He
would have to buy his granite from the quarry. This man Bradley is a New York stonecutter, a very
capable man.
Mr. CANNON. A reputable contractor?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; but he is buying his granite from the quarries.
Mr. CANNON. From the practical standpoint, do you regard it as practical? Suppose the contract was
awarded to them-that is what we want to get at-could we go into that building within the time indicated ?
Mr. CARRERE. I do not believe so, but it is hardly a fair statement on which to make a decision. But
you take all the granite buildings that have been built lately-the New York customhouse, for example-
and the delays have been considerable; and the quarrying of granite has become a very delicate matter,
considering the labor conditions.
Mr. CANNON. More so than with the marble and limestone?
Mr. CARRERE. l'Jore so than the marble and limestone; yes.
Mr. CANNON. What stone was it tihi t went into the Chicago customhouse building? Pierce wasthe
contractor.
Mr. CARRERF. That may be one of those Maine granites.
Mr. CANNON. This sample that the Bradley bid is based on is the Fox Island granite. Is that a
different granite from the other Maine granites in coloring?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. And if that bid was accepted, it would have to come from the Fox Island quarry ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes, sir. May I say something about that granite?
Ml. CANNON. Certainly.
Mr. CARRERE. The granite is quite highly colored, and it is very speckled, and quite a coarse granite;
and in my judgment it: is one of the least suited of all the granites submitted for a monumental building of
this character. It is just the right sort of granite for the buttresses of a bridge, hut it is not of a fine texture
and a fine-tone building material, such as you would want here, to turn shafts and columns and balustrades
out of.
Mr. WOODS. Is it not the same granite that is used in the buildings at the Annapolis Naval Aeademy?
Mr. CARRERE. I do not know.
Mr. WOODS. It was so stated to me this morning.
Mr. CARREREI. Those are very ponderous buildings; different sort of buildings altogether from this.
Mr. CANNON. That is the only granite bid you had from Bradley, is it not ?
Mr. WOODS. There are others, but that is the lowest.
Mr. CANNON. We are dealingwith the lowest bids.
Mr. CARRERE. If you could see the samples, you would notice quite a variation between the granites.
It is greater than the variation between the other stones.
Mr. CANNON. What granite is desirable ?
Mr. CARRERE. The most desirable granite would be the Bethel. I think so. I should think the
Bethel, and the Mount Airy, and the Hardwick would be the most desirable; I mean to say in color and
texture. But they can not furnish it in the sizeswe ought to have. There is a difficulty there. Then,
there is a white granite.
Mr. WOODS. He refers to the white granite so much talked about.
Mr. CANNON. Are there bids for this?
Mr. WOODS. Yes. The one he referred to just now is a white granite lately selected for the Union
Station here in Washington.
Mr. CARRERE. They are the whitest.
Mr. BRAINARD. That is the Bethel granite.
Mr. WOODS. Woodbury, Vt., white granite-what kind is that?
Mr. CARRERE. That is very good.
Mr. CANNON. How much is that more than the bid of Bradley & Son ?
Mr. CANNON. And what is the next?
Mr. WOODS. We come next to Hallowell granite.
Mr. BRAINARD. The Chicago customhouse is built of that.
Mr. CANNON. How much is that bid?
Mr. BRAINARD. $22,500 above the lowest bid.
Mr. WOODS. Then we come to Waldo, Me.
Mr. CARRERE. That is like the Riggs Bank-a decidedly brown color-
Mr. WOODS. A pink color.
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; a dark pinkish color.
Mr. CANNON. What is that bid ?
Mr. WOODS. That is $94i,ooo.
Mr. CARRERE. Then $963,000 for Milford, Mass.; then the Concord granite, $979,000.
Mr. WOODS. The Concord granite is used in the Library of Congress. Their bid is $1,077,999.
What is that difference ?
Mr. CANNON. This Fox Island you would not recommend at all for this building?
Mr. CARRERE. From an artistic standpoint I think it is one of the least suitable. You would have a
building that would be entirely out of harmony in color and general texture both with the Capitol and the
Library of Congress.
Mr. CANNON. I also understand from you-to get away from the difference in bids on granite-that
you are familiar with all the quarries, and that, in your judgment, for the early completion of this building
as we desire it, as indicated, we would have more difficulty in getting any of them than we would have in
getting marble from the Vermont quarry? I am speaking in point of time.
Mr. CARRERE. I hardly think that that would be true. I do not think that any of these granites
would come along any faster than the Vermont marble. I meant the South Dover-
Mr. BRAINARD. The South Dover would come faster.
Mr. CANNON. I am trying to get a comparison between the Vermont marble and the granite.
Mr. CARRERE. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. You have already spoken of the Fox Island in point of time. Now, from your
familiarity with these other quarries, are they better situated than Fox Island ?
Mr. CARRERE. Some of them are. The Concord granite would be probably the easiest to obtain.
I do not know anything about the Mount Airy; That is very recent. Mr. Brainard says that the Mount
Airy will be easy to get, too.
Mr. CANNON. The Library of Congress is of Concord granite?
Mr. WOODS. Yes; that, however, is a high bid.
Mr. CANNON. fHow much higher?
Mr. BRAINARD. One hundred and four thousand more.
Mr. CANNON. More than the cheapest granite ?
Mr. BRAINARD. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Now, let us go to the limestone, unless you want to ask something more about granite.
These limestones that you have are from Indiana only ?
Mr. WOODS. From the Indiana field-from two separate quarries, Bedford and Buskirk.
Mr. CANNON. Are you familiar with those quarries ?
Mr. CARRERE. I am not familiar with them except by hearsay. They are not quarries; they are
vast fields.
Mr. CANNON. Have you ever been to those quarries, Mr. Woods ?
Mr. WOODS. Not within 15 years.
Mr. CANNON. Do you understand that they are both substantially the same ?
Mr. WOODS. They are substantially the same.
Mr. CANNON. Different qualities of limestone ?
Mr. WOODS. Very little difference. They are quarries in close proximity.
Mr. CANNON. I mnean take the ledges of stone. It is like marble or granite; there is difference in
quality. That is to say, you could get limetsone, as you could get marble or granite. That would not do
at all. Have you noticed these samples here ? There are two samples of limestone ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; very good samples.
Mr. CANNON. You spoke of limestone a little bit ago as being softer than the marble. I heard it
claimed-I do not know where or by whom-that the limestone from the Indiana field is hardened after
being put in construction.
Mr. CARRERE. It does harden-after being exposed to the air, but, of course, the process of discoloration
begins at once, so that by the time the stone gets hard it is also dark.
Mr. CANNON. From an artistic standpoint, using stone, are you satisfied they could furnish the stone
equal to the samples ?
Mr. CARRERE. Oh, yes.
Mr. CANNON. Those that are furnished here ?
Mr. CARRERE. Oh, yes.
Mr. CANNON. And on the question of time, you are satisfied about that ?
Mr. CARRERE. Entirely so.
Mr. CANNON. Well, now, from the samples, how much less desirable are they than marble or granite ?
Mr. CARRERE. You mean to say from the artistic point of view?
Mr. CANNON. We have altogether got it from an utilitarian point that they are all substantially equal.
Now, from the artistic standpoint-
Mr. CARRERE. Well, the limestone is a stone that is quarried so much, and is used so much, and is
quarried so easily, because of its softness, that it is inexpensive, and it has become really a commercial
stone. It is a commonplace stone, and it has no great beauty; at least no beauty such as the marble has,
either in texture, or in color, or in fineness.
Mr. RICHARDSON. It is the difference between corn bread and poundcake.
Mr. CARRERE. And it is not a stone that you would naturally select for a monumental building.
These are buildings, very important and very beautiful buildings, that are constructed of limestones; for
instance, the Columbia College Library. The library of Columbia College, in New York, is built of lime-
stone, andl it is one of the big monuments of the country; but it is not effective as other buildings of a
similar character, or as the Capitol, for instance, which is built of marble.
Mr. CANNON. Suppose the limestone were as hard to get as marble or granite, and the marble or
granite were as easy to get as the limestone; which, then, would be the most artistic ? [Laughter.]
Mr. CARRERE.. The marble, sir. If I may give you all illustration, you would never think of hewing
a statue out of limestone if you could get marble; and the same thing would apply to a building, if you
are striving for the same standpoint of beauty and dignity and simplicity. The marble has a transparency
that no other stone has. You feel that there is color, and texture, andI graining, and everything else
beneath the surface of the marble, as there is beneath the surface of the skin, as in the complexion.
Mr. CANNON. Both are limestone, are they not ?
Mr. CAmRERE. Yes; but they have been through a different degree of heat.
Mr. CANNON. The granite is not a limestone ?
Mr. CARRERE. No; the granite is not.
Mr. CANNON. How long has this Columbia College Library been built?
Mr. CARRERE. Five or six years.
Mr. BRAINARD. It has been finished, I think, eight years.
Mr. CANNON. How large a building is it?
Mr. CARRERE. In dollars and cents it cost slightly over a million dollars; and it is built, I should
imagine, about i20 feet square, with a dome.
Mr. CANNON. Are there many buildings constructed of limestone in New York?
Mr. CARRERE. A great many.
Mr. CANNON. I mean large buildings.
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; the Metropolitan Museum Building is of limestone.
Mr. CANNON. Is that larger than the Columbia College Library i
Mr. CARRERE. It is a more monumental building, not so large in actual size.
Mr. CANNON. How long since that was built?
Mr. CARRERE. Ten or twelve years.
Mr. CANNON. Are they both still handsome buildings ?
Mr. CARRERE. Oh, yes; they are handsome buildings in design. The stone becomes lifeless. The
Metropolitan Museum is a good example of that. The stone after awhile looks almost like cement in
color. It becomes stuccoed and puttylike. Of course, it varies a great deal according to climate. It
must be better in your climate than in the New York climate, because there is more sunshine here.
Mr. CANNON. Better in this climate than in New York?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. In Indiana and Illinois, out there, the climate and conditions are pretty severe, especially
with bituminous coal. The public building at Indianapolis is built of this limestone, I believe. I-lave
you ever seen it ?
Mr. CARRERE. No; but I have seen drawings of it.
Mr. CANNON. That is larger-
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; larger than either of the buildings I have mentioned.
Mr. CANNON. Is that used elsewhere than in New York ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; throughout the country.
Mr. CANNON. In what you might call monumental buildings?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes. My personal experience is that we use it in monumental buildings when we can
not afford to use anything else, because it is a stone, and we prefer that to brick or terra cotta or any other
inferior material. Sandstone has objections on the score of durability, and the defects of limestone as
to discoloration are even more marked in the case of sandstone. The limestone is preferable in exterior
work.
Mr. CANNON. What do you say as to its use in the court ?
Mr. CARRERE. In the court of the building I think it would be very suitable, because in character
the court is a perfectly simple, straightforward, practical design. We had thought of using brick, but we
would prefer to use stone.
Mr. CANNON. Let me ask you the question: We have got some pretty severe statutes enacted; one
without any thought of this bill, carried on the deficiency bill; and the statutes have been that way all the
while in point of fact. But this puts it in black and white, and absolutely prohibits anybody that has
authority to make contracts on the part of the Governmryent fromn making contracts or incurring obligations
not authorized by law. Now, assume that this building can not be built with granite or marble within
the limit of cost. I will first assume that, and then I will ask you: Then we either do nothing, or if we
seek to go ahead we will violate the law. Now, is limestone really bad for a building of this kind ?
Mr. CARRERE. Why, no. I can not answer that question in any other way. It is not bad. I would
be willing to build the building of limestone if I had to be influenced by other considerations than simply
the absolutely best results.
Mr. CANNON. You consider that marble would give the best results, and granite next, and limestone
the next ?
Mr. CARRERE. No; I can not say that I do. I should say that regardless of any consideration
excepting that of art and the design of the building and its relations to the surrounding buildings, my choice
would be for marble. On the whole, I would just as soon use limestone as granite. I will leave it there
if you want.
Mr. CANNON. NO; go ahead. I want to know.
Mr. CARRERE. I would just as soon use linmestone as granite, because granite-it is a very difficult
thing to explain-the granite is such a hard material that it does not lend itself to the surface treatment
of a classic design of this character as readily as a softer stone would, like limestone.
Mr. CANNON. Now, see if I understand you properly from the standpoint of an architect and an
expert: Marble would be your first choice ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. And you say you would as soon use limestone as granite, for the reasons assigned?
Mr. CARRERE. Just as soon.
Mr. CANNON. Is there any preference between the two ?
Mr. CARRERE. I would be guided entirely by the estimate. I would not pay the difference indicated
here for the use of granite.
Mr. CANNON. Between granite and limestone?
Mr. CANNON. Your firm supervised the plans for the building, and you are familiar with the estimated
cost of the building?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Taking the cost of marble and of granite, as per these bids, what could the building be
completed for ?
Mr. CARRERE. The cost of the granite and marble-
Mr. CANNON. No; taking first the marble. The cost of marble is something less than that of granite.
Take the cost of marble under these bids. Then take the case of the building otherwise finished. What
would be the cost of the building?
Mr. CARREIRi. From comparison with other work we are doing, I would say it would be three times
the cost of the stone, and with limestone it would be about four.
Mr. Hi.rPTIuRN. Thice times, you say ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes. I might state, in support of that, that in the case of the New York Public Library,
which we are building, that is exactly the relation of the value of the marble to the cost of the complete
building as we contemplate it-one-third; and I think that in the case of the library the conditions are
somewhat more favorable than they are here. That is to say, your marble represents a greater proportion
of the cost than ours do.
Mr. RicHARDsON. Then, if our lowest bid of marble is $1,008,303.I-S
Mr. CARRERUlE. No; the lowest is $926,ooo; that is, the Georgia marble.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Yes; if outr bid was that, could we build it within our appropriation of $3,100,000 ?
Mr. CARIUER. Yes; I believe that we can,
Mr. RICHARDSON. Could we within the bid of the South Dover Co. ?
Mr. CARRrRlE. Yes; I think wve would-just about; $3,ooo,ooo, that makes it.
Mr. RiciIaRDSoN. Would the cost of the building as contemplated, outside of the material of limestone
or marble or granite, be about the same whether you use either limestone or granite ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes.
Mr. I-I}EPIURN. Now, yhou have in your mind, have you, when you say that it should be built for two
millions and some odd thousand dollars outside of the stonework, that Mr. Woods calculates nearly $Ioo,ooo
for these extra foundations made necessary by the tunnel?
Mr. WOODS. No, sir; we do not.
Mr. BRAINARD. TIat is an extraordinary situation.
Mr. CANNON. Now, I wish you would sit down with Mr. Woods, and-what we want to get at is this:
Mr. Woods is our superintendent under the law; Mr. Woods knows the cost of the foundation. You
ought to be able to approximate pretty closely as it is. I wish you would sit (]own, while we do anything
that we please, and foot tip the cost of this building, without regard to the stone, and give it to us.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Yes; so that we can add the cost of either stone to it.
Mr. CANNON. Yes.
Mr. WOOuS. That is easily done. I have here the detailed estimates.
Mr. CARRERE. The estimates that you have received ? I am talking about marble estimates now.
Mr. CANNON. Throw the marble estimate and the limestone and granite estimates from your minds
and figure out the cost of the building aside from the stone-the cost otherwise. There is one element of
cost that your attention has not been called to-in round numbers $Ioo,ooo; and then add incidentals and
superintendence and architects and drawings, and the whole thing-
Mr. HEPBURN. So that when you add the bids for whatever stone is selected, whether marble or granite
or limestone, we will know just what the cost will be.
Mr. CANNON. We have that now, and also your estimate of the various material!. as to desirability.
Mr. CARRERE. For this building ?
Mr. CANNON. Oh, yes; of course. You have some regard for this building, the Capitol, and some
for the Library of Congress and some regard for the elevation.
Mr. CARRERE. I change my point of view under different circumstances.
Mr. CANNON. Oh, certainly. What we want now, Mr. Woods, is an estimate of the cost of the
building, excluding the stone, as covered by these specifications--excluding all that. Now, then, give us
how much money the balance would cost.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You said in the rough it was twice as much ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; twice as much. In other words, if your appropriation is $3,ooo,ooo, we would
be safe in expending a million for stone. That is what I meant.
Mr. CANNON. That is, as a general proposition ?
Mr. CARRERr. Yes.
(At this point the commission took a recess for 20 minutes.)
AFrER RECESS.
Mr. CARRERE1. We have gone over this tabulated estimate with Mr. Woods and compared it with
some figures that we have as to some of our own buildings, and it seems to us that it is a very fair estimate--
namely, $3,139,864 for the completed building, including the stone and including that tunnel work.
Mr. RICHARDSON. With an allowance of a million dollars for the stone ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes, with an allowance of a million dollars for the stone. Answering your question
specifically, it would cost $2,139,864.
Mr. HEPBURN. That would exceed that, then ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. If you added a million dollars to that you would have $3,139,864. ?
Mr. CARRERE. YOU would have $39,000 over that. To begin with, you would have $ii8,ooo of
tunnel work included in that.
Mr. WOODS. I (lo not think that should be charged against the building estimate, but I pwt that in
for information.
Mr. RICHARDSON. What is this -lowest bid ?
Mr. CARRECRE. It is $929,000. No, the lowest bid, I should say, is $678,000.
Mr. RICHARDSON. For marble ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes. No, I beg your pardon, that is not it.
Mr. HEPBURN. It was $I,030,000, was it not ?
Mr. BRAINARD. It was $i,ozo,ooo of Georgia, and $98i,ooo of South Dover.
Mr. CANNON. Give me the figures, please, will you ?
Mr. CARRERE. If we make the court of brick, and not of limestone, wve can come well within the limit.
Mr. BRAINARD. Certainly. Your estimate for marble outside and limestone within the court amounts
to $98i,ooo. Now, if you use marble for the outside and brick on the inside of the court--
Mr. WOODS. You understand that means all brick?
Mr. BRAINARD. No; partly brick.

Mr. Richardson. Partly brick, according to these estimates, it would be how much ?
M\ r. CARRERE. $878,ooo; that would leave you a balance of $82,00o.
Mr. RIciiARDSON. And building upon this plan, either the South Dover or the Georgia marble could
be used ?
Mr. BRAINADI. No; that figure was based on Georgia.
Mr. CARRERE. But the South Dover is still lower.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Then I am right. It vould be within the limit, using either ?
Mr. CANNON. Replying to my question before the recess, you make the cost of building, excluding
the stone, $2,I39,864. Is that correct?
Mr. HEPBURN. With this estimate of the cost of the building, exclusive of the stone, if the l)id of Williams
for Georgia marble of $878,ooo is accepted, you then would be able to complete the building in all particulars
within the limit of cost of $3,100,000?
Mr. BRAINARD. That is true.
Mr. WOODS. Before that question is answered, just take from a million dollars that bid--
Mr. CARRERE. It means $122,000.
Mr. WOODS. What is the difference between the Williams bid and the
Mr. CArtRRIEIR. Yes, leaving a balance
Mr. WOODS. How many thousands ?
Mr. BRAINARD. $120,000 for the Georgia marble.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Now, also, continuing the question, if the South Dover marble is used, then, his
answer is yes.
Mr. I-IEPBURN. Suppose the bid of Williams is accepted, using South Dover marble instead of the
Georgia, Wvould it still be within the limit ?
Mr. CARRErR. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Before you leave this, I notice in the bid of Williams that the bid of $8780ooo is for
Georgia marble and a court partly of limestone and partly of brick, and his bid for the Georgia marble
andI the limestone finish in the court complete is $98i,ooo. That is correct, is it ?
Mr. CARRRFua. Yes.
I\ir. CANNON. Whereas his bid for the South Dover marble, with limestone and brick for the court,
is how much ?
Mr. CAiuni:. $929,000.
Mr. CANNON. And what is it for limestone inside and( South Dover outside ?
Mr. CARREI1I.. $I,032,000.
Mr. RIcHIARDSON. Or a difference between the South Dover marble an(d the Georgia marble of about
$5 1,000 ?
Mr. BRAINARD. Yes.
Mr. Woons. You also have to look for about $25,ooo worth of brickwork in that. rflere arc two
items in the estimates there that are high, but not higher than I would want for contingencies.
Mr. BRAINARD. $IOO,ooo.
Mr. WOODS. I)o you think it is enough to have for contingencies in a building of that character ?
Mr. CARRERE. It is better to have it than not.
Mr. RICHARDSON. If we get through in the neighborhood of that we will be doing mighty well.
Mr. I-IPIr3URN. Is there any markeddesirabilityy in having the court of limestone complete over the
court of part limestone and part brick ?
Mr. CARRRti.E. Decidedly so. The court is so big and it is so simple--the design is--that the stone
would make it look very much more finished and in harmony with the building than the brick would. The
brick is naturally an inexpensive material, and would cheapen the appearance of the court. If you were
not so close to the appropriation you would not hesitate for a minute to expend $50,ooo more for that purpose.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Is there any painting or coloring that could l)e used on the brick that would help
the finish on the inside ?
Mr. CARRERE, No. The brick is to be of the same color as the limestone. You would not have to
paint the brick, because if you did you would have a continual expense, and you would always have a period
of shabbiness preceding the painting period.
Mr. HEPBURN. Is there any consideration as to the utility of the building, or its durability ?
Mr. CARRERE. No, sir.
Mr. HEPBURN. So that brick in that aspect would be as desirable as the stone ?
Mr. CARRERE. If I might state it this way, the Congressmen who have the outside rooms will look into
the park, while the Congressmen who have the inside rooms will be looking at these inside walls. Is not
that so, Mr. Woods?
MrI . WOODS. Yes.
Mr. RICHARDSON. If the Government was eventually to utilize that inside court for a hall, or for an
auditorium, or for any similar purpose, would not the sight of the walls be greatly hidden, or pretty well
hidden ?
Mr. CARRERE. You mean to say if you would build something inside of the court ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. Yes. There has been some talk of building a court and covering it in for balls and
inauguration purposes. I have heard that suggested. If it were utilized in that way would it not hide the
inside walls or anything else ?
Mr. CARRERE. It would make them less important. The more details you put into the walls the
more conspicuous they become.
Mr. HEPBURN. We could arrange that, even if we had the brick. We could send the country mem-
bers, accustomed to landscapes, into the front, and send the city fellows, accustomed to brick walls, in
the court.
Mr. RICHARDSON. And some fellows who have great difficulty in getting here would take it either
way. [Laughter.]
Mr. CARRERE. The difference, when you figure it out, is $5o,ooo or $6o,ooo,
Mr. HEPBURN. In favor of brick ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; in favor of brick. In a building of this size that would be so small an item
that you would not hesitate to use stone, except in view of this limitation.
Mr. WOODS. Referring now to a conversation we had about stucco, what would there be to-prevent
the surfacing of that wall with ordinary stucco or plastering, as the courthouse in this city is treated, and
marking it off as stone. Is it a durable proposition, and would it be a satisfactory one in the court of this
building ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. Do you mean what is called adamant?
Mr. WOODS. Not strictly adamant, but cement plaster. As a matter of economy I ask that question.
Mr. CARRERE. My own personal opinion is that I would prefer the stucco to tile brick. Whether
the general public would prefer it or not I do not know. I am inclined to think that they would be about
evenly divided on that point.
Ml. WOODS. I)o you not think., when it comes to the question of saving money, that putting up a
rough brick wall and stuccoing it would be handsomer and much more economical than putting in the
court partly of stone and partly of brick ?
Mr. CARRERE. Very much more so. I would not even copy the stone. I would leave it stucco.
Mr. WOODS. I want to state that until a year ago I did not know that the courthouse in Washington
here was built of brick.
Mr. CARRERE. Nearly half of the city of Paris is built of stucco.
Mr. WOODS. That question occurred to my mind as a question of economy.
Mr. RICHARDSON. What would be the relative cost of stucco as compared witil brick ?
Mr. CARRERE. I think it would be cheaper than the finished brick. I know it would be. Personally,
I think it would be very effective and very appropriate.
Mr. CANNON. Give me the figures for the South Dover marble and limestone, there.
Mr. BRAINARD. You mean the court complete of limestone ?
Mr. CARRERE. $1,032,000.
Mr. CANNON. Now give me the figures for the Georgia marble and limestone.
Mr. CARRERF. $981,000.
Mr. CANNON. The Georgia marble and limestone, you say, is $981,ooo?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. That subtracted from $3,100,000 leaves $2,II9,ooo, and $2,139,000 is your estimate of
the cost, exclusive of the stone ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. That puts us in possession of everything.
Mr. CARRERE. I have made a great many answers here to specific questions, and I should like, if
you wish to have me do so, to express what I should like to do under the circumstances. Or do you not
want me to tell you ?
Mr. CANNON. Certainly; tell us anything that is on your mind.
Mr. CARRERE. To me the most important thing is the exterior, and I should like to see it built of
South Dover marble. And I should be willing, in order to accomplish that, to give up the stone in the
court-say the all-stone court-and to use either brick or stucco, or stucco and stone. I think, if it is
permissible under the law, that inasmuch as the Georgia and the South Dover estimates are by the same
parties, you can probably get the South Dover marble for very nearly the price of the bid of the Georgia
marble; and if not all South Dover, I should then be very much inclined to permit the Williams people,
within limits to be determined by Mr. Woods and ourselves in advance, to use both marbles. That is to
say, to use the Georgia starting on the foundations for certain portions of the lower part of the building, and
then continue with the South Dover; and there would be not only some economy by that, but it is possible
that they might be able to satisfy us as to some slight economy of time in being able to get the material
fromn two sources at the same time. I do not think that the stone can be mixed indiscriminately, and I
would rather not imix them. But if we can not get all South Dover, I should be perfectly willing to mix
them and guarantee a satisfactory result. Do you not feel so, Mr. Woods ?
Mr. WOODS. I think that would be all right. I do not think there would be the slightest objection,
if such an arrangement were made, to using Georgia marble in that portion of the building up to the base
of the columns.
Mr. CAIRERE. In cubic feet that is fully one-half, because that is all the heavy work. You probably
would not start any sooner, because, of course, you would have to take the same time to get the first stone;
but while the base was being erected the upper part would be cut, and then it would follow in large
quantitiess.
Mr. RIIAIRDSON. It seems that it would be quite practicable.
Mr. CANNON. Well, in order to use marble at all you have got to skim pretty close. In fact, to use
it at all, on your lowest bid you have got to dispense with the stone finish onl the inside in part or altogether.
Mr. CAIMUU.lui. Not if you can get a combination of marbles or a reduction in price.
Mr. HIEBURN. What is the difference between these two marbles for structural l)1purspos ?
Mr. CARRERE. The samples indicate that very clearly. The one is a marble that is almost white,
with a very even marking, like that washbowl marble there. Trhe marking is absolutely even. The
other is a marble equally white when it is white, but there are great big splotches running through it,
varying in darkness. That is to say, the coloring matter in one is very evenly distributed and in the other
it is less so.
Mr. I-IHEPB1URN. That looks bad at the joints ?
Mr. CARRrRE. Yes. A stone with a lot of color in it rigl alongside of another stone with less color
makes it difficult to get an even surface.
Mr. HEPBURN. You think it would cost the Governrnent $40,000 for the brickwork if the granite
were taken ?
Mr. CANNON. That is, where you abandon limestone for the inside?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes. Using limestone or not, there would be always a difference of $5o,ooo whether
you use all limestone or part.
Mr. WOODS. The difference between part limestone and all limestone is about $50,000.
Mr. CANNON. For a granite building $i,09,o0oo-that is, the street facades of granite and the entire
court of limestone; and the alternate bids-street facades of granite and the court partly of limestone-
is $IoIo,0o0.
Mr. CARRERE. To which you add $40,000, and that makes it $I,o0o,ooo.
Mr. HEPBURN. That is the lowest granite bid ?
Mr. BRAINARD. Yes.
Mr. HEPBURN. And you can not build the building for that and still keep within the limit of $3,100,000,
can you ?
Mr. CARRERE. No, sir; not according to our views of the cost of the things. Is not that so, Mr.
Woods ?
Mr. WOODS. That is the way I feel about it.
Mr. CANNON. And, in fact, to complete it in marble you have got to abandon your stone finish inside?
Mr. RICHARDSON. The entire stone finish?
Mr. CANNON. Yes; you have to abandon your all-stone finish.
Mr. CARRERE. Yes.
Mr. HEPBURN. What was the lowest bid for marble?
Mr. CANNON. $98I,000.
Mr. CARRERE. Under that it would make it $3,126,000, or $zo,ooo too much.
Mr. HEPBURN. Is there not something there that you can revise in some of those estimates and get
rid of that $2o,ooo?
Mr. WOODS. I think there are two such items in this. One of them will revise itself to the amount
of $20,000. But I made those estimates high for the sake of contingencies.
Mr. HEPBURN. What are those items ?
Mr. WOODS. Steam heating, $I50,ooo, and ventilation, $iOOoOO.
Mr. RICHARDSON. That makes $25o,ooo.
Mr. CARRERE. I feel, in fact I have no doubt, that we could save that $2o,ooo.
Mr. HEPBURN. Suppose we adjourn, Mr. Chairman, until this time to-morrow, and in the mean-
time let these gentlemen go over these figures again, and let us see if we can get from them a definite
statement that we can accept this proposition of $878,ooo.
Mr. CANNON. In that you sacrifice the stone inside, $98i,ooo; and if you do not sacrifice that inside,
you do not build it within the limit of $3,100,000.
Mr. HE-PBURN. They may be able to revise their statement in such a way that they can come within
the limit.
Mr. CANNON. You can build this building, using limestone outside and inside complete, and be
within the limitation, but you can not build this building and use marble onl tile outside and limestone on
the inside and still be within the limit of cost. You must change and use part limestone inside and part
something else, brick and stucco, or all brick, or all stucco, as the case may be. You have got to abandon
the stone finish inside.
Mr. BRAINARD. Part of it.
Mr. CANNON. Precisely, to keep within the limitation. I am merely speaking of that to get at the
facts. Of course, after you get all the facts the commission will get together and determine.
Mr. CARRERE. I should say, Mr. Speaker, inasmuch as the figures we have arrived at are estimated
figures, we have arrived within $2o,0oo of the limit with the use of marble on the outside and limestone on
the inside
Mr. WOODS. That is, complete, you mean?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; complete. I should say I personally would feel perfectly safe in my expecta-
tion to find $2oooo under the figure, because we have allowed a certain sum for contingencies. We have
swelled some of the figures purposely in order not to have any surprises; and if it were more than $20,000
or $25,000 I would not feel that way. But it is such a small sum that I am confident that we can cut that
down.
Mr. CANNON. I do not know what your experience has been, but I have done more or less building,
of course on comparatively small buildings, but after all the fussing and worrying I can do, and though I
have a free hand, it invariably costs me from 10 to 25 per cent more than I figured on. We would like
to have a more positive statement of this matter, based upon your figures.
Mr. CARRERE. What time would you be apt to meet to-morrow, Mr. Speaker?
Mr. CANNON. Suppose we meet to-morrow at i2. o'clock.
Mr. HEPBURN and Mr. RICHARDSON. Very well.
Thereupon the commission adjourned, to meet to-morrow, Saturday, March i8, 1905, at i2 o'clock
noon.
Washington, D. C., March I8, i905.
The commission met this day at 12.45 o'clock p. m., in the Speaker's room, first floor.
Present: Hon. Joseph G. Cannon, of Illinois, chairman; Hon. W. P. Hepburn, of Iowa; Hon. James
D. Richardson, of Tennessee; and Mr. James C. Courts, clerk to the commission.
There appeared before the commission, as upon yesterday, Mr. John M. Carrere, of the firm of Carrere
& Hastings, consulting architects, accompanied by Mr. Owen E. Brainard, a member of said firm, and
Mr. Elliott Woods, Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds; whereupon the following pro-
ceedings were had:
Mr. CANNON. Yesterday Col. Hepburn said that he wanted something more of accurate statement,
or rather a review of the statement that you made about the cost of this building in other respects than
the stone.
Mr. CARRERE. Yes, sir. We went into the matter very carefully, Mr, Speaker, until late last night,
and I am of opinion that we can build the building within the appropriation. We can build it within the
apl)ropriation in ally event, but we would feel absolutely confident of it if that ventilation which we dis-
cussed yesterday could be reduced so that the artificial and forced-draft ventilation should be confined to
public spaces and toilet rooms, but that the individual offices should not be supplied with that method.
That makes a difference of about $8o,ooo.
Mr. HEPBURN. When you say you could build the building within the appropriation, to what mate-
rial do you refer?
Mr. CARRERE. I refer to white marble, sir.
Mr. RICHARDSON. From either place, New York or Georgia ?
Mr. CARRERE. From either place.
Mr. CANNON. And with limestone inside ?
Mr. CARRERI. Yes; and limestone and brick in the corridor. On this estimate that we made last
night we would have a contingent fiund of about $179,000, which we would have on hand to meet ally
unforeseen work that may be necessary, and that, we think, is advisable and prudent. Now, if you should
decide to make the court of limestone, that would reduce this to $io8,ooo, which would be less conservative.
Mr. HEPIBURN. But you still think sufficient ?
Mr. CAREREM. I still think it is sufficient.
Mr. WooDs. I am satisfied we can gain somewhat on that by modifications of the high ornamenta-
tion in the interior. I do not think it is necessary. All of this reserve that we figure out relates to the
interior of the building, and we do not anticipate any change in expense on stonework at all, because that
is settled by the contract.
Mr. CARRERE. 'None at all; but it would be most extraordinary if some particular estimate did not
turn out to be a little low and others a little high. There would be some readjusting of these figures. We
have tried to be conservative in all of them. Of course you will realize that the building is very much
larger than it was intended to be when the appropriation was made, and that item of $103,000 for the foun-
dation for the tunnel may be recovered. If it is--
Mr. CANNON. It will not be available for the building. If it is recovered at all it will be after the
building is completed.
Mr. CARRERE. If it is not recovered we will have to simplify some of the features of the interior, and
still it will be perfectly satisfactory. But we would rather have the money, of course. But I think we
would be perfectly safe in going ahead on that basis.
As to the very important question of time, if you should accept the marble which we prefer, the South
Dover marble-that is a little higher estimate than the other-we still think, in view of the fact that the
same contractor controls the Georgia marble, that we can use Georgia marble in places, in parts of the
building where it will be perfectly harmonious. We can also save some time by being able to get marble
from two sources. If you should do so, of course that would be an equivalent reduction, the Georgia marble
being less expensive than the South Dover. We would adjust that with the contractor so as to obtain a
reduction on that item.
Mr. CANNON. If you should contract for South Dover and should utilize Georgia in part, that would
be on an arrangement to be agreed upon hereafter. If you contract for Georgia marble it would be for
Georgia marble. Then if you use South Dover, that would be a matter of adjustment between you and
them ?
Mr. CANNON. If you should contract with South Dover it would be a contract, and nothing said about
Georgia; and then if you should, upon adjustment with them, upon time or otherwise, have your core
sponding reduction for the use of Georgia P
Mr. CARRERE. Precisely-
Mr. RICHARDSON. For the proportion of Georgia that enters into it?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes. The difference on the whole contract is about $5i,OOO. There are 230,000
cubic feet. We can establish a unit price at once.
Mr. CANNON. Now, we have not heard from the ventilating engineer-
Mr. WOODS. No; he is not in the city.
Mr. CANNON. Can you build this building according to his specifications-and this is addressed to
both of you, or all of you--and take the South Dover marble and the limestone for the inside finish; and
is your contingent fund such that with your changes of ornamentation inside it will be practicable to build
the building within the limitation, and do all that?
Mr. CARRERE. It is so, but it would be, of course, very much less conservative on our part to take it
on that basis.
Mr. CANNON. But suppose you were under oath and testified-not that you would state differently
from what you would do now, although it would be supposed to be more binding, while it is not--but sup-
pose you were testifying as a witness as to the practicability of contracting for South Dover marble (if it
is South Dover) and of constructing the building for ventilation according to the ventilating engineer's
plan-South Dover outside and complete limestone inside: in your judgment, with the existing prohibi-
tion of law against the commission entering into contracts not authorized by law, would that be a safe con-
tract to enter into ?
Mr. CARRE1RE. You really mean to include in that, Mr. Speaker, all-limiestone court ?
Mr. CANNON. Yes.
Mr. CARRERE. I should say, yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. That is the question I put to you: South Dover marble, limestone court, construction
for ventilation according to the plans of the ventilating engineer, building complete inside of the limit;
and to that you answer "Yes"?
Mr. CANNON. Now, you are morally certain that if the commission should conclude to award this
contract as indicated in the last question-not that it will or that it will not-you are morally certain that
that building can be completed within the time specified; that is, two years from the ist of next December?
Mr. CARRERE. I am, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Did I understand you aright yesterday-the notes would show it-that for general
building purposes, as a general proposition, granite was first, marble second, and limestone third; but for
the purposes of this building, everything taken into consideration, you prefer marble to granite?
Mr. CARRERE. I do, sir.
Mr. CANNON. And that as between limestone and granite you would as soon have limestone, every-
thing considered ?
Mr. CANNON. Now, I want to ask you another question. Is this marble fellow here ?
Mr. CARRERE. They are all here.
Mr. CANNON. I think the commission, if I understand it, does not care about calling them to argue
the case. I do not know that it cares about calling any of them after your statement. But if I were
letting this contract for myself and were thinking favorably upon a marble proposition, I should jack up
that fellow and ask him how he was fixed to comply with the contract. Do you want to hear any of them,
Col. Hepburn and Mr. Richardson ?
Mr. HEPBURN. I do not care to hear from them.
Mr. RIcHARDSON. I do not see why we should.
Mr. CANNON. One other question just before we get through. Might it pot be well to go out and
look at those samples ? I do not know a thing about them.
Mr. WOODS. I sincerely wish you would.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Where are they ?
Mr. WOODS. Over in the square, there.
Mr. CANNON. One other question, and this is addressed to the three of you-Mr. Woods and you
two others: From your experience in building, are these bids reasonable ?
Mr. CARRERE. I think that they are exceedingly so; very reasonable.
Mr. CANNON. No evidences of conspiracy between bidders anywhere ?
Mr. CARRRiEt. None whatever. That is clearly evident in the relative value of the work as offered
there in the different materials.
Mr. HE11-PBURN. You do not think that there
Mr. CANNON. The limestone proposition-that is more certain, if that should be adopted; that is
more easily done than either of the others, so that we need not pursue that, as to the time ?
Mr. CARRFRE. Under ordinary circumstances, as to time, I think it would be; but with the facilities
afforded of using marble from two sources, I think we can get the marble just as quickly in this instance
Mr. CANNON. As you can the limestone?
Mr. CANNON. Excuse me, Colonel, I was wading in on you, but the fact is I was afraid that otherwise
I would forget what I had in mind to ask him.
Mr. I-IHIEuRN. You think there would be no advantage to the Government in the rejection of all
these bids and the invitation of other proposals, say within ten or fifteen (lays ?
Mr. CARRERF. I think it Wvould probably be a decideddisadvantageg, sir.
Mr. HEPBIURN, I want to ask you in regard to this matter: Ultimately this square lying cast of the
Capitol will probably be surroun(led by handsome public buildings. If you were an artist and had free
scope, beginning the first of these buildings, vould you make them of uniform material or would you
diversify the material I
Mr. CAIRRERu. I would make them entirely of the same material.
Mr HEPBURN. You think, then, you would make them all of marble ?
Mr. I-EPBuRN. And you think if you (lid that you would have a better effect than if one building
were of marble and another of granite and another of limestone ?
Mr. CARRERE. All precedents show it all over the world.
Mr. HEPBURN, Is there any type of such architecture as you would prefer to be found anywhere in
the world of a quadrangle like this surrounded by elegant buildings of the same material on the same scale ?
Mr. CARRERE. Everywhere, in all the old cities of the world.
Mr. HEPBURN. Is that selection which they have indulged in there the result of necessity, because
they have but one material convenient and cheap, or is it a matter of choice on the part of the artists ?
Mr. CARRERE. In most cases it is a matter of necessity. But nature has favored them by giving
them suitable material.
Mr. HEPBURN. I have talked with two or three architects upon this subject of the general effect of
uniformity and diversity of exterior, and I have met with one man, at least, who---
Mr. RICHARDSON. You mean for this scale, Colonel ?
Mr. HEPBURN. I mean for this scale. I met with one man who insisted on it, and I confess he
agreed with me that there would be more of beauty by discarding uniformity than by adhering to it; and
his suggestion to me was to make the building that will correspond in time with the Library of granite,
making the whole Capitol of marble
Mr. CARRERE. The building that will correspond with the Library ? By that you mean the one on
the opposite square-to be put on the opposite square in the future ?
Mr. HEPBURN. I mean the one that will be just north of the Library-and these two of limestone.
It was his idea that that would give a better general effect and that there would be more of beauty than
there would be to have them all of marble or all of granite.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Then you would have granite on the east, marble on the west, and on the two
sides limestone-on the north and south sides ?
Mr. HEPBURN. Yes; and he thought that would be better.
Mr. CARRERE. I have no hesitation, as-an artist, in disagreeing with them.
Mr. HEPBURN. And this man said that no one would think of having uniformity of design in the
buildings, and the reason why they would discard uniformity would be that there would be more of
beauty rising from the variety of design, and that the same effect could be produced by a variety in shade.
Mr. CARRERE. His position is entirely contrary to the laws of nature, which are founded on uni-
formity. Uniformity is the first element of beauty. If I were permitted to give an illustration: Nothing
would be more disastrous on the same reasoning than to have the two wings of the Capitol of different
material. These two buildings, the House Office Building and the Senate Office Building now projected,
are to me, in a sense, wings of the Capitol. They are detached wings, it is true, but they are a part of
the Capitol; the same men will occupy them, and they are actuated by the same thoughts. And though
I am quite in sympathy with the idea of making the opposite building correspond with the Library, not
only of the same material, but of a corresponding design, in harmony with it, yet I think that these two
sides and the Capitol are part and parcel with each other, and of each other, and should be in harmony
as to design, material, an(l purposes, and in every other element that enters into the conception.
Mr. -IEPBURN. I had supposed that nature's rule was a rule of variety rather than of uniformity.
Mr. CARRERE. Variety inldetails.
Mr. RICHIARnsoN. It is the spice of life. Colonel, right along that line-
Mr. I-IEPBIURN. I once had it suggested to me-to carry out that thought-that you could not find
two grains of sand presenting precisely the same angles anrd faces.
Mr. CARRERE. I mean, not variety, but the variety must be ordered. There must be some funda-
mental principle back of it. Variety in itself is not a priIlciple.
M;. RICHARDSON. Are you consulting architect for the Senate Building also, which is to be the vis-
A-vis of this building that we are putting up ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. Have they progressed on that to the point of deciding what material they will use ?
Mr. CARRERE. It has not been discussed except in a general way. I think they will be influenced
naturally by what you do here. The design is to be the same.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Then, if I understand it-and I do not want you to anticipate what you will
advise them, and you need not answer this if it is inconsistent with your sense of propriety-would it be
your idea, in advising them in the construction of their buildings to advise them to construct it of the same
material that you are advising us to build ours of?
Mr. CARRERE. Decidedly so.
Mr. WOODS. I would like to inquire-
Mr. RICHARDSON. Then, if your advice is followed in each case these two buildings would be of
marble?
Mr. CARRERE. Of marble; yes, sir.
Mr. RICHARDSON. What were you going to ask, Mr. Woods?
Mr. WooDs. In relation to that question of unity of design in flanking structures-is not that the
case in Paris, in the Place de la Concorde ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes, it is; in Paris, in the Place de la Concorde. It is also the case with St. Peter's,
in Rome. In fact, in Europe they build only of one material. A whole city is in harmony. Here and
there there will be a departure from it, but it is on a small scale.
Mr. WOODS. I only wanted to recall if that were so.
Mr. HEPBURN. That is the result of convenience and not of art. Nature has not perhaps been quite
so lavish in England as in Italy in that respect.
Mr. CARRERE. The most beautiful marbles we have come from Italy; but they are used mostly as
matters of detail, as columns, friezes, and so on, but always holding on to the great principle of unity.
Mr. HEPBURN. What is the material selected there ?
Mr. CARRERE. It is a freestone, but very light in color.
Mr. HEPBURN. Is it a limestone ?
Mr. CARRERE. Not quite a limestone.
Mr. BRAINARD. In Paris it is limestone.
Mr. CARRERE. It is almost white.
Mr. F[EPBURN. There is no white limestone in this country ?
Mr. CARRERE. No, sir. We import a great deal of it and use a great deal of it.
Mr. HEPBURN. What is the Post Building, here in the city, built of?
Mr. WOODS. Limestone.
MI. CARRERE. The front.
Mr. WOODS. I think it is of Bedford limestone.
Mr. IICHARDSON. The facing of the back is of brick.
Mr. .HBVPBURN. What is the first story of the New Willard ?
Mr. WOODS, That is of limestone.
Mr. CANNON. Of limestoneI?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. HEPBURN. There is some granite there. The columns are of limestone, but there is a water table
there that I thought was of granite.
Mr. CANNON. When you get up to the Riggs Bank, that new building is of granite ?
Mr. CARRERE. Yes; that is of granite. It is Milford pink.
Mr. I-IHEPBUiR. What do you know about those granite quarries in Minnesota ? There is a pinkish
granite there, quite a decided pink shade.
Mr. CARREREI. I have seen samples, but I do not know much about it.
Mr. HEPBURN. I know Washburn's house is built of that pink granite. It is not of a very pleasant
effect to Ine.
MU. CANNON. Not, you say?
MIr. HEPBIURN. No; I do not like it, but it is intensely hard. The streets of Council Bluffs are paved
with it.
Mr. CARRE.RIE. It is an intensely hard material. For your building here it would be unsuitable.
Mr. HEPBURN. It is very hard.
M r. CANNON. Do we want to go and look at those samples ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. I think so.
Mr. HEPBURN. I think it might be well.
Thereupon the commission took a recess and proceeded to the site of the new office building for the
inspection of samples.
After the inspection was
concluded the commission
reassembled, and, after some time spent in executive
session, the
consulting architects were called
in, and the following action was taken:
Mr. CANNON. We thinking are
resolution in executive
of
session.
adopting this a of is in
executive
session. We are thinking adopting resolution accepting a the the of Williams for South Dover
marble and limestone for the inside. That seems to be the cheapest.
I had an impression that
by somebody
there
wasmight a combined else that be with that of
Williams for the marble, thattogether
when the two were put
cheaper it would be than theWilliams
bid for the combined marble and
limestone; but upon examination do not find it. Now have in
we
mind,
as I say, to adopt a resolution
awarding the contract to Williams for South Dover and for limestone for the
court, with a provision that
the discretion of the Superintendent of the Capitol Building he
require
the use of Georgia marble, and
where that is used it shall be paid for pro rata. In other
words, the
Williams bid is much so
Georgia and so much for
Dover. Just how much that pro rata is I do not
know. Can you ascertain?

Mr. BRAINARD. It is $5i,ooo difference.
Mr. WOODS. And it would
probably amount to about
$25,ooo in the
aggregate.
Mr. RICHARDSON. If you used half of each it would be about that.
Mr. CANNON. We would resolution in
to
get our
proper shape if so
act.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You would
have to leave that
automatic, so that whatever is
used, we would settle
for
the
it-whatever was used
the Georgia
marble, and whatever was used of the South Dover
marble, in
proportion bears his
which that
to on that. do not see any trouble about
that. We need not
decide right now what amount of each we would use.

Mr. WOODS.
Mr. CANNON. ThisNo; we need not.
proposition, you will
observe, is limited to the use of Georgia marble for the base
story,Mr.
so that it is very easy to determine.
RICHARDSON. Is
anything there
in doing
this, or in accepting that bid
coming from
Williams, he
having bidon both marble,
kinds
to warrant any competitor complaining hereafter And could they
be heard to complain, in fairness and equity, that they had not been treated alike?
Mr. BRAINARD. No; because one else has bid on that
material, on
or those
materials.
Mr. CANNON. That
amount they pay. If he
resolution
would le
make
embodied in the
contract. In other
words, this settles the
not a contract according to our
resolution, we would not make a
contract all.
at
Mr. RICHARDSON. What wanted
to get at
was, that we
arc not imposing new
terms upon bidders,
WO who (1
so thatMr.those
ODs. When
not get the benefit of it would not have the right to complain.
hc could
and find out if such terms becould
this discussion
made.
was had yesterday
Do you know
asked
[addressing
Mr. Brainard
Mr. Brainard]
if
whether they
inquire into it
can be
made ?
Mr. CARRE3RE.
Mr. BRAINARD.
Theyy can.
We both saw him last night.
Mr. CANNON, Suppose you black put it in and white
there. Prepare the clause to go into
the contract.
Here is the contract
have the liberty of Georgia
for
using
South
marble as he uses the reduction shall be made in

Dover
marble,
marble in
with the provision that the
such
the
proportions
he elect,as
Superintendent
may
price accordingly-namely, there is $51,ooo difference

and
of the Capitol shall
as to such Georgia
between
CARRrEFRE.
Mr. the
two bids
I do
into consideration the whole thing.

marble.
not know
It should be pro rata-in
whether this phraseology would cover the case
proportion.
or
not, but we have taken
Mr. RICHARDSON. I move the adoption of the following resolution:

"That
and setting in
B. G. N.
Williams, of New York, for the
sum Of $1,032,000 for furnishing
place the
stone for the House of Representatives Office Building in accordance with their
-12--34
proposal of March 15, i905, using marble from the quarry at South Dover, N. Y., and with the court
complete of Indiana limestone, be accepted, and a contract be entered into accordingly: Provided, however,
That in the discretion of the Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds Georgia marble, from
the Amicolola quarry, may be used in such proportions as the said superintendent may determine, and
that the price for the whole work shall be reduced in that proportion of $5I,ooo which the amount of
Georgia marble so used shall bear to the total amount of marble supplied under this contract."
Mr. RICHARDSON. What do you say, Col. Hepburn?
Mr. HEPBURN. I think that is all right.
Mr. CARRERE. We are informed that by this process you will have the use at South Dover of four
complete plants, and one will be installed here, and in Georgia there will be at least three more plants, so
that that will make altogether eight plants in operation.
Mr. CANNON. Shall we consider that resolution as adopted and spread upon the record ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. I think so. I move that it be adopted.
The foregoing resolution was adopted.
Mr. CANNON. All right, Mr. Courts; it is so ordered.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You speak of having virtually eight plants. Is it your opinion that the supply at
these two places-that is, at the South Dover quarry and at the mine in Georgia-is ample to construct
the building for the Senate, as well as for the House, right along at the same time?
Mr. CARRrEtl. Yes, sir.
Mr. BRAINARD. It is only a question of time.
Mr. CARRERE. I have had that in mind all the time we were considering this question. I have hoped
that the two buildings would go on at the same time.
Mr.- RICHARDSON. You think the supply is sufficient in the two mines for the purpose contemplated ?
Mr. Woons. Ought not that resolution to say that the Superintendent of the United States Capitol
Building and Grounds be directed to accept the Williams bid ?
Mr. CANNON. Yes; or that the same be accepted. That is the language, I believe, that it "be
accepted, and a contract be entered into accordingly." What is the verbiage of the act? This is to be
constructed under what machinery ?
Mr. COURTS. "Under the direction and supervision of the commission." The construction is to be
done by the superintendent, under the direction and supervision of the commission.
Mr. CANNON. The commission accepts the bid with the modification as proposed in the resolution,
andI the resolution, it seems to me, might show that the Superintendent of the Capitol is authorized--
Mr. RICIIARDSON. And directed to make a contract in accordance with this resolution.
Mr. CANNON. Yes; with this resolution.
Mr. HEPIIURN. I move that the superintendent be instructed to enter into a contract in accordance
with the terms of this resolution just adopted and the invitations for proposals that have been published by
himt and the bids that have been received from Williams, as expressed in the following resolution.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Or the "foregoing."
Mr. CANNON. Yes; "as expressed in the foregoing resolution."
The stenographer will read Col. H-lepburn's resolution.
Tile StrENOGRAPHI ER (reading):
"That the superintendent be instructed to enter into a contract in accordance with the terms of this
resolution just adopted and the invitations for proposals that have been published by him and the bids that
have been received from Williams, as expressed in the foregoing resolution."
Mr. CANNON. Those in favor say "aye"; thoseopposed, "no." The ayes have it, and the resolution
is agreed to.
Mr. HEPBURN. You [addressing Mr. Woods] published the contract, did you not?
Mr. WooDs. Yes; that contractwent out with every proposal.
Mr. CANNON. The only variation in that contract is covered by the resolution.
Table: Schedule B.- Sum ary of lowest bids for the entire stonework of the superstructure, submit ed March 15, 1905
Table: Schedule C.- Sum ary of bids for the entire stonework of the superstructure, formed by a combination of the lowest separate bids for the stonework of the stre t fa?ades and the lowest separate bids for the stonework of the court, submit ed March 15, 1905. The alternate bids set forth below are submit ed under the same conditions as the alternate bids noted under Schedule B

Mr. WOODS. This paper [exhibiting same] shows the balance that will be on hand after close estimates
are made.
Mr. HEPBURN. What part of this do we want to make a record of?
Mr. WOODS. We want all this in the record.
Mr. COURTS. All of it.
Mr. WooDs. In my office, of course, all the bids received become a matter of record. They go to
the returns office of the Interior Department and are filed there with the original signatures.
Mr. CANNON. Very well. You can submit those things for the record.
(Thereupon, at 2.30 o'clock p. mn., the commission adjourned.)
SCHEDULE B.-Summary of lowest bids for the entire stonework of tihe superstructure, submitted Marc/ I5, 1905.
NoTM.-Alternate bids refer to the court walls constructed of a base story of stone and upper stories of brick with stone trimmings, cornice, etc., of
which the brickwork is to be done by the Government.
LIMESTONE BUILDING.
For stonework of building complete, the street facades of limestone assd the entire court of limestone:
Ambrose B. Stannard, New York, N. Y ........................................................................................ $644,ooo.oo
Alternate bid (street faqades of limestone arsd court partly of limestone):
Ambrose B. Stannard, New York, N. Y ............................. ................000. .0...........0-..... 58S, ooco
MARBLE BUILDING.
For stonework of building complete, the street facades of marble and the entire court of limestone:
B. A. & G. Williams,
N New
. York,N.Y ............981,000............................ $981, .... .
Alternate bid (street facades of marble and court partly of limestone):

B. A. & G. N. Williams, New York, N. Y .878, 0, 00
GRANITE BUILDING.
For stonework of building complete, the street facades of granite and the entire court of limestone:
$1, 249.00
WVilliam Bradley & Son, New York, N. Y ........................................................................s.............
9.
Alternate bid (street facades of granite and court partly of limestone):
William Bradley & Sons, New York, N. Y ......... ,010, 13 00
SCHIEIULE C.-Surninary of bids for tile entire stonework of tile superstructure, formed by a combination of thie lowest separate bids for
the stonework of tile street facades and tie lowest separate bids for tihe stonework of thie court, submitted Afarchs 15, 1905. wThie alternate
bids set fort/i below are submitted under the same conditions as tile alternate bids noted tinder Schedule 13.
JIMESTONE13
BUILDING.
For the four street facades of limestone:
Ambrose B. Stannard, New York, N.Y..-....-........----..---..... $50o8,ooo.oo
For the entire court of limestone:
Ambrose B1. Stannard,New York,N .Y...................................................................................... 203)000.00
711,000.00
Alternate:
For the four street facades of limestone:
Ambroce B. Stansnard, New York, N. Y ................................................................................... 508,000.00
For the court partly of limestone:
T'me Furst-Kerber Cut Stoise Co., Chicago, III ..................................................................., 3........
117373- IS
625, 373- 1S
MARBLE BUILDING.
For the four street facades of marble:
The Vermont Marble Co., Proctor, Vt ...................... $89w,000,00
For the entire court of limestone:
Ambrose B. Stannard, New York N . Y ...........................0..............................................
.203,000.00
10094t000.00
Alternatet
For the four street facades of marble:
The Vermont Marble Co., Proctor, Vt ...... 891,000.00
For the court partly of limestone:
The Furst-Kerber Cut Stone Co., Chicago, III ................................ . *
117 S73-IS
.*373...
1t008,373. IS
Table: Schedule C.- Sum ary of estimates for the erection of of ice building as per scale drawings

GRANITE BUILDING.
There is only one combination of a separate bid for the four street facades and a separate bid for the court which amounts to a less sum than the lowest
single bid for the stonework of the entire building complete in the same materials. This is the combination of the lowest separate bids on granite and lime.
stone, as follows:
Lowest single bid for granite for the four street facades and limestoise for the entire court:
William Bradley & Son, New York, N. Y . .......................................... $1,099,249.00
Lowest separate bid for granite for the four street fa5ades: William Bradley & Son, New York, N. Y ...................... $875,000.00
Lowest separate bid for limestone for the entire court: Ambrose B. Stannard, New York, N. Y ........................... 2o,ooo.oo
- 1, 078, ooo.oo
D difference .....0...................................................0.....................................................
21,249.00
Alternate: lJowest single bid for granite for the four street facades and for the court partly of limestone:
William Bradley & Son, New York, N. Y .... 1,OIO ,13200
Alternate: Lowest separate bid for granite for the four street facades:
William Bradley & Son, New York, N. Y ................................................. $875,ooo.oo
Alternate: Lowest separate bid for the court partly in limestone:
The Furst-KerberCut StoneCo.,Chicago, Ill ......................................................................*117,373- 15
993, 373. 15
Difference ......................................................................................................... 17, 758.8S
GRANITE ETrERIOR AND GRANITE COURT.

For the four street facades of granite:
William Bradley & Son, New York, N. Y ....................................875.0.0.. ................... ,
$875,000o00
. .
For the entire court of granite:

The Maryland Granite Co., Baltimore, Md . ...................................................................................... 311000.00
ia86, ooo.oo
Alternate: For the four street facades of granite:
William Bradley &- Son, New York, N. Y ......87..........000.0.............................................. 0................ 875,000.o
Alternate: For the court partly of granite:
The Maryland Granite Co., Baltimore, Nid . ..................................................................................... 185,000.00
s, o6o, ooo.oo
SCHEDUIL.P C.-Suiunary of estimtaes for the erection of office building as per scale drawings.
............................... $, ooo, oo. 00
Stonework of court and exterior elevation.
Excavation (see Brennan contract) .............................................4..4...... 44, 760.0 .
Added excavation, footings and subbasement ....................................................................................... 12, 987.00

Conicrete footings and foundations .17.. .0................................... 17,318.
Cinder concrete on floor arches and roof floor ....................................................................................... 29,3S6.00
Cinder concrete for roof sheathing........................ .....
17097.00
Expanded metal for roof sheathing ................................................................................................ 3, 41900
Concrete floor o;subbasement .................................................................................................... 130042.00
Stone steps and coping of areas . .................................................................................................. 18, oo. 00
Marble work, steps and columns of interior, approximated ............................................................................ 75000.00
Rough brick work of basement and subbasemnent, 13 feet high ........... ...................................... 122,960.00
Rough brick work in tipper stories .3378.0................................................................................................ 23I 78
Concrete paving in court, with curb and parking .................................................................................... 3 930 0o
Steel framing for floors and roofs ......................... ...................................................................4. 386.0o0
Cast plates and lintels for openings ......................... .....................................0.................................. 6o8.oo
Galvanize( iron anchors for stonework ........................................... 65o0o0
Covering roof with i6-ounce copper. .3 .................. 32348o00
Plastering of 4 principal stories ................................................................................................... 83, 000 00
Finished flooring of 4 stories, 30 cents 6.. ............................................................................................. 88, 6S2x Q
Vindowss, frames, sash, trim, glass, hardware, paint . ................................................................................ 30, 707, 00
Doors, jmmbs, transoms, trim, glass, hardware, paint ................................... ... 38, 4So °
Wood washboard, grounds and paint .............................................................................................. 19i617,00
Grounds for door a2d window trim ................................................................................................0 3182.00
Storehosise for cement and tools ...............................................................................0..............0..... 70oo
Skylights and conduactors ....................................................................................................... 9, 682.o0
Engineer, draftsman, and office force three years .................................................................................... 90, oco. o
A architect's fees ............................... .....................0.............................................. ....0... 30f 0.y) 00
Iron stairways and elevators .................... ..0.0............... 1 0)0 00
Extra partitiomas and floors of toilet andI lavatories ................................................................................... t o, oco. 0o
Terra-cotta floor arches ad centerin,, 4 floors ....88.813.0........................... ...... 88 813.00
Terra-cotta partitions .............3...........5......... - - . - - -*.-*.--.-...................................
..0-0*- 2S45S00
Piling and extra concrete f.o things at tunnel ........................................................................................ 1 030io6.oo
Extra labor and material ...............1...............5.... ,500.00
Ceiling arches under roof, concrete floor, and centers ................ ................................................................ 31 904.00
Ventilation.......................................................................................*.............................5oo.**00-°
Table: Schedule D

Steam heat ......... c.....................................................I.......................................... 15 oo.o
Plumbing, ice water, mail chute, sweeping system, standpipes ........................................................................ 150,000.00
Electrical work and chandeliers . .................................................................................................. 80, coo.
O rnam ental plastering ........................................................................................................... ,
25 000.00
Painting .............................................................................................................. .8, o o.co
Plate glass, B Street and New Jersey Avenue ....................................................................................... 6,5cc. oo
Total . ............................................................................................................. 3,0o6, 364.oo
Appropriation ..................3,3,,oo.o . .. ............ . .............
Estimates ...................3,
c.6, 364.00
Contingent .................. 83, 636.oo
SCHEDULE D.
LIMESTONE.
Estimate, minus stonework ................. $2, oi6, 364. 00
644,000
........................................................
Limestone, full building ....................................................
2, 660, 364.0o
Appropriation ............... 3, 0,000 .00
2, 660, 364.co
Reserve fund ............................................................................................................. 439,636.00o
Estimate, minus stonework ........................................................................................................ 2, o6, 364.00
Limestone facades, part brick and limestone court ................................................................................... 585,000.00
2, 6cl, 364. 00
Appropriation ................
. .... 3 oI, ooo000. c
2, 6oi, 364.oo
........................................................................................................
Reserve fund.9 ., 636. oo
MARBLE.
Estimate stonework ............ $2, o0 6, 364. 00
Georgia marble, with full limestone court .9...........g8,000.00
2, 997, 364.00
Appropriation ............................................................................................................. 3, tocX, 0oo. 00

2, 997, 364- o
Reserve fund ............................................................................................................. 10, 636. oo
Estimate, minus stonework . ...................................................................................................... ,o6, 364.o00
Georgia marble, with part brick and part limestone court .................................... .................... I 878,0ooo.0o
2, 894, 364.00
Appropriation ........3.
0............
3I (o, 00
2, 894, 364.0
Reserve fund ........................................................................................................205, 636. oo
Estimates, minus stonework .................................................................................................... 2 o6, 364.00
Georgia marble, with full construction ..........................
............ .............................. .............. ..... g81,000.00
2P 997, 364.00
Appropriation ..........33 00,00o ............... .. ................. I...
2, 997, 364-00
Reserve fund ............................................................................................................ 5102, 636. 0o
Estimates, nilnus stonework . ............................................................................................... 2, o6, 364. 00
878, 0ooo00
Georgia marble, with part brick and part lirmestone court ............ .......................................
2, 894, 364. 00
Apppropriatio, ......................................... 3,100, 000. 00
2 894, 364.00
Reserve fund ...6..3..
..................... ....... 2oSf3fi.00
Estimates, minus stoneworP . .................................................................................................... 2, oz6, 364.00
Dover marble, full limestone court ...............................,03',000.............................I................c.... 1032,000,00
3,048,364.00
Appropriation ............3,00, 000.0.0
3, V48, 364.0
.,,,, ,,,, . 51, 636 00
Reserve fund ........,,........ I
Table: Sum ary on lowest separate bids

Estimates, minus stonework ....................................... ...........................4....................*
........ ........ w6, 364co
..................................................0.
Dover marble, with part brick and part limestone court ........................... 919 ooo. 0o
2,945,364-00
Appropriation .. ...... ....................... 3, 0oo, ooo.00
2,945,364.00
Reserve fund ............................................................................................................. 1 54, 636. c
GRAN1TE.
Estimate, minus stonework ...................................................................................................... $a t6, 364.00
Granite, with full court of limestone . .............................................................................................. 1, 099, 249. 0o
3,i1S,613-00
Appropriation ................................ 3, 100, o0o. 00
3,115,613.00
Deficiency ........15,613.o00
Estimate, minus stoiiework ........ 2, o6,364.00
Granite, part brick and part limestone court ......... ,010, 132.00
3,026,496. )o
Appropriation ............................................................................................................ 3,100,000.00
3,026,496.oo
Reserve fund ....................................................73, 504. 00
Summary on lowest separtute bids.

LIMESTONE.
Estimate, minus stonework .................. $2, o06,364.00
l.imestone faades .$.. .oo..........
8, co .
Full limestone court .2......... 03, oo. 00

_______- 711,000.00
2P 727, 364- 00
AT,'rY;RNA'1';.
Estimate, miinus stonework ........................................ $i, oi6, 364.00
.*****.****.**.**..*$*o8, o00,00
I.imestone faSades ..................**.....................
..................................................15...........
Part brick and part limestone court .................. 117
__625, 373-.15 373.IS
a 64:, 737. IS
Aporopriatio ........
......
31o.00
..000................. . ............ ...........
2, 641,737.1S
Reserve fund ............. ................... . 85......
S8,685
MARBLE.
Estimate, minus stonework ...$., oi6, 364,00
Marble fa~ades ........ $891, 000.00
Full limestone court ..............2.......................0I.......0....
203000.00 ............................. ....
, o094,
o00
o.
3,110,364.00
Appropriation .3, 000,0oo. 0
3,110,364,00
Deficiency ....................................................0.................................................0..........10036400
Estimate, minus stoltework .....................a., o.6, oo
3640.
Marble facades ................................................................................. $891,0ooo.oo
...................
Part brick antd part limestone court ..................... .....................................................317,373.

1 5
, oo8,373. iS
3,024t737. 15
Appropiaton.,10, 0c, 0
3,024,737.15
Reserve fumid ............................................................ ......................... ................ 75, 6a. 85
Table: [No Caption]

GRANITE.
Estimate, minus stonework ........................ ..o.6, 3634.0c0
................................. .
Granite facade ........................ $875, 000 00

Full limestone court ........................ 203,000.00
1,078,000.00
3,0c94, 36400
Appropriation ....... 3, I00, 000. 00
3,094,364.00
Reserve fund ............ ..........................................6.......0636.oo
Estimate, minus stonework ....................................................................................................... ,os6, 364.00
Granite facade ......................... $875,000.00
Part brick and part limestone court ........................ 117, 373 15
992, 373- IS
3,0o8,737 15
Full bid (i). Alternate (a).
Reserve funds:
Limestone ............................................................................................... 1439, 636.0 $498, 636. oo
Marble (Georgia)....................................................................................... 102k 636. oo 20S,636.0o
Marble (Dover)........................................................................................
21524,636.
Granite .................................................................................................
51,636. oo oo
1S,613.00 74,OO.00
I Deficiency. X Reserve.
HousE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Washington, D. C., April I, 1906.
Hon. JOSEPH G. CANNON,
Hon. WILLIAM P. HEPBURN, and
Commission of House of Representatives
to Supervise Construction of Office Building th/refor.
GENTLEMEN; I respectfully request that an appropriation of $Soo,ooo be made to carry on operations
in connection with the construction of the House Office Building during the coming fiscal year. The
amount heretofore available was $x,556,364.45. The balance on hand is $V44,015. The financial state-
ment attached to my report, giving an account of operations up to April x, i906, shows that the balance
(actual and estimated) due on contracts already entered into will reach the amount of $919,101.49, which
amount is greater than the balance on hand, but as some of the contracts will not be completed during the
next year it is estimated that the balance on hand April I will be sufficient to cover payments on these items.
Of the $500,000 asked for as an additional appropriation, it is estimated that the following contracts
are to be entered into and largely completed during the corning year, viz:
Interior marble work .................... $90,000
Fireproof floor construction ...................... ......
971 000
Steam heating............................ **...
........................................... *
*... *................................. 78,000
**..*
Plumbing .. 90oo
Electricctri ..................................................iri.....................**g.***..**..**3..**...............0..........
big 3 .3OQO
0
Plastering . . . . . . . . . .45,000...-......-. -.-.* .*.-................................................... 45,°00
Fireproof partitions ............................................................................... 250
...................................00
Office expenses, draftsmen, etc ......................................................................................................... 51,ooo
Total .to..o....... 51o000
Very respectfully submitted.
ELLIOTI WOODS,
Approved.
J. G. CANNON, Chairman.
W. P. I-IEPBURN.
APRIL 23, i906.
At a meeting of the commission held this day, all of the members being present, it was ordered that
the Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds be authorized to accept proposition 8 of the
schedule of bids received for fireproof floor construction, the same being the proposition made by the
Brennan Construction Co., of Washington, D. C., in the sum of $66,6I5, using cinder concrete floor arches,
or proposition II of said schedule, and made by the Brennan Construction Co., in the sum of $72,295,
using gravel concrete floor arches.
The Superintendent was authorized to make additional modifications in either one of these two propo-
sitions for the purpose of bettering the ceiling construction.
In the matter of the bids received for cut-stone work for the rotunda section of the House Office
Building, the Superintendent of the United States Capitol Building and Grounds was authorized to accept
the proposition No, 9 of the schedule, which proposition was made by B. A. & G. N. Williams, of New
York City, for interior work of marble, the original bid of $190,475 being reduced to $91,073 on account
of the elimination of material caused by the restudy and preparation of plans by the Superintendent and
approved-of by the consulting architect.
The commission considered in a tentative way the bids received for heating, lighting, and power plant
for congressional buildings, but came to no conclusion thereon, and thereupon adjourned.
OFFICE BUILDING, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Hon. JOSEPH G. CANNON, Washington, D. C., April 26, 19015.
Hon. WM. P. HEPBURN, and
Commission to Supervise the Construction of an
GENTLEMEN: Referring to the subject of fireproof floor construction for the Office Building, House of
Representatives, and the action of the House Commission authorizing the Superintendent of the United
States Capitol Building and Grounds to enter into a contract with the Brennan Construction Co. for fire-
proof floor construction -under Scheme A, with certain additional modifications involving increase in price,
I respectfully recommend, in view of the fact that such modifications do involve increase in the amount
to be finally paid, that the Superintendent be authorized to reject all bids received and to invite new pro-
posals on a definite scheme to be prepared which will embody all desirable features not in any of the bids
received, it being estimated that the total cost should not exceed the sum which would be paid in case the
present bidder be awarded the contract with the modifications required. Further, that the former action
of the commission in relation to this matter be rescinded at the request of the Superintendent.
Very respectfully,
ELLIOrr WOODS,
Approved.
J. G. CANNON,
W. P. HIEPURN.
CONSTRUCTION 01F HOUSE1 OFFICE BUILDING.
OFFICI3
BUILI)ING, HOUSEo0 REPRESENTATIVES,
HIonI. JOS1.1)I1 G. CANNON, Washington, D C., May .31, 1906.
Chairman of the House Contmission.
DlEAR SIR: I transmit herewith an abstract of bids received for fireproof floor construction for the
House Office Building. This is the result of the second bidding on this work.
The commission will remember my former recommendations in this matter, and will note that this
bidding is intended to covet and does cover all modifications which were recommended at the first bidding.
Very respectfully,
ElIOdinTan
WOODS,
Superintendent U. S. Capitol Building ar~'d Grounds.
Table: Schedule of bids opened May 2 , 1906, for firepro f construction of the basement, first, second, third, and at ic flo rs, not including cor idors; of ice building House of Representatives

Schedule of bids opened May 22, z9o6, for fireproof construction of the basement, first, second, third, and attic floors, not including corridors;
office building House of Representatives.
CLASS A.-BIDS ARRANGED ACCORDING TO AMOUNTS.
Unit Bid sub- Relation of

Name. Amount, price per mitted second bid Remarks.
square Mar. 7, to first bid,
foo t. 19o6.
WORKt INCLUDED IN BID.
i. Roebling Construction Co . . $zsl, 662 ......... Basement floor only; concrete construction.
............
2. Brennan Construction Co ........... 12, 205 ....... Do. ............
3. R. J. Beall Construction Co ......... .2) 500 . ........ ............

.......... Do.
4. National FireproofingCo .15000. ................. Do.
I. ............
5. Armored Concrete Construction Coo... 18060o.......... ............ .......... Do.

6. Roebling Construction Co ........... 64,000..........
.......... First, second, third, and attic floors; all concrete construction.
............
7. 0. W. Ketcham.75, 122 ......... First, second, third, and attic floors; terra-cotta construction.
............
8. Roebling Construction Co ........... 75, 66z ......... Basement, first, second, third, and attic floors; concrete construction.
............
9. National FireproofingCo ........... 79,900 . ......... First, second, third, and attic floors; terra-cotta construction.
......................
io. R. J. Beall Construction Co . So, .......... First, second, third, and attic floors; concrete construction.
. . ............
as. Brennan Construction Co ........... 83,485.......... .......... Basement, first, second, third, and attic floors; concrete con-
......
btruction.
i2. Brennan Construction Co . 8S, 3 10 . ..... Do.
13. Brennan Construction Co ........... 86,215 ......... First, second, third, and attic floors; terra-cotta construction.
............
14. Geo. S. Holmes Co ................. 95, 272 ..........

......... Basement, first, second, third, and attic floors; concrete construction.
............
5S. R. J. Beall Construction Co ......... 92, 450 ....... Do. ............
6. National Fireproofing Co.94, 900 ......... Basement, first, second, third, and attic floors; concrete and terra-
............
cotta construction.
17. Brennan Construction Co.98,420 .......... .......... Do. ............
18. The Haydenville Co .. 8, ow ..........

19. Armored Concrete Construction Co........... . .........
............
.......... Do.
..294 per square foot for first, second, third, and attic floors; con-
......
crete construction.
CLASS B.-CONCRETE-BIDS ON CONSTRUCTION OF BASEMENT FLOOR ALONE.
1. RoebllngConstruction Co ...... ...... 66z .................... Their system B; drawing submitted.

2. Brennan Construction Co . ..........12, 205 10.195 .. . ............
3. R. J. Beall Construction Co..2,IiS .18 Their system; drawing submitted.
.....................
4. National Fireproofing Co..5,000 .215 Putting in tie rods not included.
......................
S. Armored Concrete Constructiois Co 18,
s o6o
... .283..............Their system; drawing submitted.
CLASS C.-CONCRETE-BIDS ON CONSTRUCTION OF FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, AND A'ITIC FLOORS.
X. R.Roebling
2.
Construction Co $64,000
. .
80,
()
J. Beall Co ......................31
o 32
$67,500 $3, 500 less, Their system A; drawings submitted.
81,770 1,770 less. Their system; drawings submitted.
oo
3. ArmoredConcreteConstructionCo .... (1) * 294 ............... ...... Do.
Ct-ss 1).--TERRA COTTA-BIDS ON CONSTRUCIION OF FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, AND ATTIC FLOORS.
I. 0. W. Ketcham ................... $75, 122 $0.30 ......... Not Including drilling of holes for tie rodls,
2, National Fireproofing Co........... 79i 900 .31 $80, 406n $o6 less. Not Including the putting in of tie rods. End construction arches.
3. Brennan Construction Co............ 86,21s S 36 ............
CLASS E.-ATI. OF CONCRETE CONSTRUI'TION-BIDS ON CONSTRUC1ION OF BASEMENT, FIR.SI', I-CONT),IIIRI), ANI) A1'IC FLOORS.
1. Roebling Construction Co........... $75, 66z (l) Basement, their system B; tipper floors, their system A; drawings
submitted; this bid is a combination of bid No. s, Class B, an(d
bid No. i, Class C.
2. Brennars Construction Co............ 81, 48S (l) }4|@*@***.... I...... All floor slabs same as basement; suspended ceilings above base-
ment; drawings submitted.
3. Brennan Construction Co............ 85,3 10
(l) All floor slabs same as basement; suspended ceilings above base-
ment; drawings submitted. Bottom flanges of all beams fire.
. .
proofed.
4. Geo. S. Holmes Co.................. 913,272 Blasenment floor as shown on drawing No. 1I 717; tipper floors as
. . . .
shown on drawings submitted.
3 .18 Their systelo; drawing submitted.
S. R. J. Bell Construction Co.......... 92,450R 4 3
NotNot ~92,5
glyco,
tiven. No lucap1.5
I Noui
0
bid.
lsmn.4 pe lo
I B Asetatnt. I Upper Awle.
Schedule of bids opened May 22, 1906, for fireproof construction of basement, first, second, third, and attic floors, not including corridors;
office building House of Representatiws-Continued.
CLAss F.-BASEMENT CONCRETE; UPPER FLOORS TERRA COTTA-BIDS ON CONSTRUCTION OF BASEMENT, FIRST, SECONDTHIRD,AND
ATTIC FLOORS.
Unit Bid sub- Relation of

Name. Amount. price per
square fitted7,
Mar. tosecond bid
first bid. Remarks.
foot. 1906.
i. Combination bid ................... $86,784 .......... ...b...................

This bid is a combination of the following separate bids: Bid No.
i, Class B, lowest bid on concrete for basement (Roebling Con-
struction Co.) and bid No. s, Class D, lowest bid on terra cotta
for upper stories (0. W. Ketcham).
23 5 ......... ............
2. National Fireproofing Co ........90....
9 00i j.Putting in tie rods not included.
3. Brennan Construction Co.98,42 {....
98 ,420 3 3.6.............
4. The Ilaydenville Co ............ | 8,0
ooo (4)3 ......................
IXasement. I Upper Poors. I No lump biJ. 4 Not gles
LIST OF BIDDERS.
1.Armored Concrete Construction Co., il2o Block Street, Baltimore, Nid., Isaac S. Filbert, president.
2. R. J. Beall Construction Co., 1217 F Street N,., Washington, D. C., R. J. Beall, jr., president.
3. Brennan Construction Co., foot Thirty-first Street, Washington, D. C., P. J. Brennan, president.
4. The Haydenville Co., Haydenville, Ohio, J. W. Jones, president.
S. The Geo. S. Holmes Co., i56 WVest Twenty-seventh Street, New York, N. Y., Geo. S. Holmes, president.
6. 0. W. Ketcsam, Builders' Exchange, Philadelphia, Pa.
7. National Fireproofing Co., Colorado Building, Washington, D. C., R. W. Allison, vice president.
8. The Roebling Construction Co., Land Title Building, Philadelphia, Pa., C. 0. Roebling, president.
OFFICE BUILDING, HousE OF REPRFSENTATIVFS,
JJashington, D. C., June I8, o906.
I1on1. J. G. CANNON,
IHon. W. P. HE-PBURN, and
I-IOnl. J. D. RICHARDSON,
Commnission to Supervise the Construction of an
Ofice Building for the house of Representatives.
GENTiEMErN: relation to the bids received for fireproof-floor construction of the office building,
In
I-ouse of Representatives, received an(d opened May 22, I906, I recommend that the bid of the Roebling
Construction Co. in the Sl1lml of $75,662 be accepted, and that the Superintendent United States Capitol
Building and Grounds be authorized to enter into contract with said company for this work.
Very respectfully,
El u~O~v WOODS,
Supertntendent U. S. Capitol Building and Grounds.
I-OusE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
1Jashington, D. C., July 2, 1906.
TIhc COmliSSiol met this (lay at i0.30 o'clock a. l1l. ill the room of the Committee o01 Appropriations.
Present: Joseph G. Cannon, of Illinois, chairman; W. P. Hepburn, of Iowa; James D. Richardson,
of Tennessee; and James C. Courts, clerk to the commission.
There appeared before the commission Mr. Elliott Woods, Superintendent of the Capitol Building
and Grounds; whereupon the following procee(lillgs ensued;
Mr. WOODS, Shall I make a statemenlit about this, Mr. Speaker ?
Mr. CANNON. Yes.
Mr. Woons. O' tile 30th of last September, after issuing the specifications, copy of which I have
placed before you, bids were received for furnishing and installing in a building to be built by the Goverilmlent
a complete operative power plant, with all machinery and appliances'; of every description, with stearn and
electric transmission between the buil(lings and with the substations to be installed in the buildings. The
REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE, BUILDING COMMISSION 175
nature of the specifications was such that the bidders were requested upon the general specifications to
file with their bids complete details as to the nature and character of the plant which they proposed to install.
That brought into play, I think, the engineering talent of the whole country, inasmuch as the nature
of the competition was such that it enabled all the smaller bidders to deal with the larger bidders who make
a business of installing plants, and it brought into competition the best types of apparatus that can be
produced in this country at this time.
After receiving these bids the whole subject was turned over to a so.-called advisory committee, which
I consulted, and which consisted of the electrical engineer of this building; the two engineers of the Library
Building; Dr. Stratton, Director of the Bureau of Standards; Prof. Woodbridge, an expert in heating
and ventilating; and Col. Bromwell, the officer in charge of public buildings and grounds. Those
gentlemen were directed to analyze these bids and make a report to me as to the best plan submitted,
which they did.
If you will look at these figures, I will call your attention to the fact that there are several classes of
bids there [indicating]. This is a modification sheet [indicating]. After the first bids came in it was found
that the prices appeared higher than the money then available, and, after consultation with the legal
branch of the Interior Department, I sent out circular letters calling for eliminations to be made on the
several bids. Those figures represent the various eliminations. The only elimination now under consid-
eration is the question of steam and electrical transmission, which I will discuss later.
In the report made to me by this advisory committee they recommended the adoption of the Westing-
house Manufacturing Co.'s bid, upon the ground of the excellence of the plan. After leaving the question
untouched for about two months I went into it very thoroughly myself, and, upon the excellence of the
plan and the general features outlined, I approve the report of that committee.
The Westinghouse plan is superior. There are some features about four of the bidders' plans, all of
which are good, but as we permitted these people to submit their very best judgment, it would seem to me
to be in the nature of a competition of brains; and while any one of those four propositions that I refer
to is adaptable to our purposes, I must confess the superiority of the Westinghouse layout.
Now, on the question of steam and electrical transmission, none of the bidders submitted what I consider
a thoroughly competent scheme, although the schemes are good in various forms. I figure that the
Government can install the electric and steam transmission in its own way and to its better satisfaction
by eliminating that proposition from any one of the bids to be considered and doing the work ourselves.
I estimate that we can do it with a saving of between $40,000 and $50,000 over the various plans
submitted.
Now, if we consider the steam and electric transmission omitted, then we have this comparison: The
original Westinghouse bid was $I,084,369--itern No. 5 there [indicating]; with the elimination, it stands
$774,333.
In the case of the Hanley Casey Co. bid, it was originally $I,047,277.85, and with the elimination
the bid stands at $792,753.35.
In the case of J. G. White & Co., witli a bid of $i,I89,250, the elimination stands $887,394.
Mr. HEPBURN. Those latter figures are not here at all.
Mr. WOODS. No, sir. They are not shown on1 the sheet there at all. In the case of another acceptable
bid-that of Muralt & Co., $1,109,700-the result of elimination stands $842,100.
In the case of the Schofield Co.'s bid, which is at the bottom, the resulting figures are $825,761.
Mr. CANNON. Why (lo you eliminate Woodward and McIntosh, Seymour & Co. ?
Mr. WOODS. I am coming to that now. The Woodward proposition submitted in these bids is one
that I do not think any body of engineers in considering it would adopt, in that they are indefinite in their
specifications somewhat, and besides the character of the machinery they offer to supply is not, in my judg-
ment, the best that can be furnished. Their bid was originally for a reciprocating engine. The commis-
sion will understand that a reciprocating engine is an engine with backward and forward moving pistons,
and the turbine engine is a rotary engine.
I also approved of the opinion of the advisory committee that we should adopt a turbine engine for
our motive power.
Lynch & Woodward bid on a reciprocating engine. McIntosh, Seymour & Co. bid on a recipro-
cating engine. Those two propositions, if we assume we adopt the turbine plan, will go out. Later on
Lynch & Woodward put in a proposition to substitute a turbine engine at the same price; but I doubt
if we can make a substitution after these bids have been opened in that way.
Now, in considering the bids further, in order to get at the differences of apparatus supplied by the
people, and in order to put them on an equal basis, I find that the Westinghouse Co. have something like
$io,ooo in a storage battery which is in the power plant, and which nobody else has. They have something
like $9,ooo in electric appliances outside the power house and in the substation, which is above that of
anybody else. If we should eliminate that from the price, of course, their total will be lowered by that
amount.
On the other hand, I find in the bid of Muralt & Co. apparatus which is not absolutely necessary,
but which, to give their bid a fair standing, should be considered as eliminated to the total value of $55,800,
which would bring their figure to $786,900 if the eliminations were made.
Now, then, in talking with you yesterday, Mr. Speaker, I spoke of this Atlas boiler question as not
being in an acceptable bid. I am mistaken about that. The Atlas boiler is in a turbine bid; I thought
it was in a reciprocating bid.
I believe that is about all I have to say, and I will be glad to answer any questions.
In the meantime, before this report was submitted, and in view of the fact that the gentleman across
the way, Mr. Green, had a building which was to be reached by this heating, lighting, and power plant,
I sent the papers over to him before I looked into them myself to get his opinion on it, and he also stands
by the report of the advisory committee. So far as the details of the apparatus are concerned in any of these
prominent bids, most all the figures are strictly acceptable in detail, but when it comes to the layout and
arrangement of those matters I must say that the Westinghouse proposition is superior and, I think, would
be sustained by any competent board of engineers that you can call in.
Mr. HEPBURN. What (lo these bids cover ? Having in mind the entire heating proposition, what do
the bids cover ?
Mr. WOODS. They cover some i2,ooo horsepower in electric and generating, machinery, with all the
equipment at the power house, with the various substations in each of the buildings for distributing the
current, and a system of transmission, both for heat and power, between the power house and the several
buildings.
Mr. HIEPBURN. That does not include the building ?
Mr. WOODS. That does not include the building proper.
M r. HEPBURN. Does it include the installation of it? For instance, the laying of pipes, and every-
thing of that kind, connecting that building with this ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes, sir; everything except the actual structure; every detail of machinery and other
al)parattus.
Mr. I-IrrPIURN. That would mean light and heat ?
Mr. RIcHARDsON. In what buildings ?
Mi.. WOOnS. The Capitol Building, the Library Building, and the new office buildings, with a sufficient
reserve to cover any other building which might be erected cast of the Capitol.
Mr. HEPBURN. What will it cost to operate this Westinghouse scheme ?
Mr. WOODS. The cost of operation in any of these important bids is about the same.
Mr. I-IrPl'URN. How much is the cost of that annual operation at the present price of coal ?
Mr. WOODS. I will have to make that calculation for you; I (1o not have it in mind now.
Mr. I-l.PBnuRN. Can you not approximate it ? I will put it in another way: lIow will that annual cost
compare with the necessary outlay for the heating and lighting of the Capitol Building and the Library
Building ?
Mr. WooDs. It ought to save at least 20 per cent.
Mr. HEPBURN. Over present cost?
Mr. Wooms. Yes; on account of the question of salaries involved.
Mr. HEPBURN. And that would include the administration in the other two buildings P
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. RICHARDSON. If this plan or system were adopted and put into operation, how far will it eliminate
and do away with the present plants for heating and lighting, and so forth, the Capitol and the Library
Buildings, and what would become of those plants?
Mr. WOODS. This central plant will do away with the operation entire of every plant; that is to say,
the plants in the Library and in the Capitol.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Can they be utilized in any way in this operation?
Mr. WOODS. They can not. The character of the current to be generated and the power to be fur-
nished would take them out of service. They might be given over to some other governmental institution;
but that is about all I know you could do with them.
Mr. HEPBURN. What are A. C. 2,ooo K. W. direct-connected generators?
Mr. WOODS. That is an electrical generator directly connected on the shaft of the engine. The 4 A. C.
2,000 K. W. is a 2,ooo-volt alternating current generator. That is what it means.
Mr. CANNON. Have you anything more you want to ask about the bids, Colonel?
Mr. HEPBURN. No.
Mr. CANNON. Have you, Mr. Richardson?
Mr. RICHARDSON. No.
Mr. CANNON. I want to ask some things about it. The Westinghouse bid, the original bid,
is $1,084,369 ?
Mr. WOODS. That is right.
Mr. CANNON. That is bid B?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. There seems to be a bid C?
Mr. WOODS. Yes. Let me explain, Mr. Speaker: In receiving these bids, each bidder was allowed to
submit with his original proposition, if he chose to do so, four alternate propositions for consideration. This
sheet [indicating same] represents those finally brought into consideration as being worthy, and the top one
of each set represents the one that I consider the most desirable in each case.
Mr. CANNON. That is $i,o84,369?
Mr. WOODS. Yes; so that the end figures in any one set need not be taken.
Mr. HEPBURN. What do they mean?
Mr. WOODS. They are for a plant of cheaper character. For instance, one man would put in with a
first-class proposition, with a turbine generator, a cheaper proposition with reciprocating engines, cheaper
engi-es, and he would cut down on every detail he could to get his price down-cheaper valves, and cheaper
pipes, and so forth.
Mr. CANNON. Why do you give the Westinghouse the bid $901,736?
Mr. WOODS. That was put on this sheet as a matter of information. It was not intcndcd to be brought
up here for consideration.
Mr. CANNON. Now you come to the Haniley-Casey bid. That is $I,O47,277.85. I)id they have
another bid ?
Mr. WOODS. They had four alternate propositions.
Mr. CANNON. You do not seem to have put any of those on.
Mr. WOOns. They are in the three places now.
Mr. CANNON. I am speaking of these original bids on the first line. Just as a matter of information,
I want to see what they bid.
Mr. WOODS. I took out of these bids those of the I-lanley-Casey Co. that had recip)rocating engines.
Mr. CANNON. This is the turbine engine?
Mr. WOODS. That is the turbine engine.
Mr. CANNON. What is the Westinghouse $901,736? Is that a reciprocating engine?
Mr. Woons. No; that is a turbine engine.
Mr. CANNON. Then the Hanley-Casey has only one turbine bid?
Mr. WOODS. They have two turbine engine bids, but in their figures here they submitted only their
variations on one bid.
Mr. CANNON. I do not understand what you mean by the variations.
Mr. WOODS. In making their deductions from this proposition they only took the one proposition
named by my committee to deduct from.
Mr. CANNON. That is the $1,047,277.85?
Mr. WOODS. That is the one they adopted as making their omissions on.
Mr. CANNON. That is the highest bid he got ?,
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Now, I notice with White & Co. you put in two bids; with Muralt & Co. two bids, and
two each with McIntosh, Seymour & Co. and the Schofield Co. I just want to know what the Hanley-
Casey bid was.
Mr. WOODS. I will give you that in just a minute. As I say, this sheet is an information sheet of my
own-
Mr. CANNON. Yes--
Mr. WOODS. And I put here those propositions which they returned, with their omissions on. In the
case of Hanley-Casey Co., they did not take the second and third proposition and make deductions, but it
amounts to the same thing, because if you take their figure of $1,047,277.85 and go back, for instance, to
the question of the omission of the steam and electric transmission, it gives you the same figure all the way
through on three different propositions, but on the first proposition his figures stand with a B. & W. boiler;
on the second, with the use of the Sterling boiler, and on the third proposition the use of the Atlas boiler.
Mr. CANNON. Is this first proposition with the use of the Wilcox & Babcock boiler?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Now, I want to know what his proposition is with the use of the Sterling boiler, which
is included in the modifications there.
Mr. WOODS. Yes; it is included in his modifications.
Mr. CANNON. Or does he make deductions for anything else except the boiler? In other words, I
want the Hanley-Casey comparative bid, the same as you give the Westinghouse, the White, the Muralt,
the McIntosh, and the Schofield.
Mr. WOODS. I will give you the figures; but, Mr. Speaker, they did not make any modifications except
upon the one original proposition. On his second bid, $971,I75, that was the first proposition with Atlas
boiler.
Mr. HEPBURN. Those figures are not here at all.
Mr. WOODS. What figures?
Mr. HEPBURN. Those you last gave.
Mr. WOODS. You see there are four other propositions that are attached to that that were not considered
acceptable propositions.
M1r. CANNON. How (10 you know that they are not acceptable propositions ? That is for the commis-
sioni to determine, What we are trying to get at is the question of what the bids are, and I want this sheet
corrected-no, not corrected at all, but we want the information in the shortest form that we can get. We
have two bids on the Westinghouse; one $I,084,369 and one $901,736. We have one bid tabulated here
on the 1-lanley-Casey Co., $1,047,000, in round numbers.
Mr. Woons. I will give you the second bid. It is $971,075. Tlhe third bid was $1,031,i98.85. The
other bid was $1,083,697.85. There is still another, $947,885.85.
Mr. CANNON. Now, you considered in these original bids that the $1,084,000, in round numbers, of
the Westinghouse peoI)lc was their most acceptable bid as a whole proposition ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Then you considered that the $I,047,000 in the Hanley-CaseY bids, upon the whole, was
their most acceptalblc bidi ?
Mr. Woois. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Now, then, wherein in the Westinghouse bid, when they cut their bid from $io84,000
to $9oIooo is the difference.? What makes the difference there ? Is it in engines, boilers, or general
arrangement, or in dynamos, or in what ?
Mr. WOODS. In every direction in the plant, practically. For instance, the steam electric transmission
is very much cheaper in trench work instead of tunnel work, and they use a cheaper form of layout in the
power house, although they use the turbine engine in each case; a cheaper form of layout, cheaper con-
densers for the generating machinery, and a very much reduced-in-cost system of steam piping and valves.
Mr. CANNON. And so much so, taking the whole thing-generators, steam pipes, valves. and every-
thing-that your recommendation is the $i,o84,000 scheme ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Well, then, let: us go to the next bid, the $I,o47,000 scheme of Hanley-Casey. What
is the $97I,I75 scheme ? Wherein does it differ from the $I,o47,000 scheme ?
Mr. WOODS. Its boilers are cheaper by about $35,800, I understand. His generators remain the
same and his engines remain the same. His condensers are many thousand dollars cheaper in that scheme.
His coal-handling and ash-handling apparatus appear to be less expensive.
Mr. CANNON. What boiler is used?
Mr. WOODS. That is the Atlas boiler.
Mr. CANNON. Does he bid on a turbine engine?
Mr. WOODS. He bids on a turbine engine.
Mr. CANNON. Now, is there any difference between the $971,000 scheme-any substantial differernce
and the $1,047,000 scheme in the Hanley-Casey bid, except the boilers ?
Mr. WOODS. Oh, yes; there is a great deal in the layout and construction.
Mr. CANNON. In the layout and construction ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes. I think the $1,047,000 bid is the better bid of the two for the Government.
Mr. CANNON. Now, the $1,047,000 bid is the better bid of the two, so that you eliminate all bids of
Hanley-Casey except the $1,047,000 bid?
Mr. WooDs. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. IS there anything in the General Electric bidding or papers that shows that the
$1,047,000 bid would be reduced by thirty-odd thousand dollars if the Atlas boiler were substituted for
the Babcock?
Mr. WOODS. That refers to the original $1,047,000 bid ?
Mr. CANNON. Yes.
Mr. WOODS. There is nothing to show that. There is a statement of the boiler people that the
difference in cost would be about $30,00o, but in Mr. Hanley's omissions-from Mr. Hanley these figures
that you see on that sheet are the figures given if the Babcock & Wilcox boiler is used, if the Sterling
boiler is used, and if Atlas boiler is used.
Mr. CANNON. Which figures show that?
Mr. WOODS. You see a set of three figures attached to that set of bids? The $1,047,000 bid-
Mr. CANNON. I had not any memoran(lum of that.
Mr. WOODS. There is nothing in this other bid.
Mr. CANNON. That is not acceptable [indicating] and that [indicating] is not acceptable ?
Mr. Woons. It is this bid that shows, by difference of figures, a difference of $35,ooo attributable to
the boilers.
Mr. CANNON. That is $1,047,000?
Mr. CANNON. Now, then, the $I,047,000 bid, in round numbers, is for the Babcock & Wilcox boiler?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Now, then, the same bid, as I gather from what you say, if you use an Atlas boiler, is
to be deducted how much ?
Mr. WOODS. It does not say so here. I want to call your attention to the fact that the statement of
the $35,ooo difference is a mere statement. It is not authoritative. But these figures in Hanley's letter
simply show that if the B. & W. boiler is used and the Atlas boiler is used-
Mr. CANNON. Show us his letter, if you can put your hand upon it.
Mr. WOODS. I will have to get that out of the box, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. CANNON. That letter was written when ?
Mr. WOODS. At the time the modifications came in, in October.
Mr. CANNON. Then you wrote for modifications ?
Mr. CANNON. That is to say, you got in all these bids from these parties-
Mr. WOODS. Yes-
Mr. CANNON. And then submitted a request to all the bidders, sending them the same kind of notice
or circular letter to modify their bids ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. And this $1,o84,000 bid, in round numbers, is the modified plan of the Westing-
house Co.?
Mr. WOODS. No; that is their original bid.
Mr. CANNON. What is their modified bid?
Mr. WOODS. That is determined, as I have given it to you before, by the deductions which they make
in each particular case.
Mr. CANNON. I am talking about the Westinghouse.
Mr. WOODS. I understand that. These figures, standing alongside of that original bid, show what
the modifications will be with the several items.
Mr. CANNON. You mean to run all through this line of figures here [indicating] ?
Mr. WOODS. No; they simply show the deductions they will make for the omission of those certain
items.
Mr. CANNON. But where are they added up, Mr. Woods?
Mr. WOODS. We have not considered anything but the one omission, Mr. Speaker, and that is the
steam and electric transmission, and those are the figures I have read to you.
Mr. CANNON. That is the steam and electric transmission ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. But the Westinghouse people do not in the second biddings, as I will call them-I
suppose they might be legitimately called second biddings if they went to all on equal terms-the West-
inghouse people did not submit any different proposition on boilers or power house ?
Mr. WOODS. They submitted exactly what is shown on that sheet, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. CANNON. just whereabouts, Mr. Woods ?
Mr. WOODS. You want to know if the Westinghouse submitted anything under this modification ?
Mr. CANNON. Yes.
Mr. WOODS. That states their original bid, and these figures show the deductions, just the same as in
every case and with every bidder (indicating from papers.)
Mr. CANNON. These, added tip, make what?
Mr. WOODS. They make up the total deductions called for in the circular letter. We did not consider
these deductions as final, so that I did not consider it necessary to bother about adding this up.
Mr. CANNON. You did not want these deductions ?
Mr. WOODS. We did want this deduction, and I have given it to you here with that deduction out.
Mr. CANNON. That is, you wanted deduction No. x ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. That is Senate substation and steam and electric transmission ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. You wanted that deduction, but all the other deductions you did not care about ?
Mr. WOOnS. We did not care about them.
Mr. CANNON. That brings me to the point of wanting to see the Harley-Casey proposition that was
submitted at the same time that the General Electric and the Westinghouse and these other people sub-
mitted theirs, because I gather from you that you not only submitted deductions in No. i, which is Senate
substation and steam and electric plant transmission, as to the Westinghouse, but as to the other bidders
also; but in the tabulation, as you did not treat Nos. 2, 3, and 4. as desirable, you did not submit that in
any of them ?
Mr. WOODS. No.
Mr. CANNON. But I gather from you that at the same time the Hanley-Casey people submitted to you
what their deduction could be in the event a different boiler or boilers were used than the Babcock &
Wilcox boiler-
Mr. WOODS. Yes-
Mr. CANNON. That is what I want to get, and then I want to inquire about the Babcock & Wilcox
boiler, and I want to inquire what information you may have, whatever it may be, about the Atlas boiler.
In other words, I want to get the whole facts before the commission.
Mr. WOODS. Shall I read the Hanley-Casey letter?
Mr. CANNON. Yes; turn to what they say.
Mr. WOODS. Take the case of item No. i, which is steam and electric transmission. He gives the
sum there, $254,524.70-
Mr. CANNON. That is on No. I ?
Mr. WOODS. Wait a moment, if you please. If Sterling boilers are accepted, $262,524.70.
Mr. CANNON. The $254,000 that he eliminates is the use of what ?
Mr. WOODS. That is the use of the Babcock & Wilcox boilers.
Mr. CANNON. Very well. If Sterling boilers are used, his deductions are how much ?
Mr. WOODS. $262,524.
Mr. CANNON. Not so much as in the other case?
Mr. WOODS. No.
Mr. CANNON. And the next?
Mr. WOODS. If Atlas boilers are accepted the deduction would be $289,524,70; so that you get the
difference between $?.54,ooo and $284,000, which is $35,000.
Mr. CANNON. That comes legitimately, because it comes in on the modifications?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. 'The modifications that you recommend that we adopt ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes; it is a legitimate proposition all the way through.
Mr. CANNON. Precisely. What I want to ascertain is, first, if it is regular. I will just pencil down
here that this is $792,753.35 minus $35,000, in round numbers, if Atlas boilers are used; so that, taking
the modifications which you recommend with the tunnel work or the street work. In other words, under
your second proposition to all these people when they sent in their modifications you recommend that that
be dropped out and that the Government do that itself, or that you do it by subsequent contract, one or both ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. And instead of letting a bid to the Westinghouse for $1,084,000, you let a bid to the
Westinghouse for $774,000 in round numbers, or if we let it to the H-lanley-Casey Co. instead of to the
Westinghouse Co. at $1,044,000, we let it to them at $792,000, in round numbers ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes. f
Mr. CANNON. And so on down, leaving you to take careof No. I, the second line there, after " proposals";
leaving you to take care of No. i by other methods of construction. Is that right ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes, Sir.
Mr. CANNON. Now, H-anley-Casey, when they sent in their modifications, say, "We will (lo it at
$792,000, in round numbers, but if you elect to take the Atlas boilers, we will do it 1or $35,000 less than
$792,000," which will make their bid, if the Atlas boiler was taken, $757,753.35 ?
Mr. WooDs. Yes, and Ix cents.
82020-.2---3
182Z
1REPORT O3F 'THEHOUSE OFFICEnUILDINNG tK3MMSSIO1N
Mr. CANNON. Now, I want to get at the question of the comparative merits of the Babcock & Wilcox
and the Atlas boilers-
Mr. Wooi)s. Before you go to that, Mr. Speaker, call I call your attention to something which I think
I ought to call the commission's attention to ?
Mr. CANNON. Certainly.
Mr. WOODS. I wVant the Com11m1isiOn1 to note the fact that this proposition with respect to boilers
sulujecte(l to these modlifications was not asked for. If that is considered as rcgdlar, then I think you ought
to consider the bid of Muralt & Co., because they submit other propositions which are just as regular as
these.
Mr. CANNON. Very well. Let Us get the Muralt. Talking about regularity, the bids are opened;
as I understand it, are in the nature of being opened for modification. Now, if they are opened for modifi-
cation, what is there irregular in making the modifications ?
Mr. WOODS. I (do not see anything irregular in it, except that if this is to be considered, the commission
ought to consider the other manl's modifications on the same line.
Mr. CANNOW. I (lid not know you had it, but if you have, let us get the proposition of Muralt & Co.
Mr. WOODS. Muralt, at my request, has furnished prices and modifications.
Mr. CANNON. When ? In his answer to this matter ?
Mr. WOODS. No, sir; not in answer to this matter.
Mr. CANNON. I am trying to get the replies in answer to this matter.
Mr. WOODS. Very well; I will not say anything more about it.
Mr. CANNON. How do they come?
Mr. Woot)s. On a new request.
Mr. CANNON. Was it a new request made to everybody ?
Mr. WOODS. No, sir. It was made for this reason: I discovered that this man had in his plan a
very expensive outfit in the power house that was not necessary, and I thought it was advantageous to the
Government to get from him a price as to what he would leave that part of his outfit out for, if called upon
to do so. I have his answer to my individual request on that. I did not write to the others because they
did not have those particular features in their plaiis. TFhis maln had this much in addition, which I thought
could be saved; so I wrote to him.
Mr. CANNON. Now, then, when you got his reply did that cover a scheme that you can recommend ?
Mr. Woons. 01, yes.
Mr. CANNON. HOW does it com11pare in its scheme with the Westinghouse and the General Electric ?
Mr. Woons. It compares as favorably, as a scheme, as any one of those bids, except that Westinghouse
plrol)osition, which I say is a better laid-out affair.
Mr. CANNON. Now, at the second lid(ling, as I will call it, to describe it, the second proposition sent
to everybody for modifications, you got no response at all from Muralt & Co. ?
Mr. WOODS. Oh, yes; that is shown on the sheet there.
Mr. CANNON. Theirs was $842,000o ?
Mr. WOODS. That is the net result.
Mr. HIEP~mBUIN. Where is that $842,000?
Mlr. CANNON. On1 the first line.
Mr. Wooi)s. The result is $842,700. It (the de(lduction for steam an(l electric transmission) should be
$277,000 on the Muralt sheet.
Mr. CANNON. On1 Senate substation and steam andI electric transmission they modify their hid and
reduce it $277,600 ?
Mr. Woons. $277,000 even.
Mr. CANNON. Not six hundred ?
Mr. WooDs. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. And that (deducted from their original bid of $J,119,700---
Mr. WOODS. Leaves $842,700.
Mr. CANNON. Now, then, after that modification came in, which you advise in consideration of these
bids in column No. i. Senate substation and steam and elertric transmission. vou fit to examining
Table: [No Caption]
7'7 r'TM- nTuUITTnrun'Cu Cum 16MIviN T 3

Muralt & Co.'s plans further, and then you wrote him another letter ? That was the second submission-
the general submission to himn ? You looked at his plan, and you wrote him another letter, and in reply
to that other letter, in which you eliminated certain things, you got what ?
Mr. WOODS. I got a total deduction there approximating $86,ooo. I have not the actual figures in
my mind. In fact, eliminations could be made without destroying the value of the plant, according, to his
proposition, of $I2Iooo without injury.
Mr. CANNON. But what he did submit was $86,ooo?
Mr. WOOD. No; he submitted more than that.
Mr. CANNON. I wish you would get his letter.
Mr. WOODS. Here is the letter [submitting same]:
NEW YORK, January 6, 1906.
kI.LIOnr WOODS, Esq.,
3Superintendent U. S. Capitol Building and Grounds,
Washington, D. C.
DEAR SIR: Re heating, lighting, and power plant for congressional buildings.
Referring to our yesterday's talk I beg leave to reiterate in concise form the various deductions which
should be made from my original bid in order to make it more nearly comparable to the bids of my
competitors:
(a) If pap er-insulated cables ale used of rubber-insulated cables, I will deduct ......................................................... $2 0,950
instead
(b) If economizers are omitted in the power house ................ ........................... ... 55, 800
(c) If superheating is reduced from iSol F. to Gus' F .,000
(d) If only one coal and ash handling outfit is installed, instead of the two provided in my original bid .. 14) 250
(c) If a 30-tor. crane is used in place of the so-ton crane .......................................S:o......... 800
(I) If standard-weight pipe is uacd instead of cxtra-hc3vy pipe in the low-pressure underground heating work (the high-pressure piping in the power
house remaining extrA heavy).3.................................................................. .................... 31, 00
(g) If the electric and heat transmission between the power louse and the substations is placed in one tunnel instead of in two separate conduits as
provided in ml original bid....................................................................................................... 8, 800
The total dedluction for a, b, c, {I, e, f, g together is therefore $I36,ioo, which reduces my original bids
of $ii64,700 (with Rice & Sargent engines) and of $1,ii9,800 (with Curtis turbines) to $1,028,600 and
$983,700, respectively.
All of these deductions represent material which is not absolutely required for your pulrposes. As a
matter of fact, I am probl)ably correct in assuming that most of my colpe-titors have not included any of
these items ill their layouts.
With other words, the equipment which I prO)Ose ftxrnishlilng you for the reduced figures of $1,0o28,60o
or $983,700 (see above) still constitutes a })lant of the very highest class and of more than amiple capacity,
strictly complete in every retaill, and every l)iece absolutely the very best of its kill(n.
It would be possible without great (lifhiculty to go very much further and to suggest d(ledlctions
amounting in the aggregate to at least another PIoo,ooo without seriously (decreasing the capacity of your
plauit. Sich(deductions might appear permissible to some people, but they must, in the nature of things,
have a hurtful influence on the operation of some of the parts, and thus indlirectly onl the working economy
of the entire installation, or else on the security of service. I could, therefore, not conscientiously recoin-
men(d any further de(luctions as long as you have in mind the purchase of a model plant. But I shall be
very glad indeed to show you what I call do if first cost alone is to be the object of priue importance,
In the meantime I believe that above two figures of $I,o28,6oo for the plant with reciprocating
engines and $983,700 for the plant with turbines will give you a true basis of comparison between my bid
and the bids of those of my competitors who, in your opinion, have also quoted on a strictly first-class
plant. Inasmuch as I can buy the chief materials as favorably as anybody else, and inasmuch as I have
probably figured my profit closer than anybody else, I can not help feeling that my bid ought to prove
attractive also from the price standpoint. And I (1o hope that, when all things have been duly consi(lere(,
my proposal will appear to be the most favorable for the Government, and that you will thus find yourself
in a position to honor me with the award.
In closing I beg leave to refer to my respects of October i9, i905, for some further explanations of
my bid, and to remain, dear sir,
Yours, respectfully, C. I,. rsE MURALT.
JANUARY 8, I906.
MUIVIuRA & CO.,
25 Pine Street, New York, N. Y.
SIRS: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of January 6, 1906, making suggestions for
v'nrious deductions from your bid for machinery for the heating, lighting, and power plant for which bids
were received September 30, 1905.
Very respectfully, ELLIOWr WOODS,
Stuperintendent U. S. Capitol Building and Grounds.
CHICAGO, November *8, I905.
Mr. E.I.Io1r WOODS,
Superintendent Capitol Building and Grounds, Washingtonl, D. C.
SIR: In submitting our figures in accordance with your circular letter dated November IO, it is our
intention to comply filly with all requirements and conditions as set forth therein. It is to be understood;
however, that in submitting these figures, as requested, we do not waive any rights which are or may be
ours under our original and alternate proposals submitted September 30, 1905.
Very respectfully,
HANLEY-CASEY CO.,
By T. F. HANLEY, President.
Mr. CANNON. When were the first bids submitted ?
Mr. WOODS. 'rTle 30th of September.' They were received on the 3oth of September.
Mr. CANNON. H-lave you got a copy of your letter or circular which you sent out for modifications ?
Mr. WVOODS. Yes, sir; I have it right here in the original, because I sent them a letter and asked
them to make their figures on my copy. [Submitting circular letter.]
(Circular lCtter.)
[Tihe answers of the lanley.Casey Co. are printed in italics.]
Ri Si1.NTATIVyES,
0FFIcr]BUILDING, Housi. O1RI.I-
Wfashington, D. C., November 1o, 1905,
' e1C IIANIEY-CASEY CO.,
1-5 Ohio Street, Chicago, Ill.
GlENTrLIMEN: In relation to proposals lately received for a complete heating, lighting, and power
plalnt: for the Capitol building and other congressional buildings the advisory committee selected by mc
hiavc requested that the following information be furnished, which request I hereby approve. Will you,
therefore, (1o mtle the kindness to have the prices asked for below submitted to me not later than Saturday,
Novemberi8,i905 ? It is to be understood that whatever answers are made to the questions herein shall
be considered in connection with your proposal sul)mitted an(l shall be governed by the specifications
submitted ill the same minner as if they had been submitted with your original proposal.
These questions relate only to your proposition No. I.
I. What reductions from original proposal, provi(le(1 the substation apparatus for the Senate Office
B3tuilding is omitted, and also all electric and heat transmission lines from the power house, all tunnel and
trench construction and electric conduits, together with all pipes an(l cables to be included in this elimilla-
tion, it being understood that electricall transmission" means all conduits and cable circuits from the
point where they attach to their respective switches at the power house P
I)Dcluc6tion: Two hu ndred fifty-four thousand five hundred tiventy-four and seventy one-hundredths
dollars ($254,521.70).
If Stirling boilers are accepted, $262,524.70---$8,000.
If Atlas boilers are accepted, $289,524.o--$35,000.
2. What reduction from t:he original proposal, provided the eliminations are made to include those
abovc specified in article I, and, further provided, that one 2,ooo kilowatt unit be omitted from the power-
Table: [No Caption]
REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING

185
house installation, said
omission to
include engine and
generator, also two batteries of boilers of 1,040
horsepower each, pipe all work, together with
and erected complete

only required to furnish,
that in the event
valves, fittings,
that the Government
the
and all other
should
requirements,
hereafter install
to
this
be
unit it
so
tiurnished
will be
and the one 2,ooo kilowatt engine and

Deduction: Three
erect,
hundred
and
connect
generator ?
eighty-six thousand
aforesaid two batteries of boilers of
iopo horsepower each
three hundred seventy-seven dollars

($386,377.00).
If Stirlng boilers are accepted, $394,377.00.
If
3. What Atlas
boilers are accepted, $421,377.00.
reduction from the original proposal will be made, provided there is eliminated from the
proposal two units,
horsepower each, and
each
consisting
also
unit
engine
auxiliary machines, piping,

the
electrical
of one
batteries boilers of 1,040
for these
and
two units
generator
and
andl two
apparatus
of
not installed, leaving steamn

the boiler engine complete
headers in the and
8,ooo-kilowatt plant, room for an
and the
operation?
two units
A complete
under
installed
list in detail
this proposal
should
to
be submitted
form a
4,ooo-kilowatt
showing exactly
plant complete and
what pieces of apparatus
ready for
are
omitted from the full proposal.

ffty-eight
A%
Deduction: Two hundred
thousand six hundred eighty-two and dollars
($258,682.60).
If Stirling boilers are accepted, $.766,682.6o.
If Atlas boilers are accepted,
4. What reduction from original proposal, the
$29.3,682.6o. provided the eliminations are
made to include all items
enumerated in articles Y
and
3, and,
furthermore, omitting the coal and ash-conveying apparatus?
Deduction: Five hundred forty-eight thousand four
If Stirlng boilers are accepted, $556,495.65.
hundred ninety-five and -1%00 dollars
($548,495.65).
IfAtlas boilers are accepted, $583,495.65.
5. In accordance with
original proposals, the
and not including nor in any way relating the above
main omissions ortnodifications described in articlesI, 2, andI
3, 4, what addition or deduction from the
named original tenders, provided rotary converters are substituted throughout for all transformation at
the substations oftie four congressional buildings; and, further,

What reduction provided
addition or
are substituted throughout for
motor generators all transforma-
tion at the four substations four congressional buildings ?
of the
these modifications, For state
reduction
or addition separately for
locations shownn
on the original
for each building, as follow s:
these buildings. Installations remain separated and
each of
drawings
four
furnished. Thprices furnishedvill, however,b

to
e
in the
a
various
sumli
lump
ON ROTARYCONVERTEUS. ON MOTOR GENERATORS.

I
(Words wanted.)
brackets not
f
n
$M6,58.
IW ords In
brickttl otwanted.1
n
Addition Congretssonal
deduction] Capitol Building,
Library
oo,
Building, Nonte, Addition for
deductions Capitol Building,
Addition or deduction Congressional Library $i6,R5Building,
8oo.
None.
Addition
[or deductions
or
House Office Building, $13,102.00.
deductions Senate Office Building, $P3,96.o0.
Addition(or dleductIon) House
Addition for deduction) Senate Office
O1ci
c
Building,
Building,
$13,102.00.
13,966.oo.
Respectfully submitted.ny
Ila-leyanly-ey Cotnpaly,
By T. F. Hanley, Prest.
Very respectfully,
ELLI'OT' WOODS,
U.
Superintendent LI. Capitol Building and Grounds.
Makeprices
your on this original and retain a copy.
E. W.
Mr. CANNON.
On November I 1905
o, s you ent to all these
parties, these
bidders, a circular letter like
this, of which I will read a portion. [Reads extracts from above letter.]
I wish
you would furnish the
stenographer a copy of that
letter, and so
on. Now, I
merely put
that in to show that on November

10, 1905, you submitted to all
theses people the same circular
letter, and
Table: Exhibit No. 1.- Revised bids, heat, light, and power plant

you got from all of them replies, and thC substance of the replies is what you submitted, and they are,
amongst other things, tabulated in this sheet, which you may put in also,
Mr. WOODS. Yes, Sir.
(TIhC following is the sheet referred to:)
FXIIIXIIT No. 1.-Revised bids, heat, lig/t, and poiver plant.
Omisviontss.
1 2 ~~~~~~~~3
4
Bidders. Proposals. Items I and I Two units with
tiOn and steam engine genera- auxiliaries, . and coal ands
andtranmisson.
tand electrical
electrica tor, and(no4
boilers
auxiliaries),
engines,
generators,2 3
boilers, etc.
asparans
ahapparatus.
handling
Westinghlouise ElectricManufactusrinigCo.. 1 $310,036.-0 $417, 334.00 $o263, 982.1)0 $S96,002.00

C 208,72S.00 307,314.00 241,410.00 471,929.o
Ialacy-Casey Co ..............s...I 25+, 524.70 386,37700 258, 682,6o 548 495 :6s
2 254,524.70 394,377.00 266,68.6o 556, 49S 65
3 254 524-70 421,377.00 293,682.60 583,495.65
OWhlite & Co .......................................................
J.G. I 301,856.oo 430,351.00 2/o,816.oo 595, 034.00
2 278,208.00 39S 679.0 248,770.00 549,337.00
L.ynlch & Woodward ... 230, 957 00 323, 6oo. 00 236, coo, 00 486, 957.00
Mluralt & Co . 76,400.00 209,500.00 ° 70 0o0. 00 372,500.00
2 76,400.00 221f 000.00 293, 000o. 00 3955000-0°
Mclsstosh, Seymsour & Co . 2230s8o0.o0 330, 178.00 232, 901(. 0o 481, os4.00
2 223,08o.oo 333,677.00 239,91.1.00 488,0os.00
'rlc Scofield Co . 189, 689,oo 30S,638.00 23S,374.00 453, 64,iC6
2 183,421.00 291,822.00 224,078.00 423, 844.00
Omissions.
5 ~~6 7
Bidders. Proposals. Original Remarks.
bid,m~nus No. 6 plus
Original bid. u1ner
sniS No. 3.
u ,(, er
Iten 4.
Wcstinghouse Electric Mansufactusrinsg Co ........ .................... 1 1, 084, 369.oo $488, 367.00 752, 34900 Storage battery.
C 901,736.00 429,807.00 6713217.00
Ilaslry.cyasey Co .................
. 4.98,782.20 757, 464. 80
2 1,047,277.85 490,782.20 749,464.80
3 463,782.20 722, 464. 80
J.G. White & Co ................................................ I 1,189,250.00 594,26.0oo 865,032.00
2 1,0o5,299.00 509,962.00 758, 732.0
l ynch & Woodward .................1...........................1 862, 726.00 375, 769. o 1, 769.oo
Mfuralt & Co .................1.. ........ I I 1,199, 700 00 747,300.00 3, o1 7300. 00
2 1,164, 800oo 769,20oo.o 1, o62, 200, oo
Mlclntosls, Seymouir & Co .................. ........ ...... 3 903, 730.00 422, 676.00 655, 592.00
430,448.00
2 918,500.00 670,362.oo
I is of 3So.0oo
Trhe Scofield Co .......................................... ..3,35....... 5 63, 796, 977.00
2 974, 100.00 550, :56.oo 774,334.00
Corrected January 5, 3906.
Mr. H1ERlURN. Mark that " Exhibit I,"

Mr. CANNON. Yes; Whi}C Sheet Shows the original bid of each one. You can change this to show
what bids you eliminate. I wish, you would make the sheet show that in ink.
Mr. WooDS. Yes,
Mr. CANNON. Now, these modifications are tabulated and marked Nos. I, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Now, you
recommend to the commission that we (1o not consider Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5 as tabulated ?
Mr. WOODS. Omit S.
Mr. CANNON. Nos. 2, 3, 4---
Mr. WOODS. Six and seven. They are only tabulated-
Mr. CANNON. Nos. 2, 3, and 4; but you do recommend that, in the proposals tabulated on No. I, we
consider those, and subtract those amounts, respectively, from the original bid, and let the contract by the
original bid minus the modification as tabulated in No. i ? That is right, is it ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Very well. Now, subsequently to that, this being November IO, I905-Subsequently to
that, on January 6, i906, you received a letter from Muralt & Co., which I think it might be well enough
to put in the record, and you may put it in. For the information of the gentlemen of the commission I
will read a portion of it. [Reads from letter of Muralt & Co., to EI'lliott Woods, Jan. 6, I906.]
Muralt & Co. in the meantime having seen the bids of the competitors, this being on January 6 or 5,
went on and submitted [reads]:
"(a) If paper insulated cables are used instead of rubber insulated cables I will deduct $20,950."
Mr. WOODS. I want to state as a matter of record that he (Muralt) did not see any papers. He only
knew the figures of the various bids. He saw none of the papers.
Mr. CANNON. What does he mean by saying, "In order to make it more nearly comparable to the bids
of my competitors"?
Mr. WOODS. I do not know. That is an assertion that I know nothing about, But he got most of
these items suggested to him from me.
Mr. CANNON. Yes. Now, the result is that he further reduced his bid; that is, he further indicates a
willingness to reduce his bid, leaving the things out that he specified to $983,000. Is that right ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes; $983,000.
Mr. CANNON. This is it. I will read it [reads]:
"The total reduction for a, b, c, d, e, f, g, together is therefore $136,ioo, which reduces any original
bids of $i,i64,700 (with Rice & Sargent engines) and of $i,ii9,800 (wvith Curtis turbines) to $i,o28,6oo
antI $983,700, respectively."
Mr. WOODS. May I have that figure, Mr. Speaker, if you are through with the letter?
Mr. CANNON. Yes. I want to have the letter go in for consideration. But this is a modification.
H-lowever, that is a matter for consideration.
Mr. WOODS. If you take from the resulting figure, there, the elimination of the Steam and electric
transmission, $277,000, you have a net result on that proposition of $706,600.
Mr. CANNON. That further elimination would reduce his bid to $706,600 ?
Mr. HEPBURN. How much would it be ?
Mr. WOODS. The net result would be $7o6,6oo, if this elimination is considered.
Ml. CANNON. He gives two bids, Nos. I and 2. One of his original bids is $io 19,ooo, and the other
is $i,o64,000. Now, on his modification at the time all the others modified, which one did hie deduct
from-the first or the second ?
Mr. WOODs. He. deducted in both cases on the first modification under my letter, andl he does the
same thing in this letter.
Mr'. CANNON. Which of his bids is the best-the $ i,i i9,000 or the $i,o64,000 ?
Mr. WOODS. It is $1,119,000, column S.
Mr. CANNON. Now, to get his $i,064,000, which bid did hie propose to dledluct from ?
Mr. WOODS. On the $I,1I9,000 bid.
Mr. CANNON. This further lessening that he submits in that letter from your conversation with him,
would reduce his bid to $706,600?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Did you have any conversation with Lynch & Woodward ? Did you get anything
from them ? They seem to have bid $63I,ooo.
Mr. WOODS. Yes; I took up the question with them. I will get that paper.
Mr. CANNON. I am speaking now of the two propositions. Their first bid was $862,726, and their
modified bid, when all the balance modified, reduced their bid to $631,769. That is all that you have
from them, is it ?
188 REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMJSSION
Mr. WooDs. As the general scheme of Lynch & Woodward seemed to ine to be weak, I thought it
advisable to get Lynch & Woodward to specify or estimate what they proposed to use in those parts of
the scheme that appeared to me doubtful. They did write such a letter, but it did not involve any change
of prices.
Mr. CANNON. That was subsequent to these two propositions that ran to everybody ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes. This answer came to me on May i9, but it merely relates to what doubtful points
in his bid exist. They are covered by that letter [submitting same].
Mr. CANNON. This is on May i9, 1906. You may put this into the record. [Reads:]
BOSTON, Mway 19, 9o06.
Mr. ELLIOTr WOODS,
Superintendent U. S. Capitol Building and Grounds, Washington, D. C.
D)RAR SIR: In regard to the conversation between you, your Mr. Gliem, and our Mr. Lynch, when we
went over our specifications and drawings Thursday evening, we wish to confirm as follows:
Engines.-You may have either the Curtis vertical or horizontal or the modified Parsons improved
type of horizontal engine as built by the Allis-Chalmers Co. Whatever the generator or turbo generator
which is used, to be to your entire satisfaction, and all details to be furnished for your approval before
going ahead with the work.
Condensers.-The condensers will be the Buckley or jet or barometric type, which will be selected by
you or your engineers.
Boilers.--We found that there was some difference between the cost of the boilers, and so would have
to adhere to the use of the Sterling boiler, which we think will prove satisfactory and which we are willing
to guarantee to give A No. I results when put to the practical test of use in the power plant.
Exciters.-Whatever type of turbo generator is used, we will furnish an independent exciter of 150
kilowatt capacity driven by a compound (lirect-connecte(l engine.
Stokers.--We would be very much in favor of using the Taylor stoker on account of the guaranteed
smokeless effect, but will furnish either the Roney or the Ross, if you so desire, but we (1o not feel that we
could give you the sanme guaranty that they would be smokeless when run at the normal rating or above
the normal rating of the boilers.
Feed-water heater.--We will furnish anl open type of fced-wvater heater of the Webster or Hopp)e or
Corcoran type, or if you or )'our engineer so desiree we will furnish in place thereof a special hot well of
such dimensions ald arrange(l in such a wvay as to give the best results.
Traveling crone.-In the engine-roomi crane we will fulllish one off 50 tons' capacity with three motors
of suflicient pow er. This crane to be of the Whiting Foundry Equipment Co.'s make, Seller's or Brown,
and full details will be furnished for your approval before placing the order with the builder.
We wvill further agree that in case of your wishing to change the hoist, that instead of a 5o-ton hoist
we would furnish two hoists--one of, say, 30 or 35 tons' capacity anid the other of 5 or IO tons' cap)acity,
Without additional cost.
Cables.--The cables will be split into two or three parts, as suggested by Mr. Gliel, so as to reduce
the chances of anl accident or loss to a minimum. EIach building, namely, the Capitol, Library, the Senate
Office Building, and the House Oflice B3uilding will have two independent connections run through dif-
ferent streets and( connected with the building, so that one will always be ready to cut in should anything
happen to the other.
Transformers.-In regard to the division of the transformer units, will say that we will furnish for
the Capitol Building for power three 20o0.kilowatt rotaries, for the Senate Office Building three 2o0-kilo-
watt rotaries, for the House Office Building three 2o0-kilowatt rotaries, for the Library Building one ioo-
kilowatt, one 2oo-kilowatt, and three 300-kilowatt rotaries, all of these changes to be made with the view
of improving the plant and the more detailed explanation of what is intended to be furnished by us. Full
detail specifications and drawings covering each item which enters into the construction of thisapparatus,
as a whole, will be submitted to you and your engineers, and should the work be awarded to us we will
consult with your engineers as to what is most desirable to cover each detail, and feel confident that we
can satisfy any reasonable requirement for a first-class modern and up-to-date plant, which will not only
be a credit to us but will be the most practical which carl be designed to cover the requirements of the case.
Trusting that we have made ourselves clear on all these points, and assuring you that should the work
be intrusted to us it would have our very best and immediate attention, we remain,
Very respectfully,
LYNCH & WOODWVARD.
ITeigram.)
BOSTON, MASS., A'Iay 19, i906.
ELIIOrr WOODS,
Superintendent, Jfashtngton, D. C.:
We will make all changes as talked with you and Mr. Gliemn. Expect that Sterling boilers are to be
used. We will divide the other as suggested by Mr. Gliem and will split and arrange the cables as sug-
gested, all details to be to your entire satisfaction. Have written you fully covering all points.
LYNCH & WOODWARD.
LYNICH & WOODWARD,
26-28 Beach Street, Boston, Mlass.
GENTLEMEN: I have received your telegram and your subsequent letter under date of May i9, i906,
explaining your original bid for heating, lighting, and power plant and setting forth in detail the various
points that we went over during your last visit.
I think this letter explains fully all the points in question.
Very respectfully,
E~l~101or WOODS,
Superintendent U. Capitol Building and Grounds.
S.
Mr. WOODS. You understand, gentlemen, that that letter is not a question of prices. It simi-ply con-
firms and specifies certain details about their plans.
Mr. HEPBURN. The character of materials ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes; the character of materials and the type of apparatus.
Mr'. CANNON. But notwithstanding, that their bid is at $631,769, as miodified---
Mr. IHIEPBItUN. Where (10 you get that $631,000 ?
Mr. CANNON. In the first line, in l)elncil there. It is not in your copy. Wlen yoU (ledluct $230,000
from $862,ooo you get that. That, upon the whole, is the lowest bid of alny of the bids, is it not ?
Mr. WOOnS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Notwithstanding that, you reconminen(l the Westinghouse bid ?
Mr. WooDs. I have, on the basis of the best laid-out scheme.
Mr. CANNON. What do you mnean by the " best laid-out scheme ?"
Mr. WOODS. Well, the most perfect scheme.
Mr. CANNON. Is not that merely a matter of .arrangement that you could change under the terms of
your contract ?
Mr. WOODS. You could change it, of course; but I simply consider it as the best scheme subl)itte(
and that the price for the scheme submitted is not excessive.
Mr. CANNON. So that, notwithstanding Lynch & Woodward are the lowest bidders, you consider
the Westinghouse a lower and a better bid ?
Mr. WOOnS. It is not a lower price, but I think it is a much better bid, and to the best of my juldg.
ment that price is not excessive.
Mr. CANNON. Is that same thing true as to the Hanley-Casey bid as com)are(l with the Lynch &
Woodward bid?
Mr. WOODS. Thw'Hanfey4-Casey bid, as compared with the Lynch & Woodward bid, is a better bid.
Mr. CANNON. What is that?
Mr. WOODS. It is a better bid than the Lynch & Woodward.
Mr. CANNON. Precisely; it is a better bi)( than the bid of Lynch & Woodward. Take other bids.
Is there any other bid that is better than the Lynch & Woodward bid ?
Mr. WOODS. This Muralt bid, with that modification, is on a par, I should say, with the Hanley-
Casey bid, or nearly on a par with it.
Mr. CANNON. Better or not quite so good ?
Mr. Woons. Not quite so good; but dollar for dollar, it is as good.
Mr. CANNON. What do you mean by "dollar for dollar, it is as good ?"
Mr. WOODS. The way the Hanley-Casey bid stands-there is a certain amount of apparatus in the
Lynch & Woodward more than there would be in this of Hanley & Casey, at $6o6,ooo, but there would
be less apparatus left.
Mr. CANNON. rlTat is also true as to the Westinghouse ?
MrII. WOODS. Yes.
Air. CANNON. Taking it all in all, going back to the Westinghouse and the Hanley-Casey and the
General Electric--that represents the two schemes-after you eliminate the street work, or what is known
in the tabulation here as No. i, is there any substantial difference between the two ?
Mir. WOODS. I have stated that I thought there was, and I believe it, and it comes in the arrangement
of details. So far as the actual apparatus is concerned-that is, generating apparatus-there is no sub-
stantial difference in the product of the companies, and I would as lief have one as the other. But I have
sent out these different propositions asking people to submit their idea of the best scheme, and I have
considered and (1o consider, and must state it now as a matter of record, that I consider the Westinghouse
proposition the best one submitted, and that the price is commensurate with the proposition. That is my
first: choice.
Mr. CANNON. And what is your second choice?
Mr. WooDs. My second choice would necessarily be the Hanley-Casey.
Mlr. CANNON. And what is your third ?
Mr. Woons. My third choice is Muralt.
Mr. CA{NON. And the fourth ?
Mr. WooDs. Well, I think Lynch & Woodwclard come fourth.
Mr. CANNON. White & Co, seem to come in here.
Mr. WooDs. In considering the elimination of steam and electric transmission, White would come in
as a matter of third choice, followed by Muralt and Lynch & Woodward.
ilr. CANNON. Are these differences thoroughly set out in this report addressed to you an(l signed
by this board ? There was a board, it seems, consisting of Col. Bromwell, the engineer officer in charge
of buildings and grounds, and Gliem and Stratton and Harding an(l Titlow and Woodbridge. Now, as
between the Gcneral Electric scheme and the Westinghouse scheme, are they fairly set out in their criti-
cisms here ?
Mr. Woons. They are not set out with as much detail as I vould set them out in my report.
Mr. CANNON. Tell us about this board, How did this board happen to be constituted ?
M1r. WOODS. It was constituted solely upon my request, because I thought, after these bids came
in, that it would be in a spirit of greater fairness to the bidders to have more than one mind considering it.
Mr. CANNON. It was a board you devised?
Mr. WooDs. Yes; for the best interests of all concerned.
Mr. CANNON. lDid you send somepeople to Indianapolis to look into this Atlas boiler ?
.Mr. Woons. We sent our engineer and the two Library engineers, and I went there myself with
Messrs. Gliem, Harding, and Titlow.
Mr. CANNON. Did you go with them in the first instance?
Mr. WooDs. I did.
Mr.CANNON. I-Have you anything that shows the result of that examination?
Mr. WOODS. I have, for the record here. There is their story [indicating document], and in addition
to those men I had employed occasionally, by the day, an engineer of this city,who has been the consulting
engineer for the Interior Department in the installation of the Government Hospital for the Insane plants
in the last two or three years, and he is an all-around engineer. I took him along with the others, and
this letter simply tells about their visit. Their conclusions are in the back.
Mr. CANNON. I guess I will read this. This was dated November 20, x906. Was that before or
after the second bids were received ? It was November IO that the second bid was in, the modified
proposals.
Mr. WOODS. Yes; November io.
Mr. CANNON [reads]:
Tour of inspection at Indianapolis, Ind., and Cincinnati, Ohio, by subcommittee of Commission, consisting of C. P. Gliem, chief eectrical
engineer; D. W'. Harding, electrical engineer; C. B. Titlow, stean engineer, and Thomas IF. Power, consulting enginet'r. The
committee was accompanied by Mr. Elliott Woods, Superintendent United States Capitol Butildig and Grounds.
REPORT OF CONSULTING ENGINEER.
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
Monday, November 20, 1905.
Left Washington, D. C., 2.30 p. in. Wednesday, November 15, I9o5; arrived at Indianapolis Ii a. mn.
November i6; entered the plant of the Atlas Engine & Boiler Works I.30 P. in., and made a thorough
inspection of the entire premises for the purpose of investigating their water tubular boiler construction.
The committee was impressed with the equipment of this large establishment. They Avere shown every
courtesy by the officials and representatives of the works, witnessing the construction of' the boilers in the
minutest detail, as well as the final hydraulic test, and also one of the same boilers under working con-
dition in their power plant. The Atlas water tubular boiler at their central powfir plant at the works
indicated i4o pounds of steam, but this boiler appeared to be disconnected from their fire tubular boilers,
and evidently was not operating or doing service at this pressure. The committee, however, feel that the
Atlas Engine & Boiler Works are well organized and well eouioped with the necessary facilities for
turning out work for general commercial purposes.
The committee, accomlpanied by Mr. Woods, departed from Indianapolis November I7, 9.45 a. mn.,
and arrived at Cincinnati I p. in., an(l entered the Ault & Wiburg ink marntifactory at 2.30 p. in. for the
purpose of inspecting a 400-h1orsepower Atlas water tubular boiler under severe working conditions. This
boiler wvas being operated at 90 pounds of steam. The stoker was of the Jones underfeed, a-nd approxi..
mately 2. inches of air under the grate. 'T'lhe boiler was being worked to a very severe test, an(l the coin-
mittee felt that the duties imposed 11po10 it would naturally cause an overload of at least 50 pe r cent above
the rated horsepower or capacity. The Jones underfeed stoker appeare(l to have a blowpine effect with
its heavy draft.
Thle committee departed from this plant and entered the power plant of the American Oak Leather
Co., in the same city, at 4.50 P. In., to witnlesS another Atlas water tubular boiler of 46o horsepowver un(ler
working Conditions. This boiler was also equipped with Jones underfeed stoker, while it had a light air
pressure of probably less than I inch and xoo pounds steaml pressure. The boiler was running with a
very light load.. In this particular plant, however, the committee noticed a Babcock & Wilcox boiler of
the (loul)le-deck type doing most of the work, the same being forced with a severe overload.
The committee noted that the hand-hole plates on the boilers at both plants; at Cincinnati appeared
to leak very badly, due to the lead gasket used in their construction, and do not: believe it to be as good
as a metal joint, which is of more substantial character, as proposed in the type of boiler recommen(led
to the Superintendent of the Capitol by the entire advisory board of engineers.
The committee were invited to inspect the above plants :it Cincinnati through the representatives of
the Atlas Engine & Boiler Works in order that they might se.e these boilers utn(ler working conditions for
commercial purposes.
While they were impressed with the apparatus as manufactured by the Atlas Engine & Boiler Works
and feel that they have a very good boiler for general commercial purposes, this particular type of boiler
has not been on the market for more than about two years, and the largest capacity of boiler power of this
make which tile committee were shown did not exceed 5oo horsepower, while the: boiler capacity required
for the congressional power plant will demand ioooo horsepower. The steam pressure on the several
plants of the Atlas type which the committee witnessed were being operated at a working pressure of only
90 and Ioo poun(ls, with the exception of one boiler at the central power plant of their own works at
In(lianalpolis.
The committee are unable to state wlhat results or efficiency the Atlas boiler would operate under at
175 poliuiis of steam constant working pressure or requirements necessary for the Congressional power
pla lt.
The committee, together with Mr. Woods, departed from Cincinnati at 9.40 p. in. November 17 and
arrived at Washington at 5.30 p. in. November I8, 1905.
D. W. HARDING,
Electrician Congressional Library.
CHARLES B. TITLOW,
Chief Engineer Congressional Library.
C. P. GLIEM,
Chief Electrical Engineer, United States Capitol.
Trios. W. POWER,
Consulting Engineer.
Mr. CANNON (continuing). Now, I will ask you in this same connection, what is this Atlas boiler
power? Is it a tubular boiler?
Mr. WOODs. It is what is called a water-tube boiler.
Mr. CANNON. What has it on top ?
Mr. WOODS. It has two druims; what we call steam drums.
Mr. CANNON. Is that for superheated steanm ?
Mr. WooDs. No; these are the main steam drums, and connecting them are a series of bent tubes on
top leading to a mididile drum; and these tubes, being above the water line, produce what is called super-
heated steam. Now, the difference between that boiler and the sectional boiler of the other type is simply
this, that in the other type the connections from thev water tuibes themselves, that are in the fire, run into
the stream dIrums in small sections lby tubes, one row of tubes being connected with the drum by a single
inlet. In the case of the Atlas boiler and other types submitted, there leads from the steam drulm a big
box head into which the water tubes go. The claim is ma(le that that boiler construction, with box ends,
is not as safe as this, built up in sections. I believe that, notwithstanding the fact that the Hartford Insurance
Co. says there is not anything safer.
Mr. CANNON. In this letter they say it seems to be a good boiler for commercial purposes, but on the
whole, as it has only been built for two years, it is to be inferred that it has not won its spurs. Do you
know ,anything about the Heine boiler ?
Mr. Woons. Yes; I know something about the Heine boiler.
Mlr. CANNON. Is not this the samne as the IHeine boiler except this change in the condition of the super-
heated apparatus, in this case being crosswise, and in the Heine boiler lengthwise.
Mr . WOODs. Yes.
Mr. CANNON, Has not the Heine boiler beerl ;n use for a quarter of a century ?
Mr. Woons. Yes.
Mr1I. CANNON. Good use?
Mr. Wooi)s. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Then it is hardly candid when they say "this particular type of boiler has not been on
the market for more than about twvo years" ? It is true in the letter, but hardly true in principle, when
they make that criticism ?
Mr. WOODS. I depend upon the judgment of these practical men. In a boiler produc:, even if it was
similar to another boiler, there are many points of difference that would allow a man to criticise if he wanted
to. I would be a little fearful of a product that had not won its spurs.
Mr. CANNON. Yes; but if it is similar in principle, and the Heine boiler has won its spurs for a quarter
of a century, it would hardly be true to say that this boiler, which is precisely the same as the Heine, except
REPORT OF THE HOUSE, OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION 193
that the superheated apparatus is crosswise on the top, and on the Heine it is longitudinal-it is hardly fair
to say that this had only two years of use.
Mr. WOODS. I (10 not know that I could intelligently discuss that, Mr. Speaker. I am not up on
steam boilers, and I would not want to make a mistake.
Mr. CANNON. I wish you would give me now the letter from the insurance people.
Mr. WOODS. I want to say that this is a copy [submitting letter].
Mr. CANNON. I understand it was not to be given out. My information is that it was not to be given
out for advertising purposes, but it was to be furnished for the use of the commission. This letter was
given to you with what statemnent--this letter from which you have cut off the address and signature, but
which you can give as a matter of fact and later compare it with the original and put it in the hearing ?
Mr. WOODS. It is in response to a letter or request from me to answer certain questions on the boiler
proposition. This letter contains the questions I put and the answers thereto.
Mr. CANNON. With that explanation and with the understanding that the original, with address and
signature, will be retained in your permanent files accessible to the commission, the copy which you furnish
will be printed in the record.
Mr. CANNON. Now, Mr. Woods, these are questions propounded by you by way of criticism as to all
water-legged boilers, from the standpoint of safety, and these are the answers. I will read. [Reads:]
"APRIL ','J 1906.
"In reply to your inquiry of the 2d instant, relating to various criticisms, concerning which you ask
our judgment, we have carefully considered the question submitted, and with your assurance that this is
for your own information and not for advertising purposes we beg to answer thel questions in the order that
they are presented:
"Question i. As to all water-leg boilers, from a standpoint of safety, where a high-pressure steam is
carried.
"Answer i. Our experience is, mainly, satisfactory with wrought water legs of water-tube boilers of
that construction, which embraces boiler plates and stay bolts when designe(l all(l constructed to meet the
requirements of service and pressure; and we are satisfied that most of the water legs of such construction
promote superior circulation, afford better opportunities for examination, cleaning, and repairs, an(l are
freer from fractured stay bolts, dlue, we believe, to the length of the stay bolts and to uniform temperature
which permit of more even expansion of the water-leg plates.
"Question 2. As to high-pressure boilers being supported on brickwork, all boilers, more especially
of high pressure, should be suspended to be absolutely free from the brickwvork, so that the boiler is free to
come and go without interfering with the brickwvork.
"Answer 2. Where the construction permits, on general principles, we favor Suspension; but with
boilers having substantially constructed legs, sul)l)orted oln suitably designe(l walls ,anid provi(le(l with plates
an(l rollers, to permit free expansion an(l contraction (such as are embodied in your setting), we have had
no trouble. Our experience with the Heine type, extending over a long period of years, is favorable to this
method of support.
"Question 3. In regard to the Atlas boiler, whether due to its construction it would be possible to
keep the tubes tight, more especially those connecting the water and steam drums and so-called superheat
drum, due to the fact that they enter and are expanded on the circle of the drum, so that when the mandrel
is placed in the tube for expanding the tube oln the short side of the circle is stretches and unnecessarily
weakened. I also believe that all boilers should be equipped with a muld drum at the lowest point of the
boiler and where it has the least circulation. My experience and my belief is that the more a boiler is
sectionalized the less liable to the total destruction of boiler and plant, and the more certain of continuity
of service. For instance, if the tube sheet in a water-leg boiler should split, it practically means a new
boiler. In a sectional boiler, if a manifold should split, it simply means a new section, which is a mere
trifle in comparison with the cost of the boiler; also when you consider the length of time the boiler is out
of commission.
"Answer 3. There is a great advantage in increasing the durability of tube ends by having the tubes
expanded into something approximating a flat rather than a curved surface. While, so far as we know,
there has been no trouble or failure of the superheating tubes of your boiler, due to their connection and
exjallding in the circular drum, we think this detail in your boiler might be improved by leaving out one
row of circulating tubes, reducing the number from three to two, thus allowing the tubes to enter the drum
at a less tangent than when three rows are applied. It does not appear necessary to have three rows of
circulating tubes; so, to diminish the chances of uneven strain and consequent leakage of tubes, caused
by entering the drum on a tangent instead of a radial line, we would suggest and advise that one of the
three rows connecting the water and steam drums be dispensed with. We are satisfied that two rows
would furnish ample circulation of water between the drums, and by the adoption of two rows they could
be brought into position to more nearly approach a right-angle connection with the axis of the boiler. As
the tubes are in staggered rows, it would seem to be possible to bring them much nearer together on their
longitudinal lines without weakening the structure; and no doubt you could maintain an efficiency of 85
or 86 per cent of the solid plate between the tube holes, both in the longitudinal and diagonal ligaments.
We believe that a special expander would improve the rolling of the tubes in the curved surface. One
could be prepared with long rolls and having all adjustable spider, or guide, extended some distance into
the tube to hold the expander in a central position while the rolling is being done.
"So far as mud drums are concerned in this type of boiler, they would seem unnecessary, as they have
become obsolete in most all designs; and to our company, more perhaps than to any other source, is due
the credit for getting rid of mud drums. We would not regard them as essential under any conditions.
I-Iowever, under special requirements made by purchasers, there is nothing, so far as we know, to prevent
extending the rear leg below the tubes 8, Io, or I2 inches, as is done in the O'Brien make of the Heine
type of boiler. While the sectional type, made ul) of tubes and headers, has some advantage in its installa-
tion and shipment, we believe, when fully considered, the preponderance of advantage in circulation and
probable dulrability favors the water-leg type, where the tubes have sufficient angularity. If it were possible,
we wouldI recommends you to increase the angularity of the tubes, particularly the generating tubes, which
are most affected by the direct heat of the fire. The chances of the tube slheet in a water-leg boiler splitting
are very remote; it is something which very rarely occurs; while the failure of sections of a sectional boiler
is a common thing, and might be looked for any time, particularly wvhen the sections are made of such
treacherous material as cast iron. Should a tube sheet split between the tul)C holes, it vould not necessarily
be a difficult matter to repair it.
"Question 4. As to stay bolts, of which there are not less than 500 in each boiler, vhich means a
thousand additional places for leaks: It is a common thing for a stay bolt to let go, in which case it must
be cut out, the hole renamedc I.rger, retapped, and riveted, which would be rather difficult in the tube side
of the shect.
"Answver +. We have had practically no trouble from the stay bolts in the water leg of the water-tube
boilers, This is probably dlue to the fact that the stay bolts are surrounded by water of all even tempera-
ture, and by its rapid circulation the entire structure possesses a more uniform temperature than those types
of boilers where the circulation is stagnant. Trhc stay bolts in this type of boiler have another advantage
over the stay bolts in boilers having a contracte(l water space, and that is the length, which permits flexibiliy
and a distril)ution of the strains throughout its greater length. When the stay bolts are made of properly
annealed material and the workmanship is good they have given little or no trouble in water legs similar
to your design. It is not a difficult matter to remove a stay bolt, and not even necessary to tap the holes
larger and use a larger stay if ordinary care is exercised in drilling out the old bolt, but, if it were necessary,
we can see no real objection to the use of a larger screw stay.
"Question 5. As to circulation: In the Atlas type of boiler I am willing to concede great circulation
in the water leg. Now, the number of return tubes at the top, supposedly there for circulation, are com-
paratively few.
"Answer 5. As to the number of returning tubes between the upper drums, known as the circulating
tubes: We have covered this under our third answer. In our opinion, instead of there being comparatively
few, we believe there is a greater number than necessary. The blue prints which we had before us showed
an approximate circulating area equal to a pipe about iS inches internal diameter.
"Question 6. At the point of the greatest ebullition, which is at the top of the freest circulation, is
there not danger of the steam passing out, carrying with it a great deal of moisture? This question is
based on the report from the North Carolina plant.
"Answer 6. Your own experience would be the most valuable in answering this question; but from
our observation, as we recollect, the boilers do not show undue fluctuation of water level, as indicated by
the water gauge. All water-tube boilers (most types to a greater extent than yours), when operated beyond
their rated capacity, are liable to carry over entrained water with the steam. The circulation of water in
this type of boiler should be very free, and the disengaging surface sufficient for the steam and water to
properly separate and go their respective ways. We know nothing about the North Carolina plant men-
tioned, but believe that if there has been trouble with the water there it has been due either to excessive
forcing of the boiler or placing the water gauge too high. Such experiences are not uncommon with all
kinds of boilers, and particularly if they are operated in connection with forced draft or stokers.
"Question 7. Have boilers of this type been built for 175 pounds pressure ? If so, state the places,
number, and horsepower.
"Answer 7. We have approved pressures on your water-tube boilers up to 2jo pounds, which were, as
we understood it, of special construction. The ordinary construction, upon the plans that have been sub-
mitted to us, has been approved for i6o pounds; and the pressure allowed on both constructions has been
figured with the usual factor of safety of 5. The questions an(l doubt in our minds, for pressure in excess
of i6o pounds, are those relative to the sufficiency- and durability of the quarter-turn braces, the reduction
of strength in the bruins, where the rivet holes for the braces are punched, and the efficiency of the lap-
riveted joints, where the two plates are joined together at, or near, the top of the drums. We believe that
the plate should be strengthened where punched for the brace rivets; and to be more helpful to you, we
will at some future time endeavor to show ho1w this canl be done. We most earnestly urge you to dispense
with a lap-riveted joint for pressures of ioo or more pounds, not only in boilers of the vater-tube construc-
tion, but also in your other types of boilers. So many explosions have occurred, the initial rupture of
which took place in the lap joints, that we feel apprehensive of extraordinary danger wheiC lap-riveted
joints arc used in the construction of pressure vessels, whether of small or large diameters. It will he
needless for us now to describe the method of failure of lap joints, as you are, no doubt, as fully informed
on this subject as we are. Joints of the butt type have been in use for many years, and wvith properly laid
out joint of this type never fail from the ordinary strains
"Question 8. Is there not a serious difference, even in any type of boiler, from a construction stand-
point, when you raise steam pressure from, say, 125 pounds to I75 potulds ? For instance, we have for
years and up to five years ago, been able to operate a Babcock & Wilsox boiler with cast-iron headers as
high as x25 pounds pressure. When we wanted more l)ressre, or, by parallel, wanted to operate these
boilers at a continuous pressure of 125 pounl(ls, the Babcock & Wilcox Co. strongly recommended tile
wrought-steel headers. Now, the point is that the Atlas boiler is a good boiler of the commercial type-
that is to say, a type which, beyond all other conditions, would seem to operate successfully at pressure as
high as i25 or i5o pounds, which it would seem to me from reports, is the limit of pressure so far carried.
Explain in detail what construction would be necessary to insure safety, under 175 pounds pressure, from
the best type now constructed.
"Answer 8. Our company has led the battle against cast iron. During late years we have been
reenforced by mechanical engineers and engineering societies. Generally, our company has questioned
the advisability of using a material so treacherous as cast iron under conditions of tensile strains, and has
invariably recommended wrought headers wherever they could be used, and wrought steel material for
other parts also. We do not deem this question to be a parallel case to outline. Possibly we do not appre-
ciate fully the point involved. To our minds it is a part of design and construction to provide the requisite
strength with a proper factor of safety for the load to be carried, whatever the conditions of an engineering
problem; and within limitations we can do so in boilers. The best quality of material and construction
are required for high pressure, and it is possible wvith this type of boiler to use the very best quality of
ductile steel plate, which, with good mechanical construction, would be an advantage over types into
which cast iron largely' enters.
"Question 9. Have you received any opinion from the Hartford Boiler Inspection Co. as to whether
this boiler would be perfectly safe under the pressure of 175 pounds ? Give a complete statement of the
important installations where boilers are used to operate electric generators, and whether such operations
are connected with reciprocating or turbine engines. I Would like, with this, if not inconvenient, the dates
and installations of other boilers for other purposes, and to which you would like to refer.
Answer 9. Question No. 9 is directed more particularly to )your comlipany, and the answer relative to
the part taken b)y this company is contained in the foregoing answers. Of course, this company is not
conv'ersant with the important installations of your boilers nor the conditions incidental thereto.
"Question io. If you have any) reports made by professional men wvho are not affiliated with the comi-
panies purchasing and operating these boilers I Would be obliged if you would forward theme with tihe answer
to this memoranda.
"Answer io. We respectfully refer y'ou to your own records; also various reports of Mr. George I-.
Barrus, TM. E., of Boston, Mass., for tests of various boilers. Several editions of boiler tests have been
published in book form since 1891 by Mr. Barrus."
Mr. CANNON (continuing). Now, then, what have )'ou ? When this contract is let, as I understand
from your specification, you take a bond of how^' much ?
Mr. Woons. Tile protection is a bond of $Soo,ooo.
MNr. CANNON. To cover this plant in operation for a period of two years in ever)' respect ?
M r. Woons. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. In other words, to keep it good, to cover it in every respect ?
M r. Woons. Yes; even if it runs beyond that time.
M r. CANNON, Now, the Westinghouse people bid(direct ?
1\M r. \WooDs. Yes.
i1\Ir. CANNON. And, as a matter of fact, the Westinghouse people-see if I ami correct; I have been so
informled-have been pretty thoroughly' and efficiently organized. Thiat is to say, the Westinghouse people
cover a combination which may be called a "trust." It covers the generators and the Babcock & Wilcox
boiler, and-
Mr. Woons. I (lo not think 'ouivoluld find that to be so. I (to not know positively, but I (lo not think
that the)' control the Babcock or any other boiler. The combination that they do have, so far as I under-
stand, is that they have the Westinghouse Manufacturing Co., the Westinghouse Machine Co., and the Air
Brake Co., and the company' known as the Westinghouse Church-Kerr Co., all in the same organization.
Mr. CANNON. Does that include the Babcock & Wilcox boiler?
Mr. WOODS. No, sir; not that I know of.
IMir. CANNON. I have been told so, but I do not know anything about it. I have been told as a matter
of common rumor that the Babcock & Wilcox boiler is a part of the Westinghouse organization. That is
nothing to its discredit, if it is the best boiler and the cheapest in price. The\Westinghouse Co. does its
own guaranteeing. What have you about the guaranty of the 1-lanley-Casey contract ? Have you anything
of the General Electric Co. along that line ?
Mr. WOODS. Nothing formal front the General Electric Co. The bonds submitted in connection with
these bids are all indemnity bonds of an approved surety company. These are surety bonds in each case,
and the bond of 50oo,ooo which would follow the award of the contract would be an approved surety bond
which would be subject to the approval of the authorities at the Treasury.
Mr. CANNON. That would probably be a surety bond ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Not necessarily by law?
Mr. Woons. I do not recall. They havoe a ruling in the department, a ruling by the Secretary, I think,
either by the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary of the Interior, to furnish an approved surety bond.
T-wpver. we do not have to bother with the personal bonds, and I am glad of it.
Mr. CANNON. Nor do you have the approval of the bonds. They are approved by the Treasury
Department or the Interior Department ?
Mr. WOODS. They go through the set form of approval there that satisfies the Government as to
security.
Mr. CANNON. Now, I want to take up this matter of criticism by this board a little bit. Of course,
this whole communication, addressed to you as superintendent by this board which you constituted, would
go into the hearings. There are eight pages here, typewritten, which your board submits to you of criticisms
in favor of the Westinghouse proposition, over and above the Hanley-Casey or General Electric.
Mr. WOODS. Do you know how that criticism comes about ? They came to that portion of the report
where the question of the two final plans are considered, and I looked over this report last night, and( I see
very readily why they would make these twvo comparisons, because they are at the end of their wvork.
Mr. CANNON. I find here on one of the pages, page 20, the statement [reads]:
"Moreover, the connections between the boilers and steam headers are not stated to be or shown as
double-valve heads as required by the boiler-insurance companies."
In fact, in these seven or eight pages I do not find anything but criticism; but I fail to find a single
adverse criticism on the Westinghouse, or a single favorable one for the General Electric. And yet I under-
stand you to say that substantially there is not much difference between them; that they are both good
plants ?
Mr. HEPBURN. When you say there, Mr. Cannon, the General Electric--
Mr. CANNON. That is the Hanley-Casey. They bid onl the General Electric, and the Westinghouse
bids on their own plant. I will read just one other criticism [reads]:
"While Hanley-Casey agrees to make any change in any part of the plant to make it entirely acceptable
to the constructing officer of the Government and while the changes in the layout of the stcani mains
probably would not greatly change the cost, yet from the view of excellence of the plant as proposedl by
each bidder such changes are not considered proper or admissible."
Yet the agreement to change was contained in the proposal, was it not ?
Mr. WooDs. That is their fault if they did not understand that. In mly contracts I have the right to
modify before completion.
Mr. CANNON (reads):
"The committee in deciding upon the most satisfactory plant for this purpose has only the plans and
specifications to guide it, andl there is no doubt that, as shown in the plans and specifications submitted, the
steam layout of the Westinghouse Co. is superior in every way to that of the Hanley-Casey."
Comparing the plans of the Hanley-Casey and those of the Westinghouse Co. for the steam-transmnission
lines, the plan of the Westinghouse Co. is the better.
That would seem to be eliminated. The transmission is not in this first ?
Mr. WOODS. It was considered in the report at that time, but at this time it is eliminated.
Mr. CANNON. Then for the loop system the report says [reads]:
"The high-pressure pipe in the power house proposed by the Westinghouse Co. has welded-steel flanges,
which are considered better than those proposed by Hanley-Casey, which are Van Stone or Larkin joints."
Each one has its partisans by the very highest engineers, has it not ?
Mr. WOODS. Each has its partisans.
Mr. CANNON. Of competent people?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Oh, well, tnat report is in. We will consider it.
The report referred to is as follows:
Mr. ELLIOTT WOODS,
Superintendent of the Capitol, Washington, D. C.
SIR: The committee appointed by you by letter dated October i4, i905, has the honor to submit the
following report upon the bids received for a central heating and lighting plant for the Capitol group of
buildings.
The committee carefully examined the bids and held hearings, at which the interested bidders were
allowed to explain their bids in detail. The committee visited the vorks of the Westinghouse Manufac-
turing Co. and of the General Electric Co. and saw the details of the manufacture of the apparatus offered
by these companies. The committee visited several large commercial plants in various parts of the country
anrd observed the actual operation of the various pieces of apparatus offered by the bidders, and in every
way sought to become familiar with the machinery and apparatus offered.
By letter dated-N&omber io, 1905, the bidders were asked to state the reductions that they would
make in their bids if certain parts of the plant were eliminated, as the money available was not sufficient
for the installation of the entire plant as advertised.
These reductions were received, tabulated, and carefully considered by the committee. As a pre-
liminary to the final selection, and to ascertain the views of the committee by formal vote, these revised
bids Nvere then considered otl the basis of the present cost of an 8,ooo-kilowatt installation, with 4,000
kilowatts installed, eliminating for the time being the Senate substation, all tunnel or trench work, and the
coal and ash handling apparatus and the units in the power house representing 4,ooo kilowatts.
The committee unanitmlously rejected the bid of Lynch & Woodward.
The committee unanimlously rejected the bid No. i of McIntosh & Seymour.
The committee unanimously rejected the bid No. 2 of McIntosh & Seymiour.
The committee unanimously' rejected the bid C of the Westinghouse Co.
'T'he committee unanimously accel)te(l the bid 1 of the Westinghouse Co. as acceptable to be held for
further consi(leration.
'T'he committee unanimously rejected the bid No, 3 of the I-lanley-Casey Co.
The committee unanimlously rejected the bid No. 2 of the HIanley'-Casey Co.
'he committee unanimously accepted the bid No. i of the Hanley-Casey Co. as acceptable to be held
for further consideration.
The committee unanimously rejected the bid No. 2. of J. G. White & Co.
The committee unanimously rejected all the remaining bids.
This left the final consideration to the bids B of the Westinghouse Co. and to the hid No. i of the
Hanley-Casey Co.
It was then moved that in the most acceptable hid, "taking in consideration the price, the Sterling
boiler shall be recommen(lecld."
Rejected, 5 to i, Prof. Woodbridge alone voting in tile affirmative.
It wNas then moved that in the most acceptable bid "the Foster superheater shall he recommended
for adoption if it can be secured at a reasonable cost."
Accepted unanimously.
It Nvias thea moved that in the most acceptable bid "the Bulkley injector condenser be recommended
for adoption."
Accepted unanimously.
Considering the two final bids, the bid 13 of the Westinghouse Co. was unanimously found acceptable
as the most favorable bid.
While the committee reached this conclusion by a consideration of the revised bids, it does not regard
that method as satisfactory for its final recommendation, as it has no means of determining from the
data at hand that the reductions made in the original bids were bona fide reductions.
The committee is of the opinion that the award should be made on the basis of the original bids and
that all reductions should be made from the accepted bid as provided in the specifications for this work.
In the consideration of the original plans and specifications the committee gave the greatest weight to
their excellence from a mechanical and technical point of view and took into account the cost only as
between acceptable plans of equal or nearly equal merit.
The committee found great variations in the plans and material proposed for the steam and electric
transmission lines, and therefore believes that the consideration of these features of the general plan to
be of the greatest importance. The variations in the general plan for the power house and its apparatus
are comparatively small, for the reason that the requirements for a central station are more generally
known and the material and apparatus have been in a measure standardized.
REORT O-FTHE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMIlSSUN 11W
The plan of J. G. White & Co; for the steam transmission proposed a duplicate line of trenches to
each building, with a single delivery pipe in each trench. A return system is provided only where gravity
will cause the return of the condensed steam. The length of the trench is about ii,ooo feet, Its
dimensions are about 2 by 3 feet. The bottom is of concrete 8 inches thick. The walls of concrete 6
inches thick. The top is of creosoted planks. The material used in the delivery line is about ii,ooo
feet of wrought-iron pipe from 7 to i2 inches in diameter, with Van Stone joints and corrugated copper
gaskets, 105 anchors, 56 long expansion joints, and 30 valves from 7 to i2 inches. The return pipe is of
cast iron, dimensions not given. The insulation consists of mineral wool packed around the pipe in the
trenches.
About 49 manholes 4 by 5 by 7 feet are provided, one at each turn and one at every 2oo feet in the
straight runs.
No drainage is provided for the trenches.
The electric-transmission line proposed consists of a duplicate line to each building of standard duct
construction, about i i,000 feet in length, with a total of 43,275 duct feet. The steam and electric trans-
mission lines are separate and independent. The cables are 3 conductor cables of various sizes for the
several buildings, paper insulated and lead covered, and about 25,000 feet in length.
About 27 manholes 5 by 5 by 5 feet are provided, one at each turn and one at every 400 feet in the
straight runs.
The committee does not approve of the general plan of the steam-transmission line, which requires
the operation, probably in freezing weather, of valves placed in manholes outside of the buildings when it
is necessary to change the distribution of the steam in consequence of a break or leak in any portion of
the line. Furthermore, it does not approve of the method of trench construction, nor of the method of
insulation, nor of the type of expansion joint, nor of the covering of creosoted plank, nor of the absence
of drainage or waterproofing.
The electric-transmission line is in general satisfactory to the committee, but it does not approve of
the location of these lines in the Capitol Building.
The plans No. i and No. 3, the first for a turbo generator outfit and the second for a reciprocating
engine outfit, are the best bids that this company offers. The other bids are modifications of these bids
with a view of reducing the cost. The committee believes that it is desirable to consider only these two
bids, as any modifications with a viewv to reducing the cost can be made from these bids by suitable
reductions to be determined by yourself.
The committee does not recommend the use of reciprocating engines for, reasons to be given more
fully further on. Moreover, this bid is higher than other bids for a reciprocating engine outfit which meet
with the views of the committee more closely, and there is nothing in the proposed plan which would justify
its consideration at a higher cost than some of the others proposed. It therefore does not approve of plan
No. 3.
Outside of the steam transmission line, plan No. i would furnish a satisfactory working plant, although
it does not meet the views of the committee as closely as others to be considered later.
If the steam and electric transmission lines were eliminated at the price given by this company in its
revised bid, it would leave this bid No. I higher than other bids which are believed to be more favorable
bids. The modifications which would be proposed by the committee would not materially change the
amount of the bid.
It is, of course, possible to modify this plan to meet the requirements of the committee, but this course
is not considered desirable, as it would deprive the other bidders who have offered acceptable plans of the
benefits of their ideas which should be given weight in competitive bidding of this general character.
It is therefore recommended that the bids of the J. G. White & Co. be not considered in the ultimate
selection of the most favorable bid.
The plan of the Hanley-Casey Co. for the steam-transmission line proposes.a duplicate line of tunnels
of various sizes to each building, with a single delivery pipe and return pipe in each tunnel. A forced-
return system is provided. The tunnel consists of 5,775 feet of 5 feet 6 inches by 4 feet, 2,800 feet of
4 feet 6 inches by 4 feet, and 2,900 feet of 4. feet by 3 feet 6 inches. TIhe concrete forming the tunnel
varies from 6 to I2 inches, depending on its size.
The material used in the piping system consists of about 12,250 feet of standard heavy wrought-iron
pipe 6 to 12 inches in diameter with Van Stone joints, 34 anchors, 35 expansion joints, and 35 valves from
6 to 12 inches. The return system consists of about 12,250 feet of pipe from 3 to 5 inches diameter. A
drip system for draining the pipes consists of about 12,250 feet of IX4 to 2 inch pipe.
The insulation for the larger pipes consists of about 2 inches of asbestos covered with tarred paper
and canvas thoroughly painted. Twelve long manholes 8 by 8 by 7 feet and I5 smaller manholes about
5
feet 3 inches by 5 feet 3 inches by 6 feet are provided. The tunnels drain to the manholes and these
are drained to the nearest servers or into blind drains.
The clectric-transmission line proposed consists of a duplicate line to each building, of duct construction,
about 13,000 feet in length, wvith a total length of SI,950 duct feet. The duct construction is placed just
outside of the walls of the tunnel and forms a part of it. The manholes for the steam and electric trans-
mission lines are common to both systems. The cables are 3 conductor cables of various sizes for the
several buildings, paper insulated and lead covered, about 27,500 feet in length. The tunnels are lighted
throughout by electricity.
The committee does not approve of the general plan of the steam-transmission line which requires
the operation, probably in freezing weather, of valves placed in manholes outside the buildings when it is
necessary to change the distribution of the steam in consequence of a break or leak in any portion of the
line. Furthermore, it is of the opinion that the tunnel construction should be slightly larger than that
provided in the largest size of tunnel and should all be of uniform size. Furthermore, it does not approve
of the forced-return system for all buildings. Furthermore it does not entirely approve of the proposed
drainage system and the lack of waterproofing. Neither does it approve of the location of the electric
ducts in the wvalls of the tunnels with manholes common to both systems. Nor does it approve of
the location of those lines in the Capitol Building. However, as all of these objections, except the first
one, can be removed b)y slight changes in design at an increased cost, and as the other features of the
plan propose(l are in general very satisfactory, the committee gave the bid further consideration,
The plan No. i is th: best that this company offers. The four other plans reduce the dimensions of
the tunnel to a degree not acceptable to the committee.
Plan No. i provides for a turbogenerator outfit, and plans No. alt. and No. 2 are modifications of
I
plan No. i, with a view to still further reducing the cost by the substitution of cheaper apparatus.
It is believed only necessary to consider plan No. i, as any modificationswith a view to reducing the
cost canlbe made from the No. i bid by suitable reductions to be determined byyourself.
lPlans No. 3 an(l No,+ provide for reciprocating-engine outfit. The committee, for reasons to be
given more fully later on,do not approve of the use of reciprocating engines. Moreover, these bids are higher
than the other bids for a reciprocating-engine outfit which meetwith the views of the committee more closely,
andl there is nothing in the proposed planswhichwould justify the consideration of this bid at a higher cost
than some of the othersproposed.
It is therefore recommended that only the bid No. i of the Hanley-Casey- Co. be considered in the
ultimate selection of the most favorable bid.
Theplan of Lynch & Woodward for the steam transmission line proposes a single tunnel to each
buildingwith a single delivery pipe and return pipe in each tunnel. The tunnel is 6,460 feet in length.
Its inside dimensions are 4 by 6 feet and the concrete forming it varies from 8 to 12 inches.
The material used in the piping system consists of about 6,460 feet of full weight mild steel pipe, 8 to
I4 inches in diameter,vith Walmanco or Van Stone joints and 14 valves from 8 toi4 inches. Expansion
bends are used. The return system consists of 6,460 feet of cast-iron pipe 4 inches in diameter.
The insulation forthe larger pipes consistsof inches of magnesia with one layer of roofing felt. The
z
dimensional andI number of manholes are not given. No provision is made for the drainage of waterproofing.
Expansion chambers, 15 by 6 feet, for the steam and return systems are provided at intervals not exceeding
400 feet.
The electric transmission line consists of a duplicate line to each building of duct construction some
2,500 feet long, supplemented by split tiles placed in the side walls of the tunnel with a total length of about
21,000 duct feet.
The cables are 3-conductor cables of various sizes for the several buildings, paper-insulated and lead
covered about 2I,000 feet in length.
This plan for the steam transmission line providing but a single line of pipe to each building is not
approved by the committee. If a duplicate line of pipe be provided for each building, as shown on the plans,
at an increased cost of $mI,5oo, this plan would still not be acceptable, as it requires the operation, probably,
in freezing weather of valves placed in manholes outside the buildings when it is necessary to change the
distribution of the steam in consequence of a break or leak in any portion of the line.
The committee thinks that the dimensions of the tunnels should be larger and that drainage or water-
proofing should be provided. The committee does not approve of the expansion bends as shown. -The
committee does not approve of the use of tiles in the tunnel for carrying the electric cables. Neither does
it approve of the location of the steam and electric lines in the Capitol Building, nor of the control of the
Senate electric transmission line from the Capitol.
This plan provides for a reciprocating-engine outfit. The committee, for reasons to be given more
fully later on, does not approve of the use of reciprocating engines. Moreover, although this bid is the
lowest bid for a reciprocating-engine outfit, yet the specifications and plans arc so incomplete and indefinite in
many essentials that the committee is unable to determine exactly the character of the materials or apparatus
to be furnished, and is therefore unwilling to consider this bid in comparison with other bids for the same
type of engine which are much more complete and definite and more acceptable to the committee.
Moreover, the changes which would be necessary to make this plan meet with the approval of the
committee would so increase the cost that the revised estimate would be higher than the cost of other plans
which more nearly meet the views of the committee.
The committee therefore recommends that the bid of Lynch & Woodward be not considered in the
ultimate selection of the most favorable bid.
The plan of McIntosh & Seymour for the steam transmission proposed a duplicate line of trenches
to each building with a single delivery pipe in each trench. No return system is provided in the plan this
company recommends, although an alternative plan provides for a return system at an increased cost of
$37,200. The length of trench is about I2,225 feet, its dimensions are about 2o by 24 inches with brick
bottom and 8-inch brick sides, covered with plank and 4 inches of concrete.
The material used is about I1,225 feet of wrought-iron pipe from 7 to I2 inches in diameter with
recessed flanges, 58 double expansion joints, 20 single expansion joints, and 22 valves from 7 to I2 inches.
The insulation consists of z inches of magnesia. The number and dimensions of the manholes are not given.
A tile drain, 4 inches in diameter, placed under the axis of the trench, takes care of the drainage.
The electric transmission line proposed consists of a duplicate line to each building of standard duct
construction, about 12,225 feet in length, with a total of 26,373 duct feet. The electric transmission is placed
parallel with the trenches and in the same excavation. The cables are 3-conductor cables of various sizes
for the several buildings, paper insulated and lead covered and about 26,373 feet in length.
The number and dimensions of the manholes are not stated.
The committee does not approve of the general plan of the steam transmission line which requires
the operation, probably, in freezing weather of valves placed in manholes outside the buildings when it is
necessary to change the distribution of the steam in consequence of a break or leak in any portion of the line.
Furthermore, it does not approve of the method of trench construction nor of the type of expansion joint,
nor of the variators offered as a substitute.
The electric transmission line is, in general, satisfactory to the committee, although it does not approve
of its location in the same excavation with the trenches.
The alternative proposition of this company for the steam transmission line of pipe covered with wood
insulation placed directly in the ground at a reduced cost of $24,300 is not-approved by the committee.
Moreover, all of the plans proposed by this company contemplate the use of a reciprocating-engine
outfit. The committee is unanimously opposed to the use of reciprocating engines for this plant for reasons
to be given more fully further on.
If, however, the steam and electrical transmission lines should be eliminated from this contract and
this portion of the work should be done under a separate contract, or by hired labor by the Government,
the layout and machinery and apparatus offered by this company for the power house alone is generally
acceptable from a reciprocating engine point of view.
The plan No. 4 for the apparatus for the power house meets, in general, with the approval of the
committee from a reciprocating point of view. While the committee strongly recommends the adoption
of a turbo generator plant, it is of the opinion that this plan, with modifications giving a lower piston speed
to the engines, should be considered, provided only the material for the power house is contracted for at this
tile, an(l the recommendation of the committee for a turbo generator plant is disapproved.
The plan of Muralt for the steam transmission proposed a single line of trench to each building with a
single delivery pipe and return in each trench. The length of the trench is about 5,6oo feet., The material
forming the trench varies from 6 to 8 inches. The dimensions of the trench are not stated.' The material
used consists of about 5,600 feet of extra heavy flanged pipe from 6 to iZ inches in diameter, with expansion
joints, and the same length of return pipe from 4 to 7 inches in diameter. The insulation consists of i inch
of magnesia covered with canvas, thoroughly painted.
The numbers of valves, expansion joints, manholes, and their dimensions are not given. Drainage for
trenches and chambers is provided for by 6-inch tile drains led to convenient points.
The electric transmission line proposed consists of a single line to each building, of standard duct
construction, about 5,600 feet in length, with a total length of 23,ooo duct feet, with duplicate cables. The
steam and electric transmission lines are independent. The cables are three conductor cables of various
sizes for the several buildings, rubber insulated and lead covered, about 23,000 feet in length. Sixteen
manholes 4 by 4 by 4 feet are provided.
The committee does not approve of the single line of pipe to each building nor of the trench construction.
It does not approve, either, of the duplicate line of electric transmission in the same trench.
The plans of this bidder provide for either a turbine or a reciprocating engine outfit, but at a higher
price in Calch case than those proposed by other bidders.
lThese plans contain no special advantages which would warrant their consideration at this higher
cost. The changes which would be recommended by the committee would, on the whole, still further
increase the cost.
It is therefore recommended that the bid of Muralt be not considered in the ultimate selection of the
most favorable bid. 1
The plans of Schofield & Co. for the steam transmission proposes a duplicate line of trenches to each
building with a single delivery pipe in each trench, No return system is provided in the plan this company
recommends, although an alternative plan provides for a return system at an increased cost of $35,273.
Thle length of trench is about 12,225 feet; its dimensions are about 20 by 24 inches, with brick bottom and
8-inch brick sides covered with plank and 4 inches of concrete.
The material used is about 12,225 feet of wrought-iron pipe from 7 to i2 inches in diameter,
with recessedl flanges, 113 double variators, 26 single variators, and 22 valves from 7 to 12 inches. The
insulation consists of IS/ inches of magnesia covered with canvas. The number and dimensions of the
manholes is not given. A tile drain 4 inches in diameter under the trenches takes care of the drainage.
The electric-transmission line consists of a duplicate line to each building of standard duct con-
struction about i2,225 feet in length, with a total of 27,275 duct feet. The electrical transmission line is
placed parallel with the trenches and in the same excavation.
The cables are 3-conductor cables of various sizes for the several buildings, paper insulated, and lead
covered, about 27,375 feet in length. The number and dimensions of the manholes are not stated.
The committee does not approve of the general plan of the steam-transmission line which requires the
operation probably in freezing weather of valves placed in manholes outside the buildings when it is
necessary to change tile distribution of the steam in consequence of a break or leak in any portion of the
line. Furthermore, it does not approve of the method of trench construction nor of the type of expansion
joint or variator.
The committee does not approve of the location of the electric-transinission line in close proximity to
the steami-transmnission line.
The committee could not in any case approve of either of the complete bids of this company on account
of the character of the steam-transmission plan. If all the tunnel and trench work and the Senate sub-
station be eliminated from these plans at the price given by this bidder in his revised bids, it would render
the rest of the plans more easily comparable with other plans. The layout and machinery and apparatus
for the power house offered in either plan would furnish a satisfactory working plant, although not as accept-
able as other plans submitted. Either plan, however, after making the above deduction in cost, is higher
than other plans which are more acceptable and there are no special features in these plans which would
warrant their consideration at this higher cost.
It is therefore recommended that the bids of Schofield & Co. do not be considered in the ultimate
selection of the most favorable bid.
The plan of the Westinghouse Co. for the steam-transmission line proposes a single line of tunnels
and trenches with duplicate delivery pipes to each building in each tunnel or trench. A partial single
return system is also provided. The tunnel is i,900 feet long and its interior dimensions are 5 feet 6 inches
by 7 feet. The concrete and brick forming the tunnel is i6 inches in thickness.
- The trench is 3,935 feet long and its interior dimensions are 2 feet 6 inches by + feet. The concrete
and brick forming the trench varies from 6 to i6 inches.
The material used in the piping system consists of about ii,670 feet of standard wrought-iron pipe 7
to 12 inches in diameter, with welded flanges, i8 valves 7 to 12 inches, about 85 expansion or swing joints,
and about 85 anchors. The return system consists of about 5,835 feet of pipe from 2 to 5 inches in diameter.
A drip system is provided where required. The insulation consists of 2 inches of magnesia covered with
canvas and thoroughly painted with waterproof paint.
Manholes are provided in the trenches every 20o feet and in the tunnel every 400 feet. The tunnel
and trenches are thoroughly waterproofed.
The electric transmission line consists of a single line to each building of duct construction about 5,835
feet in length, with a total length of 57,600 duct feet, with duplicate cables. These lines are absolutely
independent and are far removed from the steam transmission lines. The manholes are 8 feet by 8 feet 6
inches by 6 feet 3 inches, placed at all bends and at intervals of 400 feet in the straight runs. The cables
are 3-conductor cables of various sizes for the several buildings, paper insulated and lead covered, about
57,600 feet in length. One set of cables to each building is a reserve in case of accident. The committee
approves of this general plan of the steam transmission line, for it permits the control of the system at the
power house and does not require the operation of valves placed in manholes outside the buildings when
necessary to change the distribution of the steam. It does not approve of any trench construction, and
thinks, moreover, that the tunnel construction should be used throughout the system. It does not approve
of the dimensions of the piping in the return system. It is not prepared to approve of the expansion joint
offered.
The electrical transmission line is satisfactory to the committee, although it would be less liable to
possible interruptions of service if the duplicate lines were farther separated.
An alternative plan, providing for but a single steam and electrical transmission line, is proposed, but
the committee does not approve of this plan.
As the objections raised to the steam and electrical transmission lines can be removed by slight changes
in design, at an increased cost, however, and as the other features of the plan proposed are in general very
satisfactory, the committee gave this bid further consideration.
Plan B is the most satisfactory plan that this company proposes. Plan C, in addition to providing
for but a single steam and electric transmission line, makes many material reductions in the number and
quality of the apparatus furnished in plan B. These changes do not meet with the approval of the com-
mittee. Moreover, any modifications with a view to reducing the cost can be made from bid B by suitable
changes to be determined by yourself.
In plan A the voltage of the electrical system is reduced to 3,300 volts, at an increased cost of about
$35,ooo. The committee sees no advantage in the selection of the lower voltage at a higher cost, and
therefore confines its consideration to plan B.
B
Plan of this
company meets, in
general, with the approval of the committee, and it is
recommended
that it be considered in the ultimate selection of the most favorable bid.
The
process of elimination has
reduced the consideration of the most favorable bid to
that of the
Hanley-Casey Co. bid No.
i $1,047,277.85 for a Curtis turbine and General Electric apparatus and to
theWestinghouse
recommendations
bid
of the
B at
$1,084,369
committee
for a Parsons turbine and Westinghouse apparatus, and in case the
in favor of a turbine plant are not sustained and the electrical and steam
transmission line
Comparing
is not
this bid of McIntosh

included in this contract to the McIntosh &
Seymour bid
No. 4
$940,ooo.
offering a turbine plant-on basis
& Seymour with the Westinghouse
elimination
bid-the higher of the
substation and
two bids
the steam
the
of the of the Senate of
and
electrical transmission lines at the
figures given by these bidders in their revised bids, bid is reduced
the first
by $223,180, $7I6,820;
becoming the second is reduced by
$3Io,036, becoming
$774,333-a difference of
$57,513 in favor of the McIntosh & Seymour bid.
The Westinghouse plan is
by far the most satisfactory plan in the layout and material and apparatus
offered.
Some of the advantages of the Westinghouse plan considered from the point of cost are
given as
follows:
The Westinghouse planprovides
coal and ash handling system;
more
expensive type of condenser; a more convenient and
expensive
larger, more
convenient, and expensive crane; a 360 ampere hour storage
sswitchboard
battery with switchboard,
system;
traiisfor nier. the bid of
a more
instruments,
convenient
and
and
charging
economical
apparatus;
exciter
extra
system,
panels
and a
and
more
instruments on the
desirable type of
Moreover, McIntosh & Seymour somewhat increased must be to provide for engines having
a lower piston speed than those offered in their plan.
Furthermore, if reciprocating engines are house, installed in the power the size of the building and
of the foundations forthe engines increased
and generators must be at a greater cost for the ultimate
construction ofthe whole plant.
TIaking these things into consideration, committee is opinion the of
the that the apparent advantage of
$57,513 in favor of the McIntosh
Seymour bid
more
is than offset by the superiority of the apparatus
offered in the Westinghouse bid.

In addition the
committee more
believes that a turbine plant is advantageous in this
plant than a
reciprocating-engine plant for the following

smaller
reasons;
(a) The size of the turbine
machinery permits the use of a smaller building for the same
power
obtained.
(b) Thc smaller weight and
vibration turbine machinery permits smaller
absence of of the and cheaper
foundations.
(()
original plant,
smaller
and
the turbine machinery gives more headroom in the building.
(c) Thle smaller size of
The size
requires
and
less
weight
time
of
in
the turbine
dismantling
machinery permits
and assembling the
a more
machinery
rapid installation
in case of
of the
repairs,
thereby decreasing the time that the machinery is out of commission for repairs.
(e) The use of
tle turbine engine does require the heavy type of generator and is
not
flywheel more
(f) The smaller

adapted for use with the type of electrical machinery necessary in this plant.
more uninterrupted
number of wearing parts in the turbine reduces repairs to a minimum and insures
service.
(g) The absence of internal lubrication in the turbine gives economy in oil consumption, and a greater
insures the absence of oil in the feed water.

(hi) The turbine permits a more economical use of superheated steam.
(i) There is no danger of breakage in the turbine from "priming."
(j) The turbine is more economical in steam consumption with variable
loads, and is capable of a
great percentage of overload without injury.

(k) There is almost an entire absence of vibration in the moving parts of the turbine.
(1) The turbine requires a smaller number of attendants to care for it properly and is generally more
simple in operation.
205
(m) The turbine, having no
reciprocating motion, is believed to he
theoretically the best type of steam
prime mover. use of
(n) The the plant turbine
believed be in best
is
practice, the
to accord with the modern
as
committee found that nearly large all
plants installing turbines either in
the commercial
plants were
new
or in additions to older plants.

Comparing -che plans Hanley-Casey of
Westinghouse Co. layout and of the
the
piping
for the of steam
in the power house, the plan of the Westinghouse Co. is decidedly the better.
The layout of the steam piping the Westinghouse plan permits the use of both superheated steam
and saturated
A header steam
for the
from all the boilers at the same time.
superheated is run on each side of the boiler room and is connected with a
header in the engine room supplying superheated steam for the main engines.
A header for the saturated each side the boiler
steam is run on of room and is connected with a
header
in the engine room supplying saturated steam for the auxiliaries.
The steam-transmission line is
connected with the header for saturated steam at
points near the
middle of the header on each side of the boiler room.
This
arrangement makes each
system independent and permits the use of one or
boilers to
supply the auxiliaries and the

heating mains with saturated
steam, while the others are used for supplying
the main engines with superheated
All
steam, if desired.
connections between the boilers and steam headers are double
valved, as required by the boiler
insurance companies.
The
layout of the steam
piping Hanley-Casey plan, drawings,
the as shown in their does not
permit
the use of both
superheated steam and saturated steam from all the boilers at the
same time.
The superheated-steam outlets of the boilers are provided with
tees, to which the two main headers
are connected. One of these
headers, steam,
apparently for the superheated has two
branches, one on
each side of the boiler room, the of the boiler

connected
room, in center and connected in the engine
roomThe
with a header for the supply of the main engines.
other main header, presumably satuated
steam, for the runs around the boiler room in loop
and is connected to the
cross connected at each
same
header for superheated
end of
tees
the
loop
steam,-and,
the
the branches of the header for the

furthermore,
superheated
is
apparently
to
steam.
No outlet or line of
piping is shown on the drawings for the steam for the auxiliaries or for the
steam-
transmission line.
No connection is shown with the saturated-steam outlets of the boilers.
Either the layout of the piping steam
the boiler defective in
plans contemplate
the room is or the use
of superheated steam throughout entire the

engines, the auxiliaries,
system the for the main and steam-
transmission line.
The specifications do not clearly indicate'that the latter planis contemplated.
The
layout in eithermeet case
approval
does
the
committee, is the
with the of as it of opinion
that each steam line should

independent be
the superheated and that
only for steam should be used the
main engines.
Moreover, the connections between the boilers and steam headers are not stated to be or shown as
double-valved, as required by the boiler-insurance companies.

While
Hanley-Casey agrees changemake any in any part of the plant to make it
entirely acceptable
to the
constructing officer
prob-
the
Government and while the changes in the layout of the steam mains
ably would not

greatly change the cost, yet, from the view of excellence of the plant, as proposed by each
bidder, such changes are not considered proper or admissible.

The
committee, in
deciding upon the most satisfactory plant for this purpose, has only the plans and
specifications to
guide it, there is no doubt that, as shown in the plans and specifications submitted,
the steam
layout of the
Westinghouse Co. is superior in every way to that of the
H-anley-Casey.
Comparing the
plans of the
Hanley-Casey and those of the Westinghouse Co. for the
steam-
transmission line, the plan of the Westinghouse Co. is the better.
82020'-1 2-39
The plan of the Westinghouse Co. provides for a double line of steam pipe to each building carried
in the same tunnel or trench. In case of a break or leak in any section of the line, that line in use can be
cut out at the power house and the other line put into service from the same point. This does not require
the opening of manholes in the streets, probably in freezing weather, and the operation of valves outside
the buildings or in a tunnel filled with steam.
The plan of Hanley-Casey provides for a loop system of steam pipe to each building.
In case of a break or leak in any section of the line, to change the distribution of steam, it is neces-
sary to open manholes in the street, probably in freezing weather, and to operate valves in these manholes
or in a tunnel filled with steam.
The plan of neither company proposes a complete tunnel system such as the committee desires.
To make each system a complete tunnel system according to the plans and dimensions proposed by
each bidder would require the same additional amount of concrete construction, but the tunnel thus pro-
vid(le by the Westinghouse Co. would have the advantage of greater dimensions and of the convenience
of operation just mentioned.
Moreover, the tunnels and trenches proposed by the Westinghouse Co. are thoroughly waterproofed,
providing against the possible infiltration of water and the consequent deterioration of the pipe insulation
with the resultant loss of heat. -
Moreover, the plan proposed by the Westinghouse Co. proposes a partial gravity return system for
the condensed steam, while the plan of the Hanley-Casey provides for a forced return system with the
greater complication and cost of operation of unnecessary pumping apparatus.
In the plan of the H-lanley-Case) for the electric-transmission line, the ducts are built into the side of
the tunnel and separated only by some 6 inches of concrete, and the manholes are common to both the
steam audI electric systems. As a result the temperature of the ducts will be about the same as that of the
tunnel, and the resistance of the cables will be increased.
The cables are not properly proportioned,, and the watt loss per duct foot is considered excessive.
This loss is further increased by the increased resistance due to the increased temperature above
mentionedl.
In the plan of the Westinghouse Co. for the electric-transmlission line the duct construction is abso-
lutely independent of the steami-transmnission line and is entirely removed from its vicinity. The manl-
holes are larger and more convenient than those proposed in the plans of Hanlcy-Casey.
The cables are half as large as those proposed by the Hanley-Casey and are doubled in number. The
watt loss per duct foot and the inductive losses are therefore only half of those in the cables proposedI by
I-l anlcy-Casey.
The committee does not thoroughly approve of the location of the duplicate lines of cable to each
building in the same duet construction, as the same causes which would injure one line Woould probably
injure the duplicate line at the same time.
In the substations each bidder proposes a greater transformer capacity than that called for in the
specificat ions.
HIanley-Casey propose to use oil-cooled transformers in all substations, except in the Library, where
theyr plol)ose to use air-cooled transforer's.
The Westinghouse Co. propose to use air-cooled transformers in all substations.
While I-lanley-Casey propose to furnish some i,5oo kilowvatt greater transformer capacity than that
furnished by the Westinghouse Co., the difference in cost between the air-cooled transformers and the oil-
cooled transformers is in favor of the Westinghouse Co., as the oil-cooled transformers are of a cheaper
class and less desirable from the point of fire risk.
The Westinghouse Co. proposes to furnish for the Capitol substation a switchboard with distributing
panels, with their bus bars, instruments, switches, etc., to entirely replace the switchboard now in use,
which is not adapted for the proposed system. If not included in the contract, these panels, with their
al)l)aratus, will have to be purchased by the Government. Hanley-Casey do not offer this apparatus.
The exciter system proposed by Hanley-Casey is not as reliable as that proposed by the Westinghouse
Co., as the system is self-exciting and no surplus or reserve is provided for contingencies.
207
The exciters
proposed by the
Westinghouse Co. are
directly connected to the generator shaft, and
each exciter is capable of exciting two of the main generators. In addition, a storage battery of 360 ampere
hours' capacity is provided, which is capable of exciting any or all of the generators for a limited time. It
is also available to light the
power house and to furnish power to
operate the crane in case of
breakdown
or shut down of the whole plant.
The crane proposed by the
Westinghouse Co. has two
20-ton hoists and

trolleys, and is considered
better than that proposed by Hanley-Casey, which has but one 25-ton hoist and trolley.
The coal and ash
handling apparatus proposed by the Westinghouse Co. uses belt conveyors for the
long horizontal runs, and better is considered for handling coal than that
proposed by Hanley-Casey,
which uses bucketcrnveyors for the same purpose.
The high-pressure pipe in the
power house proposed by the Westinghouse Co. has welded steel flanges,
whichTheare considered better than those proposed by Hanley-Casey, which are Van Stone or Larkin joints.
pipe
in the steam-transmission line proposed by the Westinghouse Co. has
welded flanges, which
are considered better than that proposed by H-anley-Casey, which are Van Stone joints.
The rest of the apparatus, in each
plan, for the purposes of
comparison, may be considered of equal
merit.
The committee, after a careful consideration of the above comparison, is of the unanimous opinion
that plan13, proposed bythe Westinghouse Co., is the most satisfactory one submitted,
Under the instructions under which the committee is acting it does not think that it is within its
province to (1o more than recommend the most satisfactory plan submitted, and therefore leaves to you
the question of the final award.
Thie committee has no hesitation in stating, however, that it believes thatthe
of
difference in apparent
favor of the
Hanley-Casey bid
$37,091.15 is more than offset by the greater excellence of the Westing-
house plan and bythe extra material and apparatus furnished.
The committee, in conclusion, regrets that it has not
date.
been able to submit its report at an
earlier
This delay has been due partly to the magnitude and general merit of the plans submitted, which required
careful study bythe committee thoroughly to
with
become
features, and familiar
fact their essential
the
that the committee have been able to devote only portion of their time to this matter, as allthe members
a
have had other duties.
important
CHIAS.. G.BRtomwim1,1,
Colonel, U. S. lrnly,
Superintendent Public Buildings GroUnds,Ch)airman.
C. P.IandM,111 .
Chief Electrical Engineer, U. Capitol. S .
S. W. S'TRATKoN,
Director Bureau of Standards.
1). W. HARDING,
Chief Electrician Congressional Library.
CHAS. B.TrrLOW,
Chief Engineer Congressional Library.
S. H. WOODBRIDGE,
Consulting Heating and Fentilating Engineer.
Mr. CANNON (continuing). Is there anything else you have to submit, Mr. Woods ?
Mr.
WOODS. I do not think there is anything else. The matter is all of record
here. All
the materials
will have to be gotten together'in some sort of shape. There is a great mass of it.
So far
as my judgment about this matter goes am perfectly willing for the commission to send for
anybody they want and to let them
go into the matter and accept their judgment instead of
mine. I would
be
perfectly willing for
you do it. would be glad to have you do
it. am
mistaken, I
want to be
corrected.
Mr.
HEPBURN. You
very heartily approve of the bids and of the acceptance of the bids of the Westing-
house Manufacturing Co., do you ?

Mr. WOODS. I approve it, but I do not do it heartily.
Mr. HEPBURN. Why?
Ivir. WOODS. I have a sort of personal feeling against them from the way they treated other bidders.
IVIr. CANNON. What do you mean by that?
Mr. WOODS. They seem to be the only persons who bid on Westinghouse apparatus. All the others
bidl on General Electric. I do not know whether that is from choice or why. I am surprised that we did
not get more bids in. Men like J. G. White & Co., of New York, constructing engineers of ability, ought
to have been able to bid on three different types of apparatus.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Why couldn't they ?
Mr. Woones. I do not know. Tile Westinghouse Co. seem to be bidding alone.
Mr. RICHIARDSON. I-lave they such11 exclusive control of that apparatus that the others could not bid
on that?
Mr. WOODS. They could have that control if they chose to exercise it.
Mr. CANNON. Is there anybody in this country that can take and make a complete set of plans and
specifications for this power house and for this steam transmission and electrical apparatus, and that would
be fair to the manufacturers of electrical machinery, that wouldIbe fair to the Sterling boiler, and the Hanley-
Case)' boiler, and the Babcock boiler-that would be fair to everybody that wants to compete on that, where
men all bid on the same thing ?
Mr. Woons. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Wh1o is it?
M\4r. WOODS. I think that Sargent, in Chicago, is one.
M r. CANNON. Who is Sargent ? I (lo not know that I have heard of him before.
M r. Wooms. He is a consulting engineer of character. There are several in Newv York City who could
do that. There are a number of first-class firms.
Mr,-. CANNON. Somebody who is not akin to the General Electric or the Westinghouse or aan) other
companyll)', N'o10 Would have the knowledge and be on the square, beyond any criticism or question-not
S.lYing that there is anybody not square.
Mir. Wtoos)s. I think, perhaps, Dr. Bell, of I3oston, would be Such a mian. I-IC is connected with the
Institute of T>lichnology.
Mr. CANNON. Is lhe a practical manl ?
M\1r. WooDs. Yes; I think hie is.
MN1r. RIcIIARDSON. How could you get anybody who could bid on the Westinghouse apparatus ?
M'1r. WOODS. You would have to return, I suppose, the several schemes of the several people without
publishiing them, You understand ; without having given to any bidder wlhat the Other bidders have done,
and then lay out the proposition entire and in detail, so that a bid could be gotten collmplete.
Mr. RICIHARDSON. Could that be had wvithlou0t the consent of the WNeCstinghoLusc people ?
Mr. WoonS. Ohl, yes.
MIr. CANNON. There are a hundred people in the United States that make generators, and a hundred
peol)le in the United States who make switchboards, and there are a hundred people that make this and
that and the other, but there are but few great companies, as I understand it, that make all along the line
of electrical apparatus. Is that right ?
Mr. WOODS. That is right, sir. They supply what we call the real electric development of the country.
But the electrical development of the country is in the hands of a few corporations.
Mr. RICHARDSON. And we have bids from those companies ?
M11r. CANNON, We have direct bids from the Westinghouse, and all the other bidders bid on the
General Electric appliances. Everybody else bids on the General Electric scheme. That is unfortunate.
Mr. I-HEPBURN. Is there such a statement of fact in the report that we have got, in the plans and
specifications and in the bids, as would enable another expert to give us an advisory opinion as to the
comparative advantages of the various bids ?
Mr. WooDs. Yes; I think so. I think it would be an advantage to the Commission in the final decision
to get that sort of an opinion.
Mr. HEPBURN. Where could we get that kind of a board that could speedily act in the matter ?
Mr. WOODS. You mean to act upon the present situation ?
Mr. CANNON. YOU mean on the present biddings ?
Mr. HEPBURN. Yes; on the present record as made out, or with modifications.
Mr. CANNON. You see these biddings are in, a little bit informally. If everybody seems to agree with
your second circular letter there, that brought a modification, perhaps it could go without criticism.
Mr. HEPBURN. They all responded to that, did they not ?
Mr. CANNON. They all responded to it.
Mr. HEPBURN. Then that cures it.
Mr. CANNON. One or two have since then said what they could do. That, perhaps, would be subject
to criticism. But here comes the board that is constituted, and here is Mr. Woods, that approves that
board, that recommends the Westinghouse bid. Now, here is a query: Can we take all these papers and
devise an entire new board to submit this thing to on the one hand, or is it better to take good care that
we get somebody that will work on this plan complete, availing themselves of whatever they can get from
the General Electric or from the Westinghouse ? I think they would fall over themselves to submit their
plans and have a new advertisement and a new bidding-I should say, a new advertisement to cover the
station house and to cover the tunnel separate, and to cover the two together, so that you would have your
bids in three shapes-upon the power house and appliances there, No. i, including electricity; on street,
including the other street construction, and so forth, and so forth.
The first thing is to decide whether we will let the contract. If so, for what ? If wve do not let a con-
tract, will we take the papers and refer them to an entirely new board of experts and get their advice about
it? If we do not do that, we will refuse to do either of them, and prepare a complete set of plans and
specifications for this work and advertise and let the wvorld bid upoil it.
Mr. WooDs. The great misfortune in connection with bids of this kind is that while you are trying
to get the very best result the things come in dissimilar shapes. The results are dissimilar, and especially
in Government work it opens the doors to so much criticism. There is a great deal of force in what the
Speaker says about considering all these questions of discomfort, and all that sort of thing, and whether
or not it is not better to lay out a definite plan upon which everybody bids in a definite way.
Mr. HEPBURN. You have been making your offers or propositions or solicitations of bids in such way
as to get the opinions of experts ?
Mr. WOODS. This bidding has called out, no doubt, the engineering talent of the country.
Mr. HEPBURN. In other words, you have had them bid upon their plans instead of upon your plans ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. HEPBURN. Well, can you not get your own specifications and proffers fixed an(l definite ?
Mr. WOODS. If you want them done in our office, I will do them in our office. If you want an expert
called in, I will do that. In any event, such plans can be gotten up so that Jones or Smith can not have
one iota of advantage anywhere over the other. There is only one place where we could probably leave
a chance of question, and that is on the question of generator or engine.
Mr. CANNON. I understand you are satisfied, upon the whole, with the plans of the General Electric
or of the Westinghouse, but on the whole you rather prefer the Westinghouse ?
Mr. WOODs. That is upon the general layout. As between the two machines-the actual machines
in the power house-I would take either; but in the opportunity that all those people have had-that is,
of submitting to the superintendent a complete layout for the whole scheme--the Westinghouse have sub-
mitted a better scheme than the other.
Mr. HEPBURN. There are two courses to pursue: We could authorize a contract to-day, or we could
pursue this other course of resubmitting the matter. What would be the difference in time ?
Mr. WOODS. There would be very much difference in time, because if you submitted this to another
board, it would take them at least ten weeks to go through this. I do not mean working every day, but
such days as they could get from their other affairs. Our men spent nearly three months on this
proposition.
Mr. HEPBURN. Suppose you were to resubmit the bids; what would be the difference between our
acting to-day and submitting bids ?
Mr. Woons. I think it would be about the same, Colonel. I think we could get those schemes out
and advertise them just about as quick as you could do the other thing.
Mr. HEPBURN. Suppose it takes three or four or five or six or ten weeks, whatever it may be; what
effect would that have upon your having this building completed for use at the beginning of the next
Congress ?
Mr. WooDS. We could not do it.
Mr. CANNON. Could not (1o what?
Mr. WOODS. Could not complete that plant by the time the next Congress meets. We could comn-
plete the building, I should say, but I doubt if we could get the machinery.
Mr. I-IIEPBURN. I supposed it was understood that that thing was to be completed for the use of the
next, or Sixtieth Congress.
Mr4. WOODS. I expect it will be.
Mr. CANNON. In other words, these plans can be gotten up, the advertisements can be made, the bids
can come in, and the awards can he llmdle, and this thing can be constructed, so far as the electrical power
house and tunnel are concerned, by the time the next Congress begins ?
Mr. WOODS. If we knowv our plans Nve can know at once the definite requirements of the building and
proceed with that.
Mr. CANNON. I got the impression diat the difficulty, if there is any difficulty, about finishing this
building was with respect to the building itself, and not with regard to the power house; that is, for the
office building.
Mr. Woons. Oil, no.
Mr. CANNON. The difficulty is in which?
Mr. WooDs. There is no difficulty about the office building over here. We can get steam for that
building, because the boiler plant proposition requires only a few months for construction. You can have
a boiler plant in there before your machinery. You only want that for heating purposes, and if there is
no delay in the letting wve can get that in time. The doubt is whether the machinery could be nmanufac-
tured in time, But I imagine, if you set the time, it will be done.
Mr1. CANNON. Of course you mean boilers, generators, tunnels, and all that kind of thing?
Mr. WooDs. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Of course you could light from the city plant temporarily?
Mr. WooDs. We could have boilers for steam, and all that. There would be no question about that.
It just occurred to me that perhaps you could not get a bid on a certain limited time on the machinery.
Of course these present bids are guaranteed so many months from the date of the contract. But I suppose
if you set a time on the machinery you could get it. They would probably (lo as the bridge companies
do-forestall other work and put this in shape.
Mr. CANNON. If all these bids were required and plans and specifications were made complete, would
you want a consulting engineer ?
Mr. WOODS. We would probably have one; yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Can you get a man who would not be reached by either of these great companies ?
Mr. WOODS. I think there are a number of those men that are all right, sir.
Mr. CANNON. You mnade a remark a moment ago that you ought to return those plans.
Mr. WooDs. We do not need those.
Mr. CANNON. You (lo not need them ?
Mr. WOODS. Not for the proposed new purpose; you (1o not.
Mr. CANNON. Not for complete propositions ?
Mr. WooDs. No, sir.
Mr. CANNON. YOU see, on )your engines, or your boilers, or the generators, or your whole tiling, of
course, if you choose a type and say, "I will have nothing but a Babcock boiler or an Atlas boiler," you
will pay an excessive price for it. I suppose in any plan you might make you would not shut out any
Mr. WOODS. No, sir. The boilers would then be bid for upon certain standard guaranties which
would be named in the specifications.
Mr. CANNON. And you would not shut out any electrical company?
Mr. WOODS. No, sir.
Mr. RiCHARDSON. Mr. Woods, you say one of the chief points in favor of the Westinghouse bid, as
we have it here, as you called it, is the completeness of the lay out rather than the superiority of the
materials or the apparatus. Now, there is no patent on that lay out, and could you, in getting new bids,
avail yourself of the lay out, as you describe it, of the Westinghouse Co. without infringing on their rights
in any other way ?
Mr. WOODS. Only the question between two men, of one stealing the other man's brains. Even if
we should proceed independently, I do not think we could get on paper anything else but near that same
thing, because it is so fixed in our minds that I could hardly produce anything else.
Mr. HEPBURN. What will it cost to readvertise, Mr. Woods ?
Mr. WOODS. You mean as to cost of plans, etc., or merely the cost of readlvertising ?
Mr. HEPBURN. You have the plans substantially.
Mr. WooDs. I suppose not more than $200 or $300.
Mr. HEPBURN, Suppose we take the course of beginning again. What would be the additional cost ?
Mr. WOODS. About $250, outside of any question of plans. I mean the plain advertising.
Mr. CANNON. If you make the plans, there is no cost on the plans ?
Mr. WOODS. The cost of preparing them, which would conic in in a regular way, anyhow.
Mr. HEPBURN. Suppose you had the aid of an engineer, as was spoken of a little while ago, what
would that cost ?
Mr. WOODS. I imagine that consulting services would cost $2,500.
Mr. HEPBURN. lihat would be the total cost, you think ?
Mr. WOODS. I think that could be lessened, because I could hire that man at so much a visit and bring
him in only on technical questions that I wanted to be sure about, questions that could not be decided in
favor of any one particular thing, so that there could be fairness all the way through.
Mr. HEPBURN. I suggest this:
"Resolved, That it is the sense of the commission that the proposals for the heating, lighting, and
power plant for the congressional buildings ought not to be accepted; that the Superintendent of the
Capitol Building and Grounds be directed to resubmit his proposals, soliciting bids, and that lie be author-
ized to employ the services of an engineer, to be selected by him, at a cost not to exceed $:,5oo, and that
he be requested to secure proposals with the utmost expedition compatible with the interests of the
Government."
Mr. CANNON. You have an idea as to the power house and electric appliances under the present
biddings that you could save money by separating that from the tunnel work and street work, and so on,
and do that yourself, or do that by little contracts here and there and yonder ?
Mr. WOODS, Yes; so that we could drop those out.
Mr. CANNON. Now, then, in your biddings do you not think it would be well to submit first upon
your electrical point everything that you have got upon these modified propositions, and then to submit also
another proposition for the other-that is, for the street work-and then to submit a third for the whole
thing ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes; so that we could drop those out.
Mr. CANNON. Then in that way you have got your contracts for the first part of it, for the electrical
part of it; you have got their bids, then, for the street part of it, and then you have got a third proposal
for all of them. What would you say, Colonel, as to that ? Is that involved in your proposition ?
Mr. HEPBURN. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. I think so myself.
Mr. WOODS. We try to divide up work of that character in sections wherever we can. We sometimes
get better figures in that way.
Mr. CANNON. What do you say to that proposition, Brother Richardson ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. I see no special objection to it. I always feel more or less embarrassed in voting
to adopt a scheme or plan, and will have to be governed, in reaching a conclusion, by the advice of experts
and by the advice of Supt. Woods. I think that would be the result when the new report comes in, just
as it is now. Of course, if a new report on the proposition is substantially the same as the present one,
we would be confirmed in our judgment in making that sort of a contract.
Mr. WOODS. The story will be told then in dollars and cents in that case, of course coupled with the
competency of the bidders who perform the work.
Mr. RICHARDSON. On the whole, I think we had better take this course, to confirm our opinion and
judgment by other light on the subject.
Mr. CANNON. Then, without objection, that order is agreed to.
Mr. HEPBURN. Now, about how soon do you think you can get those bids ?
Mr. WOODS. I think we can get that all out and completed within 6o days.
Mr. hEPBURN. Tabulated and all ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes,
Mr. CANNON. That does not mean that you think you can get the bids in in 6o days, does it ?
Mr. WOODS. I think so. It will not take so much time to get the plans, and the companies will not
have to have so much time to consider the matter. 1Heretofore they have had to have no more than 30
days to study the-ma=g up.
Mr. RICHARDSON. It should be done as quick as you can.
Mr. HEr.PBURN. Is there anything else?
Mr. WOODS. Nothing more, I believe,
Mr. HEPBURN. Then in about 6o days you want another meeting ?
Mr. WOODS. I should say about that.
Mr. HE-IPBuRtN. That would be convenient, so far as I am concerned.
Mr. CANNON. I will make it convenient.
Other papers filed for the record are as follows:
(Circular letter.]
{The answers of Lynch & W'oodward are printed in italics.]
OFFICi BUILDING, HousE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
W~ashington, D. C., November i0, i905.
LYNCH & WOODWARD,
26 Beach Street, Boston, AMass.
GENTLEMEN: In relation to proposals lately received for a complete heating, lighting, and power
plant for the Capitol Building and other congressional buildings, the advisory committee selected by me
have requested that the following information be furnished, which request I hereby approve. Will you
therefore do me the kindness to have the prices asked for below submitted to me not later than Saturday,
November i8, i905 ? It is to be understood that whatever answers are made to the questions herein shall
be considered in connection with your proposal submitted, and shall be governed by the specifications
submitted in the same manner as if they had been submitted with your original proposal.
I. What reduction from original proposal, provided the substation apparatus for the Senate Office
Building is omitted, and also all electric and heat transmission lines from the power house, all tunnel and
trench construction and electric conduits, together with all pipes and cables to be included in this elimi-
nation, it being understood that "electrical transmission" means all conduits and cable circuits from the
point where they attach to their respective switches at the power homse ?
Deduction: Two hundred thirty thousand nine hundred fifty-seven dollars ($230,957).
To be deducted from $862,726.
2. What reduction from the original proposal, provided the eliminations are made to include those
above specified in article I, and further provided that one 2,ooo-kilowatt unit be omitted from the power-
house installation, said omission to include engine and generator; also two batteries of boilers of 1,040
horsepower each, all dine work, together with valves, fittings, and all other requirements, to be so furnished
Table: [No Caption]

and erected complete, that in the event the Government should hereafter install this unit it will be only
required to furnish, erect, and connect the aforesaid two batteries of boilers of 1,040 horsepower each and
the one 2,ooo-kilowatt engine and generator?
Deduction: Three hundred twenty-three thousand six hundred dollars ($323,600).
3. What reduction from the original proposal will be made, provided there is eliminated from the
proposal two units, each unit consisting of one engine and generator and two batteries of boilers of 1,040
horsepower each, and also all the auxiliary machines, piping, and electrical apparatus for these two units
not installed, leaving the steam headers in the boiler and engine room complete for an 8,ooo-kilowatt plant,
and the two units installed under this proposal to form a 4,ooo-kilowatt plant complete and ready for
operation ? A complete list in detail should be submitted showing exactly what pieces of apparatus are
omitted ' from the full proposal.
Deduction: Two hundred thirty-six thousand dollars ($236,ooo).
4. What reduction from the original proposal, provided the eliminations are made to include all items
enumerated in articles i and 3, and, furthermore, omitting the coal and ash conveying apparatus.
Deduction: Four hundred and eighty-six thousand nine hundred and fifty-seven dollars ($486,957).
5. In accordance with the original proposals, and not including nor in any way relating to the above
main omissions or modifications described in articles I, 2, 3, and 4, what adclition or deduction from the
named original tenders, provided rotary converters are substituted throughout for all transformation at the
substations of the four congressional buildings; an(l, further,
What addition or reduction provided motor generators are substituted throughout for all transfor-
mation at the four substations of the four congressional buildings. For these modifications, state reduction
or addition separately for each of these four buildings. Installations to remain separated and in the various
locations shown on the original drawings furnished. The prices furnished will, however, be a lump sum
for each building, as follows:
ON ROTARY CONVERTERS. ON MOTOR GENERATORS,
[Words In brackets not wanted.] [Words In brackets not wanted.]
Addition (or deduction], Capitol Building, $34,779.00. Addition (or deduction], Capitol Building, $34,500.00.
Addition or deduction, Congressional Library Building, now in our id. Addition for deduction), Congressional Library Building, $7,496.00.
Addition (or deductions, House Office Building, $21,962.0o. Addition (or deduction), House Office Building, $2z,370.00.
Addition (or deduction, Senate Office Building, $a2,962,00. Addition (or deduction, Senate Office Building, $22,370.00,.
Very respectfully, ELLIO'rI' Woons,
Superintendent United States Capitol Building and Grounds.
Make your prices on this original and retain a copy.
E. W.
See letters attached.
Lynch & Yoodu'ard,
Boston, Mass., Nov. 17, 1905.
BOSTON, November 17, I905.
Mr. ELLIorr WOODS,
I)EAR SIR: In regard to the No. 3 deduction in our proposal hereto attached, we have onitted the
following from our original proposition:
2 2,ooo-kilowatt engines and generators.
8 52o-horsepower boilers.
Brickwork for 8 boilers.
Smoke pipe and covering for 8 boilers.
I In re tidl omission Ke letter attacwhed,-L. k W.
82020'-12-40
Table: [No Caption]

The automatic stop and check valve;.
Feed valves All as shown on drawings for 8 boilers.
Check valves.
Gate valves.
The 8 and 3 inch bent pipe connecting boilers to drums.
The 2 30-inch by i2-foot drums between boilers.
The blow-off drum and connections for 8 boilers.
The brass feed pipe and connections for 8 boilers.
8 stokers with all their appurtenances.
4 damper regulators and the connections.
2 condensers, with all valves, pipes, and connections for same.
I motor-driven exciter,
I boiler feed pump and connections.
The 1,5oo-horsepower feed water and drip heater shown on drawings to be changed to a 1,ooo
horsepower.
This would make our bid $626,726 for the complete plant, with the omission of the two units, as noted
above, and the omission of the duplicate tunnels for which allowance is made in our proposal.
We would further suggest and offer it as a proposal in connection with this deduction, that we will
omit the station in the Senate Office Building and the tunnel with pipes and cables from the Capitol Build-
ing to the Senate Office Building for the sumi of $6o,ooo, making our proposal $566,726 for the complete
plant according to our original proposal of $862,726 with the omission of the two units in the power and
boiler house and the omission of the tunnel from the Capitol Building to the Senate Office Building and
the electric station in the Senate Office Building. You will please note that in this deduction we have left
the switchboard intact.
In regard to the electrical material which wve would use in case the contract should be awarded to us,
wve wnish to say, as was stated before your commissioners at the hearing last month, that all of the electrical
wvork would be under the charge of our engineer, Dr. Bell, and that the material will be furnished by the
General Electric Co., if you so desire.
WAe also wish to confirm, as stated at that hearing, that we would be glad to furnish General Electric
turbines in place of reciprocating engines, if you should so desire, without any addition to or deduction
front ouir contract price of $862,726. Also that we would furnish -A-inch steel plate smoke breechings
from the boiler to the chimney instead of brick, if so desired.
In regard to the stokers which we propose to furnish, will say that as they have not been in use for any
great length of time, that we will give a separate bond guaranteeing that should the stokers be unsatisfac-
tory in alny way the)' will be taken out and replaced by any stoker which you may desire.
Respectfully submitted.
LYNCH & WOODWARD.
BOSTON, November 17, 1905.
Mr. ELLIorvr WooDs,
DI-AIt SIR: In connection with the bid which we submitted for the work on the power house, etc., at
the Capitol Building, and the segregation of that bid which we submit under this date, we wish to state
that we have installed some large pieces of work, and while they were not exactly of this same nature or
magnitude, we would say that in the aggregate they far exceeded the amount of this contract many times.
Among these contracts are the Boston City H-lospital, Boston, Mass., for Dr. Rowe; the Boston Insane
I-lospital, B3oston, Mass., for Mr. E. M. Wheelwright, architect; the Danvers Insane Hospital, I)anvers,
Mass., for French & Hubbard, engineers; the Clinton Wire Cloth Co.'s works, Clinton, Mass., French &
Hubbard, engineers; tile Ply)mouth power station, for Stone & Webster, engineers; Canton power station,
Stone & Webster, engineers; Simmons College buildings, for Peabody & Stearns, architects; the India
Building, for Peabody & Stearns; the Massachusetts Building, Peabody & Stearns, architects; the Provi-
dence Railroad Station, for Stone, Carpenter & Wilson, architects; the Union Trust Building, Stone,
Carpenter & Wilson, architects; the B. F. Sturtevant Co.'s shops, Readville, Mass., and many large pieces
of work for Prof. Woodbridge and other engineers.
We have been in business under the firm name of Lynch & Woodward for 15 years, and in that time
our contracts have numbered over 2,000.
We have over $300,000 of available capital, and as to our financial standing and business relations,
refer you to the Boylston National Bank, of Boston; the National Tube Co., of New York; the Walworth
Manufacturing Co., of Boston; and the Chapman Valve Manufacturing Co., of Indian Orchard, Mass.
Yours, very respectfully,
LYNCH & WOODWARD.
WASHINGTON, D. C., March 2, I906.
Tour of inspection at Greensboro, N. C., by subcommittee of commission, consisting of C. 1P. Glieni, chief electrical engineer; D. FF.
Harding, electrical engineer; C. B. Titlow, steam engineer; and Thomas '. Power, consulting engineer.
REPORT OF CONSULTING ENGINEER.
Left Washington 10.5i a. in. Wednesday, February 28, i906; arrived at Greensboro, N. C., 7.30
p.
m. same date, and entered the plant of the Greensboro Electric Light & Railway Co. for the purpose
of inspecting the Atlas boiler installation now in progress.
The Greensboro Electric Co. are installing four 300-horsepower Atlas water tubular boilers, the same
being equipped with the Taylor gravity stoker, underfeed style.
There are now in operation at this plant two 300-horsepower Atlas water tubular boilers under a
working pressure of 125 pounds steam. There are two other boilers of the same capacity and make yet
to be installed, These boilers operate in connection with four ioo-horsepower horizontal fire tubular boilers.
The committee noticed that the fire tubular boilers blew off at their safety valves at 125 pounds steam
pressure, and upon inquiry was informed that the Atlas boilers were set at their safety valves for i4o pounds
pressure, and they preferred to have the horizontal fire tubular boilers blow off first in preference to the
Atlas boilers, as they have been experiencing considerable trouble with the water lifting or priming in the
Atlas boilers when the safety valves would blow off.
The committee was shown every courtesy at this plant through Mr. Gamwell, the manager of this
station, as well as by the chief engineer.
At the request of the committee the Atlas boilers were disconnected at the steam header from the
horizontal fire tubular boilers by shutting the main steam-header valve, and the two Atlas boilers,of 300
horsepower each, with a capacity of 6oo horsepower normal rating, were permitted to run their steam
pressure up tox40 pounds, generating steam for an Allis-Corliss engine, 750 horsepower, direct connected
to a 50o-kilowatt Stanley two-phase, 2,40oovolt generator. The feed water to these boilers was regulated
to carry from one gauge to two gauges, this being an extremely and unusual low water line for water tubular
boilers, the idea being to give the boilers every possible advantage. When the steam pressure indicated
145 pounds, the safety valves blew off and considerable spray came out, the steam not only being saturated,
but it showed the water to lift in the boilers; at the sametime the meters and instruments were read on
the switchboard in the engine-room, and the engine showed a developmentof 462 horsepower, which is
about a full two-thirds normal rating of the boilers. The boilers in this connection did not show up favor-
ably at all, and the information given the committee unsolicited from the Greensboro Co.'s representatives
was to the effect that they have experienced considerable trouble with the water lifting at this plant.
The committee made a thorough inspection of the two boilers in operation, as well as the second
battery of two boilers not yet assembled on the premises. There is not the least doubt that if the water
had been kept at the usual water line of two and a half gauges in these two boilers it might have caused
very serious damage. In fact, the Greensboro Electric Co. were afraid to carry the water up two gauges,
as they have a separator on their engines, and they find that the separators are not sufficient to provide
against this very dangerous trouble on the boilers.
All water tubular boilers should be operated with a safe margin of at least two and a half gauges for
the water line.
'rhe impression made upon the committee was to the effect that the bolts and nuts in connection with
the handholes of these boilers were of a very poor and cheap construction in comparison to other boilers
now oil the market.
I n view of the magnitude and importance of the congressional power plant, the committee can not
consistently recominen(l for consideration the Atlas boiler, as it is fair to assume that other boilers of this
type would develop similar defects, as above mentioned In this connection the committee could find no
fault with the operating attendants or the quality of water used, and also that the steam header was located
13 feet above the steam domes of these boilers, giving same every possible advantage. We therefore are
compelled to stand by the original recommendation of the advisory board in their official report to the
Superintendent of the United States Capitol Building and Grounds.
'[he committee departed from Greensboro, N. C., at 11.30 p. im., March I, for Washington, arriving
here at 9 .1. i11., March 2, 1906.
D. W. HARDING, Electrical Engineer.
CHARLES B. TjIr ow, Steamn Engineer.
C. P. GLIEM, Chief Electrical Engineer.
Tios. W. POWER, Consulting Engin'er.
BUIlD)ING, AND GROUNDS, LIBRARY CON(Mr.gs,OF
OFFICE o1 THE SU1IJRINTIEND)ENT,

ffashington, D. C., January 22, I906.
Mr. Ei, )oTrTr Woom)s,
Superinitendent of the Unfited States Capitol Building and Grounds.
D)EAR Silt: I am returning to you herewith the report of your advisory committee and the two sets of
plrol)osals, specifications, and dirawings l)y the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co. and the Hanley-
Case) Co., respectively, sent me with your letter of the 9th instant, pertaining to the competition for the
propose(l heating, lighting, and power platit for the Government buildings on Capitol Hill.
Feeling that in justice to you, as well as for my own personal interest in such a subject, I should take
the time to examine the papers with some thoroughness, I fear I have held them much longer than your
coMNvllience has l)ertnitted, blut they came at a time when I was uncommonly besetwith other imperative
business calling me for part of the time out of the city.
It gives me pleasure to state to you that I find nothing to criticize in these two sets of proposals as they
stain(l nor in the report of the committee as it stands by itself, separate from the data on which it is based
as
to the bids other than the tvo above name(l. The report is evidently an excellent digest of the inevitably
complexplrol)lem ofdecidling fairly, to the competitors as well as to the Government, a competitionbased
on so manyi variable elements, likea mathematical problem of more unknown quantities than equations.
However, the outcomeis very good, and I have nodoubt that all excellent plantwould be obtained at a
low cost if either of the two proposals preferred in the report should be accepted. Under all the peculiar
circumstances ofthe undertaking and of the competition, wherein more than usual is left to the judgment
of theG(overnment officers, I agreewith the committee that the very small difference in cost between the
two prol)osals should not stand in theway of accepting the higher class of design and installation proposed
by the Westinghouse company.
Again thanking)'oul for theprivilege of looking the matter over, I remain,
Yours, very truly,
BERNARD R. GRFEEN, Superintendent.
CHICAGO, NovemberiS,i905.
Mr. Ei.Lo-on WooDs,
Superintendent U. s.
Capitol Building and Grounds,
WFashingtoin, D. C.
Slit: In compliancevith your circular letter dated NovemberIO,we herewith submit deductions Nos.
l, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Ind(lduction No. we omit all tunnel work, all trench construction, all electrical conduits, together
With all pipes and cables, includingthe lighting of the tunnel, together with all of the substation apparatus
.Is intended for the Senate Office Building and offered in our original bid.
REPORT OF THE
HOUSE
OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION 217
We have made this deduction:
(i) In case Babcock & Wilcox boilers are accepted.
(2) In case Stirling boilers are accepted.
(3) In case Atlas
In deduction No.
boilers are accepted.
2 we have
eliminated everything included in No. i, and further omitted one
2,000-
kilowatt turbine unit
complete, and in addition two batteries of boilers, or four boilers all, complete
in
with stokers, together pipe work, valves and fittings as originally provided to be installed with these
boilers and boiler piping. provide header as originally shown,
We
but
outlets, to which boilers to be were
originally connected, are to be connected with blank flanges.

In connection with the
omission of this
2,00o-kilowatt unit we also omit one condenser, complete,
leaving, however, the well
and all connections properly blanked, so as to receive connections with
condenser and unit
Deductions which
have been
are installed.
made in case the Government accepts different type of boilers, as
forth in
articleIn i.deduction No. 3we out 2 complete generating units, boilers and their
8
piping, complete
condenser units with
openings for future

piping, leaving all of the
connections to be
blanked.
steam headers complete for an
In addition we omit the breaching required for the
8,ooo-kilowatt plant, the
four
batteries of boilers; omit the
stokers. We have made corresponding reductions in the
Government should decide to
use any of the three boilers as
mentioned in our
No. I deduction.
In proposal No. 5 we offer to
install 250-volt rotary converters of sufficient capacity to care
for all
lighting and power in each
building in which they are installed, it being understood that these rotaries are
for each individual building and

are to be located in one substation in each building. furnish
nectionwith these
We in con-
all
step-down transformers and connections from statics to rotaries and from rotaries to
switchboards, leaving everything ready for the Government to make connections thereto.
No change has been made in the apparatus as originally specified for the Congressional Library
Building.
In case motor generators desired in lieu of the rotary converters mentioned in the above paragraph,
we will furnish and install
these the same as provided for rotaries, without any difference in price from
that as given for the
change in
complete rotary stations, all as per figures in your circular letter
herewith.
Very respectfully, HANIEY-CASEY CO.,
T. F. HANLEY, President.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIvES,
The commission met this
I day at o'clock p. m. in the
- WI/lashington, D. C., January 5, 1907.
Speaker's room.
Present: Joseph G. Cannon, of
Illinois, chairman;
W. P. Hepburn, of Iowa; J. D. Richardson, of
Tennessee, and J. C. Courts, clerk to the commission.

There appeared before
commission E. L. West, H. J. Douds, and F. W. Gay, representing J. G.
White & Co. (Inc.), of
York, and Elliott
Woods, Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds;
also A. F. Carman, W.
Baker, and N. F. Clark, of New York City, representing C. L. de
Muralt.
Whereupon
Mr. CANNON.the following proceedings were had:
months
Mr.for delivery?
WOODS. Yes;
As I
glance
that
through this memorandum
true; but think

it appears that the bidders want from
that is about as quick a time as the machinery

I2,2 12 to
can be
produced. Is it not, Mr. West?

Mr. WEST. That is about as
good delivery as we can get
now. The factories are
full,
Mr.WooDs. According specifications,
these there is delay in the power house, we can connect
with the city plant. This

machinery is so designed that it can be done without any great inconvenience
us. We will probably do so for six
have to
months. Would that not be a fair average, Mr. West ?
Mr. WEST. Yes, sir; I think so.
Mri RICHARDSON. You would be able to do that at any time in the event of an accident ?
Mr. Wool)s. Yes, sir; even after the plant is installed.
Mr1. CANNON. This memorandum is what was sent to us ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes, sir; this little book of analysis gives the prices as they come in order set forth in the
specifications.
Mr. CANNON. This is the analyzing of the bids ?
Mr. CANNON. The bids themselves are voluminous and it is not necessary for us to have them.
Mr. Woon)s. Those prices are copied from the originals.
Mr. Wil.si. There is a slight error in the first paragraph (p. 9 of Mr. Woods's analysis), not an error,
exactly, as it reads, but if we were to select the lowest bid made up of several parties, instead of Mr. Muralt
being entitled to the job, it would go to the Providence Engineering Works, who would furnish the engines
and the generators; the Electric Storage Battery Co. the storage battery, and the Westinghouse Co. all
other electric equipment, which would make the Providence Engineering Co.'s combined bid $47 less than
the Muralt bid.
Mr. WOODS. That would bring three separate contractors into the work.
Ml. WEST. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Why (10 you not p1ut that suggestion right onto this memorandum ?
Mr. Wis'r. Yes, sir; I will.
Mr. CANNON. I have just had a letter handed to mne by somebody whom I do not know, who represents
Mr. C. L. (le Muralt. It says:
"I respectfully submit that among the bids received by Superintendent Woods for machinery, etc.,
for lighting, heating power house, etc., I anm by my alternate bid the lowest in the sum of $66,772. I desire
to be heard by your honorable committee and explain wherein, by the exception of what I propose, you call
make a saving for the Government in the sum of $20,000 per year. To demonstrate that we know that
the saving can be made we will give to you a surety company bond to expire only after the plant has been
running and showing the saving we made for five consecutive years. I beg to ask that we be permitted to
appear before your honorable committee so that we may satisfy you of this saving.
"If you will give notice to ine when you will have us appear, giving us 24 hours' notice, we will appre-
ciate your action.
"Very respectfully, "A. F. CARMAN."
Mr\. RICHARISON. Who is he P
Mr. WooDs, He is the representative of Mr. de Muralt, located in this city, and has represented Mr.
(Ie Muralt in all previous propositions.
Mr. Couivrs. This gentleman, after he left this letter, came in and said that he had fixed some time
within twenty-four hours, but I could say that lhe would be here in the room of Mr. McCleary and could
present himself to-day or any other time that he was wanted. He made that statement after leaving the
letter.
Air. CANNON, There are two bids on the reciprocating engine ?
Mr. Woons. Only one, the complete bid-that is, for the whole plant. [To Mr. West] Is it not correct
that this reciprocating engine bid is complete ?
M\lr. WESr. Yes, sir. These specifications were divided up into details, and the Westinghouse Co.
was the only company that submitted a lump bid together with detailed prices.
Mir. CANNON. I see the Muralt Co. (lid submit a complete bid ?
Air. WEsis. But not a detailed bid. They submitted one bid on the turbine equipment and also sub-
mitted a bid on the reciprocating equipment, but no detailed bid.
Mr. CANNON (reading):
"Considering the complete equipment on the turbine basis, the Westinghouse Electric & Manufae-
turing Co.'s bid of $533,728 is lower by $ii,I49 than the next higher bid of $544,877."
Who is the next bidder-Muralt ?
Mr. WEST. It is set out here. This is the bidding, and here are the three prices-Muralt, $550,183;
Westinghouse, $533,728, and the General Electric Co., $544,877.
Mr. CANNON. So that the Westinghouse people submitted a complete bid and also separate bids ?
Mr. WEST. Yes, sir.
Mr. HEPBURN. Covering all in the general bid ?
Mr. WEST. Yes, sir. The sum of these totals gives this figure.
Mr. CANNON. That is the Westinghouse Co. ?
Mr. WEST. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. The sum of their separate bids was $533,728. The General Electric Co. did not submit
separate bids, but made a general bid covering all of the separate bids of $544,877.
Mr. WEST. Yes, sir. The Westinghouse Co. also submitted one complete bid and one price, which
is the same price.
Mr. CANNON. Is that the aggregate of the separate bids ?
Mr. WEST. It is not only the aggregate, but it is the lump sum which they bid on the turbine and all
the apparatus complete. Then they gave us a division of that.
Mr. CANNON. But in giving you a division of the items, does their aggregate comc to that ?
Mr. WEsT. The same figure; yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. The General Electric Co. does not give you a division, but they just make an aggregate
bid of $544,877 ?
Mr. WEST. Yes, sir; that is all.
Mr. CANNON. And Muralt does not give you a separate bid, but makes an aggregate bid of $550,ooo ?
Mr. WEST. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. So that Muralt upon the turbine engine is the highest bidder, the General Electric Co.
next, and the Westinghouse Co. the lowest bidder ?
Mr. WEST. Yes, sir; go along to the next section (for reciprocating engine), the complete bid for an
engine and all electrical apparatus. There was only one received, and that was from Muralt,
Mr. CANNON. But that is the reciprocating engine ?
Mr. WEsT. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. He makes a bid on the reciprocating engine, not in detail, but a lump sulml, of $532,721.
Is that right?
Mr. WEST. Yes, sir; reciprocating engine and all other apparatus.
Mr. CANNON. Now, is that the lowest bid on the reciprocating engine ?
Mr. WEST. That is the lowest complete bid; that is, one lump sum, The only thing to compare
that with would be to take an engine outfit made up of the three different manufacturers which you find
this bid of Muralt's based on, the Providence Engineering Co. for the engine, and to turn to the bid of the
Providence Engineering Co. for the engines and generators alone (for which there were two bids, McIntosh,
Seymour & Co. and the Providence Engineering Co., the bid of the Providence Engineering Co. being the
lower), we take the Providence Engineering Co.'s engine, the Electric Storage Battery Co., who are the
lowest bidders for the storage batteries, and the Westinghouse Co., the only bidders on switchboards and
motor generators, and the total figure is $532,674, as compared with Muralt's bid of $532,721. The bid
of the Providence Engineering Co., the Electric Storage Battery Co., and the Westinghouse Co. is $47 less
than the combined bid of Muralt's on the same apparatus.
Mr. CANNON. As to the three separate bids which you speak of as aggregating $532,674, are they on
the turbine engines ?
Mr. WEST. Reciprocating engines.
Mr. CANNON. And Muralt's bid is on the reciprocating engine ?
Mr. WEsTr. He says the generators will be Crocker-Wheeler, but he does not state whose storage bat-
teries. He also reserves the right to furnish generators which will meet the specifications. They may be
Crocker-Wheeler. That is $47 higher than the combination I have just referred to, for reciprocating
engines, which includes the Westinghouse Co., the Electric Storage Battery Co., and the Providence
Engineering Co.
Mr. CANNON. The cheapest bid for reciprocating engines, with the other apparatus, is $532,674, us
against the cheapest bid with the turbine engines, which is in the aggregate $533,728 ?
Mr. WEST. That is the Westinghouse bid.
Mr. CANNON. They are substantially the same ?
Mr. Wi.-s'i. The reciprocating engine is a thousand dollars less.
Mr. CANNON. Than the turbine engine?
IV\r. WE.ST. Yes, sir; the cheapest bid on the turbine engine.
Mr. CANNON. With the electrical apparatus ?
Mr. WEST. Yes, sir,
Mr. CANNON. And the cheapest bid on the reciprocating engine-and otherwise the apparatus isthe
samne-is $532,674 ?
MIr. WEST. 'Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. They being substantially the same, the difference being nominal, that brings us down
to a consideration of the question of the merits of the engines?
Mr. WEST. That is it,
Mr. CANNON. What have you to say as to the comparative merits of the turbine engine and the
reciprocating engine?
Mr. Douj)s. I will open that point by saying that the first question coming up in commercial practice
as to a decision between the two is the question of real estate, buildings, floor space, and cubic feet of
space occupied by the twvo systems, the reciprocating and turbine. In this case that difference would
approximate $35,000 to $40,000 more for the reciprocating engine than for the turbine engine.
M/Ir. Wooi)s. In what ?
M4r. Douns. In buildings, real estate, etc.
Mr. RIcIIARDSON. The reciprocating engine requires that much more space?
Mr. DOUDS. Yes, sir. That is the first and controlling feature in decisions of this sort.
Ar. CANNON. That takes into consideration the value of the real estate and the cost of the building ?
M r. Doui)s. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Treat them separately, if you vill. Whatdifference would there be supposing the real
estate were donated, what would be the difference in the cost of the building to accommodate the turbine
enginees and the reciprocating engines, substantially the same ?
Mr. DouDs. I would prefer tohave Mr. Gay answer thatquestion.
Mrll. GAY. I think the statement made by Mr. Douds is correct-that from $35,000 to $40,ooo would
be the difference in the cost of the building alone.
Ml. CANNON, These bids do not include the cost of the building?
Mr. Wooms. That is a separate matter. They do not.
Mr. CANNON. That is to say,without regard to the merits of the reciprocating engine and the turbine
engine andiwithout regard to the ground upon which they stand, the value of the same, the difference
between the cost ofthe building for the turbine engine and the reciprocating engine is from $35,000 to
$4o,ooo in favor ofthe use of the turbine engine ?
Mr. GAY. That is correct.
Mr. CANNON,That is, the building for the turbine engine would cost that much less ?
Mr. GAY. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Nowv, please tell us, in a general way, what are the comparative merits.
Mr. GAY. The first difference between the reciprocating engine and the turbine engine is one of
movement,the one being a continuous or rotary motion and the other being an intermittent or reciprocat-
ing motion. In the small engine,Up toI,ooo kilowatts, that does not make so much difference, because
the moving parts are light, but in this case, the machineryweighing 300,000 pounds or even more, your
dimensions become so great that these parts turn over and tend, inthe first place, to increase the liability
of injury to the engine and the continuity of operation. The momentum of these parts is so great that
there can be no safety device provided to keep them together, and they are more liable to break, in spite
of any safety device we can provide.
Mr. CANNON. You are speaking now of the reciprocating engine?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir. Bear in mind that we would change from the one to the other at the i,ooo-,
kilowatt size, which is about half the size we have in mnind here.
Mr. CANNON. You have in mind 2,000 kilowatts ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. When you speak of a kilowatt machine you are now speaking of the dynamo, and the
dynamo produces the electric current, which is measured by kilowatts ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. And the steam, of course, runs the engine and the engine runs the dynamo ?
Mr. GAY. In this particular case they are all on the same shaft.
Mr. CANNON. I know; but still you have the shaft instead of the belt. The boiler furnishes the
steam and the engine is the go-between between the steam and the dynamo ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. And the engine that would furnish i,ooo kilowatts-which would operate a I,ooo-
kilowatt machine-you think it would not make much difference whether it was reciprocating or turbine ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. But when you come to 2,ooo kilowatts
Mr. GAY (interrupting). Or greater.
Mr. CANNON (continuing). Or greater, you decide in favor of the turbine ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. That is, the turbine has a round motion ?
Mr. GAY. A circular motion, continuously.
Mr. CANNON. And the other is
Mr. GAY. Reciprocating. It stops.
Mr. CANNON. Back and forth ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir; continuously.
Mr. CANNON. There is nothing speculative about either. They have both been tried and are both
in operation ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. There is less danger from accident in engines the size you speak of, the turbine, on
account of the even continuous motion ?
Mr. GAY. And the difference in the weight of the moving parts. It is similar to taking a heavy stone
and having it go this way and that way [indicating].
Mr. CANNON. That would represent the turbine?
Mr. GAY. Both the reciprocating and the turbine. You have revolving parts in either case. In the
one case you have a flywheel, i6 to x8 feet in diameter and probably weighing 6o,ooo to 8o,ooo pounds,
and that is turning continuously.
Mr. CANNON. What is it that weighs 6o,ooo to 8o,ooo pounds?
Mr. GAY. The flywheel on the reciprocating engine.
Mr. CANNON. There is no flywheel on the other engine ?
Mr. GAY. No, sir.
Mr. CANNON. You have had practical experience with botn kinds ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. With both of the sizes-i,ooo and 2,ooo kilowatts ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir,
Mr. CANNON. And your practical experience is in favor of the turbine engine ?
Mr. GAY, Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. And, if I understand, there is less danger from accident to the turbine ?
Mr. GAY. I think there is a very great difference.
Mr. CANNON. How about the lifetime of the two engines?
82020'-12---4
Mr. GAY. Barring accidents, the lifetime would be the same. Five minutes' damage on a recipro-
cating engine might put a whole machine into the scrap pile-might ruin the entire reciprocating engine.
Mr. CANNON. Might not the same thing be said of the turbine ?
Mr. GAY. No, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Do you mean to say that the turbine is not subject to accident at all?
Mr. GAY. I should say, roughly, there is possibly 40 per cent as much chance of accident to the
turbine as to the reciprocating engine, and not of as serious a character. It can be segregated from the
rest of the engine.
Mr. WOODS. On the rotating shaft of one turbine engine there is a series of buckets and wheels in
one case and fewer in the other; and if one set should be put out of service it would not destroy wholly
the operating efficiency of the machine. There are a number of wheels, and an accident to one would
not necessarily put the others out of commission.
Mr. CANNON. From the standpoint of your experience and observation, without regard to these bids,
if you were erecting a plant, what difference would you make between the value of the turbine and the
reciprocating engines from a practical standpoint ?
Mr. GAY. The only value you could place would be upon the continuity of operation.
Mr. CANNON. Everything taken into consideration, the liability to accident, etc., how much more
money would you pay for a turbine engine, if you had to choose between that and the reciprocating
engine ?
Mr. GAY. I think that question would be almost absolutely a local question. There must be some
reason why I should decide between the two-what would be the basis of value that I would place on
either machine.
Mr. CANNON. You have the conditions down here, the power house on Garfield Square?
Mr. GAY. My first thought would be that I could not afford to pay $40,000 extra for building.
Mr. CANNON. That is to say, you would not pay $30,000 or $40,ooo more for a building to house the
reciprocating engine than you would to house the turbine ?
Mr. GAY. No, sir. I think I can answer that question without any particular case in mind. I would
rather put the extra money into the turbine than into the building to house the reciprocating engine.
Mr. CANNON. That is to say, if, in connection with the power house and engine together, the recip-
rocating-engine house would cost $40,000 more, do I understand that you would rather take the house
necessary for the turbine engine and the turbine engine at the same price than to take the reciprocating
engine ?
Mr. GAY. At the increased cost I would sooner.
Mr. CANNON. That is what I mean. That is to say, the house and reciprocating engine at one price ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir,
Mr. CANNON. With the house and the turbine engine at the same price, do I understand you would
take the house and the turbine engine?
Mr. GAY. I should,
Mr. RICHARDSON. What is the difference in the cost of the two systems when installed ?
Mr. GAY. You mean the difference in mechanical operation or coal consumption ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. Both.
ATr. GAY. The mechanical operation cost for the turbine engine would be about 70 per cent of what
it would be for a reciprocating engine.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Thirty per cent less.
Mr. GAY. I would not say 30 per cent less, but, roughly, yes; it would be a matter of figuring it out.
Mr. CANNON. That is what?
Mr. GAY. The mechanical operation cost; the number of men necessarykto man the station.
Mr. CANNON. What about the coal cost ?
\4lr. GAY. That would be approximately the same.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Assuming that you have the two systems, what is the relative efficiency of the one
as compared with the other-the total efficiency ?
Mr. GAY. The first consideration is the number of hours during which the machines operate.in the
year. In order to derive that you must take into consideration the continuity of operation, how much that
machine operates in a year. That alone would point toward the turbine, because there is less liability for
accident.
Mr. HEPBURN. In the bids of C. L. de Muralt on the complete equipment, bid A, on the steam turbine
basis, is $456,956, and bid B, on the basis of the reciprocating engine, is $439,494, a difference, substantially,
of $I7,5oo. From those two bids I take it that the difference is to be found in the engine, namely, the
steam turbine engine is $I7,500 more than the other.
Mr. GAY. I do not think that is so, if you will pardon me, because there are very few firms, if any,
bidding direct who would make the same price to their competitors that they would if they put the bid in
themselves. I think that is proved by the two bids $533,00o plus and $544,000 plus.
Mr. HEPBURN. I read, under bid A, "Substituting stationary transformers for motor generator sets,"
and under bid B I read "the same substitution as above." So that apparently all of this machinery is
identical, except that one is a steam turbine engine and the other is reciprocating ?
Mr. GAY. On those two bids; those are alternate bids.
Mr. DOUDS. Those are alternate bids. The original bid is on page 4. It is not in the specifications,
but is according to his own specifications.
Mr. HEPBURN. But everything aside from the engine in each of the bids is identical ?
Mr. DoUDS. No, sir; "Substituting stationary transformers for motor generator sets,"
Mr. HEPBURN. Yes; but under the second bid it says, "Same substitution as above."
Mr. DOUDS. Those are the only two bids received on that basis.
Mr. HEPBURN. From the same man ?
Mr. DoUDS. Yes, sir.
Mr. HEPBURN. On the same basis, excepting the engines ?
Mr. DOUDS. Yes, sir,
Mr. HEPBURN. So that the difference he makes there of $17,500 is based upon the character of engine
he has to use in each bid ?.
Mr. DOUDS. His bid is due to the price quoted him on reciprocating engines and on the turbine engines.
Mr. HEPBURN. In the market the turbine engine is the higher priced engine ?
Mr. DoUDS. Possibly on the average I might say yes, but they are very close together. The one bid
is on the steam turbine and the other is on the reciprocating engine; the electrical apparatus in each bid
is entirely different.
Mr. HEPBURN. It says here, "Substituting stationary transformers for motor generator sets," and
then below, "Same substitution as above."
Mr. DoUDS. That is for substation apparatus. The dynamo which is connected to the engine is
different in each case, so there is a difference in price.
Mr. HEPBURN. That is, the difference does not represent simply the difference in the engine?
Mr. DOUDS. No, sir.
Mr. HEPBURN. Which is the older of the engines, the reciprocating or the turbine ?
Mr. GAY. The reciprocating was the first commercial engine ever made.
Mr. HEPBURN. It is the one that has been in use generally until recently ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir.
Mr. RICHARDSON. I would like to ask if the advice you have given us would be the same as you would
give to a private client pursuing the same object that we have; that is, your judgment as to the best
machinery for us to take ?
Mr. GAY. I might say that in our own business we have certain plants which we reorganize and make
over and operate, and this procedure is exactly the same that we go through with our own plants in each
and every case. We are giving you just such experience and advice as we give ourselves for similar work.
Mr. HEPBURN. What is your organization ?

Mr. DOUDS. Our organization started originally as an engineering company, and then the contract
department was added. We have an organization now of a president and four vice presidents. The first
vice president has charge of a complete organization for work in finances, of financial operations. The
second vice president has charge over a department for the operation of properties, existing properties,
operation and results, both electric light, gas, and street railroads. The third vice president is in charge of
all engineering work, including organization for such engineering as may come up either in connection
with our owvn properties or with outside clients. The fourth vice president is in charge of all construction
vork, vith a complete organization for the building and actual construction of anything for ourselves or
clients.
Mr. IIEPB URN. Do you manufacture machinery ?
Mr. Dounjs, We never have manufactured anything, and we-are not interested directly or indirectly
with any manufacturer, and never have been.
Mr. H-EPBuRN. Your association has no business connection with manufacturers ?
Mr. 1)ouDs. Absolutely with no manufacturer to-day.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Have yhou any interests whatever irt the bids pending here ?
Mr. DouDS. We have no interest outside of what interest it may be to you.
Mr. RcIcnARDSON. I would like to ask you if, in the commercial field, along the lines we are pursuing,
the expCrts agree substantially upon the difference between the two motive powers you have described ?
Mr. DouDs. In general, I should say yes. There are local conditions; there are existing plants where
they would not care to change from what they have.
Mr. RICIIAIRDSON. But as an original proposition, if this came up they would make the suggestion you
have indicated ?
Mr. D)ouis. Under these conditions we do not hesitate to say that anyone would.
Mr. 1-1LEPBURN. Is there any difference in the cost of the operation of these two engines of the same
power?
Mr. Douns. I think that was answered before.
Ml. GAY. Ihe turbine engine requires only about 70 per cent as many men ill attendance as the
reciprocating engine.
Mr. HUEBURN. Is there any difference in the consumption of fuel ?
Ml. GAY. It is practically the satme.
Mr. HIEPBURN. The turbine engine is not as liable to need repair ?
Mi.. GAY. No, sir; I mean by repairs something that will put the plant out of operation so you can
not use it-considerably less.
Mr. HIEPBURN. When you say 70 per cent how many men have you in your mind's eye ?
Mr. GAY. For a station of this sort ?
Mr. Hi-EPBURN. Yes, sir.
Mr. GAY. The local conditions would govern that. It might vary from i4 to 40, but I suppose that
wooul(l be the outside figure; 28 for the entire station.
Mr. HErPBURtN. There would be a saving of 70 per cent in that item of cost ?
Mr. GAY. No; 7 out of IO.
Ml. -II 1113URN. In favor of the turbine engine ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir,
Mr. I-HEPBURN. Are those high-priced men ?
Mr. GJAY. There would be more mechanical men for the reciprocating than for the turbine engine,
and that is the highest class of stationary engineer.
Mr. RmICARDSON. Has the trade for the last two or three years tended rather in favor of the turbine
as against the other system ?
Mr. GAY. It ha.S, ildele(l. I suppose the larger number of the engines built are turbines.
Mr. 1)oUDs. This is the modern practice.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Take the larger plants that have been installed in the last two or three years; have
they tended toward the turbine or the other engine ?
Mr. GAY. Decidedly toward the turbine. The Potomac Electric Power Co,-has installed 20,000
kilowatts of steam turbine, practically three times the size of this plant.
Mr. DoUDS. That station is now in operation with the turbine installed. The units are 5,000
kilowatts.
Mr. GAY. There will be two 2,ooo-kilowatt machines, which will be just your size, and in addition
there will be three 5,ooo-kilowatt machines.
Mr. RICHARDSON. That is the one you speak of?
Mr. GAY. The Potomac Electric Power Co.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Is that altogether modern and up to date ?
Mr. GAY. It is just being finished.
Mr. CANNON. Where is this power house of the Potomac Power Co. ?
Mr. GAY. At Bennings, just across the Eastern Branch.
Mr. CANNON. The time of the Westinghouse Co. is I2Y, months. I suppose that is 12Y2 months
from the date of the awarding of the contract ?
Mr. WOODS. The date of the contract.
Mr. CANNON. The General Electric Co. i8 months, and the De Muralt bid I2 months, and the
De Muralt bid also I2 months oil the reciprocating engine. If the office building is completed, as con-
templated, by the ist of next December, is it practicable to connect temporarily with the Potomac Co. ?
Mr. GAY. If this is done according to the first specifications and combined bids No. I, either Westing-
house or General Electric, they conform strictly with our specifications, and the connection could be made.
Mr. WEST. If the apparatus as contemplated by these specifications is installed, it will allow you at any
time to connect with the poower plant of the Potomac Co. without any inconvenience and at very slight cost.
Mr. HEPBURN. That would be as to light ?
Mr. WEST. Light and power.
Mr. HEPBURN. Now, as to heat ?
Mr. WEST. That is another matter. We have not entered into the specifications for the heating of
the building.
Mr. HEPBURN. Does not this bid cover the heating ?
Mr. Wi Sr. That is a separate matter.
Mr. CANNON. If I understand you aright, the consumption of time in connection with this power
house will not be in the erection of the building or the boilers, but the consumption of time comes in
connection-
Mr. WIEST (interrupting). With this particular lot of electrical apparatus asked for.
Mr. CANNON. It is practicable to install the boilers and other parts of the machinery in six months?
Mr. WOODS. There would be no difficulty whatever in getting at least enough of the installation to do
this work in six months.
Mr. CANNON. You mean the heating?
Mr. WOODS. Yes, sir; that part of it.
Mr. CANNON. The only use you have for power is for lighting?
Mr. WOODS. That is all cared for electrically.
Mr. CANNON. But the heating comes direct ?
Mr. WOODS. From the boilers.
Mr. CANNON. Steamn ?
Mr. WooDs. Yes, sir; there need be no fear as to the installation of the boilers,
Mr. CANNON. You could use boilers which can be installed commercially in six months from the
time the bid is let for heating purposes ?
Mr. CANNON. That is the only use you have for them except for power through the electrical apparatus?
Mr. WOODS. Is it not true, Mr. Douds, Mr. West, and Mr. Gay, that the boilers in this plant could
be erected ahead of almost anything else-sooner than any other feature of the apparatus ?
Mr-.GAY. We are buying boilers now on four months' delivery.
Mr. Wooi)s. That shows there is no difficulty in that feature.
Mr. HEPBURN. What is the appropriation for the entire heating and lighting plant ?
Mr. WooDS. It runs in the neighborhood of $1,700,000.
Mr. COURTS. It was extended last year to $1,730,000.
Mr. CANNON. $1,730,000 for what?
Mr. Wooms. I think that covers everything. The apparatus and building estimated for is about
$1,700,000.
Mr. CANNON. Are you talking about the building or the lighting?
Mr. WOODS. The entire building, power house, apparatus, and substation, and equipment.
Mr. CANNON. That has nothing to do with the office building proper?
Mr. WOODS. No, sir; we extend to the office buildings proper with the subways from the power
house.
Air. I-IEPBURN. At the figure named in this bid from the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing
Co., of $533,728, should that be accepted, will there still be a sufficient sum of that appropriation to
complete all the appliances, all the necessary structures and machinery?
Mr. Woons. Ill mly opinion it will. I want to ask Mr. Douds if, commercially, that is a low figure
for the amount of al)paratus ?
Mr. Doums. The figures submitted here have been checked in detail by our office from other apparatus
which we have purchased within 30 days and prices we have received within 30 days, and the price called
for here, $533,728, is a low commercial price to purchase that amount of machinery to-day.
Mr. Wooms. Machinery of that character ?
Mr. I)ouns. Yes, sir.
Mr. Wooins. Judging from the bids received and the amount of apparatus specified and taking into
consideration the question of generators, it seems to ine that with the estimate of $1,300,000 we are easily
within hounds and, leaving out the added cost of the motor generators, we would probably save from
$50,000 to $6o,ooo on this bid ?
Mr. DouI)s. Yes, sir.
Mr. Wooi)s. With the sale amount of apparatus ?
Mr. I)oui)s. Yes, sir.
Mr. Woons. In other words, by eliminating the middleman's profit.
Ml. Douns. At the time that was only a rough estimate.
iir, WOODS. I understand. I would be willing to say that we shall have ample funds to install the
balance of the apparatus.
Mr. CANNON. If this bid of the Westinghouse Co. is accepted, what (lo you say as to- the comparative
saving, if an)', from this bid as compared with the bids which were rejected some months ago, in July ?
Mr. Woo os. On1 the whole plant?
Mr. Wooms. We have estimated to complete this plant at a lower price finally than the former bidding
for the same material; that is, to the amount of $30,000. I will make it a very reasonable figure.
Mr. Douns. Even though the price of apparatus, commercially, has gone up since that date, there
still will be a saving, of course, estimated.
Mr. CANNON. FHow rnuch-$30,000?
Mr. DouDs. Yes, sir.
Mr. Woons. That is estimated, and it looks from this price as though the estimate was going to be
made g-o-d
Mr. IHEPBIIURN. If you were called upon, Mr. Douds, to pass upon these bids under the specifications,
%which bid would you accept?
Mr. DOUDS. I can answer that-do you want me to ?
Mr. DOUDS. There is absolutely no question in our minds as to the proper bid to accept under the
specifications, and that is the combined bid of the Westinghouse Co.
Mr. HEPBURN. Do the other gentlemen with you agree in that opinion ?
Mr. WEST and Mr. GAY. We do.
Mr. DoUDS. The alternate bids of Mr. de Muralt are not bids on the specifications. It may make
no difference, and I am only bringing up the question. They are bids on another arrangement whereby
he claims to be able to save something in price and first cost, etc. It is an alternative proposition.
Mr. HEPBURN. He thinks your specifications were not skillfully and properly drawn ?
Mr. DOUDS. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. He proposes to come in now with a plan that he was not asked to bid upon ?
Mr. DoUDS. Yes, sir.
Mr. WOODS. That is right.
Mr. CANNON. He says that he has a plan which will make a saving for the Government in the sum of
$20,000 per year ?
Mr. WOODS. That is his alternate proposition.
Mr. GAY, It was eliminated from our specifications because we do not consider it a good mechanical
installation.
Mr. CANNON. That is a voluntary bid of his in which he says "Substituting stationary transformers
for motor generator sets," and then on the reciprocating engine "Same substitution as above," and he
makes a further cut of $17,000. "The above substitutions were originally considered and were rejected
because of the better operation of the motor generators." That is your memorandum, Mr. Woods. You
did not advertise for this bid ?
Mr. WOODS. I did not.
Mr. RICHARDSON, I would like you gentlemen to say whether if you gentlemen had advertised for it,
according to his substitution, it would have been desirable or better.
Mr. DOUDS. The matter is not a new one. We have thoroughly discussed it and we think it is
impracticable for the local conditions.
Mr. WOODS. In other words, that same subject was thoroughly considered before these specifications
were determined upon.
Mr. RICHARDSON. He has not anything new?
Mr. WooDs. No, sir.
Mr. RICHARDSON. After presenting it you would not accept it now?
Mr. WOODS. No, sir; certainly not.
Mr. DOUDS. In addition to that difference of cost which he brings up now, hie does not take into
consideration the additional cost in the building proper, which would tend to offset the difference in the price.
Mr. HEPBURN. He says there would be a saving of $2o,ooo a year, in his letter.
Mr. CANNON. A saving in operation, I think.
Are you sufficiently familiar with what he proposes to say whether it would cost more for that than it
would for the bid you recommend ?
Mr. DOUDS. The changes necessary to accommodate those buildings to this form of supply would
cost quite as much as the saving apparently represented in his original offer, and then you could never
connect with the Potomac power plant to supply the buildings now, temporarily, or any other time in case
of an emergency.
Mr. CANNON. There is one question which escaped me. I want to ask you this question; it is a little
alien to this exact matter: Mr. Woods, are you gentlemen proposing to heat by steam or hot water ?
Mr. WOODS. The hot-water system.
Mr. CANNON. Not the steam system ?
Mr. WOODS. That is, we have desired to ascertain if it were possible to apply economies at the power
plant. We can tell in from two to three months. We propose to apply all the economies at the power plant
we can, if they are practicable.
Mr. CANNON. What do you mean?
Mr. WOODS. For instance, if it should develop that there is a system whereby we can utilize the exhaust
steam-at present I do not see it-we will be able to do heating in the future by the use of hot water, or
we will b)e able to heat the building by steam.
Mr. CANNON. Do you not have as much exhaust steam in one case as in the other ?
Mr. WOODs. That is very true.
Mr. CANNON. Where you run a reciprocating engine you have as much exhaust steam, if you heat
by steam, as with the turbine ?
Mr. WOODS. That is very true. I think these gentlemen had better answer that question. The
question is this: Whether it will pay to take the exhaust steam from the engines and heat the watef, force
it up, or whether it would be better, for the economy of the plant, to let the exhaust go into condensers ?
Mr. GAY. One of the chief reasons why a steam turbine engine is so successful is the fact that we are
able to work the exhaust against what we call a vacuum system and condenser. In other words, we eliminate
the back pressure from the exhaust. We have a certain amount of steam pressure at this end [indicating]
on anl engine without a counter pressure from that end [indicating]. That [indicating] is the exhaust end.
We eliminate that by putting a condenser there [indicating] and creating a vacuum instead of the counter
pressure. On a steam engine, for every inch of vacuum you reduce your consumption by one-half the
unit, but on the turbine you increase the efficiency one whole unit. So we would advise against any back-
pressure system.
Mr. HEIPBUIRN. That brings up another question, the cost of heating. As you express yourself now,
by the use of the turbine engine you waste the heat ?
Mr. GAY. It is more economical with live steam than any system of exhaust steam.
Mr. HEPBURN. You say that the cost of operation of these two engines, except in the mere matter of
attendance, is the same ?
Mr. GAY. It is practically the same under the same conditions.
Mr. -IEri3URN. With the reciprocating enginewe would have without any additional expense the steam
that would heat all the buildings, as we have been told ?
Ml'. GAY. If you use it for heating, the steam consumption will be from i4. to i6 per cent higher than
onl the turbine. You can not heat by the reciprocating engine unless you have a back pressure on the
machine, and that eliminates the vacuum and adds about i4 to i6 per cent.
Mr.I-II 1P3URN. In the reciprocating engine do you have this situation ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir.
Mr. HEPBURN. And the loss of exhaust steam?
Mr. GAY. Except so far as the auxiliary engines may be used to heat.
Mr. HEPBURtN. So with the use of either you have to eliminate the idea of the economy of the exhaust
steam for heating purposes ?
Mr, GAY. Unless you want to eliminate the economy of your reciprocating engine.
Mr. HEPBURN. With either, then, the conditions would be the same as far as the heating goes ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Then, to put it another way, I understand that if you heat by steam direct you would
be heating by what you call live steam?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. But if you (do not heat by steam direct you heat the water by live steam and then run
the water; is that -it ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir,
Mr. I)oui)s. Pump the hot water.
Mr. GAY. The circulation is forced.
Mr. CANNON. You think the hot-water heating is better than the steam ?
Mr. GAY. I can give you an answer, if you wish, which does not apply to this building, but to general
propositions.
Mr. WOODS. There is a special engineer engaged on that work and that is his recommendation. I
will say, further, considering the amount of exhaust steam available at this plant to supply hot water to the
buildings, the question of economy may finally lose itself in the fact that we require a great deal more hot
water to be heated than we have exhaust steam to heat water, and the economy in fuel may be just as much
finally if you take the live steam to heat the hot water. I do not know how true that is, but the man
engaged on it will determine what is the best thing to do. That is Prof. Woodbridge.
Mr. GAY. Without any application to your conditions, I would concur in what Mr. Woods has said.
Mr. CANNON. You would prefer the hot water under ordinary conditions to the steam ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. From the standpoint of efficiency and heating as well as economy?
Mr. GAY. Both, and further, in addition to that, the humidity, the condition of the air in the room
which is heated by water instead of by steam.
Mr. RICHARDSON. The hot-water heat is more desirable ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir. You will find that in a room that is heated by either a direct or exposed hot-water
radiator or one hid below the floor the humidity in the room averages about 8o per cent better than it does
with steam or hot air, and the conditions are more nearly those outdoors-better health conditions and
better conditions to work in.
STATEMENT OF MESSRS. A. F. CARN, W. B. BAKER, AND N. F. CLARK, REPRESENTING C. L. DE MURALT.
Mr. CANNON. Mr. Carman, I received a letter this morning, signed by yourself, I presume, which I
have handed to the stenographer and which he will place in the record.
Mr. CARMAN. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. I take it that this letter refers to what is marked here and abstracted as "Alternate bids
embodying departures from the specifications." On the complete equipment, bid A, steam turbine basis,
C. L. de Muralt's bid is $456,956 for substituting stationary transformers for motor-generator sets. Then
bid B, reciprocating-engine basis, by C. L. de Muralt, $439,494, gives the same substitution as above.
Then our superintendent, Mr. Woods, makes a note:
"The above substitutions were originally considered and were rejected because of the better operation
of the motor generators."
Now, in your letter you request a hearing, which we want to make as brief as possible, and still we
want to hear you out of courtesy and for such information as youl canl give us,
Mr, CARMAN. Thank you.
Mr. CANNON. This is a bid for equipment not submitted by the specifications.
Mr. CARMAN. This is alternate.
Mr. CANNON. Yes; an alternate bid; that is, it is a bid you make in pursuance of the specifications.
You have made two bids in pursuance of the specifications ?
Mr. CARMAN. Yes; absolutely following; and in these other two we make our changes-an alternate
proposition. Now, Mr. Baker is consulting engineer, acting for Mr. de Muralt, and any questions, technical
or otherwise, that may be asked Mr. Baker is able to answer, and for that reason I wanted him to be present
here with me, as I have only the attorneyship for the firm.
Mr. CANNON. Have you seen the letter, Mr. Baker?
Mr. BAKER. I think so.
Mr. CANNON. Suppose you glance at the letter which we have put in the notes.
Mr. BAKER. The letter I have never seen, but the substance of the letter I am acquainted with.
Mr. CANNON. Yes; the substance of the letter you are acquainted with. Now you want the engineer
to make a statement ?i
Mr. CARMAN. Yes.
82OW-12--42
Mr. CANNON. We will hear what you have to-say, Mr. Baker,
Mr. BAKER. Well, Mr. Chairman, of course I am not presuming in any way that Mr. de Muralt had
any special rights to make any other bids than were called for under the Government specifications, but
it seemed a very obvious matter that by the substitution of stationary transformers in place of motor-
generator sets there would be a substantial saving made to the Government, and in that view I advised
himn to make the bid in the shape that he did.
Now, it may be desired now or some other time to set forth the details of the saving, or it may be that
the saving is so obvious that it is not very necessary to inquire into it. But it may be necessary to inquire
into the fact, granting the saving, that the equipment would perhaps work as well as the equipment pro-
pose(l and asked for by the Government. We think, and it is our opinion, that it would do so. However,
of course, others may differ on that point.
Now, the substitution of that bid, of course, requires, in addition to the construction proposed, that
there should be certain changes required and made in the wiling of this Capitol Building and in the wiring
of the Congressional Library, 0oth of which are now operated on what is called direct current. The ques-
tion is, as far as men seem to be paid by the Government is concerned, whether Mr. de Muralt's bid, plus
the necessary expenses for the alteration of the wiring in these two buildings, will equal the sum of the other
bidders or exceed it, or whether, if it does exceed it, the saving of substantially $2o,ooo a year is not worth
spending considerably more, if necessary, on the repairs of the wiring of these two buildings than would
make his lesser SUmn, which, plus the cost of the change of the wiring, would amount to considerably more
than the other, I am stating now the question as it seems to me
Mr. CANNON. Yes-
Mr. BAKER. And I should be very glad to answer any questions that this committee may have in mind
as to how this saving is effected, or as to the necessity of changing the wiring in these buildings, or any
other matters connected with it.
Mr. CANNON. Of course we are "tenderfeet," so to speak. You are submitting the matter to us. We
would starve ourselves to death if we turned ourselves into electrical engineers, and it would take a library
to tell what we did not know about it. You speak of wiring in the event an alternate bid or change of
plans was made such as you speak of. You say it would require a change of wiring in the Capitol and the
Congressional Library ?
Mr. BAKER. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Have you made sufficient examination to be able to estimate the cost of the change
Mr. BAKrER. We offer to make the change of the wiring for less than the difference in the bids.
Mr. CANNON. Th(e difference in the bids is what P
Mr. BAKER. $66,ooo.
Mr. CANNON.I-ow much less?
Mr. BKEI. I think it was a matter of $2,700 less.
Mr. CANNON. That was contained in your bid?
Mr. BAKER. No, sir.
Mr. CANNON. That is what you estimate?
Mr. BAKER. That is what we estimate.
Mr. CANNON. But in the event it is found to be practicable to take your alternate bid, then you would
change the wiring, which would become necessary on the Capitol and in the Library of Congress, for
$66,ooo minus $2,700?
Mr. BAKER. Yes, sir; that is the understanding.
Mr. CANNON. And the cost of wiring, of course, would include the Senate building as well as the
House building? Your estimate would be the same in one case as in the other?
Mr. CANNON. Now let me ask you whether you have considered in this connection the question of
expense of power house. For instance, your bid on the turbine basis-you make two bids in compliance
with the specificatioiis-
Mr. BAKER. Yes, sir-
Mr. CANNON (continuing). Now suppose that in the end the plan that you suggest here should be
taken, would there be any difference in the cost of the power house ?
Mr. BAKER. No, sir.
Mr. CANNON. You have given that considerable attention ?
Mr. BAKER. Yes, sir; the power house would be the same.
Mr. CANNON. Your bids do not cover the power house ?
Mr. BAKER. They cover the turbines and the generators for the power house.
Mr. CANNON. I am speaking of the power house proper-that is, the necessary power house to
accommodate your bid on the reciprocating and turbine engine and a necessary power house to xcccommo-
date your change in the stationary transformers.
Mr. CLARK. There would be no change in the power house. The same power house would supply
either the stationary transformer or the reciprocating engine.
Mr. CANNON. You give it as your opinion that after it was installed it would be operated for $2o,ooo
less a year than it would be under your bid in compliance with the specifications. Do you care to say
briefly how that is, and make it as plain to us as you can ?
Mr. BAKER. I will give you the items. The items are, first, that the static transformers require no
labor, continual labor, to watch them and operate themn; that is, they require no attendants. They remain,
just as a radiator does, against the wall, and require practically no attendants. With the generator sets
you have at least four collections of generator sets in four different places, all of which require a man
constantly in attendance, so that you have four men at work all the time when you have the motor generator
sets, against no men at work with the static transformers. That is one of the items.
Another item is this: The motor generator sets cost, roughly, nearly twice as much to install as the
static transformer;.
Mr. CANNON. The static transformers is an alternate bid ?
Mr. BAKER. Yes, sir; as to the motor generator sets--I am not talking about the whole plan, but
these two particular items in the plan; of course one is nearly the half of the other; and assuming the
same depreciation on each class of machinery, say 5 per cent, which is a very moderate depreciation on
machinery of any kind, then you have nearly twice as much depreciation on the machinery you have bought
for the Government plant, on that portion of the machinery comprising motor generator sets, as you have
on the static transformers. This should amount to something like some $4,000 or $5,000 per annum.
Ihirdly, the third item is that through every piece of machinery through which current passes there
is a perceptible loss in the machinery itself. There is no piece of machinery made in which you send ioo
per cent of current and ioo per cent of current comes out of it. The static transformer is a simple piece
of machinery. You send ioo per cent of current into the static transformner--I am using round numbers
in order to make this thing as brief as possible-
Mr. CANNON. Yes-
Mr. BAKER. And you get from 96 to 97 per cent of the current from the static transformer, whereas
in the case of the motor generator sets required under the specifications of the Government you would get
only 86 per cent efficiency, which means that you get only 86 per cent of the ioo per cent of current from
the motor generator sets. There is therefore required io per cent or about IS per cent of all the current
which you manufacture in the power plant, which is used simply to operate the motor generator sets, more
than is used to operate the static transformers.
Mr. CANNON. See if I understand it, to put it in another way: Your claim is that the loss by the use
of the static transformer is 4 per cent, whereas the loss from the use of the motor generator sets is 14 or
15 per cent ?
Mr. CANNON. So that there is a saving of lo per cent in the operation from that standpoint ?
Mr. CANNON. Is there any other factor now ? You have given us three.
Ml-. L3AKFR No, sir.
Mr. CANNON. That is the saving of the wages of four men. Those are ordinary laborers, or are they
skilled ?
Mr. BAKER. Skilled laborers; four men at one time. As the Government employs its men only eight
hours a (lay, and this plant has to work for 24 hours, that will be i2 men.
Mlr. CANNON. T hat is, three shifts of men will be necessary; four each in the bids as per specification,
as against no men necessary in the static transformers ?
Mr. I3AKER. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. What (1o you estimate, now, to come to your second factor that you spoke of, that the
cost of the static transformer is one-half the cost of the generators on which you bid as per specification ?
Mr. 13AKER. Roughly; yes, sir; one-half.
Mr. CANNON. Do you recollect how much you estimated the cost of the generators to be as by speci-
fication-about howv Much ?
Mr. BAKE.R. I think one of the items submitted by the Westinghouse Co. was something in the neigh-
borhood of $177,000 for theI 6 generator sets, and the static transformers would cost less-that is, they
woLuld cost possibly one-half that.
Mr. CANNON. Possibly half that; so that you figure, in a $2o,ooo saving, the saving of 5 per cent on
about $9o,ooo?
Ml. CLARK. Eighty or ninety thousand dollars; yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. Now, I have spoken of twvo factors. The third is-
Mr. BAKEN. The third is that io per cent difference.
Mr. CANNON. Yes; the third is that the static transformer delivers current for the actual lighting,
and so forth, at a loss of only 4 per cent, whereas the generator sets lose 14 per cent.
Mr. CANNON. NowV, how long would it take you, supposing it was. practicable to contract to-day-
howv long would it take you to furnish this equipment ?
Mr. BAKR.I- The same length of time in either case, and, I think, if anything, a little shorter in the
second case, but substantially the same length of time.
Mr. CLARK. It is probal)le that the turbine an(l generators would require the longest time to manu-
facture and (eliver, so that the question of the delivery of the static transformers would be immaterial.
They would come along quicker anyway.
Mr. CANNON. Your suggestion of time was 12 months, I find, on1 the Westinghouse apparatus, an(l
it would be about the same ?
Mr. BAKEIR. I think so. It is the same -lapparatus, with the exception of the one change.
Mr. CANNON. And that would be the static transformer ?
Mr. CANNON. Is there anything else that youl desire to state? That gives the substance of it,
doesn't it ?
Mr. BAKER. That is the substance of it; yes, sir.
Mir. CANNON. What (1o you say, now-to get to a matter that is aliunde, a matter that I have
spoken to you about-as to a comparison of the size of the building for the turbines or for reciprocating
engines ?
Mlr. BAKER. Well, Mr. Cannon, that is, of course, a question a little outside of our contention.
Mr. CANNON. Precisely; I understood it was.
M r. BAKER. Why, it depends upon the turbine and engine that is to be use(l. Some turbines occupy
nmore Space than other turbines. Some reciprocating engines require more space than other reciprocating
engines. I (1o not consider that the diflerence in size of the turbine engine as it affects the building is a
very serious matter, measured by money.
Mr. CANNON. In your alternate bid you make the turbine engine, on the steam turbine engine basis,
$456,956, and on the reciprocating engine basis, $439,494.
Mr. BAKER. The difference is in the price of the engine and the turbine.
Mr. CANNON. The difference is in the price of the engine and turbine, and in your opinion as I
understand you, there is no difference in the comparison of the space required for the turbine or recipro-
cating engine-there is nothing in that; it would be as large in one place as in the other ?
Mr. BAKER. I say the difference is not very material, but I do not feel called on especially to give an
offhand opinion on that subject.
Mr. CANNON. I am not seeking that. It was just for my own satisfaction that I wanted it.
Mr. BAKER. We have not pretended or attempted to say which is the better for the Government to
purchase, the turbine or the engine. We have made bids on both, and have left that entirely to the
determination of the Government.
Mr. CANNON. And yet it is a material question for the parties of the first part to the contract, as to
whether or no-supposing the engines were of exact merit-as to whether or no there would be more
expense in housing, if I may be allowed the expression, one set of engines than the other.
Mr. BAKER. Yes, sir; I would be glad to answer the question more fully. I am not trying to evade
it for any purpose of evasion, but I would not like to be placed in the attitude of actually stating anything
in the matter without knowing the individual turbine or the individual engine.
Mr. CANNON. Well, now, then, putting that same question for your opinion [addressing Mr. Clark],
is there any difference in the housing, the expense of housing, the generators and the static transformers ?
Mr. CLARK. There should be if the buildings were built especially to accommodate the different
classes of machinery; but probably in your case there would not be any difference, any saving, because
our understanding is that the transformers or the motor generator sets would be installed in the basements
of the buildings that are under construction, or in the basements of the buildings that are already occupied,
and there would be practically no saving, no matter which you selected.
Mr. CANNON. No. I think, Mr. Woods, the generators or the static transformers are to be housed
in the power house, are they not ?
Mr. WOODS. Not for the substations of the building. IEverything that belongs to the substations is
housed in the separate buildings.
Mr. CANNON. YOU (10 not house the in your power house?
Mr. WOODS. No; we lead the current out and house the transformers or generators in the individual
building where we want to install the current.
Mr. CANNON. I want to ask another question as to your static transformer. I-How long has that been
used-that system of generating ?
Mr. CLARK. As long as motor generator sets. It was probably the first modC of electric distribution.
Mr. CANNON. It is the means in each case by which the electricity is generated ? You call it a static
transformer ?
Mr. CLARK. That is a transforming device, so far as the generation is concerned. That pertains to
the machinery in the power house, the turbines or the reciprocating engines.
Mr. CANNON. That is, the dynamos ?
Mr. CLARK. Yes; the dynamos. The static transformers are used to change the character of the
current, so that it may be safely used in fixtures of this kind, so that it is not dangerous to handle.
Mr. CANNON. That is "stepping down," as it is called ?
Mr. CLARK. Yes; exactly. The motor generator sets do the same thing.
Mr. CANNON. They do the same thing, and they both have similar dynamos in the power house ?
Mr. CLARK. Exactly.
Mr. CANNON. The generators in each case are in the basement of the building-no, not the generator,
but the transformer ?
Mr. CLARK. Yes; or a motor generator.
Mr. CANNON. It is a difference in names for transformers ?
Mr. CLARK. Exactly; different names for transformers--
Mr. BAKER. At different costs and of different efficiencies.
Mr. CANNON. Have static transformers been used on a large scale in recent electrical construction ?
Mr. BAKER. Yes, sir; very many of them; and on a small scale they are used very commonly; they
can be observed in most all cities, and on a large scale we have very lately installed
Mr. CLARK. Those are not of very large size, but there are transformers built up larger than the
generators that are proposed for installation in your power plant, and they have been in successful
operation for many years. We have numerous examples in the West of large power companies that use
transformers in that way. There are many located also in New York City for supplying various mantu-
facturing companies with power, also various lighting companies. You will find the same used in Chicago
an(l in many other large and small cities.
IVr. BAKER. In other words, Mr. Cannon, there is nothing experimental about the use of static
transformers, which, I think, may be really what is running in your mind.
M\r111. CANNON. Precisely.
Mr. HEPBURN. What is the one in general modern use ?
Mr. BAKER. The static transformer. It is advisable for the engineer to get rid for his client of all the
machinery he can. So much is the modern tendency to doing away with motor generator sets, or rotary
converters, which occupy the same position, that even in railroad work, where they still continue to be
largely used, the endeavor of engineers is to get rid of them, which they have not yet succeeded in doing.
Mr. RIcHARDSON. What I wanted to ask was what is the material difference between the stationary
transformer and the motor generator set ? I wanted to ask that so that I could get, as a nonexpert manl,
some conception of it.
Mr. BAKER. One has moving parts and the other has not.
Mr. RIcHARDSON. That does not convey to my mind any very clear understanding of the question.
I-How can you make it plainer, so that I can understand it ?
Mr. CANNON. I think I can do that for you.
Mr. RICHARDSON. I do not care where it comes from, I only want the information.
Mr. CANNON. Yes; I have lost some money an(l made some little money in a plant of that kind. Yours
are stationary ?
Mr. B3AKER, The static transformers are. They arc perfectly stationary. Nothing moves about them.
Mr. CANNON. Yes. For instance, we bought a $7,500 light concern down there at Pittsfield, and
somebody, our fellow, when we got it out, said that the thing was all wrong, and that it would have (lone
better if the hull of it, instead of going around, had been stationary, and you could have run the smaller
thing inside of it--
MIr. CLARK. Probably you refer to the difference between revolving field generators and revolving
arnnitures,
Mr. CANNON. Probably so. I just happened to think what the maan said. However, I fear that does
not enlighten you any, Mr. Richardson, and I guess I was in the fog, and not you.
Mr. RICHARDSON. I would like to ask you [addressing Mr. Baker] further about that.
Mr. BAKERR. Perhaps Mr. Clark can answer that. I did not succeed, apparently.
Mr. CLARK. You are probably familiar with the small electric motors that you have seen around in
various places, perhaps fan motors, for instance. It has a place for revolving, and bearings, and when
that becomes of large size it has to be looked after, because it has a good deal of power and might do
damage in case the bearings got warmer or various other things happened. A machine of that size requires
constant attention, and that is what these motor generator sets spoken of for-use in this plan would be, only
they would be two machines instead of one. There would be the motors, and coupled with them a gen-
erator. Now the static transformers would have no moving parts whatever. They would be plain cast-
iron cases, to be stood up against the wall almost anywhere, and the transformation of current takes place
in them automatically. They require no attendant and practically no attention from year to year.
Mr. BAKER. If I had time, Mr. Richardson, I should be most happy to take you out of this office and
show you what you speak of. In Washington I am not sure just where to find them, but I amn sure I could
find here somewhere a motor generator set, and I think I could find a transformer within two or three blocks
from here.
Mr. CANNON. How would you operate elevator motors, electric fans, and ventilating fans with your
static transformer ?
Mr. BAKER. We would have to alter the present fans and substitute for them fans which could be
operated with an alternating current, of which there are thousands in use. We would have to change the
motors for ventilating fans so that they would operate directly with the alternating current, and the same
thing applies exactly to these elevators, which are now operated directly. They would have to be operated
by the alternating current instead of the direct current, which would be a simple change to make.
Mr. CANNON. Would you hitch it on the alternating before it was toned dowvn, or after it was stepped
down ?
Mr. CLARK. After it was stepped down.
Mr. CANNON. In other words, they require no more attention than the light current or any other
current ?
Mr. CLARK, No more attention than the present machinery you have would require.
Mr. BAKER. So far as the elevators are concerned, they would work precisely the same way.
Mr. CANNON. In other words, would you have to have the generator that you speak of that would
require attention to operate your elevator and your fan ?
Mr. BAKER. No, sir.
Mr. CLARK. No additional machinery beyond what is proposed.
Mr. CANNON. And it would operate the same without extra help ?
Mr. CLARK. Without extra help or complication or expense.
Mr. CANNON. Is there anything else you want to ask, gentlemen ?
Mr. HEPBURN. In these two bids, the alternate bid and the one on the specification, that you made-
the 'complete one-is there any departure fron the specification other than the transformer that you have
spoken of?
Mr. CLARK. None whatever.
Mr. HEPBURN. They are precisely the same ?
Mr. CLARK. Precisely the same.
Mr. HEPBURN, What plants have been recently put in use of the size proposed, plants in which the
stationary transformers are use(l, of a late (late ?
Mr. CLARK. One of the latest is the one we are connected with. I do not know whether that would
be considered a good example or not. That is the equipment of the Calumet & HIecla Mining Co. They
have an equipment of about the same size as is proposed for you. Every bit of that work, and the distri-
bution for all purposes whatsoever, is done by alternating current--
Mr. BAKER. Precisely as is proposed to be done here.
Mr. HEPBURN. Do you know of any other in the last three or four years that has been installed?
Mr. CLARK. It is pretty difficult to pick out plants of that size that have been constructed in the last
four or five years, because they could only be found in large cities, and all large cities have had electric-
light equipment longer than that-for IO or iS years at least.
Mr. HEPBURN. Then you mean your device is of recent origin or recent operation ?
Mr. CLARK. Not a bit.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Why is it not in use, then, in these plants ?
Mr. BAKER. Because they use very largely direct current.
Mr. CLARK. The history of electric-light plants, where the direct current is used to-day, is that they
started on a small scale where the benefits of alternating current was not marked over direct, and the direct
current, being used first, naturally has a strong foothold. Many of the smaller plants started with the
direct current, and when they came to enlarge those plants they enlarged them naturally on the same line,
so as not to change the equipment and undergo the expense of making a complete change; and so we find
ill New York City to-day most of the electric lighting (lone by direct current. But it has to be done after
two transformations and a great loss of power.
Mr. RICHARDSON. If it were an original proposition, if a brand new plant like this were being con-
structed, would you advise the use of the one you now suggest to us ?
Mr. CLARK. The alternating current ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. Yes.
Mr. CLARK. I would not be inclined to consider any other.
Mr. BAKER. I doubt if modern practice would consider any other, if the whole plant were absolutely
new. The only thing that complicates it at all is the fact of there being two present plants here. As an
original proposition I do not think there would be the slightest doubt about the alternating current being
preferable, and I do not think there is
still, possibly, there might be a few.
aany engineer ill the country that would (lifer from that statement;
Mr. CANNON. Hlow many pieces of apparatus are there ill each case-in tile case of the generator and
ill the case of the static transformer ?
Mr. ClIAiu. The transformer for the transformation of 3-phase current could be built in two ways,
eitHier in three single ULnits or in one unit, in one case; that is, one unit. The attendant difficulties of
operation would be the same, no matter which you used. Engineers usuallyprefer the single unit rather
than the three units in one casing because they are easier to handle, and they have other advantages in
operation which make them more desirable. But as to the increased number of the units, since they (1o
not require attention-that is, labor-it really makes no difference how many you have, so that the proba-
bility is that there would be single transformers that would replace each one motor-generator set and would
probably take up tile same amount of floor space; that is, approximately.
Mr. CANNON. What is tile "frequency" of the alternating current ?
Mr. CLARK. An alternating current is one that, so to speak, is jumping back and forth. It does not
go continuously in one direction. Now, the rapidity with which it jumps back and forth is called the
"frequency." One that jumps back and forth twenty-five times within a second has a frequency of z5.
One that does it sixty times a second has a frequency of 6o. In this case, of course, you are using 6o;
.according
that is, to your specification.
Mr. CANNON. Sixty ?
Mr. CLARK. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Which did you contemplate using ill this bid ?
Mr. CLARK. Sixty in either case, no matter whether static transformers or motor generators are used.
Mr. CANNON. Thle consulting engineer reminds me that the specification calls for 25.
Mr. CLARK. I arn not prepared to say, one way' or the other, whether it is 25 or 6o according to these
specifications; but in either case you would be supplied with what is specified, am(d the operation would
he guaranteed the same in either case.
Mr. CANNON. Could you supply incandescent lighting from 25 cycles ?
Mr. CLARK. It call be done, but it would probably not be advisable in this case. Yes, 25-cycle cur-
rent is specifiedl here.
Mr. CANNON. If you use 25 cycles, would not that necessitate putting in rotary generators ?
Mr. CLARK. You could not use 25. You would have to use 6o-cycle. We might as well say we could
not use it, because it is doubtful if the 25 cycles would give successful incandescent light for purposes such
as they are used for here, where you require a great deal of office work and you require a steady, bright
light, where cycles of low frequency would not be satisfactory.
Mr. CANNON. Now, in your letter here, in which you say, "I desire to be heard by your honorable
committee and explain wherein, by the acceptance of what I propose, you can make a saving for the Gov-
ernment in the sum of,$2o,ooo per year," you say: "To demonstrate that we know that the saving can be
made, we will give to you a surety company's bond, to expire only after the plant has been running and
showing the saving we name for five consecutive years." It just occurred to me that if we had no corre-
sponding plant to compare your bid with under this specification we would probably have a difficult
proposition if we should seek to recover.
Mr. BAKER. If we can demonstrate to you, Mr. Cannon, that you are going to save the money, we
would prefer not to give the bond.
Mr. CANNON. I am speaking of the recovery on the bond.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You could not make out your case, not having something else to compare with.
Mr. CANNON. Is there anything else, Col. Hepburn, or Mr. Richardson ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. Nothing that I know of.
Mr. CANNON. We are very much obliged to you, gentlemen, unless there is something further you
wish to submit.
Mr. BAKER. Thank you, sir; on the contrary, we are very much obliged to you for listening so kindly
to what we had to say.
[At this point Messrs. Carman, Baker, and Clark retired from the room.]
Mr. CANNON. You have heard these gentlemen make their statement. What have you to say,
gentlemen ?
Mr. GAY. Do you care to hear from us, Mr. Speaker?
Mr. CANNON. Yes.
Mr. DOUDS. Pardon me; the point which the Speaker brought out, on the question of their plan
being a 6o-cycle plan, they could not use the 25-cycle under this plan. Therefore there would be no con-
nection possible between this plant and the Potomac plant. Therefore for the future value of connection,
or eliminating that for the present, the value from now until the time the plant is completed, it will become
necessary for you to install temporary apparatus. You could not operate from the present existing Potomac
plant, the cost of which will run up into five figures at least.
Mr. CANNON. Theirs is 25?
Mr. DOUDS. They are talking about a 6o-cycle plant here, while the plant here is 25 and the Potomac
is 25. The Potomac plant is the basis of everything in Washington.
Mr. GAY. The remark was made, too, that the lighting could not be done successfully with 25 cycles.
I simply call your attention to the fact that Washington is lighted that way.
Mr. CANNON, We understood him that way.
Now, what do you Fentlemen say as to the loss of 4 per cent of the current with the static transformer
and a loss of 14 per cent with the generators ?
Mr. WEST. Those figures are based on the assumption that the apparatus will be used at all times at
its full rated load; that is, that you will have all the lights turned on, with all the power necessary for the
operation of the building. Those are the full-load efficiencies which he gave you, and they are quite corl
rect-reasonably correct. But your examination brought out the fact that in order to use this alternating
current and the static transformer it would be necessary to replace all of the direct-current apparatus nowv
being used; in other words, the fans, motors, and ventilating fans, and elevator motors, and all direct-
current motors which are now in use in the building would have to be changed, and a new motive power
would have to be substituted for them.
Mr. CANNON. That is, you would have to change the mode of wiring for the Capitol and the Library ?
Mr. WEsr. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Is he approximately correct in saying the loss of the current would be 4 per cent if the
change were made with the static transformer as compared with 14 per Cent in the generator ?
Mr. WEST. That is theoretical. Actually and practically it is not the case. T1'here is a very slight
difference between the two.
Mr. WOODS. You mean, Mr. West, by operation under all classes of loads ?
Mr. DoUDS. With the load now connected as you have it here. The difference in results wvouldl be
practically insignificant between the two.
Mr. CANNON. When you get down to paying for it in dollars and cents, as we light the Capitol part
of the year and the House Office Building-or you might say the two office buildings-at the end of the
year the difference would be slight, if any, in the actual loss of current consumed ?
Mr. DOUDS. Yes.
Mr. WEST. We consider it impracticable to change the system of wiring you have throughout the
Capitol and Library and to change these direct-current motors to alternating current, as the alternating-
current motors for elevators are very unsatisfactory. They are only used in special cases where it is impos-
sible to use the direct current, and the time required to change all the wiring now in the building to alter-
nating current would be prohibitory in many instances, and it would necessitate doing away with the light
entirely in certain portions of the building in order to make the changes. On certain days when the
changes were being made it would be impossible to get light or power in certain portions of the building.
The system we propose is exactly similar to the system now used here. No changes would be required
in any of the wiring and no annoyances would be encountered from the laborers makingthe changes through-
out the building. We went into this matter very carefully, indeed, and examined in detail all the present
installations.
Mr. CANNON. However, if changes were made, they would operate-that is, if the wiring was all
changed, if it was an open proposition from the beginning, one would operate as well as the other ?
Mr. WEisr. No, sir; the electric apparatus manufactured for elevators particularly is very unsatis-
factory in operation in connection with alternating current.
Mr. CANNON. In alternating current ?
IVr. WIs'i. Yes, sir; we never operate aln elevator with alternating current unless it is almost impos-
silble to use the direct current.
Mr. CANNON. Is the difference there a difference in certainty or attention ?
Mr. WEST. In certainty. TIhe gentleman also made the statement that all the distributing system in
New York City is direct current. There is an illustration of it where everything is up to (late. That is
aln illustration of what is up-to-(late practice for local distribution.
Mr. CANNON. Now, the most important factor, in my mind-and I want to call your attention to it
again-is the wiring. I notice what youl say about the elevators, beut more important perhaps than all of
it-an(l I want to call it to your attention again--is that, taking the situation from the practical standpoint
as it is, this mlaclhillery, this lighting, this power for the Library and the two office buildings and the
Capitol, and such other buildings as may be added-at least one, I fancy', is contemplated, of large size-
oin the whole, year in and year out, there is no material difference in the cost of operation ?
Mr. Wisr. IHis statement is correct. There is no material dif}erence.
Mr. CANNON. And there is no material (liflerence in the loss of current ?
Mr. Wi slr. That is a fact.
Mr. I)ouDs. Qualify your statement, as it is going onl the record, by' adding "under these operating
conditions."
Mi. WOODS. Yes; that is important.
Mr.. HI-PBURN. As to this item that he spoke of, the cost of attendance, making a difference of i2
men, What (lo you say with regard to that ?
Mr. Wisi. IHle -assumes that the static transformer can be operated without any attendants, but he
neglects entirely the necessity of having atten(lants to control the switchboard apparatus in each building
and to look after the machinery in case of accident. If something goes wrong, you must have a manl on
the ground to attend to it at once, This same maan can (1o that also.
Mr. Wooi)s. And they would not be more expensive men ?
Mr. Wisr. No.
Mr. Woons. It would require just as close attention at the switchboard, at the transformer house, as
in the other. I think while Mr. Baker's assumption of i2 men is on the basis of what we in a preliminary
way made out, yet they may be concentrated. I think we may be able to concentrate the system into one
substation for each building, thereby reducing the ntiml)er of attendants.
Mr. CANNON. But I assume there would be three shifts of men every eight hours every day in the
year to make the i2 men.
Mr. WOODS. Yes. I would like to make this observation, that under this arrangement our purpose
is so to connect the plants together ultimately that we will be able to run a large proportion of the system
from any one station at night and not require a large amount of attendance, saving at least one-third of the
attendance, assuming that we run 2. hours.
Mr. DOUDS. By hooking the buildings together?
Mr. WOODS. Yes; and in this way we would have an absolute interchangeability all through the
organization. The men would be capable of operating with all the units and the units themselves would
be interchangeable. It is true we are putting out a little more money in the first instance to get these
particular machines, but I think, owing to our peculiar service, we will get better results in the long run.
Mr. WEST. With his system it is entirely impossible to connect up with the Potomac plant, which
would necessitate the installation of a temporary plant, or temporary apparatus, which would far exceed
on account of its cost, theadvantages of saving otherwise to be derived from it.
Mr. DOUDS. Have you made an estimate of what the temporary plant would cost ?
Mr. GAY. $50,000, according to a rough estimate.
Mr. CANNON. That is to say, if you were to break down you would have to have in waiting this tem-
porary reenforcement ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON, Is there anything else, gentlemen ?
Mr. HEPBURN. I think of nothing.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Nor I.
Mr. GAY. Inasmuch as one of the gentlemen seemed to take exception to my remark as to the place
occupied by the two machines, I would simply state that I had one case in mind where a building had
greater area than the Potomac, one to accommodate io,ooo kilowatts, greater than they had to accommodate
i9,000 kilowatts. That is the difference between the turbine engine and the reciprocating engine, where
the square floor space was greater in the io,ooo plant than the present i9,000 l)lant.
Mr. WOODS. I would like to ask you a few questions, because I based my judgment of this proposed
outfit solely on questions of convenience of operation. It is true, is it not, that there are large plants in
this country, central stations, operated commercially, that have rotary generator systems installed in con-
nection with their distribution ?
Mr. GAY. Yes.
Mr. WEsr. Yes; all the apparatus here used in Washington and furnished by the Potomac Co. make
use of rotary apparatus in every case.
Mr. HEPBURN. Where is the tendency-toward the use of which kind ? Is it toward his scheme
or toward the Westinghouse scheme ?
Mr. WESr. It depends upon two conditions. The alternating-current system was devised and brought
about and developed solely for the purpose of being able to transmit power long distances and to get heavy
power for reasonably short distances at small cost for copper and transmission wires. In all transmission-
line work, all scattered distributions for various put-poses, the alternating current stands ahead of direct
current. All local distribution of current, that is, with a large amount of power to be used in a small space,
such as in one building or in the central part of any city, usually the direct current is installed. That is,
they change from the alternating to the direct for distribution and use for local purposes.
Mr. CANNON. You (lo not have now, with your direct current situated as this power house is, a short
distance-you do not have to "step utp" an(l "step down" ?
Mr. WI-ST. No, sir; we generate aln alternating current because we have a very large amoulnt of
power to bring from this plant, which is reasonably near by, to bring it to the Capitol Building, but generate
it at a high voltage in order to economize on the cost of wvire.
Mr. CANNON. You brought it in to the direct current here ?
Mr. WEST. Yes, sir.
Mr. CANNON. So that it runs direct from the dynamo ? That alternating current, you (lo not magnify
it by a "step up" ?
Mr. Ws sr. No, sir; we generate it at a high voltage--6,6oo volts.
Mr. DouDS. It is generated up.
Mr. CANNON. In some plants they have to "step up"?
Mr. DouDs. Yes; Niagara has.
Mr. CANNON. Does his system of static transformers contemplete a "step up" ?
Mr. WEST. No, sir; a "step down"; a "step down" from 6,6oo volts to 125. He does the same
thing with his static transformers.
Mr. GAY. M\light it not be well to call the attention of the Speaker and of the commission to the fact
that the duties of the machinery at the Calumet & Hecla mine, to which he called attention, are quite
different from what you have here ? They have a load so many hours a day, right straight along, no
difference whether it rains or shines. He gets his i+ per cent continuously. That is a different proposition.
He has a fixed load there day by day, right straight along, every day in the week.
Mr. H-EPBURN. I offer this resolution:
Resolved, That the bids made by the Westinghouse Electric Manufacturing Co., a lump bid on complete
equipment on steam-turbine basis, as specified in the specification, at $533,728, delivery to be made within
I2Y2 m1ontlhs, b)e accepted."
Mr. CANNON. Those in favor of the resolution say "aye."
Mr. HEPBURN. Aye.
Mr. RIcHARDSON. Aye.
Mr. CANNON. Aye. There are no noes. It is unanimous.
Mr. WOODS. I would like to get one thing into the record if I can. So far as I am personally concerned,
if I were called upon to decide the merits of the apparatus as submitted in these specifications I would
accept either type of turbine engine for it. But I would like to know what the information of the engineer
is upon that subject; that is, if another type of turbine had been submitted in the successful bid whether
there vould be any ground of contention ?
Mr. 1)OUDs. That is unanimous.
Mr. WOODS. Tfhat is what I wanted to get in.
Mr. Wis'r. It was a question of price and delivery.
Mr. Doui)s. Certainly.
IM4r. Woons. As soon as it is announced they will ask me the question, and I wanted to be able to
say that.
Mr. I-I W BURN. I (lo not un(lerstan(l you.
Mr. WOODS, I mean that the question of the two types of turbines submitted was not in controversy.
Mr,. RICIHARDSON. You (o not pass ju(lgment between them ?
Mr/1'. WOODS. No.
Mr. CANNON. Now, Mr. Woods, you recollect that unless we get into this building when Congress
assembles next December your life is forfeited ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. You promised it when you got the appropriations if I remember correctly.
Mr. 'NOODS. But you get a building twice as big as the original contemplation.
Mr1. I IEIBURN. No; but that prediction was all on the basis of the changes, and the time of completion
was fixed at the assembling of the Sixtieth Congress.
FURNISIHIING ANI) CONTROL OF BIUILIDING.
Mr. CANNON. We will have to take up another matter pretty soon. I suppose Mr. Tawney, or the
commission, perhaps, will have to consider the matter of the control of thle building, for one thing; and
another thing is that I suppose the .appropriations made this winter, between this and March, ought to
cover the furnishings.
Mr. Woons. I will have ready for you, gentlemen, for distribution on Monday, a report which mnay
be dluplicate(l perhaps in some respects by my prior report, but that will touch on the subject, and I will
he g.,lad to give you in a felts days some data in regard to the furnishing and care of the building.
Mr. CANNON. By the way, when will you have your tunnel?
Mr. WOODS. The work begins this summer on both sides of the Capitol.
Mr. CANNON. Has it been determined where you are going to have your post office over there ?
Mr. WOODS. That has not been determined. That is a question for the commission to decide sooner
or later.
Mr. CANNON. It would be a little unhandy to go over there.
Mr. WOODS. I think it is possible to have the post office there and have a system of delivery established
here. Through a pneumatic-tube system you could have your mail delivery made here. That would be
part of the equipment.
Mr. HEPBURN. Are you going to have a railroad ?
Mr. WOODS. Not at this time, sir. At this moment it is a dangerous proposition to consider.
Mr. HEPBURN. Why?
Mr. WOODS. I do not know how it will work out.
Mr. CANNON. Will you have a restaurant over there ?
Mr. WOODS. There will be a restaurant, but you will have to have one here also.
Mr. RICHARDSON. You could not go over there very well. May I ask, jocularly, if the cost of the
furniture for the building is to be commensurate with what they say was the cost of building the Pennsylvania
Statehouse-$3,ooo,ooo for the building and $I i,ooo,ooo for the furniture? [Laughter.]
Mr. CANNON. That building wants to be well furnished, but "enough is as good as a feast."
Mr. RICHARDSON. The appropriations so far have not been for furniture. No estimate has been
made ?
Mr. WOODS. No.
Mr. HEPBURN. Have you ever considered a plan by which the rooms will be selected ?
Mr. RICHARDSON. Will you not have to do that just as you draw for seats, except that when a man
gets a room he should be allowed to keep it as long as he is in Congress ?
Mr. CANNON. If he gets one to suit him.
Mr. WOODS. I think the House Building Commission should be perpetuated after the completion
of the building. It should not die on the completion and turning over of the building. I think it should
continue through all tine, so far as the building is concerned, so that the person in charge of the building
could come to them with his estimates for care and maintenance just as has been (lone in special cases.
Mr. RICHARDSON. Would not that be inconvenient if all the members of the commission were out of
Congress ?
Mr. CANNON. No.
Mr. WOODS. Not necessarily the same commission in the matter of personnel, but un(ler the same
rules.
Mr. CANNON. You turn it all over and get your scheme out, and then we can consider it.
Mr. DoUDS. If there is a lull here, I would like just to say one thing for J. G. White & Co., also
calling Mr. Woods's particular attention to the results of the work done up to (late.
Mr. CANNON. All right.
Mr. DOUDS. The plans an(l specifications were put in such shape that you have two bids, which tally
within $33. You have but one alternative bid or suggestion outside. Your engine and turbine bids are
so close that unless you go beyond the apparatus to the building, or go into real estate, there is no choice
between the two. There is no contention, so far as I have seen, outside the ordinary discussions that any
man would bring uip. It looks to me like a beautifully clean slate.
Mr. CANNON. Let me ask you a question right there: The truth of the matter is I quite agree with
you, but the fact is they were so close together that I forgot to ask you that question-the question as to
whether there was collusion amongst bidders. That question comes up.
Mr. DoUDS. We have covered that point by checking all the apparatus, by segregating them as given
in two of the bids, and checking that with the apparatus which we have pltrchase(l in commercial business
within the last 6o (lays.
Mr. CANNON. So that this is below, rather than above, the commercial prices ?
Mr. DOUDS. Yes.
Mr. RICHARDSON. But, after all, that does not answer your question as to concerted action.
Mr. DouDs. The advantages of concerted action are lost.
(Thereupon, at 3.45 o'clock p. in., the commission adjourned.)
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT UNITED STATES
CAPITOL BUILDING AND GROUNDS,
Jashington, D. C., January 5, 1907.
To the House COMMISSION:
I beg to make the following report on the construction and expenditures in connection therewith of
the Office Building for the House of Representatives.
Attached to this report will be found a statement of the expenditures and balance on hand. The
report is intended to cover from the beginning to the ist day of December, I906. The commission is
aware of the great difficulties encountered in securing the proper foundation for this building at the east
side thereof on account of the presence and construction of the Pennsylvania Railway tunnel, which for a
distance of half the length of the east side of the building parallels it a very few feet distant, and then
proceeding by alignment of a curve passes under the southeast corner of the building, leaving what might
he termed an overhang of more thlanl 30 feet. The deep foundation work necessary to secure a safe resting
place for the construction, occasioned by reason of the great depth of excavation required for building of
the railroad tunnel along and under the easterly line of the building, caused a necessary and very large
expense in addition to what the normal cost would have been to an amount of about $103,000.
The total excavation before the work started approximates I25,000 cubic yards.
The cubic contents of the concrete foundation is i6,125 cubic yards.
'fhe total cost, therefore, of the excavation and concrete footings, normal and extraordinary, was
$I198,25I.77.
The actual construction after excavation began on the 2thl day of April, 1905. The construction
above the concrete foundation-the brickwork-started July 5, 1905. The setting of stone-marble,
granite, and limestone--began on August 25, 1905.
On December I, i906, there had been placed in position in the walls 36,449 cubic yards of' brick
111masonry, representing 14,215,000 bricks. This work has been done under a contract in which the
Government furnished all material of every description except the scaffolding, the contractor mixing the
materials and placing the brick in position at a competitive rate of $343 per cubic yard.
On the last named (late 199,774 cubic feet of stone had been place(l in position and "backed utp" with
brickwork. Likewise the steel floor beams and other steel work has been completed for the principal
floors of the building. About one-fourth of the attic floor beams have been placed in position. The court
walls of the building and the exterior walls in the neighborhood of the corner of First and C Streets are
practically ready for the roof framing, a large section of which has been ordered and will be placed in
j)osition probably (during the coming month. Owing to the vast magnitude and nature of the building,
we will be enabled to take up the interior finish just as soon as any one section of the roof is in place,
without waiting for the completion of the exterior on 13 Street and New Jersey Avenue. These last two
sidles of the building are up to the windowv sills of the last story.
Wherever the floor heams have been placeC( in position it has been followed by the concrete-floor
construction.
With the exception of the marblework onl B Street and New Jersey Avenue, I have no reason to
complain as to the progress of the work.
The total expenditures to December I, 1906, including each an(d every item of expense, is $I,490,780.44,
as set forth in detail in the financial statement attached.
All proceedings of a financial nature are supervised by the Interior Departmenitin the same manner
as in the case of the funds expenlaedl onl the Capitol Building and grounds. All payments are made by
vouchers, and these and all contracts pass through the financial and legal bureaus of that department.
Table: Statement of amount expended and balance on hand Dec. 1, 1906, House Of ice Building

All materials of whatever description are received at the building by weigh clerks and are accounted
for in a daily journal kept on the work. These clerks, in similar manner, daily allot to each branch of
the work the material and labor accounts, and these allotments are as close as possible and as accurate
as those usually kept by a private corporation or contractor.
All weighing is done on scales standardized by the United States, and all tests of important character
are made by the Bureau of Standards, a Government institution.
As all of our energies are being devoted toward the completion of this building for the Sixtieth Congress,
it would seem advisable at this time to suggest to the commission that it give some attention to the future
domestic affairs and formulate some plan for the government of the building in all its departments (janitor-
ship, policing, heating, lighting, and ventilating).
Another item in connection with the building, which is more serious than the first, at this time, is the
question of furnishing it. This subject should be immediately taken up in order that plans and specifi-
cations may be prepared in time to have the furniture ready when the building is ready. This brings up
the question as to whether this work shall be done by the Clerk of the House, as is the case at present for
matters pertaining to the House furniture, or whether it shall be done by the superintendent.
So far as the government of the building is concerned, my present suggestion is that any appropriation
made should be considered as tentative and based on the method of the annual care of the Capitol, for
which a lump sum is appropriated. At the end of the first year's experience a definite scheme can be
made ready which would cover all the details, and the House could act accordingly.
In my judgment the House commission should be continued as a permanent commission to have
charge of this building. Through this permanent commission the officer in charge of the building could
make his reports and present for its approval requests for appropriations for the care and maintenance
of the building.
I respectfully request that the balance of the suimi authorized by law as the limit of cost of the building,
$3,000,000, be appropriated for use during the coming fiscal year-namely, $I,043,635.55.
Very respectfully, EILIOr'r WOODS,
Statement of amount expended and balarsce on hand Dec. i, 1906, House Offlee Building.
Amount appropriated to date ......................................... .4........................ $2oS6,36445
.................
Stonework ..................................................................................... .....I

$665,920 So
.............
Excavation, concrete footings, normal and extraordinary ....... ................................................... 198 251,77
......
Concrete floor of subbasement ....................................... 9, 361. 14

Rough brickwork.........................................................39.,,678 .......................................
39, 678o80
Steel framing....,290.0......................I......... 1 13 29001
Cast plates and lintels for openings . ................................................................................... St 232. 11
Building fence, temporary office, sheds, cement house, etc ...... ...................4......................I.............. 4, 09o 34
Window frames, door jambs, etc ...................................................................................... 684.38
Drafting material, books, etc ..................4,200...-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-............................ i S20 03
Traveling expenses ............................................................................................... 1, 103. 6
A dvertising and printing ............................................................................ ................
2,347. 62
Transportation, etc ........... ........................................... 450. 56
Tools, etc ........... .......................................................... 1,707.02
Drafting expenses.................................................. ........... ....o8..... ............. .. ......... 2, 641. o8
Office force and expenses (includes salarie ofs assistants to constructor, weigh clerks, watt:lelnrn, timekeepers, etc )..
constructors, 29, 159 6
Amount paid consulting architect...........................................I................
............. I...
28, oo0. 50
Concrete and terra-cotta floor arches and centering ........................ ...................... ................ ......4,907 48
Terra-cotta partitions........................................................................ 5....................... 69.
ventilation............... .......................... 3, 464. 71
Plumbing............................................................................... ..........................
28,350. 85
Electrical work and material ........ ........................ ................ ....... 7,11327
......sc.i.
.........................e..nt......................
Incdenala. ..... . . . ......2,3.27..................................
. . . . . . ......... 6o...,.317.
. . 6o
Total expenditures ............ .4..........................
.................................. 1490,780.44
B al on hand
an ce December i, . 65,S84.01
1906 .............................................................................0............I.....
*.
Table: Principal contracts made up to Dec. 1, 1906, and balance due on open contracts, House Of ice Building

Principal contracts made up to Dec. I, I906, and balance due on open contracts, House Office Building.
Contractors. Contract Price per unit. Amount of Amount paid Balance.

awarded. contract, to date.
Stonework:
Superstructure ......... B. A. & G. N. Williams......... Mar. 28, 1905 $I, 032,1o000. 00 $657, 900o.0 $374, 100.00
Interior rotunda section. .do ..... June 2, 1906 81, 473.OO 8i, 473. 00
Excavation ................ 11rennsn Construction Co........ I July 8, 1904 44, 760. o0 44,7.00 ............
Additional excavation ..
..... 1 0 6,676.0o 6, 676. oo
under same contract.
Foundation trcnches........ ..... do '. Apr. 1, 190S $0o075 per cubic yard .... 10, 47- 56 10, 477- S6
Deep foundation work...... do ...
.'. Sept. 6, 1905 $. .. ....... ....y ..... 15, 101.00 15, 101.00
Concrete footings and foun- Ambrose B. Standard '..I Apr. 14, 1905 s.o8 per cubic yard .....
. 4,411* 80 4,411.80
dations.
Rough brickwork.......... Brennan Construction Co ....... July 6, 9o05 $3-43 per cubic yard 21
48,000 00 112, 518.07 ............
235,481.93
Laying subsoil pipe.........
Structural steelwork:
.(o ....... doAug. i6, 195SI. 4, 334- 00 2, 700. 00 1, 634.00
............
Basemenst and first floors. Anerican Bridge Co . June i6, 19o5 36, 5O00 00 36, So0 .0o ............
Second, third, and attic .do ..... ..
..
.....M24, 1906 ar. 6i, o6i. 6i, o6i. oo0
floors.
Water pipe and special cast- Central Foundry Co........... .I June 9, 1905 ........................ 4,486.68 4,486. 68
ings.
Ussiversal water pipe do.
.................... Aug. 5, 1905 1. 1,i657.54 1, 657- 54
Plumbing:
W.'rought-iron pipe. F,,1'.Keating. May 14, 1906 5,075.00 4, 110- 75 964.25z
Galvanized fittigs do ..... dso .... ... 4,234.20 3, 429. 71 804,4+9
Recessed drain fittings Crane Co. ...... .. ..do . 1, 241.61 1,005.71 ............
235.90
Metal staircases ............ Contract awarded Snead & Co. Oct. 30, 1906 41, 721.00 ............. 41,721.00j
Fireproof floor construction. RoeblitsgConstruction Co. Aug. 30, 1906 223,087.c00 1,952. :6 10, 134.84
Electrical material .......... M. Du Perow ........... Aug. 29, 19o6 7, 140 00
7, 140. 00
Cement:
12,ooo barrels, snore or Atlas Portland Cement Co....... I Fets. 1, 1905 $i.65 per barrel........ 15, 1o8.32 15, to0. 32
less.
3,400 barrels, more or ...... .....................
July 17, 1905 $iqS per barrel........ 32, 409- 33 32,409.33
less,
30,000 Isarrels ....... do. Oct. 27, 1906 fi.87 per barrel......... 18, 200.00
,............
18,200.00o
20,000 barrels ....... National Mortar Co ........... May 24, 1906 $'.9S per barrel ... 16, 984. 68 6, 984. 68
Broken stone: ............
7,500 cubic yards, more ...
.. I Fels. 1i 1905 $1.35 per cubic yard. . 13, t39- 29 13, 139.29
or less.
4,500 csibic yards, more J. 11. Bradley July 17, 1906 $i.8i per cubic yardl.
....... ..*. Its 157.99 11157.99 ............
or less.
Building sand:
sooo cubic yardl, Islore Columbia National Sand Dredg. Fel. I, 19o5 $o092 per cubic yard .. 13, o96. 23 13,o96.23
or less. isng Co.
Concrete (same as above-)... ...do ... Oct. 271, 906 ...... 7, 850- 59 7, 85o 59
Buildinsg .............. 1.....,lo ....... $1.05 .................. 3,150. 00 3, 150.00
Concrete ..... .... .do ..... .do ..... $1.05, .................. 2 1,050.00 1,050.00
Brick:
4,000,000, more or less.. Potomac Brick Co.............. Felb. 1, 1905 $8.20 per AM.......... 40, 559. 25 40, SS9. 5
3,000,ooo, more or less.. Highland JBrick Co............. Dec. J5, 195S $7-97 per M ... .. 2,0o8.38 2,018. 38 ..........
3,OO,000>, more or less I'otomac 'Brick Co
. Jan. 23o1906 $8.63 perM. .
.... 19,075.73 19075. 73
I ,0ooooo ............. ......do ...................... May 22, 10o6 $8.88 perAi... 6, 600. 04 6, 600.04
2,000,000 ............ A nacostia Brick Co........... .do .. * * * $8.63 per hi........ I 9, 351. 46 9, 351.46
S,0ooo0o .............. .do ..... .... Aug. 28, 19o6 $8.53 perMt *--. 5, 624- 36 4, 667. 62 95 .4
3000,000o, more or less. Washington Brick ansdTerraCotta Jan. 23,1906 $8.60 perMi ..... 21, 773. 41 21, 773- 41
Co. I
3,000ooo ....I S tasidard Brick Co Nov. 2t1 1906 $7.99 per A( ............
............. 18, 045.41 6, o60, 41 11, 985.00
, 788, 631. 86 1,206, 740,.71 581, 891. 15
I Completed. 2
P.stimated.
OFFICI BUILDING, HousE oF RErIRESENrAi VES,

JJ'aslington, D. C., February i5, 1907.
1-In1. J. G. CANNON,
-1011.W. 1P. FI-EIrnURN, and
H0on. J. 1). RICHARDSON,
/the Construction of ant
Commission to Supervise
Office Bulilding, H-louse of Representatives.
GEN1I.EMEN: The following appropriations will be required for the fiscal year enlting June 30, 1908,
for thle Hlouse of Representatives Office Btuilding and for the heating, lighting, and power plant for the
Capitol and other congressional buildings:
Table: HOUSE OF ICE BUILDING
Table: [No Caption]

HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING.
Limit of cost .................................. $3, soo, 000
Total amount appropriated on building to date ...................................,.o.o,ooo
Balance to be appropriated ................................... 1 05o, oo
As the program now laid down arranges for the completion of this building in time for occupancy by
the Sixtieth Congress, the full amount of the balance unappropriated is therefore asked for. Detailed
statements, expenditures, balance on hand, etc., are to be found in the attached formal report, being the
last submitted to the commission under date of December I, i906, which I respectfully ask may be printed
for the information of the House.
FURNISHING HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING.
In conjunction with the Chief Clerk of the House, I have formulated an estimate for the cost of furnishing
the House Office Building, and respectfully suggest that this matter be immediately taken up in order that
the furniture may be ready in time for the occupancy of the building.
A most conservative estimate for the furniture of one office room calls for an amount of $700.50, or,
for 40o rooms, a total amount of $280,200; for the caucus rooms and adjacent rooms, $7,000; for the
kitchen equipment ($9,2oo) and the necessary furniture for the restaurant ($4,IOO), $13,300, making a total
or all items of $300,500,
HEATING, LIGHTING, AND POWER PLANT.
As this power plant, including all lines of transmission an(d subway construction, is expected to I)e
complete on or before June 30, i908, it is required that the total amount of the limit of cost therefor be
provided by appropriation, less amount already appropriated.
Limit of cost, including subways ......................... ,,730, 000
Total amount appropriated to date ....0.................... 93oo
Balance to be appropriated ....................... I 237, coo
Very respectfully,
ELLIOi-r WOODS,
Superintendent United States Capitol Building anrd Grounds.
FEBRUARY I6, 1907.
At an informal meeting of the commission of the House of Representatives appointed to supervise
the construction of an office building therefor held this day-present, J. G, Cannon an(l William P. IIep-
burn-consideration was given to the estimates submitted by the Superintendent of the Capitol relating to
the services required for the care and maintenance of the office building for the House of Representatives
and for the heating, lighting, and power plant, and it was decided to recommend an appropriation in lump
sum of $30,000 for the temporary care and maintenance of the House Office Building, with the purpose in
view of finally determining by actual experience the requisite number of employees required and-the
compensation in connection therewith.
Ihe estimates for completion of the House Office Building, $1,050,0oo, and for completion of heating,
lighting, and power plant, $I,237,000, within the respective authorized limits of cost, and of $300,500 for
furnishing the House Office Building, all submitted and recommended by Elliott Woods, the superintendent
of construction, were approved by the commission an(l referred to the Comluittee on Appropriations, with
the request that appropriations l)e recommended therefor in the sundry civil appropriation bill for 1908.
Housi, OF REPRESENTrArIvEs,
Jfashington, D. C., Marchi 3, I907.
The commission met this (lay at 2 o'clock p. m. in the Speaker's room.
Present, Joseph G. Cannon, of Illinois, chairman, and W. P'. Hepburn, of Iowa.
There appeared before the commission Mr. F. W. Gay, representing the J. G. White Co. (Inc.),
consulting engineers, and Mr. Elliott Woods, Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds;
whereupon the proceedings following were had.
..
Mr. Woods, the superintendent, presented to the commission the following tabulation of bids received
for boilers
Heating, lighting, and power plant, United States Capitol and Congressional buildings-bids opened Feb. 28, 1907, for boilers,
superheaters, and stokers.
SCHEDULE OF PRINCIPAL BIDS, AS CALLED FOR IN SPECIFICATIONS.
Amount
Name of bidder. of prin- Name of boiler. Name of stoker.
cipal
bid.
'. Atlas Engine Works, Indiar apolis, Ind ................................. $97, 902 Atlas Water Tube ....................... Roney overfeed.
2. The Babcock & Wilcox Co., New York, N. Y ......................... 134, 926 Stirling ................................. Do.
3. Mosher Water Tube Boiler Co., BBroadway, New York, N. Y ........... 163, 300 Mosher Water Tube ..................... Do.
4. The Babcock & Wilcox Co., New York, N. Y ......................... 164, 800 Babcock & Wilcox..................... Do.
S. The Edgemoor Iron Co., Edgernoor, Del............................... 172, 436 Edgemoor ........ Do.
6. The Heine Safety Boiler Co., Pennsylvania Building, Philadelphia, Pa..... 173, 300 Heine Safety Water Tube ................. Do.
7. The Rust Boiler Co., Pittsburg, Pa ...... .......................... 197,000 Rust Vertical Water Tube................ Do.
SCHEDULE OF ALTERNATE BIDS (A, B, AND C) CALLED FOR IN SPECIFICATIONS, USING THE SAME BOILERS AND SUPERHEATERS AS
IN PRINCIPAL BIDS BUT OTHER STOKERS.
Alternate
bids on
Alternate bids on overfeed stokers. under-
Amount feed
Name of bidder. of prin- stokers.
cipal
b id
Murphy Wetzel Ross Wilkin- Jones

5015
stokers. stokers. stokers. stokers. stokers.
t.Atlas Engine Works, Indianapolis, Itid........................................ $97, 901 $98, 362 .......... ....... ...
$104, 710
2. Tle Babcock & Wilcox Co., New York-, N. Y.................................... 134, 926 ....... 1 ...... .. ..143,450
3. Mosher Water Tube Bailer Co., I Broadway, New York, N. Y .................... 163,300.~~~~~39
. 63, 300 .......,,,
..........
0
....,,,,.....,
4. The Babcock & Wilcox Co., New York, N. Y .................................... 164 800 .......... 68, ooo 169, 0o. .......... 173 400
S. The Edgemoor Iron Co., Edgetnoor, Del ........................................ 1722436 |.......... 172, 100
177, 200
6. The Ileiine Safety Boiler Co., Peinnsylvania Building, Philadelphia, Pa.............. .173,300o $I74, 6
7. The Rust Boiler Co., Pittsburg, Pla ............................................. 17.
31)
I97 000
73, o ... ............ .........
197, 5°°
..........
200,000
Alter-
Ila te
bids ott
Alternate bids ott chain grate stokers.
Amount under-
Name of bidder. of prin- feed Superheater.
.
cipal bid. stokers.
American American Mlacken Green Pla ford

atoakers. stokers. stokers. I smokers. stlokers .
..Atlas Engine Works, Indianapolis, Ind..................... 97, 901 I......... $100, 270 ... . ..........
. .. .I. .I...
Foster.
2. The Babcock & Wilcox Co., New York, N. Y . ............... 134, 9i6 .......... .. Stirling.
3. Mosher WaterTube BoilerCo., BBroadway, New York, N. Y.. 163, 300 j; 62, too . ..........
164, 4.
......
Moslier.
9.
4. The Babcock & Wilcox Co., New York, N. Y ................ 164, 800 .......I.. ..........$1 . . . .I... ..
Babcock & Wilcox.
S. The Edgeinoor Iron Co., F.dgemoor, Del .................... 172, 436 I....I...... $ q,6 o .......... Foster.
6. The Ileine Safety J3oiler Co., Iennsylvania Building, Philadel. 173, 300 . ... .... .. .........
...........
....$177, 900 Do.
phia, IPa.
7. The Rust Boiler(Co., Pittsburg, Pa......................... 197, ooo ..
$199, 5c o 1)o
ALT'rERNA'E BIDS IN Al)l)ITION TO 'T'HIOSE CALLED) FOR IN THE SPECIFICATIONS.
N itult of htidderr. Namle ojf bo~iler. Name of stoker. Name of

of Ibidl. superheater.
.._ .
1).AtIas Engine. Works, Indianaliolis, Ind.......................... 97, 960 Atlas WaterTouc............. American underfeed ..... Foster.
98, 670 ...Ido. ............ Wilkinson overfeed ...... I)o.
D, ................................................... 503, 940 .....do ... grate o....... Green chait Do
G!
O.
1)fX
I~o. .... .
..
98, 750 do ..
..... Ross overfeed ...........
...........
Do.
98, °S0 ..do
..... Wettel overfeed ......... Do.
.
..
I. .. 102, 750 .. Detroit overfeed.
....do ........ o.
Police Superintetident United States Capitol Buildiog and Groutids, March 1)1907.
Mr. CANNON. The amount of the principal bid on the first is $97,902. Atlas water-tube boiler, Roney
stoker; the next is $I34,926, Stirling, Roney stoker; next, $163,300, is the Mosher water-tube boiler; next,
$i64,80o, is the Babcock & Wilcox; next, $172,436, Edge Moor; next, $173,300, Heine safety water tube;
next, $173,300, Rust vertical water tube. Those were the bids that were called for?
Mr. WOODS. Those are the principal bids.
Mr. CANNON. When you got those you got what you are ready to make your recommendation about?
Mr. CANNON. What is your recommendation?
Mr. GAY. It seems to me, Mr. Speaker, on the face of it, that there is only one thing to do. We had
a meeting of our engineers before I left home to get a consensus of opinion, and the consensus of opinion
was this: First, we issued a set of specifications which we knew would make a workable outfit; second,
there is a clause in the specifications which provides that this boiler does not need to be accepted by the
Government unless it conforms in the most minute detail to that specification and inspected by our
inspector, who will be present at the plant to watch it while it is being built; third, the specification
requires that every part of this boiler which is under pressure, when shipped from the works of the manu-
facturer, shall be accompanied by a certificate of inspection and insurance by the insurance company.
They can not get away from the specifications in the millwork. Therefore any man who bids on this is
bidding on what we ask him for, and I think the prices speak for themselves.
Mr. HEPBURN. Then you mean to say that the Atlas Engine Works' bid, at $97,902, is the bid that
ought to be accepted ?
Mr. GAY. I do not see why not. They all bid on the same specifications. They will all have to be
subject to the same inspection and test, and there is not the slightest chance for any deviation.
Mr. CANNON. That makes a short horse of it.
Mr. WOODS. I would suggest, Mr. Gay, that you bring forth that question of the operation. I think
that is important.
Mr. GAY. Our specifications require that they shall have a man on the ground for two years to watch
the operation of these boilers.
Mr. CANNON. That the contractor shall ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes; and it seems to me it does not make any difference who gets it. In any event,
we should insist on his employing all the mnn necessary to do that. That is, we should let him select his
tenders and water stokers, so that they can do what he wants.
Mr. CANNON. You mean so that they would be friendly ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. All that can be done under your bidding?
Mr. WOODS. Yes; except that I want authority from the commission to make that stipulation a part
of the contract.
Mr. CANNON. Will you pay them or will he pay then ?
Mr. WOODS. I will pay them.
Mr. CANNON. You will make it a part of the contract that they shall operate this boiler plant ?
Mr. WooDs. Yes; that they shall operate the plant, and I will pay the standard wages, and that will
prevent anybody from accusing anybody else of unfriendliness; and I wish that I shall be authorized to
make the contract that way.
Mr. CANNON. You advertised that way?
Mr. Woois. No. We had provision for one representative for a period of two months or a year, or
whatever would be necessary up to two years.
Mr. GAY. We are extending to him just a little further courtesy, to give him a chance under every
condition.
Mr. WOODS. I think it is the best thing for the Government to do. The contract calls for a two-year
guarantee period. We will pay the salaries, and it costs him nothing; but he is responsible if the plant
breaks down, and whether it holds up or breaks down he either makes or breaks himself.
Mr. HEPBURN. It does not increase the cost ?
Mr. WOODS. Not a bit. I will pay the salaries, the same as my own men.
Mr. HEPBURN. It takes the management of the plant out of your jurisdiction ?
Mr. WooDs. No; he simply operates this boiler room in his own way and furnishes us with our
supply just the same.
Mr. CANNON. That is to say, so many stokers and this and that and the other--they would operate
your boiler room, whoever gets this contract ?
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. CANNON. Now, you contract for this on a two-year operation, and now your proposal is to avoid
all criticism, excuses, or anything else by providing that whoever gets this contract shall select his own
stokers to run the boiler room-his own employees to run the boiler room-and you put them on your
pay roll just as your own employees at current wages ?
Mr. WOODS. Exactly.
Mr. CANNON. And if he breaks down within two years he has nobody to come back on ?
Mr. WOODS. That is it.
Mr. HEPBURN. His bond covers that ?
Mr. GAY. Yes, sir.
Mr. WOODS. YOU see, I provided that same thing for the individual in the case of the electrical
equipment, so as to avoid any afterclap.
I think this proposition made by the J. G. White Co. one of the fairest that I ever heard of, coming
from an engineering firm, an(l I am heartily in accord with it.
M r. CANNON. What do you say, Colonel ?
Mr. I-IEIPBURN. Aye.
Mr. CANNON. Aye, also; the bi(l is accepted, with authority to make the contract you speak of.
Mr. WOODS. Yes.
Mr. HEPBURN. Another thing, Mr. Speaker, I want to go away this spring, to be gone for about six
weeks, beginning about the ist of April and extending until about the i5th of May.
Mr. CANNON. I go away to-morrowv night to the West Indies, to be gone about a month.
Mr. GAY. We will extend the time when we shall need to report to you again until the ioth of April.
Mr. CANNON. I shall probably get back by the ioth of April.
Mr. WooDs. Of course I can not have the subway out, but that will not require your attention. It
will be a case of lowest bid--a case just like this. I can reach you perhaps by telegraph in case it comes
at an inopportune time for the Colonel.
Mr. I-HEPBURN. I shall not leave here before the ist of April, but I can come back at any time that I
anm needed.
Mr. WOOnS. You will be back when, Mr. Speaker?
Mr. CANNON. I think I shall be gone a full month. But can you not get ready and work up now as
near to the ist of April as possible ?
Mr. GAY. We can make it absolutely the ist of April in order to be ready for the Speaker.
Mr. Wooins. Then, Colonel, if you remain here a day or two longer you will not have to come back
again.
Mr. CANNON, I will come back as near the Ist of April as I can.
Mr. HLEPBURN. If you should think of it, along about the last of this month, and would wire me here
when you come, I would make my arrangements so as to meet your convenience.
Mr. WOODS, I understand the stokers will be left to thel discretion of the engineer and the superin-
tendent ? The modification of the proposition will not amount to more than a few hundred dollars either
way.
Mr. CANNON. Yes.
Mr. HEPBURN. I move that we adjourn.
Mr. CANNON. Very well. This meeting of the commission stands adjourned.
T hereupon, at 2.i8 o'clock p. in., the commission adjourned
MARCH 19, 1908.
At an informal meeting of the commission held this day, present Mr. Cannon and Mr. Hepburn, the
question of liability of the Washington Terminal Co. to the United States for the sum of $1o9,67i.16
expended, as reported, by Elliott Woods, superintendent of construction, under instructions from the
commission in their letter of February 3, 1905, to make sure the footings and foundations of the office
building in order to assure the safe and convenient use of square 690 as a site for said building and required
to be done because of the presence and manner of construction of the railroad tunnel of said company
through the said square, was considered and it was determined to submit the matter to the Attorney General
with the request that unless convinced, after careful consideration of all the premises, that the Government
has no right of action, to cause suit to be instituted and prosecuted against the Washington Terminal Co.
for the recovery in behalf of the United States of said sum of $io9,671.I6.
The following letter and enclosures, in accordance with the foregoing action of the commission, was
addressed and sent to the Attorney General:
MARCH I9, I908.
Hon. CHARLES J. BONAPARTE,
Attorney General.
SIR: We have the honor to hand you herewith:
Copy of the law which authorized the acquisition of square 690 in Washington for a site for an office
building for the House of Representatives.
Copy of the law which authorized the Washington Terminal Co. to construct a tunnel through said
square 690.
Copy of the minutes of the Commission to Supervise and Direct Construction of Office Building for
the House of Representatives, showing their contention and action with reference to increased cost of
foundation for said office building incident to construction of a tunnel through said square 690.
Copy of letter from Elliott Woods, superintendent of construction of said office building, stating extraor-
dinary expenses incurred for foundation for the building on account of the existence of the said tunnel.
And we beg to request in behalf of the commission that you will, after careful consideration of all the
premises, unless convinced that the Government has no right of action against the Washington Terminal
Co., cause suit to be instituted and prosecuted to recover in behalf of the United States the sum of $io9,67i.i6,
which is stated by Elliott Woods, superintendent of construction of said office building, to have been expended
"to make sure the footings and foundations of the office building for the House of Representatives, in order
to assure the safe and convenient use of square 690, in the city of Washington, as a site for said building,
required to be done because of the presence and manner of construction of the railroad tunnel of the WAash-
ington Terminal Co. through a portion of said square 690."
Please acknowledge receipt of this letter with its stated enclosures, and as soon as may be practicable
advise us of your conclusions and action with reference thereto.
Very respectfully,
J. G. CANNON,
W. P. HEPBURN,
Commission to Supervise and Direct Construction of
JAMES C. CouRTS, Secretary.
Authority to acquire square 69o, for a site for the office building (sundry civil act, fiscal year 1904, Stat. I,., vol. 32, p. 1113).
lfo acquire a site for, and toward the construction of, a fireproof building for committee rooms, folding
room and other offices for the House of Representatives, and for necessary office rooms for Members
thereof, to be erected on one of the squares bounded by B Street south, C Street south, First Street cast
and First Street west, as the commission hereinafter provided shall determine, seven hundred and fifty
thousand dollars; and said building shall be constructed substantially according to the plans prepared
under the provisions of an Act of Congress approved March third, nineteen hundred and one, with such
modifications as may be found necessary or advantageous, and at a cost, exclusive of site, not to exceed
three million one hundred thousand dollars, for any part or all of which sum contracts are authorized to
be entered into. Said construction and letting of contracts, including the employment of all necessary
skilled and other services, shall be under the control of the Superintendent of the Capitol Building and
Grounds, subject to the direction and supervision of a commission, which is hereby created, to be composed
of three Members-elect to the House of Representatives of the Fifty-eighth Congress to be appointed by
the Speaker of the Fifty-seventh Congress; vacancies occurring, by resignation or otherwise, in the mem-
bership of said commission shall be filled by succeeding Speakers of the House. The commission herein
authorized shall, within thirty days after their appointment, determine which of the squares above described
shall be acquired and used for a site for the building herein provided for, and shall notify the Secretary of
the Interior in writing of their determination, whereupon the Secretary of the Interior shall, within thirty
days after the receipt of such notice, proceed in the manner prescribed for providing a site for an addition
to the Government Printing Office in so much of the act approved July first, eighteen hundred and ninety-
eight, as is set forth on pages six hundred and forty-eight and six hundred and forty-nine of volume thirty
of the Statutes at Large, to acquire the square so determined upon; and for the purposes of such acquisition
the Secretary of the Interior shall have and exercise all the powers conferred upon the Public Printer in
said act.
Authority for IJashington Terminal Co. to construct tunnel through square 690 (sundry civil act, fiscal year 1905, Stat. L., vol. 33,
P. 480).
Upon payment into the Treasury of the United States by The Washington Terminal Company of the
SUM of forty thouLsand dollars, and the undertaking of said company at its expense to construct and maintain
a siding fromt a connection with the tracks of the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington Railroad Coin-
pal)ly to a heat, light, and power building intended to be established and maintained at a point on Govern-
ment Reservation numbered seventeen, near the line of New Jersey Avenue extended, in connection with
an(l appurtenant to the fireproof building for committee rooms, folding room, and other offices for the
I-louse of Representatives, authorized by act of Congress approved March third, nineteen hundred and
approved February twenty-eighth, nineteen hundred and three, entitled "An act to provide for a union
in a tunnel, which
shall be constructed in suhel manner and of such structural strength as to assure the safe
and convenient use of said square six hundred and ninety for the purposes of said building site, in accordance
with plan of construction to be approved in duplicate original by the Superintendent of the United States
Capitol Building and Grounds, and also by the chief engineer of the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Wash-
ingtonl Railroad Company, and one of such duplicates shall be filed with said superintendent and the other
delivered to said The Washington Terminal Company.
lctlao of the coinniission %vith reference to increased cost of foundation for office building, incident to construction of a tunnel through
square 690.
r * eg ~~~~~~~~~~~~MONDAY,
January 23, 1905.
All of the members were present.
Mr. 'Elliott Woods, superintendent of construction, laid before the commission the following
JANUARY 6, 1905.
WILLIAM H. BROWN,
House Office Building, particularly those which are involved by the presence and construction connected
with the Pennsylvania Railway tunnel through square 690.
In accordance with the terms of the sundry civil act approved April 28, i904, and with the hearings
the tunnel and on the lines of the building running adjacent thereto the necessary security for the con-
presence of the said tunnel, and in accordance with the additional plans to be agreed upon under the terms
of said act.
The progress of the construction of the tunnel, the disclosure of the nature of the soil, and the con-
ditions adjacent to the tunnel have been sufficient for this office to formulate tentative schemes which will,
we believe, secure the necessary safety to the normal footings of the building. These are herewith pre-
sented tentatively for your consideration and discussion. I respectfully ask that this matter be taken up
at once, in order that construction of our footings may proceed at the earliest possible moment.
I write this letter by authority and by direction of the House Commission.
Blue prints and copy of the act referred to are herewith transmitted.
Very respectfully, ELLIorr WOODS,
JANUARY 19, 1905.
DEAR SIR: On January 6, 1905, I wrote you a letter transmitting blue prints, etc., all relating to
certain work in connection with the foundation of the House Office Building, as they relate to the tunnel
construction in square 690.
Having received no answer and fearing the letter may have gone astray, I inclose you herewith a
copy, and in case you desire, will send you duplicate blue prints.
Very respectfully, E.i.io-rr Woons,
Superintendent United States Capitol Building and (Grounds.
JANUARY 20, 1905.
Mr. Exiomr WOODS,
Superintendent United States Capitol Building and Grounds,
Fashington, D. C.
DEAR SIR: I have your letter of the i9th instant, inclosing a copy of your letter of January 6.
As I understand your letter, you expect us to build the foundations for your house outside of the
tunnel, This we can not consent to do. We have already spent more than twice as much money
reenforcing the tunnel as we promised to do at first. Our original proposition, which was accel)te(l, wvas
to build you a siding from New Jersey Avenue and 1) Street into the basement of the new building for the
House of Representatives on block 690 and to reenforce the south wall of the tunnel, so that you could
set the corner of your building upon it. You then changedl the plan of the building to cover the whole
lot, and asked for certain reenforcements of the tunnel and inverts to the arches, which has cost uts a great
deal more money than the original estimate.
We can not see our way clear to spend any money outside of the outside wall of our tunnel.
Respectfully, WM. H. BROWN, Chief Engineer.
After consideration of the foregoing it was, on motion of Mr. Hepburn, ordered that a letter be
directed to A. J. Cassatt, Esq., president of the Washington Terminal Co., and copies thereof be sent to
the president, chief engineer, and general counsel of the Pennsylvania Railroad Co., a copy of which
follows:
JANUARY 23, 1905.
The WASIIINCTON IFRMINAL CO.,
Jashbigton, D. C.
GENTLEMIEN: We call your attention to the act making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of
the Government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1905, and for other purposes, approved April 28, 1904,
especially to that portion of it (copy inclosed) to be found on page 480 of volume 33, United States
Statutes at Large.
In proceeding with the construction of the tunnel referred to in said act, we are informed by the
Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds, Mr. Elliott Woods, that it is necessary for certain
construction to be made upon each side of the tunnel passing through square 690 to insure the safe and
convenient use of said square for the purposes of the office-building site, and that the necessity for such
construction arises from the presence and manner of construction of your tunnel through said block,
Mr. Woods is fortified in this view by the most competent expert engineering services. By the letter and
the spirit of the law we are clear that this work is to be done by and at the expense of the Washington
Terminal Co.
We instructed the Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds to communicate with the
chief engineer of the Philadelphia, Baltimore & Washington Railroad Co. touching the premises. He
proceedl(l to (lo so by letter of the 6th of January, instant (copy inclosed).
Not receiving a reply to the letter, the Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds, on the
i9th of January, instant, aldlresse(I Mr. Brown another letter (copy inclosed). Mr. Brown, under (late
of January 2.o, rel)lied by letter (copy inclosed).
Mr. Brown's letter ignores thle law, and seemingly manifests an indisposition to act in accordance
wvith the request an(l suggestions of Mr. Woods. Trhe Superintendent of the Capitol Building and
Grounds desires to progress with the work of construction of the office building onl block 690 and can not
(do so until you comply with the law inl question. We ask you to proceed at once to a compliance with
the agreement in letter alnd substance contemplated by the law,
There Nvill not be upon our putt, anld we trust there will not be U1po1 your part, any disposition to
j)rocrlastinate or evadle the letter or the spirit of the lawv There is, in our judgment, no room for miSuin-
derstandling. The lawv sj)eaks for itself, The notes of a consultation held on the 2tli of March, 1904,
between Mr. Massey, waho, wve believe, is the genCral solicitor for the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. and we
stipp)os to Ibe also legal adviser and representative of the Washington Terminal Co., and the undersigned
Commissioners, which consultations led to the enactment of the law of April 28, 1904, shows that the
construction we give to the act is thle construction contemplated by both parties at the time the law was
enacted.
Tlhe pr'eseilce and construction of your tunnel through said square 690 has already caused delay in the
prosecCution1 of the construction of the office building for the use of the 1-louse of Representatives, causing
restudlics of and changes in the building pllanS. Of this delay the commission l ave been reasonably
tolerant. We therefore request that you will give this matter prompt attention, thus avoiding further and
unnecessary delay in the construction of said building.
We have sent copy of this communication to the president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. and to
Mr. W. I-I. Brown, chief engineer of that railroad, as well as of the Philadelphia, Baltimore & Washington
Railroad Co., and also to Mr. Massey, solicitor of the Pennsylvania Railroad Co.
With respect, etc., yours, truly, J. G. CANNON,
W. P. HEPBURN,
Commnission to Supervise and Direct Construction of
'n D21ji. L. Ad-
'l * ,
[Extract from p. 480, vol. 33, U. S. Stat. L.]
Upon payment into the Treasury of the United States by the Washington Terminal Company of the
sum of forty thousand dollars, and the undertaking of said company at its expense to construct and maintain
a siding from a connection with the tracks of the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington Railroad Com-
pany to a heat, light, and power building intended to be established and maintained at a point on Govern-
ment Reservation numbered seventeen, near the line of New Jersey Avenue extended, in connection with
and appurtenant to the fireproof building for committee rooms, folding room, and other offices for the
House of Representatives, authorized by act of Congress approved March third, nineteen hundred and
approved February twenty-eight, nineteen hundred and three, entitled "An act to provide for a union
accordance with plan of construction to be approved inl duplicate original by the Superintendent of the
United States Capitol Building and Grounds, and also by the chief engineer of the Philadelphia, Baltimore
and Washington Railroad Company, and one of such duplicates shall be filed with said superintendent
and the other delivered to said Tihe Washington Terminal Company. (Sundry civil appropriations bill.)
JANUARY 6, 1905.
WILLJIAM 11 BROWN,
House Office Building, particularly those which arc involved by the prcsecec and Construction connected
with the Pennsylvania Railway tunnel through square 690.
In accordance with the terms of the sundry civil act approved April 28, I904, and with the hearings
the tunnel and on the lines of the building running adjacent thereto, the necessary security for the conl-
struction of the normal lines of footings of said building in so far as sail construction is affected by the
presence of the sai(l tunnel, and in accordance with the additional plans to be agreed upon under the terms
of said act.
The progress of the construction of the tunnel, the disclosure of the nature of the soil, and the conditions
adjacent to the tunnel have been sufficient for this office to formulate tentative schemes which will, we
believe, secure the necessary safety to the normal footings of the building. These are herewith presente(l
tentatively for your consideration and discussion. I respectfully ask that this matter be taken up at once,
in order that construction of our footings may proceed at the earliest possible moment.
I write this letter by authority and direction of the House Commission.
Blue prints and copy of the act referred to are herewith transmitted.
Very respectfully,
EI.Iio'rr Woorss,
82020'-12---"
254 REP'ORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION
JANUARY 19, 1905.
Mr. WILLIAM H1. BROWN,
I)EAR SIR: On January 6, 1905, I wrotc you a letter transmitting blue prints, etc., all relating to certain
work in connection with the foundation of the House Office Building, as they relate to the tunnel con-
struction in square 690.
Having received no answer, and fearing the letter may have gone astray, I inclose you herewvith a
copy, and in case you desire, will send you duplicate blue prints.
Very respectfully,
ELLIOTt1 Woons,
JANUARY 20, 1905.

Mr. ELLIOTT WOODS,
Superintendent U. S. Capitol Building and Grounds, Wrashington, D. C.
DEAR SIR: I have your letter of the I9th instant, enclosing a copy of your letter of January 6.
As I understand your letter, you expect us to build the foundations for your house outside of the tunnel.
This we can not consent to (1o. We have already spent more than twice as much money reenforcing the
tunnel as we promised to (1o at first. Our original proposition, which was accepte(l, was to build you a
siding fromt New Jersey Avenue and 1) Street into thel)easecent of the new building for the Ilouse of
Representatives on block 690 and to reinforce tile south wall of tile tunnel, so that you could set the corner
of your building upon it. You then changed the plan of the building to cover the whole lot and asked for
certain rcenforccments of tile tuntiel and inverts to tile arches, which has cost us a great deal more illoney
than thle original estimate.
We can not see our wvay clear to spend any money outside of the outside wall of our tunnel.
Respectfully,
WM . H-l. BROWN,
Chief Engineer.
Thereupon the commission a(ljou rued.
SATUrRDAY, JANUARY 28, 1905.

Tile commission met in the office of the Speaker.
All of the members wvere plresCnt, together with Ion, J. C.( McRcynolds, Assistant Attorney General
of the United States.
The chairman laid before the commission the following letter fromt A. J. Cassatt, Esq., president of
tlhe Washington Terminal Co.:
TI111 WASIIING'rON TERMINAL CO.,
OFFICE OF TVIlE PRESIDENT,
Philadelphia, January 25, 1905.
GE.NTILEMEN: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 23d instant, addressed to the Washington
Terminal Co., and to assure you that this company has no disposition to evade any of its obligations under
the agreement as set forth in the shorthand notes of the conference between Mr. Massey, Mr. Brown, and
yourselves, and as Sull)secuently embodied in the sundry civil bill, which provides that--
"rThe tunnel shall be constructe(l in such malner and of such structural strength as to assure the safe
and convenient use of sai(l square 690 for the purposes of sai(l building site, in accordance with plan of
construction to be approved in duplicate original by the Superintendent of the United States Capitol
Building and Grounds, and also by the chief engineer of the Philadelphia, Baltimore & Washington
Railroad Co."
The tunnel has been so constructed and in conformity with plans duly approved as provided in the
agreement, and there is nothing to prevent the immediate prosecution of the work of constructing the
building.
The question now arising is not one covered by the contract. It is this: Mr. Woods, claims that
owing to the building of the tunnel the earth on either side was so disturbed as to make it necessary to go
to a greater depth for the foundations of your building than would otherwise have been required. This
is an engineering question about which Mr. Brown, our chief engineer, differs from Mr. Woods, as lhe
believes that in any case your foundations would have had to be at the same depth as now proposed, owing
to the nature of the material; but, admitting that Mr. Woods is right, we are unable to discover how, by
any either literal or fair construction of the contract, any obligation devolves upon this company to do any
part of this work or contribute to the cost thereof.
Yours, truly, A. J. CASSArT,
President.
Hon. J. G. CANNON,
Hon. W. P. HEPBURN,
Commission, Office Building, House of Representatives,
JXashington, D. C.
After consideration of which letter, it was, on motion of Mr. Richardson, ordered that a letter be
directed to A, J. Cassatt, president of the Washington Terminal Co., a copy of which follows:
HOUSE OF REIPRESE.NTATIVES,
Washington, D. C., January 28, 1905,
A. J. CASSATrr, Esq.,
President Washington 7'erminial Co., Philadelphia, Pa.
DEAR SiR: We beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the z5th instant, in reply to our letter of
the 23d instant, and its inclosures, concerning the necessity of certain extraordinary construction (leemc(l
to be requisite in order to secure the foundations of the I-louse of Representatives Office Building, which
is now in the course of construction in square 690 in the city of Washington, D. C.
The commission, after mature consideration of the whole subject, including tile plain intent, as we
construe it, of the law of April 28, 1904, tile opinions of expert engineers (copies inclosed), as well as the
attitude assumed by your company in your letters, are still of the opinion that the increased cost should be
l)orne by your company of making all necessary concrete or masonry construction thart may be require(l in
order to secure the normal footings and foundations of the building in question that are contiguous to and
endangered by the presence of your tunnel and the manner of its construction,
Unless you will reconsider your conclusions communicated to us ill your said letter of the 2.5th illstanlt
and will un(lertake to (lo said construction or assume to bear its cost when (lonel by the United States, we
shall, in order to avoid further delay in the erection of the building in (luestien, direct our superinten(ent,
Mr. Elliott Woods, to proceed forthwith to the execution of the work that ve believe should be done by
your company and at its cost, in which event we shall be constrained to endeavor, through proper channels,
to recover from the Washington Terminal Co., for the United States, a sum equal to all necessary expenses
thus incurred.
We respectfully request that you will acknowledge the receipt of this letter and advise us whether you
still adhere to the conclusions communicated to us in your letter of the 2.5th instant.
Very respectfully,
J. G. CANNON,
W. 1'.HEPBURN,
JAMES 1). RICIHAR1)SON,
Commission to Direct and Supervise Construction of
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT,
UNITED STATES CAPITOL, BUILDING AND GROUNDS,
Washington, D. C., January 28, I905.
Mr. ELLIOrr' WOODS,
SIR: Referring to your verbal instructions of yesterday, I have the honor to make the following state-
ment as to the probable construction of foundations for the Office Building, House of Representatives, had
there been no tunnel through the square.
I can state that the bottom of normal footings all around the building would have been only about
4 feet 8 inches belowv the subbasement floor, the same as proposed for all the work except where the ground
has been (listurbeci by the tunnel construction,
So far as the general excavation, trench excavation, the borings, and two loading tests have disclosed
beyond the area affected by the tunnel, the subsoil at the above-nieltioned depth is perfectly satisfactory
for the normal foundation.
lThe ground under southeast corner of building beyond tunnel has been excavated and can now be
seen, and must certainly be classed as good soil. The only reason wlhy it is necessary to use concrete piles
at this place is that the soil has been ldisturbed.
I have no doubl)t that normal footings would have been used on the First Street side of the building.
Of course, it is possible that a few soft spots of small area might be discovered on the First Street side, but
these would not change the character of the footings, nor would they appreciably increase the expense.
Very respectfully,
F. L. AVIRILL,
Consulting Structural Engineer.
OFl'FICE OF SUPERINTE-rNDR NT,
Mr. EI~moi-r Wooms, Washingtotn, D. C., January 28, 1905.
Di,,ARt Sim: Ill reference to the construction of the foundation for the House Office Building, had there
been no tunnel through square, I caln state that from the character of the soil developed by the general
excavation, as vell as tile excavation at the corner of First and C Streets, prove conclusively that thle bottom
of the normal footings of the building could have been safely kept at the present (lepth of j feet 8 inches
below the subbaseimlet floor, the same as contemplated for all foundations except where the ground has
been disturbed next to the exterior walls of tunnel. The test that has been made outside of the area occu-
piedb)hy the tunnel has been satisfactory, andl proves conclusively that the present soil without reenforcement
is amply sticicient to carry the load require(l b)) the building.
Respectfully, S. S. I1IUNr.
Thereupon the comi-nission a(ljourne(l.
T11-E WASHINGTON TlERMINAL CO.,
OFIrICI, OF TlE1., PRESIDENT,
Philadelphiad,February 2, 1905.
DEAR SIRS: Your valued favor of the 28th ultimio, referring to the obligations devolved by the Federal
statute upon the Washington terminal Co. in the construction of its railroad through square 690, has been
given respectful an(l careful consideration.
In reply I beg to say that, believing thle Washington Terminal Co. to have fully compiled with its duty
an(l obligation as prescribe(l by the statute, the company will be constrained to adhere to the conclusion
expresse(l in my communication of the 25th ultimio, an(l while the differences existing between your hon-
orable commission and the company's officers respecting the interpretation of the statute are from the
company's standpoint to be regretted, it can interpose no objection to the course of procedure outlined in
your letter, and if the ultimate judicial determination of the question be adverse to the company's conten-
tion, it must gracefully accept the consequences.
Yours, very truly, A. J. CASSArTT, President.
Hon. J. G. CANNON,
Hon. W. P. HEPBURN,
Commission, Office Building, House of Representatives,
Washington, D. C.
Washington, D. C., February 3, 1905.
Mr. ELLIOTT WOODS,
Superintendent of Construction,
House of Representatives Office Building:
You are hereby instructed to proceed with the construction of all necessary concrete, masonry, piling,
or other work that in your judgment is required to make secure the footings and foundations of the Office
Building for the House of Representatives, in order to assure the safe and convenient use of square 690 in
the city of Washington as a site for said building, keeping an exact account of all expenditures incurred
for any and all such work that is required to be done because of the presence and manner of construction
of the railroad tunnel of the Washington Terminal Co. through a portion of said square 690, and showing
separately the proportion of said expenditures incurred within the building lines of said square on account
of the presence therein of said tunnel as well as'the proportion thereof incurred outside of said building lines.
Very respectfully,
J. G. CANNON,
W. P. HEPBURN,
Cotnmmission to Direct and Supervise' Construction of
MARCH 6, I905.
At a meeting of the commission to supervise the construction of an office building for the House of
Representatives, held in the Speaker's room, at which Messrs. Cannon and Hcpl)urn were present, the
Superintendent of the United States Capitol Building and Grounds prCsented to the commission the qiucs-
tion of the del) foundations on and aljacent to the railwvay tunnel in square 690 an(l suggested the inadvis-
ability of attempting to proceed with this work for the whole, under contract, due to the fact that until the
work developed the quality of the soil and procee(lings to take anly contract let for the same as a vholc
would be sl) bject to many revisions, and that if so stipulated in the specifications a very high price would
no doubl)t be obtained for the work.
'Tlie superintendent was therefore authorized to proceed with this plarticlllar section of the work, tinder
favorahlc terms to be secured from contractors, said terms to be based uo)oln the proposition that the Gov-
ernnment would furnish all material required, or as much thereof as possible, and that the contractor would
furnish appliances and skilled operators and receive rental for the said appliances at a rate per diemi only
when in actual service, and that the contractor should receive in addition to this rental the cost of his
skilled labor plus not more than i5 per cent for his superintendence and use of minor tools.
MARCI[ 8, 1905.
There was an informal meeting of the commission this day at which there were present Messrs. Cannon
an(l Hepburn.
At the suggestion of Mr. Woods, superintendent of construction, they visited the building site and
viewed the condition of the construction of the railroad tunnel through the southeast corner thereof. Thle
question of proceeding with the footings and foundation of the Office Building at that point was discussed
and it was agreed that Mr. Woods should proceed with the work at once, notwithstanding any opposition
might be interposed by the railroad company.
WASIINC ON, D. C., Marc/h i6, 1908.
I-Io1n.JOSI ri-1 G. CANNON, Chairnman,
WILI.IAM 1'. HE1WBURN, and
JAMES 1). RICHARDSON,
Comtnmission of the House of Representatives
to Supervise the Construction of an Office Building Therefor.
GENTLEMEleN: I beg to call your attention to the order issued by the commission to the Superintendent
of the United States Capitol Building and Grounds, in charge of the construction of the House Office
Building, dated February 3, i905, which reads as follows:
"You are hereby instructed to proceed with the construction of all necessary concrete, masonry, piling,
or other work that in your judgment is required to make secure the footings and foundations of the office
building for the House of Representatives, in order to assure the safe and convenient use of square 690 in
the city of Washington as a site for said building, keeping an exact account of all expenditures incurred for
any and all such work that is required to be done because of the presence and manner of construction of the
railroad tunnel of the Washington Terminal Co. through a portion of said square 690, and showing sepa-
rately the proportion of said expenditures incurred within the building lines of said square on account of
thle presence therein of said tunnel as well as the proportion thereof incurred outside of said building lines."
In conformity with this order a separate account, kept as accurately as possible, has been made of the
expenditures relating to the deep foundation work of the House Office Building, and relating solely to
thle foundations necessary to be provided for said building, in accordance with the terms of said order.
I find thle amount to be $109,671.J6.
In pursiiaiwc of the evident purpose of the order above referred to, this matter is respectfully brought
to the attention of the commission.
Very respectfully, E1,Lu0o-n'1 WOOns8,
Stupertitendent U. S. Capitol Building and Grounds.
I)DEPARTMENTr oF JuSTIcE,
JJ'ashington, Marchi 25, 1908.
Hon. JOSE-Pwi G. CANNON,
1 U RN,
I-Io1n. WAN. 1P. HEPB
Connnission to Supervise and Direct Construction of
Office Buildink for the House of Representatives.
Snus: I lhave the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of March 19, with its accompanying
(locuments, by which you request me in behalf of the commission to consider carefully all the prelliises
*and(1, unless convinced that the Government has no right of action, to cause suit to be instituted ad plrose-
cultc(l to recover from the Washington terminal Co., in behalf of the United States, the suim of $I09,671.i6,
Nvhich is stated to have been expended in order to make sure the foundations of the officc building for the
Hlouse of Representatives because of the presence an(l manner of construction of the railroad tunnel of
sai(l Terminal Co. through a portion of the site. I shall examine the subject carefully and, as soon as may
be practicable, advise you of my conclusions and of any action which I may take relative thereto,
Respectfully,
CHIARLE.hS J. BONAPAicrE,
Attorney General.
WASHINGTON, 1). C., April 20, 1908.
At a meeting of the House Office Building Commission held this date, a report was received from the
Superintendent of the United States Capitol Building and Grounds, in brief, relating to the construction
of the building. 1'The attention of the commission was also called to the act of Marchl 3, 1903, placing the
limit of cost onl the building at $3,100,000, and to the act approved April 28, x9o4, authorizing the construc-
tion of a railway tunnel through square 690, the site of the House Office Building, which latter act compelled
the construction of extraordinary foundations for the [louse Office Building, beyond the normal required
and arranged for in the original estimate. The superintendent referred to the order of the commission
directing him to keep an accurate account of these costs and report the same, and asked that the amount
expended, $0og,61 i.16, be reappropriated for the benefit of the building appropriation, which would enable
him to finish the construction within the limit of cost authorized by law.
The superintendent also brought to the attention of the commission the necessity for the construction
of outside approaches and walls to give the proper setting to the building, and gave the reason whereon
he requested the commission to approve an item of $i1i9,600 for said work.
The superintendent also requested that the unexpended balance of the maintenance approl)riation of
$30,000, provided for in the act approved March 4, 1907, be reappropriated for use during the fiscal year
i909 for the general maintenance of the building until it is finally completed an(l until a permanent organi-
zation could be effected.
The superintendent also called attention to the amounts withheld from payments on contracts and
due to delays oil contracts, which, by direction of the accounting officers, and had been withheld as penalties
under the term "liquidated damages," as provided for in all contracts, and stated the sum of such penalties
to be $35,350. He requested an expression from the commission as to whether or not these liquidated
damages should stand on the books of his office as a credit to the appropriation and be available for use
in the construction of the building until by process of law or otherwise the aforesaid liquidated damages
could or could not be adjusted. The superintendent called attention to the expenses incurred by his office,
due to the retention of office force and organization, as a result of the delays on these penalized contracts.
The superintendent also requested special authority to make certain employments iii connection with
the building for services from July I, I908, until the House should perfect the organization for the building.
After consideration on the part of the commission, the report of the superintendent was approved,
and thereupon the commission directed that a letter be addressed to Lion. James A. Tfawney, chairman of
the I-louse Committee on Appropriations, asking that the items requested by the superintendent be provided
for in the sundry civil bill; and,
Further, that tile commission instruct the superintendent that until further action the penalties known
as liquidated damages shall be considered as a; balance to the credit of the appropriations for the 1-ollse
Office Building construction; and,
Further, that the request for special employment from July i, ig08, until the louse perfects the organii-
zation, be alpprove(l as outlined.
WASITINo'rON, 1). C., Aupil 20, 1908.
I-1on1. JOSMEI G. CANNON,
WILLIAM P. H-EPBURN, and(
JAMI;S D. RIchARDSON,
C(oininission of the I-iouse of Representatives to Supervise the
Construction of an Office Bniding T'herefor.
GRNTiL.EMEN: I res-pectfullly submit herein a brief report onl the construction of the House Office
Building.
Since the occupancy of the building on January 9 last several of the minor contracts have been prac-
tically completed, leaving other work to be done by the Government in the rotunda section of the House
Office Building. Part of the work, namely, the plastering of the main stair hall and the rotunda, is already
under contract. The remaining work can only be done during the recess of Congress.
A brief financial statement is herewith attached, showing the expenditures to (late. A complete report,
giving details in full, will be submitted to the commission later on.
In connection with the work yet to be done in the building I desire to call the attention of the commiiission
to the fact that the original act, approved March 3, 1903, put the limit of cost of the construction of the
building proper at $3,100,000. Subsequent to the passage of this act another act I was passed authorizing
the construction of a railway tunnel through square 690, site of the House Office Building, and such
authorization compelled this office to adopt plans in relation to the foundations of the building which were
in no wise considered under the original estimates. The commission having taken due cognizance of all of
these facts from time to time, authorized the superintendent to proceed with the work and to keep an account
Suawydr i adt appcotJ Apt. 28, 1904.
of the cost thereof and report the same to the commission. This the superintendent (lid under date of
March i6, 1908. The total sum involved in this additional construction was $1o9,6i i.i6. It will be noted,
therefore, that the availability of the original $3,100,000 has suffered to the extent named, and that sum
which could have been put into the building has been placed elsewhere in the construction of abnormal
foundations. As there is much detailed work which ought to be done in the building, it seems just and
reasonable for me to bring these facts to the attention of the commission and to request a reappropriation
of the sumn of $i09,6ii.I6, out of which the desired details may be completed.
Another fact which I desire to bring to the attention of the commission, and upon explanation hope
to receive their approval, is that certain work, exterior to the building, is, in my judgment, necessary to give
it a proper setting with relation to the Capitol Building and the grounds surrounding. By way of explanation
I will state that as the plans of the HIouse Office Building developed and the character of the building with
its relation to the Capitol determined it was found necessary to extend the limits of the building to the utmost,
in relation to its site, and also to give it an additional height necessary to elevate sufficient floor space above
the level of the ground to obtain office-room space suitable to the occupation of the membership of the House.
The grades of the streets surrounding the building vary as much as 9 feet on B Street westward to 19
to 2! feet southward, It is therefore necessary, to give the building a proper setting, to surround it with a
terrace construction of very moderate height, the practical construction of whichwill extend from the corner
pavilion on First Street, down B Street, and around oln the New Jersey Avenue side of the building, a
distance of about 70 feet. A careful study of this matter on the part of this office, together with the consult-
ing architect, has resulted in conclusions which are herewith presented to the commission in the form of a
(drawing showing tile construction of this exterior wall. The approximate cost of this work is $iI9,600,
and I herewith strongly urge the commission to adopt the suggestion and authorize the construction of this
work, as it villa give the building abeautiful setting with relation to the Capitol. At the same time I desire
the commission to bear in mind that the necessity has arisen subsequent to the passage of the act of authori-
zation and solely on account of the a(l(led elevation of the building.
In the act approved March 4, 1907, an appropriation of $30,000 was made for the temporary main-
tenance of the House Office Building, to be expended by the superintendent under thedirection of the
1-House commission. With this sum of money we have been carrying forward the care of the building, the
running of' elevators and other machinery, and the total sum expended to thisdate ,approximates $1i,000,
leavingan al)proximate balance of $I8,000. I respectfully ask that the unexpended balance be reappro-
priated so as to be available during the fiscalyear1909 for the maintenance of the building until the next
session of Congress, at which timle the commission may find it proper to effect a permanent organization
for the building. 0On this subject Idesire to present a later report,with suggestions resulting fromnthel
lomlestic occupation of the building as we have found it.
I)ulrig tile onstructionof this building a large number of contractswere made, some of which cover
all extensive period of' time, and upon which there have beendelays, and the contracts have not been
completed strictly in accordancewith thedatesnamed in the agreement. In many of these instances tile
auditor hasdirecte(l thedis)ursing officer towithholdpaynment of all l)enalties, known in the contract as
"liquidated(lamages." Under thedirection of thedis)ursing officer I have withheld all such penalties,
where (lelem(l necessary or not otherwise provided for, an(l the total sum of such penalties standing on
ourlooks to the credit of our apl)ropriation amount to $35,350, As it is impossil)le for this office to settle
this question wvithout thedirect authority of the commission,the samic is herewith referred for your action.
At the same time I will state that thesedelays, which occurred largely at the wind-up of construction, and
during the months of October, November, and December, put the Government to additional expensesin
the way of retaining its organization to complete the work. It must be noted that in addition to these
contracts the Government was doing a large amount of work, such as interior finishing of the building,
plastering,heating and ventilating work. In order to retain the force for handy use as fast as the work
could be gotten at, the Government necessarily lost money inthe process, and while I set the amount of such
extra expense to the Government roughly at $2o,ooo to $25,000, it can only be assumed on the best judgment
of this office and the heads of the departments of the work, and would be hard to prove in detail.
.
Table: Financial statement for House Of ice Building, Apr. 1, 1908
Table: Statement of expenditures, amount due on contracts and proposals, and balance on hand Apr. 10, 1908
Table: Statement of amount expended, and balance on hand Apr. 10, 1908

I would like specific instructions from the commission as to whether or not I am to assume that these
penalties, or liquidated damages, stand on the books of miy office to the credit of the appropriation. If so,
it will obtain for me additional results in the work of completion of the building, hitherto outlined.
Assuming that no permanent organization will be made until the next session of Congress, I respectfully
request specific authority from the commission for the temporary employment of the necessary elev:utor men,
amounting possibly to six or seven in number, at the rates of compensation now paid by the Ilouse C Repre-
sentatives for similar services in the House wing; also for the temporary employment of such ser ices as
are actually necessary to take care of the building (luring the recess of Congress. This last recomir m<'ition
is made by reason of the fact that I have heretofore stated to the commission the services I would ploy
during the present session of Congress were temporary in character and would continue until about the end
of the session.
Very respectfully, ELLIorI Wool)$,
Superintendent United States Capitol Buzilding and Grounds,
Financial statement for House Office Building, Apr. 1, r9o8.

Amount appropriated ............................................................ oo.,
oo, Co ................. ......
.......................99....
Amount expended to dlate ............................. 2,75,673 99 .............................
Balance ..........2... .32. ..........6.0....... .............2.... , .........

124,326.01
Amount due on contracts............................................$..
.................... .t.9, 1372374
Amount due on unpaid bills .......................................................................................... .,873.63
Total amount due .. .................. . ............. ............................................. 37
146,111.37
Deficit ..... .. ... .. ... .. .. ... .. ... .. ................ 21,785.36
FURNISHINGS.
Stateinent of expend;tures, anmounrt due onj contracts and proposals, and balance on hand Apr. ro, 1903.
Amount appropriated.
..$300. 500. 00
.............
expenditures:
,190, 124. 10
Typical equipment of rooams.....................................................$.......... ....... .....
'Typew writers ......... 20......

.I........ ....... .. .. .... ................. so, 580. )1
Miscellaneous supplies .3......................3,767. 8
1)rafting material .......................... 2.00
.......................................................................
'I'raveling expenses. ................................ i64.85

....................................
Advertisements ......... .. ... ........ ................. 257. 98

Telegraph, etc ....................................... 13.29
.............................................................
lDraftsmnen ..... 294..43

215,265-41
i)ule on contracts and proposals.4......
..... 48, 280. 04
Total amount expended and due .................................................
................... .63;54545
Balance ......''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
'36,
954. 55 .
Tl'o be expended:
Furisishings, caucus roo ..................... 5,.ooo..00..........
,, , ,,,l oo ...
Kitchen equipment .7,I0 0.................... ................0.... 17tOO.00

Screens and clothes trees .................... 0o,
oo. o
..................................0.............0.....0.....
150 bookcases ..........................,.0..50..................................... 2,*02.50 ..
44 9)02, 50
- .-.-
Deficit ........7,
9. 7.947 95 -
MAIN'rENANCE.
Statemnent of atmoutnt expendedl, and balance on hand Apr. so, 190o.
Amount appropriated . .. $30,000. 00
Amount expended for operating tihe building, including pay rolls, supplies, office expenses, heaings, etc ......... ..... 9i,9ip.64
Balance on hand .8, o8o. 36
82020'-12---46
Table: Statement of penalties with eld on contracts, House Of ice Building

Stattement of penalties withhsleld on contracts, House Office Building.
Contractor.
Contractor. | Contract for-
Contract for- ~~~~~~~Date
contract.
of Amount of
contract.
Date to
be conm 1)ate
coni.
of
Days. Penalties.
. _ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~)ee . le~ n
1905, 1907. 1907.

Williams ................ ..... Cut-stone work ..... Mar. 28 $1,032,000 Mfar. a8 Oct. 31 218 $11, 800
1907,
Parkersburg Mill Co ...................................... Windows .....,..Mar. 5 q3, 842 May it Auig. 7 76 1' 900
3908.
Ve'neered I)oor Co ..........................................Do.y.....
2Io29 25, 283 Oct. 16 Jan. 1Si 79 3, 950
Meyer-Sniflen Co ........................................... Plumbing ......... May i8 54, 738 Oct. 2 Feb. 114 5S 700
Snecad & Co.........................Staircases ... Oct. 30 41,7 21 (3) (I) 200 2 0000
Sturtevant ................................................Fans, motors....... _ 4 8, 824 Dec. J3. _7 28 56
Penalty is assessed frern date of notice that work It slow, Aug. 16, 1907, to Apr. 5,1908.
AAR1,L 20, 1908.
liOnl. JAMEtlS A. IAWYNE.Y,
Ch1 airman Committ iee on Appropriations, blouse of Representativ)es.
Silm WVe respectfully recommend that an appropriation of the sumi of $I09,671.16 be made to reimburse
the appropriation for the construction of the House of Representatives Office Building, the amount which
wVas re(luired to be used in order to assure the safe and convenient use of square 690 as a site for the said
building, because of the presence under sai(l square of the railway tunnel authorized by Congress.
Ill connection with tile foregoing request we hand you herewith copy of the report from the superin-
tendent of construction certifying to the amount actually expended, the account of which was kept as shown
in saiid report under an order made by the commission, also copy of a letter of the commission to the Attorney
General and his reply thereto with reference to tile bringing of a Suit against the Washington Terminal
Co. for a recovery of the suimi in question.
Trhe appropriation in question is necessary in order to coml)lete the construction of the building proper
within tile limit of cost authorized by law.
We also request all appropriation l)e made of the Sum of $ii9,600 for the construction of necessary
approaches to the building and necessary retaining walls in accordance with the plalrls of the consulting
architect of the building; the construction of the approaches and walls in (question were not included in
the lilit of cost of the building fixed by law ait $3,100,000.
IMuch of this suilm of $i 19,600 is rendered necessary because of the change of the original plans of tile
butil(dinIg, by which the height thereof Nvas increased ill order to obtain the numl)er of rooms requisite for the
membership of the House,
We also recommend that provision be made reappropriating an(l making available during the fiscal
yearl909 the unexpende(l balance (approximately $i6,ooo) of the appropriation of $3o,ooo made for the
current fiscal year for maintenance, etc., of the Il-ouse of Representatives Office Buailding.
Very respectfully,
J. G. CANNON,
W. P. HEPBURN,
Commission to Salm.rvise and Direct Construction of
Office Building for tihe House of Representatives.
APIPROPRIATION T10 REIMBIURSE 11BUIII)ING FUNI) OF HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING.
To reimburse the appropriation for construction of the fireproof building for committee rooms an(l
oflfces for theI lHouse of Representatives, the additional amount which was required to be used in order to
assure the safe and convenient usc of square six hundred and ninety as a site for said building, one hundred
an(l nine thousand six hundred and eleven dollars and sixteen cents, to be expended in the completion
of said building under the direction of the commission of the House of Representatives designated by law
to supervise the construction of the same. (35 Stat. L., pt. I, P. 344.)
INDEX
American Bridge Co., 32, 56. Carrere & Hastings, 144, i6o.
Amicolola (Ga.) quarry, 066. Cassatt, A. G., 130, 138, 141, 143, 252, 255 ct seq.
Appendix to Report of Commission, 77. Cassels, John, 94, 105 Ct seq., 130.
Approaches, marble, 29. Cassidy & Son Manufacturing Co., 57,
Appropriations for building, 26x. Ceilings, 34, 47.
Architect of the Capitol, 9, lo Cement, 56.
Architects, communications with, authorized, i 6. Cincinnati, Ohio, inspection at, 191.
Employment of, discussion concerning, 86 et seq. Clark, Edward, 9.
Atlas Engine Works, 70. Clark, N. F., 217, 229, 232 et seq.
Authorization of House Office Building Commission, 79. Clerk of the House of Representatives, 79.
Authorized cost of building, S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Building, 8o, 83.
Automatic Mail Delivery Co., 57. Collins, J. A., 113.
Averill, F. L., 142, 256. Commission, House Office Building, 79.
Baker, W. E., 217, 229. Hearings held by, 8o, 94, 113, 117, 130, 144, 160, 174, 211
Ball Grounds (Ga.) marble, 25. 245.
Ball & Wood Co., 70. Report of, 3.
Barrus, George H., 196. Committee on heating andl lighting plant, report of, 197.
Bathroom fixtures, 41. Concrete work, 55.
Beaumont, R. H., Co-, 70. Construction of House Office Building:
Bedford (Ind.) limestone, 56, i5i, 164. Date of beginning, 6.
Bells, buzzers, etc., 45. Report on, II, 259.
Bidders on power-plant e(luil)ment, 246. Construction, superintendent of, report, 1.
Bids for fireproof floors, 172, 173, 174, Consulting architect, 136, 137, 144, 160.
For heating and lighting apparatus, 175, 246, Consulting engineers, 59, 142, 256.
For stone, 167. Reports of, on heating an(l lighting equipment, 191, 215.
Biddle, Maj. John, 130, 134, 135. Consulting structural engineer, 142, 256.
Blue Ridge Marble Co., 37, 56. Contractors, names Of, 244.
Boiler equipment, 65, 176. Contract With consulting architect, 136, 137.
Boilers, bids for, 246. Contracts, 58, 244.
Bonaparte, lion. Charles J., 249, 258. Cooper, Thcodorc, 59.
Borings for foundation, 142. Corridors and rooms, tIecorations of, 47.
In Square 690, X 0. Cost of building authorized, 73.
Bradley, William, & Son, 149, 167, i68. Court paving, 54.
Brainard, Owen 1 , 59, 144 ct seq(., i0o. Courts, James C., 3, 113, ii6, 144, 174, 217, 249.
Brennan Construction Co., 21, 22, 57, 172I Cranford Paving Co., 25.
Brickwork, 25, 30, 54. Crupper, Joseph L., 57.
Bromwell, Col. Charles G., 207. Darby, Rezin W., 19.
Brown, William II, 94 et seq., 117 et sCe., 137 et SMIl, 251 et sCe. Decorations, exterior, 26.
Bluzzers, 45. Description of H1ouse Oflicc Building, 19.
Cables, 71. I)oors, 49, 50.
Cannon, lIlon, Joseph G., 3, 20, 79, i i6, 117, 139, 141, 143, 144 Douds, 11. G., 217, 220, 223 Ct Se(l., 237 et seq.
et seq(., 164 et seq., 171, 172, 174, 177 ct seq., i86, 187, 189, I)rainage, 39, 40, 41.
190, 192, 193, 196, 197, 207 et seq., 217 et seq., 225 et seq., Drawings, 136.
244, 245 et seq., 252, 256 et seq., 259, 262. Ducts, 72.
Capitol Building and Grounds, Superintendent of. (See Woods, Dumb-waiters, 46.
Elliott.) l)uparquet, Hluot & Monetise Co., 58.
Capitol, central portion of, proposed extension, 9. Electrical eqjuii)ment, 62, 66.
Capitol Power Plant, 6, 7, 8, 42, 43, 61,75, 174 et seq., 245. Electric wiring, 4:I.
Care anid maintenance of building, 245. Elevators, 46, 53.
Carman, A. F., 217, 218, 229, 230. Ernst, Arthur A., 59.
Carrere, John M., t44 et seq. Estimates, summary of, i68.
264 INDEX
Excavation for the building, 20 ct seg. Lovett, John, 1 13.
Expenditures on building, 242-261. Lynch & XWoodward, 175, 176, 189 et seq., 212 et seq.
Faraday buzzer, 45, Macnichol & Son, 58.
Financial Statement, 73 et se(q. Mail chutes, 53.
Fireproof floor construction, 171, 173. Maintenance of building, 245.
Floors, 35. Manning, Maxwell & Moore (Inc.), 70.
Fireproof, bids for, 171, 173. Marble, 25, 36, 56, 145 et seq., x6o et seq.
Foundations of building, 5, 22, 137, 138. (See Tunnel under Estimates for, 169, 170.
Square 690.) Interior, 171.
Furnishing of building, 240, 245, 261. Maryland Granite Co., i68.
FIUrst-Kerber Cut Stone Co., 149, 068. Massey, George V., 94,1o8 et seq., 1I17, 119, 141 et seq.
Garfield Park, 7, 42, 61, 98, 99. McDowell, Alexander, 79.
Gay, F. W., 217, 2?20 et seq., 237, 239, 240. Mcintosh, Seymour & Co., 175, 176, 178.
Georgia marble, 146 et seq., 16i, 165, et seq. McKenney, Fred. 1)., 94.
Gimbel Bros., 58. McKim, Meade & White, go.
Gleim, C. 1'., 188 et seq., 207, 215, 216. McReynolds, lion. J. C., 141, 254.
Granite, discussion concerning, 145 et seq., 160 et seq. Meetings of I-House Office Building Commission, 79, 80, 94, 113,
Granite work, estimates of, 170, 171. 117, 130, 136, 141, 144, i6o, 172, 174, 217, 245, 250, 254, 257,
Grant Pulley & Hardware Co., 57. 258.
Green, Bernard R., 4, 6, 59, 80 et seq., 216. Metal work, 32.
Greensboro, N. C., inspection at, 215. Miller, H. W. (Inc.), 56.
Ilanley-Casey Co., 175, 177 et seg., 217. Motor-generator sets, 46.
Hlanley, 1'. F., 184, 185, 217. Mott, J. L., Iron Works, 57.
HIar(ling, D. W., 19!, 192, 207, 215, 216. Muralt & Co., 175 et seg., 184, 218, 219.
I lardlware, 52. Myer-Sniffen Co., 57.
listings, Thomas, 136, 137. National Electrical Supply Co., 57.
Ilaydeni & lDerby Manufacturing Co., 70. National Fireproofing Co., 57.
Hearings held by House Office Butilding Commission, 8o, 94, Neale, S. C., 94, 130, 134,
113, 117, 130, 144, i6o, 174,217,245. Occupation of building, date of, 6.
Heating, lighting, and power plant, 6, 7, 8, 42, 43, 6i, 75, 171, 174 Otis Elevator Co., 46, 56.
ct sc(l., 245. Planel hoards, 46.
Bids for, 171. Parker, Charles, Co., 57.
Ilecla Iron Works, 57. Parkersburg Mill Co., 57,
Ilenderson, lion. J)avid 1B, 3. Partitions, 36.
Hlepburn, lio1, WV. P., 3, 20, 79, 0i, 117, 139, 141 et seq., 160, Pennsylvania Railroad, 97, 138.
i6z et seq., 171, 172, 174 ct se., 186, 187, 197, 207 et seq., 217, Philadelphia, Baltimore & Washington Railroad Co., 4, 8n, 135,
219, 223 et se(l., 234 et seq., 238 et seq., 244, 245 ct seq., 257, 139, 140.
259, 262, Arrangement with, regarding tuinnel, etc., 130 ct seq,
I-lilgartner Marble Co., 37, 56. Correspondence with, 249 et seq., 262.
Hitchcock, lion. E. A., 115, 16. Plans atd (Irawings, 9, 136.
Ilornblower & Marshall, 89, 92, Plaster, 56.
1ltiiit, S. S., 143, 256. Plastering, 47, ,8R
lnulianapolis, Ind., inspection at, 191. P11umb1ing and fixtures, 39.
Inspection, tours of, regarding power-plant equipment, 191 215. Port I)eposit (Ovd.) granite, 23.
Interior (inisil of building, 36. Potomac Electric P'ower Co., 67.
Interior inarblework, 36, 171. IPower plant, 6, 7, 8, 42, 43,
4 ,t 61, 75, 171, 174 ct sell., 245.
Power, Thomas W,, 191, 192, 215.
Interior, Secretary of the, 115, 117. Power, Thomas W., Elevator Co., .46, 57.
J1 l11bie, J. }3., Co., 56. P'um"ping station, 70.
Lansburghl, Julius, Furniture Co., S7 Reimbursement of building fund, 262.
Lawn, in interior cotirt, 54. Rejection of proposals for power-plant equilpment, 211.
Legislative history of the I louse Office Building, i t. Report of committee on heating anll lighting l>lant, 197, 207.
Lightingl plant. (See Heating, lighting, and power plant.) Of consulting engineer on heating and lighting equipment,
Limestone, 26, 56, 145 et seq., i6o et seq. 191, 214.
Estimates for, 068, 170. Of I1ho0ise Office Building CoMmmissioll, 3.
Location of Hhotuse Oflice Btiilding, 19. Of superintenldetlt of construction, i i.
INDEX 265
Reserve boiler plant, 69. Swinburne & Clark, 59.
Richardson, lion. James D., 3, 20, 79 et seq., 90, 94, 96, 99, 102 Switchboards, 64, 66.
et seq., i6 et seq., 126, 129 et seq., 132, 133, 135, 136, 137, 139, Switch connecting power house with House Office Building, 117
141 et seq., 144 et seq., 148 et seq., 152, 155 et seq., 174, 190 Ct et seq., 130 et seq., 138, 139.
seq., 208, 211, 212, 217, 218, 220, 222 et seq., 227, 229, 234 et Tawney, Hon. James A., 262.
seq., 239 et seq., 244, 252, 255 et seq., 259. Terra-cotta partitions, 36.
Roebling Co., 56. Tests of materials, 59.
Roofs, 33, 35, 55. Tiber Creek, 84.
Rooms, 56. Titlow, C. B., I90, 191, 192, 207, 215, 216.
Decoration of, 47. Toilet rooms, 41.
Rotunda, plaster work in, 48. Tunnel, steam, 68.
Rutland-Florence Marble Co,, 56. Tunnel under Square 690, 3, 22, 81 et seq., 94 et seq., 120 et seq.,
Sand used, 56. 137, 139 et seq., 248.
Sargent & Co., 57. Correspondence concerning, 249 et se., 262.
Secretary of Commission, 3, 113, II6, 144, 174, 217, 249. Veneered Door Co., 57.
Sewell, Capt. John Stephen, 4,59, 82 et seq., 91 et seq., 100 Ct Ventilating apparatus, 4x, 43.
seq., 106 et seq., io8, 109. Vermont marble, 146 et seq.
Sloane, W. & J., 64. Vermont Marble Co., 56, 167.
Smith, Hon. Walter I., 3. Wainscoting, 37.
Snead Co., 57. Wanamaker, John, 58.
Sooysmith, Charles, 59. Warren Steam Pump Co., 70.
South Dover(N.Y.)marble,25, 37,56,146etseq., i6i et seq. Washington Terminal Co., 3, 4, 5, 132, 35, 138, 139, 141 Ct seq.,
Square 690, discussion concerning, 3, 11, 19, 20, 80 et seq., 94 et 249 et seq.
seq., 114 et seq. Water pipes, 71.
Selected, I i6. Ways and Means, room of Committee on, 47, 52.
Tunnel through, 4, 22, 81 et seq., 94 et seq., 121 et seq., 135, West, E. L., 217 et seq., 237 et seq.
137 et seq., 249 et seq. Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co., 6, 46, 70.
Stairways, 34. Bid of, accepted, 240.
Standards, Bureau of, tests by, 59. Westinghouse Machine Co., 70.
Stannard, Ambrose B., 167 White, J. G., & Co,, 175, 178, 234, 248.
Steam piping, 69, 70. Wilcox & Babcock boiler, 178 et seq., 191.
Steam tunnel, 71. Williams, B. A. & G. N., 25, 30, 37, 56,s6, 167, 172.
Steelwork, 32, 33, 55. Windows, 50, 51, 52.
Sterling boiler, 179. Wiring, electric, 43, 46.
Sterling Bronze Co., 57, Woodbridge, S. H., i8, 2o7.
Stone, discussion concerning, 145 ct seq. Wood finish, 49-52.
Bids for, x67 et seq. Woods, Elliott, 3, 8, 59, 8o, 86, 87, 88, 94, 107, log, 116 et seq.,
Stratton, S. W., 207. 125 et seq., 129, 130, 136 et seq., 149, 150, 151, 155 Ct seql.,
, Sturtevant, B. F., Co., 46.
Subway and traction system, 8. 162, 164 et seq., 171, 172, 174 et seq., 185 et seq., 207 et seq.,
Superintendent of Capitol Building and Grounds. (Set Woods, 220, 225 et seq., 233, 237 et seq., 243 et seq., 251 et seq.
E",lliott.)
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HOUSE OF ICE BUILDING, 191

HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING, 1911.

REPORT of the COMMISSION

House Report No. 2291, 61st Congress, 3d Session

Electrical equipment.......... ............. .......... ................................................. 62

IHlouse Office Building

Plate 42. Bird's-eye view of interior construction.

At the time the construction and equipment of a central power, heating,

SE.. SHOWING THE HISTORICAL RESIDENCE OF THE LATE JUDGE JOSEPH

NO._. E;X=CAVAO. eT O MATER AL ACROSS

THE EAST FRONT OF THE CAPITOL.

REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION 9

Designation of plan. C. I). Suare .

Total area of building ............ 113,000 06,470 65,775 81,5oo

9,04000 8,517,6oo0 S,262,000

Rooms, three floors ..4......411 4312 285 288

Total rooms......................................................................536 56 0 380 374

The Office Building for the House of Representatives is located on Square

REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION 13

X mahogany table .38.. ,,,...................... 8, 73

4 side chairs, leather upholstered. . ,,,,.. . ,,,,,,,,,.... ... ,,.... 43.96

16 REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION

G. N. Williams, of New York

rotunda is of South Y., marble. Dover, is the largest single cut-stone

contract ever executed country, called for the furnishing and

of between 285,000 cubic feet of stone.

up the stonework and in

laborT of laying the brick.

telephone, call and. fans, mail

adapted handling bulky

water, and water, in general

favorably with that in examples office buildings.

.......................................... cubic yards

MAY 18, 1905.

EXCAVATION FOR THIS PURPOSE

Table: [No Caption]

REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMIalIT T7

AT THE SOUTHEAST. ACROSS THE TOP OF THE TUNNEL JULY 1. 1905.

j ,.'' :=., d' j

NO- 31. SETTING THE FIRST STONE. AUGUST 28. 1905.

*0 ,-z ,,-_ s Taa

==z--- ---- -..-

AND C STREET SE. NOVEMBER 24. 1905.

NO. 42. BjRY'S-EYE VEW OF T-E INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION. DECEMBER 1. 1905.

NO. I.IRD3'S-EYE VIEW OF TH E CONDITION OF THE CONSTRUCTION. JANUARY 19. 1906.

CONDIT ION OF THE CONSTRUCTION. APRIL 2. 1906.

NO. 48. VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION IN THE COURT. APRIL 2, 1906.

NO. 49. BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION. APRIL 17, 1906.

THIS CORNER OF THE BUILDING

NO. S1 BIRDOS-EYE VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION. MAY 4, 190G.

In bathroom appointments every precaution has been taken to make adequate

REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION 43

Piping in drainage system ., I ., .,,., .. do, .. 30,570

building-thus decreasing the liability of any serious interruption of service--

Table: PANEL BOARDS AND BOXES

46 REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION

Ceiling ......................................................... 1,919 15,771

C locks and bells, etc ......................................................................... 8

The motor-generator sets, high-tension structure and switchboard, together

NO. 56. BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION. OCTOBER 15, 1906.

NO. 58. STREET-LEVEL VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION. NOVEMBER 16. 1906.

56 REPORT OF THE HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION

NO. 61. STEEL FRArM NG FOR ROOF CONSTRUCTION. MARCH 1. 1907.

,3'2 wa y................................................................................* 59 X 32I1,888