IF 394 
 .P9 T3 
 Copy * 
 
 REPO RT 
 
 F. VOIGT, 
 
 IN CHARGE OF THE 
 
 CAPITOL AND OTHER PUBLIC PROPERTY, 
 
 FOR THE YEAR 1874. 
 
 HOI S'i'ON : 
 A . C. ciiAV. STATE PRINTER. 
 
 1 874. 
 
REPORT 
 
 F. VOIGT, 
 
 IN CHARGE OF THE 
 
 Capitol and other Public Pro 
 
 
 
 FOR THE YEAR 1874. 
 
 
 HOUSTON : 
 A . (. . G BAT, STAT E PBINTJ I : 
 
AsT3 
 
R E PORT 
 
 IF 1 . -VOIGT, 
 
 In charge of the Capitol and other Public Property. 
 
 Austin, Texas, Nov. 9, 1874. 
 
 T<> His Excellency, Richard Coke, 
 
 Governor of Texas : 
 
 Sir:— In compliance with your instructions, I herewith 
 submit a report of the condition of the Capitol and other 
 public buildings, together with an estimate of the expense 
 necessary for their repair ; also a report of the condition of 
 the furniture, the State library, the capitol grounds and 
 the State cemetery, with aceompairying suggestions and 
 estimates for the improvement of the same. 
 
 In the preparation of this report it was found necessary 
 to consult with practical mechanics and architects as to the 
 best mode of repairing those buildings, and to ascertain from 
 them the approximate amounts required to make the im- 
 provements hereinafter suggested. 
 
 By way of introduction, I desire here to state that not- 
 withstanding the aggregate amount for the various improve- 
 ments recommended may appear somewhat larger than an- 
 ticipated, yet when the extent thereof has been fully inves- 
 tigated, it is believed that the amount will be found to be 
 a profitable investment upon the value of property embraced 
 in this limited report. 
 
 With a view of presenting a statement comprehensive in 
 detail, as well as to arrive at a satisfactory summary of the 
 
whole, it is proposed to take up the subject in the following- 
 order, to-wit : 
 
 First— The Capitol. 
 
 Second— The General Land Office. 
 
 Third— The Treasurer s and Comptroller' s Office. 
 
 Fourth— The Supreme Court Building. 
 
 Fifth— The Capitol Grounds. 
 
 Sixth— The State Cemetery. 
 
 Seventh — The State Library. 
 
 Eighth— The Capitol Furniture 
 
 Ninth — Agriculture. 
 
 Tenth — General Remarks. 
 
 THE CAPITOL. 
 
 This building is of ample dimensions and of substantial 
 material, but destitute of architectural proportions or 
 beauty, and needs repairs to a considerable extent to secure 
 its preservation, and these repairs should be of an orna- 
 mental as well as of a substantial character, which would 
 materially change its present squatty and unsightly ap- 
 pearance. 
 
 The immediate repairs needed are two coats of oil paint 
 outside and inside of the entire building ; the outside to be 
 imitation of white marble, and the inside walls throughout 
 of plain white color; galleries, window-frames, doors and 
 window shutters of plain oak. 
 
 The ceiling in both halls (Senate Chamber and Hall of 
 Representatives) to be lined with heavy canvass and painted 
 in fresco, according to plan and specification herewith sub- 
 mitted, and marked "A." 
 The entire work of painting and material, as stated, 
 
 is estimated at $ 5,500 
 
 Plastering and mason work 500 
 
 50 window shutters at $15 each 700 
 
 150 feet galvanized iron cornice at $6 per foot. . . . 900 
 
 12 caps or hoods for front windows at $15 each. . . . 180 
 
 1500 yards ratan matting or carpeting at 90 cts 1,350 
 
 Piping and fixtures for gas lights throughout the 
 
 entire building 3,500 
 
 Repairs of cisterns, including pumps 150 
 
 Furnishing and repairing door locks 50 
 
 Total $13,880 
 
GENERAL LAX J) OFFICE. 
 
 This building is of stone, and of inviting appearance as 
 regards architectural style. 
 
 The interior arrangements seem commodious and ample 
 in dimensions, but throughout sadly in need of repairs. 
 
 The outer walls are now plastered or rough-coated with a 
 bad description of mortar, separating from the walls, leav- 
 ing unsightly blotches, and in many places the walls are 
 undergoing a process of decomposition. It is therefore 
 recommended that the walls be re-covered with Portland 
 cement, colored with some substance to make it resemble 
 Connecticut brown or piston stone (winch is several shades 
 lighter), the whole to be blocked off to resemble such stone. 
 This would effectually protect the walls and greatly beau- 
 tify our now dilapidated Land Office. 
 
 The cost of these improvements is estimated at. . . $ 2,Sj00 
 
 The ceiling of the upper story of this building never 
 
 was constructed properly, and the plastering has 
 
 mostly fallen off, and should be re-plastered upon 
 
 proper lathing ; the cost of same will not exceed 300 
 
 Painting of the entire portion of the inside of the 
 
 building, including the furniture 1,000 
 
 Slate roof, to guard against fire •. 2,000 
 
 Two heavy iron doors to the principal entrances of 
 the building, and one iron door to the hie room, 
 
 amount 650 
 
 1000 yards ratan matting at 90 cents 900 
 
 Repairs for outhouse, fences, &e 200 
 
 Total $7,550 
 
 TREASURER'S AM) comptroller's office. 
 
 This is a stone building, inconveniently constructed and 
 
 very much in need of repairs, entirely unsafe in its present 
 condition, and the lower portion uncomfortable and un- 
 healthy. 
 
 The' following improvements and repairs are therefore 
 suggested, to wit : 
 
 First The cistern which is built above the ground inside 
 the building, should be removed, as it causes dampness 
 throughout the entire upper story, and is otherwise a great 
 inconvenience. 
 
[6] 
 
 Second— The construction of additional rooms in the 
 northwest corner of the building, with steps from the base- 
 ment room leading into the Treasurer' s office of the upper 
 story. 
 
 Third - Re-plastering wherever needed, inside as well as 
 outside. 
 
 Fourth — Repairing and altering of front steps. 
 
 Fifth — Painting the roof. 
 
 Sixth — The putting in of four strong iron doors. 
 
 Seventh — The putting in of iron frames for all the lower 
 windows, nineteen (19) in number ; a plan of which is here- 
 with submitted, marked "B." 
 
 Eighth — The removal of all the outside wooden steps 
 leading into the upper story. 
 
 Ninth — The repair of nearly all the fire-places. 
 
 Tenth — The construction of a new cistern outside of the 
 building. 
 
 The cost of these enumerated improvements are estimated 
 as follows : 
 
 Four iron doors - $ 700 
 
 Nineteen iron window frames at £25 475 
 
 Plastering and other mason work 500 
 
 Five hundred yards ratan matting at ninety cents, 450 
 
 Painting the roof and other parts of the building. 225 
 
 A new cistern, including covering and pump 350 
 
 New addition to the building 2,20.0 
 
 Total $4,900 
 
 SUPREME COURT BUILDING. 
 
 This is of stone and in good repair. Outside walls 
 should be plastered with Portland cement, the 
 same as the Land Office, and will cost about . . . £400 00 
 
 A new cistern house and pump 150 00 
 
 Ratan matting 100 00 
 
 Repairing window shutters and painting windows 
 and doors of lower story 100 00 
 
 Total $750 00 
 
 It is also recommended that provision be made for 
 the building of three wood sheds in the capitol ( 
 grounds, one for each of the several buildings, • 
 in order that the wood may be locked up ; the 
 cost is estimated at one hundred and fifty dol- 
 lars each. ' To'tal $4*0 00 
 
m 
 
 Which expenditure will soon be covered in the saying of 
 wood. 
 
 THE CAPITOL GROUNDS. 
 
 These grounds admit of a high degree of improvement. 
 
 The work done thus far has been with a view of laying 
 the foundation for an extended plan of future improve- 
 ment, of which a sketch is herewith submitted, marked 
 "C," and if carried out, as contemplated, will greatly 
 beautify these long neglected grounds. 
 
 The doubt heretofore entertained by many, as to* the 
 practicability of growing trees and shrubberies in these 
 rocky grounds, may readily be abandoned when there is 
 abundant evidence of the perfect success of their growth, 
 wherever they are properly cared for. 
 
 It is also firmly believed that a large quantity of water 
 may be collected in these grounds during the rainy season, 
 to supply mairy of the plants during the dry season with 
 sufficient moisture to sustain them. 
 
 Owing to the rocky foundation, the improvements to be 
 continued necessarily require a great amount of labor, and 
 with it heavy expenses, which it is impossible to correctly 
 estimate, and the extent and character of the improvements 
 must depend upon the means set aside for that purpose. 
 
 It is recommended that the sum of five thousand dollars 
 be appropriated for the improvement of the capitol 
 grounds. 
 
 STATE CEMETERY. 
 
 These grounds require a new substantial plank inclosure, 
 and the setting out of shade trees, estimated cost $600 00 
 
 STATE LIBRARY. 
 
 The Library consists of over six thousand volumes of 
 miscellaneous works, a great portion of which are Con- 
 gressional and legislative proceedings. 
 
 A catalogue has been prepared by the Librarian in 
 charge, and filed in the office of the Secretary of State, to 
 which reference is made for particulars. 
 
 It is to be regretted that so many books are missing by 
 which some valuable editions have" been rendered incom- 
 plete, and in some instances almost valueless. 
 
 The Library, as now composed, can only He l^gardtni ys 
 a n\it']eu^up<[>U.^vhibh t<s build hereafter. ' 
 
[Sj 
 
 The collection ol a State Library, worth}' of its name 
 and object, is deserving the most fostering care, in fact, 
 too much, importance cannot be attached to the value of a 
 collection of works of reference both ancient and modern, 
 together with such literary selections as will serve to ren- 
 der the State Library a reflex of the intelligence of the 
 citizens of the State. 
 
 Special attention is directed to the condition of about 
 one hundred and twenty volumes of journals of the Eng- 
 lish parliament for the sixteenth and seventeenth century, 
 the binding of which has been destroyed, and a new and 
 substantial cheap covering is recommended, in order that 
 these interesting documents may be preserved. 
 
 Estimated cost at $3 each ." $360 00 
 
 Freight, express charges and postage on books. . . 300 00 
 Shelving and stationery 75 00 
 
 Total $73o 00 
 
 It is also suggested that the Librarian be authorized to 
 correspond with the librarians of other States and publish- 
 ing institutions, witli a view of collecting such books as he 
 may be able to procure by way of exchange or donations. 
 
 CAPITOL FURKTTURE. 
 
 An inventory of the furniture will be found on file in the 
 office of the Secretary of State, most of it needs renewing. 
 
 There is on hand a large lot of old spring-bottomed 
 chairs ; these are comparatively worthless and should be 
 disposed of, and be replaced by new ones. 
 It is suggested that there be appropriated for this 
 
 purpose $200 00 
 
 For cleaning and polishing desks, etc oO 00 
 
 Drapery for Senate chamber, and Hall of Repre- 
 sentatives 500 00 
 
 Total £750 00 
 
 AGRIOULTXTRE. 
 
 As yet no provision is made for the collection of statis- 
 tical records of the agricultural resources of our State, the 
 importance of which, it is believed, will be appreciated by 
 emy one regardless of hi£ filing or ein^fofvni^nt/ A 
 
I 9 | 
 
 monthly review from the several counties throughout the 
 State in relation to the agricultural enterprises and pros- 
 pects would seem of vast interest and importance. 
 
 It is respectfully suggested that the State Librarian be 
 authorized to obtain, by circular or otherwise, such infor- 
 mation through county officials' and other reliable channels, 
 as may relate to the condition of crops ; the number of 
 acres in cultivation ; the kind of products grown, etc., a 
 summary to be published by him monthly in such news- 
 papers, as will be willing to aid in disseminating such gen- 
 eral useful information. A small appropriation for prin- 
 ting circulars, and for postage, say one hundred dollars 
 ($100), is all that will be required to carry into effect this 
 measure. 
 
 Recapitulation of the estimated amounts to be provided, 
 as recommended in the foregoing statements : 
 
 For the capitol building $12,880 00 
 
 For the land office 7,500 50 
 
 For the treasurers and comptroller's office 4,900 oo 
 
 For the Supreme Court building 750 00 
 
 For the wood shed 450 oo 
 
 For the capitol ground 5,000 oo 
 
 For I he State cemetery 600 oo 
 
 For the State library." 735 oo 
 
 For the furniture and drapery 750 OO 
 
 For agricultural statistics 100 00 
 
 Total $83.(565 50 
 
 GENERAL REMARKS. 
 
 It is desired to call special attention to the leading fea- 
 ture of this report, namely : the condition of the public 
 buildings of our State, all of which (the Supreme Court 
 building excepted) are greatly in need of repairs. They 
 are totally insecure, and in some instances unfit for the 
 purposes for which they are now being used. A fourth- 
 class burglar can enter any of the public offices and ab- 
 stract therefrom valuable records, without the least trouble. 
 
 The importance of the subject demands speedy attention. 
 
 The value of the State property embraced within this re- 
 port is estimated at not less then a half million ($500,000) 
 dollars ; thirty-four thousand ($34,000) dollars, recom- 
 mended in this report for the improvement of the same, is 
 2 
 
I 10 I 
 
 equal to six and four-fifths per cent, on the capital invest- 
 ed. This would certainly seem a reasonable expenditure 
 compared with its magnitude and importune'. The capi- 
 tol is sufficiently capacious and durable to last for many 
 years to come, should timely repairs be added, which 
 pecuniarily will save the State perhaps a million or more 
 dollars in the near future, and a policy of economy would 
 dictate a liberal provision of thorough repairs in every in- 
 stance. It might be greatly improved, both in beanty and 
 strength, by replacing the present Unsightly covering with 
 a mansard roof covered with slate, which improvement 
 would furnish additional conveniences, render the building 
 in a manner fire proof, and greatly improve its appearance. 
 The cost of this improvement will not exceed ten thousand 
 ($10,000) dollars. 
 
 The Treasurer's and Comptroller's office and Supreme 
 Court buildings are covered with tin, and therefore ren- 
 dered secure as against tire, but should be painted in order 
 to increase their durability. 
 
 For tlie better protection of the capitol grounds and its 
 buildings, it is important that the person in charge should 
 reside within its enclosures. 
 
 It is therefore recommended that a small dwelling for 
 this purpose be erected, at a cost not exceeding five hun- 
 dred ($500) dollars, or that permission be granted the cus- 
 todian to build at his own expense, granting him the lib- 
 erty of removing the same at the expiration of his term of 
 office. The object of this provision is obvious, and will be 
 found of great importance. 
 
 It is with pleasure and pride to allude to the interest 
 which seems directed to the Lone Star State in every por- 
 tion of the habitable globe. Visitors from at home and 
 abroad are daily wending their way to the Hill City, the 
 capita] of the great State of Texas, the prospective home 
 of thousands of industrious and patriotic people, with an- 
 ticipations of finding a capital worthy of its history and 
 name. 
 
 Would it not be well at this late date to make an earnest 
 effort to place the public buildings and grounds in such a 
 condition as at least, to meet tin 1 standard of similar im- 
 provements elsewhere' I 
 
 The private citizen takes pride in the appearance and 
 comforts of his home. Will not the same spirit prompt a 
 liberal policy towards the improvement of the State prop- 
 erty i 
 
i 11 1 
 
 Whoeyer feels an interest in the glories andprospei 
 
 of Texas must feel a pride in its public institution- i 
 ! heir improvements. 
 
 In connection with the improvement of the State prop- 
 erty, I hope to be pardoned for the suggestion thai all 
 tracts be let to the lowest bidder, according to plans and 
 specifications to be furnished by the proper officer d 
 charge; that in every instance preference be given to 
 citizens of the State, either for furnishing the material or 
 for doing the work. 
 
 I believe it to be sound policy to encourage home inti 
 (ry, and would rather pay a premium to the mechanics 
 laborers at home, than to pay tribute to those who have 
 sympathy in common with us. 
 
 Texas may become independent of the outer world if si 
 will foster industrial pursuits, and award labor a proper 
 standard in the scale 01 her onward prosperity. 
 
 In conclusion, I invite your Excellency's favorable con- 
 sideration to these several improvements herewith 
 gested, as also to the fact that no appropriation was ma 
 by the Legislature at its last session for the salary of 
 person now in charge of the public property, and wo 
 also suggest that said salary is inadequate to the responsi- 
 bilities and labor required of him. 
 
 The officer in charge of the public property, whoever 
 may be, in the faithful discharge of his duties, should be 
 at his post at all hours of the day, and even at night mug t 
 be vigilant and mindful of his trust. 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 F. VOIGT, 
 
 In charge of the Capitol and other Public Propi ■ 
 
 Austin, Texas, Nov. 12, 1874. 
 
 Tne above and foregoing report is, so far as relates to 
 public buildings and public grounds, togetherwith the sug 
 gestions therein contained, approved by the Board 
 Public Buildings and Public Grounds. 
 
 A. W. DeBerey, 
 Secretary of State and Chairman of the Bot 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 014 647 564 4 <