toilet, file, and 40 other rooms in the building, all outside windows and down spouts. Many windows were glazed and floors stained in seven rooms. Repairs have been made to the roof. The elevators, lighting fixtures, and ventilation system were kept in good condition, repairs being made wherever necessary. SPECIAL SUBJECTS. ENLARGING CAPITOL GROUNDS. The problem of enlarging the Capitol Grounds has passed through many phases. The first commission authorized by Congress referred the matter to the Department of Justice, which in turn referred it to the proper court. The court reported on the awards, parts of which were in turn rejected by Congress. Later a special commission was appointed, after the awards as to squares 685 and 634 had previously been approved and paid for. A contract was entered into for the removal of all houses and débris on squares 685 and 634. Owing to the delinquency of the contractor, I was compelled to take possession of the unfinished work and complete it. The expense forced upon the Government will be duly reported and left to the legal procedure of the department under the terms of the contract and bond. The proceedings of the new commission appointed to acquire the property not otherwise acquired, and outlined under the original act, have enabled the Government to take possession of most, if not all, of squares 721, 722, and 723. On squares 685 and 634, upon which the delinquent contractor worked, the work of final cleaning up and the rough grading has been practically finished. On square 685, however, there remains standing truck house No. 1, of the District fire department, which, I understand, will be removed next year, as a new site has been selected for it at some near-by point. Work on squares 721, 722, and 723 has proceeded as fast as the properties were turned over and as fast as was consistent with the conditions of acquisition, due regard being given to properties not already in possession of the Government. At the date of this report the conditions (excepting squares 685 and 634) are about as follows: South half of square 721, bounded by First and Second Streets, California Street, and E Street, has 18 houses on it, all of which have been turned over to the Government, with the exception of No. 136 E Street. Square 722, bounded by Massachusetts Avenue, E Street, First and Second Streets, has 26 houses on it, and all except No. 412 Second Street have been turned over to the Government. Work was started on taking down these houses June 16. Not completed at this date. Square 723, bounded by D Street, Massachusetts Avenue, First and Second Streets, contains 53 houses, about one-half of which have been turned over to the Government. COLUMBIA HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN. This hospital, which was designed to be one of the finest maternity hospitals of the present time, is rapidly approaching completion. In three months it will be ready for occupancy. About the middle of October, 1914, the main structural walls were completed and the roof was being placed. The heating and ventilating system followed along with the general progress of the work. As soon as structural conditions permitted the construction of the elevators commenced, followed by the installation of the vacuum-cleaning system and laundry apparatus. Details as to installation of other equipment will come in a later report. The interior work, such as terra-cotta partitions, etc., was carried forward in such manner that the building was ready for plastering about December 1. Barring a slight interruption on account of cold weather, this work proceeded with fair speed, especially after the building was inclosed with permanent sash and glazing and the heating plant was put into operation. Installation of the woodwork under the general contract commenced in the early spring and was practically completed by June 30. In the meantime as fast as rooms were ready the sterilizing apparatus in detail was installed. Painting of the interior commenced in June, and at the date of this report is well under way, with prospects of completion in August. The following is a list of contracts entered into prior to the date of this report: Contracts for Columbia Hospital. Warren F. Brenizer, general excavation, Jan. 12, 1914__ American Sterilizer Co., sterilizng equipment, Mar. 10, 1915_ Elmer H. Catlin Co., electric lighting fixtures, June 26, 1915_. $6, 200.00 242, 900.00 15,000.00 5, 479.50 3, 197. 00 3,795.00 5, 200.00 2, 765. 43 Other special contracts which are to be made and for which specifications have been issued are as follows: Linens and blankets, aseptic furniture, hospital beds, mattresses, etc.; wood furniture for the various rooms and metal screens for the various doors, transoms, and windows. Several other features which are most important to the work and success of this hospital are at present under consideration. The instrumental and pharmaceutical equipment has been the source of much study. Realizing that this office had no person equipped by experience in matters of this character I called upon Messrs. Mechlin & Starr, engineers, and Drs. Truman Abbe and Davenport White, all of this city, for advice as to the proper obstetrical and gynecological instrumental outfit and the proper source of purchase, considering at all times the interests of the Government. These gentlemen have faithfully performed their duty, and negotiations are now under way which will complete their work, and the contracts will shortly be made. The usual financial statement follows. ELLIOTT WOODS, Superintendent United States Capitol Building and Grounds. The SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR. Appropriated, sundry civil bill, approved Aug. 1, 1914- $23, 610. 60 963.90 1, 649. 15 202.87 407.40 54.00 1,286.98 45. 16 4.79 31.02 181.06 31. 13 685. 25 77.26 244. 36 4. 25 261. S4 35.44 223.54 30, 000. 00 30,000.00 $281.90 491. 77 47. 16 34.90 84. 10 557.66 2. 42 1,500.00 1,500.00 |