FLFTY-THIRD CONGRESS, 1893-1895. 1667 
Nore.—The repairs required for the buildings of the Museum become more expen- 
sive as years go by. The slate and tin roofs of the main building are growing old; 
the gutters and down-spouts need constant care; the woodwork exposed to the weather 
needs paint; many window sash and frames should be repaired or replaced; and there 
are 10,000 feet of rotten floors and timbers, both unsightly and dangerous, which 
should be removed and replaced by granolithic blocks or artificial stone. 
For expenses of putting in four additional fire plugs in the Smith- 
sonian grounds for the better protection of the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution, National Museum, and Astrophysical Observatory, and the 
purchase of necessary fire hose, $800. 
Norr.—These plugs were recommended by the chief engineer of the fire depart- 
ment, District of Columbia, in a letter dated February 23, 1894, a copy of which is 
herewith transmitted: 
District or CoLumsrIA Fire DEPARTMENT, 
Washington, D. C., February 23, 1894. 
Sir: I have the honor to state that I made an examination of the water protection 
for the ‘‘Smithsonian Institution and National Museum”’ buildings in case of fire. I 
find there is only one plug in the grounds, and I would therefore respectfully rec- 
ommend that three additional fire plugs be erected, to be placed at convenient 
distances, as I consider them necessary for the public safety. 
Very respectfully, 
JosEPH Parris, Chief Engineer. 
Hon. §. P. Lanciey, 
Secretary Smithsonian Institution. 
December 7, 1894—House. 
Letter from the Acting Secretary of the Treasury. 
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, December 6, 189}. 
Str: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the consideration 
of Congress, an estimate of appropriation submitted by the Secretary 
of the Smithsonian Institution under date of November 24, 1894, for 
rent of workshops and for storage for the National Museum for the 
fiscal year ending June 30, 1896, $2,000. 
Respectfully, yours, W. E. Curtis, 
Acting Secretary. 
The SPEAKER OF THE House oF REPRESENTATIVES. 
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 
Washington, D. C., November 24, 1894. 
Str: I have the honor to submit herewith an estimate for the sum 
of $2,000, for the rent of workshops and storage for the National 
Museum. This estimate was by mistake omitted from the estimates of 
the Smithsonian Institution for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1896. 
Yours, very respectfully, 
S. P. Lanetry, Secretary. 
