EFFORT OF BUILDING COMMISSION. 169 



water to the boilers is eliminated, that originally used sufficing for at 

 least seven days. 



The work of putting in the wires for the burglar-alarm telegraph, 

 telephone, and electric clocks and call-bells, which was begun in the sum- 

 mer, is now nearly finished. These wires, which are run through uuder- 

 ground trenches, either specially constructed for the purpose or for heat- 

 ing-pipes, Avill extend from a room in one of the north towers to each 

 window, door, and case in the entire building, and also to the i)olice and 

 fire-alarm telegraphs. This electrical arrangement will constitute a val- 

 uable feature in the economy of administration of a structure so immense 

 as, and of the peculiar construction of, the new Museum building, since 

 it will lessen the necessity for a large corps of watchmen and attendants, 

 the locality of any attemiDt on the part of designing jiersons to open a 

 window, door, or case being at once automatically indicated in the cen- 

 tral office, or instrument room, where a watchman will be on duty at all 

 hours. 



As the original estimates uj^on which the appropriation of $250,000 

 was based did not include a provision for the expanded system of water 

 and gas fixtures and electrical apparatus, an approj^riation of $12,500 

 was requested therefor and readily secured. 



In addition to the above, an appropriation of $1,000 * was secured for 

 a sewer to connect with the B street sewer to relieve the building from 

 water, which, on account of the inadequacy of the Seventh street sewer, 

 during heavy rains, backs up in the pipes and floods the cellars. This 

 relieving sewer will be constructed under the supervision of the engi- 

 neer of the District of Columbia, Lieutenant Hoxie. 



For fuller information, however, the Board is respectfully referred to 

 the appended report of the superintending architects, which also presents 

 a detailed exhibit of expenditures. 



During the year past the Commission has met as often as was deemed 

 necessary. General Meigs, as consulting engineer, has generally been 

 present at the sessions of the Commission, while, as during the previous 

 year, his visits to the new building have been frequent and his inspec- 

 tion of the work close and critical. 



In closing this report the Commission is happy to state that the build- 

 ing, with the erection of which it was charged, is substantially finished, 

 and that it hopes at the next annual session of the Board to be able to 

 congratulate the Eegents on its entire completion and occupation. 



Respectfullj^ submitted. 



W. T. SHERMAN^, 

 PETER PARKER, 

 SPENCER F. BAIRD, 

 National Museum Building Commission. 



Washington, January 18, 1881. 



* This has been increased to $il,900 in accordance with the revised estimates of the 

 engineer of the District. 



