REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT UNITED STATES

CAPITOL BUILDING AND GROUNDS.

OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT

UNITED STATES CAPITOL BUILDING AND GROUNDS,

July 1, 1915.

SIR: In my last annual report reference was made to important improvements, provided for in the acts approved as follows: Resurfacing plaza, act approved August 1, 1914.

Reconstructing central approaches, act approved August 1, 1914. Resurfacing terraces of the Capitol, act approved June 23, 1913.

CAPITOL PLAZA.

Since the date of my last report a contract for this work was entered into with the Cranford Paving Co., after competition, based on the specifications of the engineer department, District of Columbia. These specifications so aptly fitted the work, being based on long experience in this class of work, that I felt justified in taking them as a standard, as in 1892, when the last resurfacing was done. Those familiar with this class of work know what is required in the concrete-base work to sustain the surface coat of asphalt. Under the old formation were found curious combinations of base, some composed of clay and broken rock, some of hard clay and pebbles. As the surface was removed it appeared necessary to remove many square yards of this type of base work and replace it with more substantial concrete base.

The old plan of drainage was changed by providing, first, the readjustment of grades for the plaza, roadways, and sewerage entire; second, all borders of the asphalt pavement were provided with suitable brick gutters, properly placed along the curbing, due reference being made to the newly established grades. This necessitated the readjustment of practically all of the curb lines in the grounds, involving recutting of the curb, resetting on concrete base, and a general overhauling. Some new curbing was purchased from the District to take the place of that which could not be used to advantage, owing to injuries or decay.

At the east front of the Capitol Plaza are two plant cases (so called), now transformed into fountains. They flank the north and south sides of the East Capitol Street entrance. On either side are the two roadways, leading northeast and southeast; inclosed by these are the main east lawns, surrounded in somewhat semicircular form. The semicircular formation has a foreground of low wall, a sidewalk in front, and a special type of curb in front of that, bordering the east plaza. This curbing was taken up and reset to new grades and a new sidewalk of cement installed-including that for fountains— doing away with a disagreeable condition existing for years.

In connection with this work new concrete paving has been laid in the recesses between the Senate and House wings and the central building. Up to the date of this report 43,000 square yards of asphalt paving have been laid; 2,550 cubic yards of extra concrete base has been placed; 12,866 linear feet of ordinary curbing has been taken up, recut, provided with concrete base, and reset; 12,866 linear feet of gutter formed of vitrified brick has been installed; and approximately 7,280 square yards of new concrete paving put in place.

CAPITOL GROUNDS.

It must be apparent to everybody that the condition of the Capitol Grounds in general, during the past fiscal year, has been better than for several years. Barring the unfortunate condition of some of the trees, which will require further treatment, the rest of the trees, plantings, and lawns seem to be in excellent condition.

Attention is called to the fact that the settlement of the earth over the railroad tunnel which traverses First Street has caused much inconvenience and expense. It is true that under former arrangements the company repaired the then apparent damages, but in future it will be necessary for this office to readjust walls, copings, etc., along the east side of the Capitol Grounds. In the resurfacing work heretofore referred to it was not possible to approach with safety within 50 feet of eastern limits of the Capitol Grounds.

The underground steam tunnel from the power plant to the Capitol, Library Building, Senate and House Office Buildings has settled, as has the exterior surface lines. How far this will go in the future is hard to judge, but so far the steam and electric supply lines have withstood the change in level in an admirable manner, owing to certain expansion joints properly and originally distributed.

The damage above named extended also to the House Office Building approaches at the corner of First and B Streets. They have already been reset and are again in the course of repair. No fear, however, need be felt for the House Office Building, for the foundations of that structure go down to the bottom of the tunnel foundations and no damage has resulted to the structure from the cause first named.

RECONSTRUCTING CENTRAL APPROACHES.

At the east front of the central section of the Capitol the condition of the steps has been the subject of criticism for years. An appropriation has been made for new steps and a subsequent contract made therefor. At this date the preliminary work has been started and before the meeting of the Grand Army of the Republic, to be held in September, the work will without doubt be completed.

RESURFACING TERRACES OF THE CAPITOL.

At the date of this report the work of waterproofing the Capitol terraces has proceeded to that point where 6,332 square yards of the total of 12,795 square yards stand completed. This work has been most interesting from the engineer's point of view, both as to method and quality of work done.

Some months ago specifications were issued and bids received for this work. After a careful examination of the bids received, it was decided to modify somewhat the preliminary methods and further proposals were asked and received. These were still unsatisfactory. In the course of the examinations, we came across one method which was believed to be the best submitted, although the price was considered much too high. I decided that if I could get permission to use this method, the work would be done directly under the supervision of this office. I came to a satisfactory agreement with the representativ of the system desired and immediately proceeded with the work. The whole arrangement has been satisfactory and economical, and more than the contemplated work will be done within the amount set for the purpose.

A brief description might be interesting. Naturally, the important part of any system of waterproofing is the quality of material and method of laying. Having acquired what was considered the best material, the exterior surface of the terrace was removed down to the large expansion joints of the breaks which naturally occur in a structure of that character, These joints having been thoroughly treated with a compound which does not crack under a change of temperature, the structural surface was brought to the level upon which was laid sheets of cotton saturated with the material, all joints being carefully ironed so as to produce a continuous sheet. Upon this surface was laid the ordinary cement pavement which finally forms the walk surface of tl exterior. Another important feature of the method used is that it does away with metal flashing. The engineers will understand how important this is. As the pavement was laid expansion joints were le at certain distances, similar joints being laid along the balustra and at all other places where flashing would have been necessar After the work was completed, the expansion joints were cleaned ut thoroughly, dried, and poured with this special compound, wh seems to cling to properly prepared surfaces with remarkable tenacity. The joints are not entirely filled, but sufficient space is left for filling with a weak mixture of cement-pointing material.

GENERAL REPAIRS.

CENTRAL PORTION OF THE CAPITOL.

A new ventilating fan was installed over the ceiling of the Supreme Court chamber. The cellar under the central building has been whitewashed. Experiments have successfully been made in the lighting of the west main entrance to the Capitol by the installation of incandescent electric lamps to take the place of arc lamps. It is proposed to carry this feature of the lighting of the terrace to other points north and south.

SENATE WING OF THE CAPITOL.

New electric-lighting fixtures have been installed in the Senate lobby, Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads, marble room, reception room, and old post-office room. The chandelier in the President's room has been remodeled and refinished.

8161°-INT 1915-VOL 1-53

A thorough cleaning and painting has been given the Senate Chamber and entrances, cloakrooms, corridors, press gallery, restaurant, stairways, skylights, room in crypt, toilets, and rooms of Committee on Rules, and those occupied by the Capitol police. The lavatory at the foot of the Dome stairs has been cleaned and repaired.

All of the elevators have been kept in good repair; new cables have been installed, which, with the introduction of equalizers, makes a saving in the number of feet of cable to be replaced eventually.

Under the provisions of the act of March 2, 1911, the old boilers formerly in service for heating and ventilating in the Senate wing have been transferred to the Bureau of Mines and the Bureau of Standards. A new floor was laid in elevator No. 1, inclosure repaired, the switchboard room repaired, and the switchboard rewired; the commutators for fans No. 2 and the kitchen exhaust fan were reconstructed and new connections made.

HOUSE WING OF THE CAPITOL.

Electric-lighting fixtures were installed in the Speaker's room and in that of the majority leader. The following rooms have been cleaned and painted: House Chamber, cloakrooms, Speaker's rooms, main entrances, Committee on Appropriations, Clerk's office and rooms, restaurant, library station, skylights, and toilets.

women's toilet and lavatory has been installed in the southeast corner of Statuary Hall.

In the heating and ventilating department of the House wing, the hot-water boilers have been supplied with new steam pipes; new Anderson traps fitted to the steam coils; repairs made to all valves and new ones installed where needed. All of the elevators have been inspected and repaired where necessary and new cables installed. Two of the Babcock and Wilcox boilers formerly used in the electriclighting plant of the House wing have been, under the authority conferred by Congress, transferred to the Home for Aged and Infirm.

SENATE OFFICE BUILDING.

The copper roofing of the Senate Office Building was damaged by storms to an extent that necessitated much repair work, especially over the dome at the main entrance. The post office of the Senate was permanently transferred from the Capitol to the Senate Office Building and completely furnished and equipped in steel.

The hot-water pipes of the entire heating system were covered with suitable pipe covering. A new equipment of awnings and window shades of the best quality has been installed, and communicating doors were cut between four suites and the necessary jambs, trim, and doors supplied.

HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING.

The general maintenance and repairs to the House Office Building have been kept up satisfactorily. The stone coping of the cornice, which gave some trouble on account of leaks, has been gone over and thoroughly pointed up. Preparations are being made to overhaul

the various rooms and paint them. Congress has made an appropriation for the purpose. The roof has been inspected and repairs made.

THE CAPITOL POWER PLANT.

During the past year the Capitol power plant has been operated with the same degree of efficiency as in former years. The service rendered has been of the highest class, and in all particulars satisfactory, and no serious interruptions to the service on account of breakdowns have occurred.

ENGINE HOUSE, SENATE AND HOUSE STABLES.

A new heating plant, boiler, etc., has been installed in the Senate stable and engine house. The old plant formerly heated only a portion of the engine house and cottage. The new equipment is sufficiently large to take care of all the buildings. New down spouts have been placed on the stable building and new guttering placed on the carriage shed. A new inclosure has been erected for the boiler room; new floors have been constructed in the stalls of the engine house and all other necessary cleaning, painting, and minor repairs

UNITED STATES BOTANIC GARDEN.

During the fiscal year 1915 the activities of the United States Botanic Garden are best shown by the report of the superintendent, which follows:

During the fiscal year 1915 the United States Botanic Garden, by and through the authority of Congress, distributed over 300,000 plants, trees, and shrubs to all parts of the United States. This distribution has grown to such an extent that the garden is handicapped for room and men. Exchanges have been made with various universities and private estates.

Twenty-nine orchids, representing 10 of the best suited varieties for greenhouse growing, were purchased, making the collection one of the most complete in the country. Eight bay trees with crowns 5 feet in diameter were purchased and placed on either side of the walks leading to the Bartholdi Fountain, which add greatly to the general appearance of the garden. Two fine specimens of crotons were purchased and placed on either side of the main entrance. The large palms which are placed on the main walk during the summer months were retubbed and the tubs given two coats of paint.

In August was purchased a motor lawn mower and roller which has proved very satisfactory. This mower is known as the walking model and can be operated among the trees and shrubs with great success. The garden, at the time of this writing, is in excellent shape, better than for a number of years.

The trees and shrubs were given a thorough spraying in the fall and spring. The room next to the superintendent's office was remodeled and is now used as an office by the shipping department.

New benches were constructed in greenhouses Nos. 2 and 5, south side of Maryland Avenue. The benches in the main conservatory were repaired and put in first-class condition. All necessary glazing, painting, and repairing has been carried on from time to time, under the various appropriations allotted by Congress.

It is gratifying to note the increasing interest of the public in the shrubs, plants, and flowers as well as in the tropical and other plants of rare varieties housed in the different conservatories.

COURTHOUSE, WASHINGTON, D. C.

Considerable painting has been done at the courthouse during the past fiscal year. This work included suites of five of the justices, the marshal's office, register of wills, basement corridors, telephone,