50 COLLAPSE OF TEXAS TOWER NO. 4 



Senator Saltonstall. If the counsel would delay asking his ques- 

 tions, there are one or two questions I would like to ask you before 

 we have the movie. 



You stated, on page 1 of your statement : 



I was responsible for both the design and construction of Texas towers 2 and 

 3, and the design of Texas tower 4. 



Why do you draw a distinction between the design of Texas tower 4 

 and its construction, and the design and construction of Texas towers 

 2 and 3 ? 



Captain Albers. I was detached from the program prior to the ac- 

 tual construction of Texas tower 4, sir. 



Senator Saltoxstall. You stated that you were one of the mem- 

 bers of the board designated to recommend the architect and engi- 

 neering group. 



Captain Albers. The other members were Mr, Seddon, Mr. Taylor, 

 Commander Biggs, and Lieutenant LaPorte. 



Senator Saltonstall. There were two civilians there ? 



Captain Albers. Yes, sir. 



Senator Saltonstall. "What were their names again ? 



Captain Albers. Mr. Seddon. 



Senator Saltonstall. What was his job? 



Captain Albers. He is the Chief Design Engineer for the DPWO, 

 District Public Works Office, of the 1st Naval District. 



Senator Saltonstall. And who is the other civilian ? 



Captain Albers. Mr. Taylor. He is the chief civilian in the con- 

 struction end of the District Public Works Office, 1st Naval District. 



All members are members of the 1st Naval District staff. 



Senator Saltonstall. Mr. Anderson testified this morning that the 

 responsibility was divided into two parts, first as to feasibility. 



Captain Albers. That is correct, sir. 



Senator Saltonstall. You selected Anderson-Nichols, of Boston, 

 and this Rutledge firm in New York to undertake the feasibility 

 study? 



Captain Albers. We made the recommendations that they be se- 

 lected; yes, sir. We did not have the authority to make the actual 

 selection. 



Senator Saltonstall. Did you make that request of Anderson- 

 Nichols, and pursuant thereto he got the other firm, as Mr. Anderson 

 testified this morning, or did you select the Rutledge firm as well as 

 the Anderson firm? 



Captain Albers. We selected them as a joint venture, Mr. Chair- 

 man. We wanted the experience of both firms in on this program. 



Senator Saltonstall. Now, they did the feasibility study, to de- 

 termine feasibility. And, as Mr. Anderson testified this morning, 

 there was no question in his mind but what Texas towers were 

 feasible. 



Now, you say that you were responsible for the design. Did you 

 do the technical work or did you leave it to these two firms? 



Captain Albers. I was the administrative officer in charge of con- 

 struction for that contract. I reviewed their design as I deemed 

 necessary ; yes, sir. 



Senator Saltonstall. Wlio determined the division of the work 

 between them? 



