found impracticable to maintain them, with their present gravel surfaces, in good condition during the winter months. It is also proposed to construct a suitable park lodge with the necessary conveniences for public comfort. Eleventh. For improvement of Armory Square and réservations east to Botanical Gardens, the reservations to be hereafter known as Seaton Park, $5,000. These parks comprise an area of about 30 acres, with road and walk surfaces of over 10,000 square yards; the approaches to the Armory building, now used by the Fish Commission, are in bad condition, and need extensive repairs; it is proposed to put the roadways and walks iu complete order, to construct gutters, drain-lodges, &c.; to improve the lawns and to plant additional trees and shrubs. Twelfth. Improving grounds around Pension building, Judiciary Square, $8,000. This building, now nearly completed, is already occupied; suitable approaches to it, through the park, have not been provided, and the grounds around it are blocked with piles of earth and clay removed from the foundation. It is proposed to grade and plant these grounds, about four acres, with ornamental trees and flowering shrubbery, to form lawns and flower beds where practicable, and to construct concrete walks in the direct lines of travel from the surrounding streets. Thirteenth. For constructing an ornamental structure of masonry and iron over the springs in Franklin Square, $2,000 The springs in this park are deemed especially valuable by the residents in the vicinity and are not now available. I have been urged to open them for the benefit of the public; it is proposed to make the necessary excavation, to inclose the springs with masonry, to construct granite steps descending to them, to surmount them with an ornamental structure which will be an attractive feature of the park, and to make approaches to it from the park walks. Fourteenth. For raising the causeway approaches to Benning's Bridge, constructing retaining walls and placing guard railings where the roadway crosses the marsh, $10,000. This roadway is now periodically overflowed by the high spring freshets, subjecting the residents of a large section of the adjacent country to personal inconvenience and loss by closing this important avenue to the city of Washington; it is proposed to raise the low portions of the roadway about 3 feet, to construct retaining walls to prevent spreading into the adjacent marsh, and to put up guard railings. Fifteenth. For constructing, removing, and repairing iron fences, $1,500. This appropriation has heretofore been $500, and has been devoted to construction and repair; $1,000 is added to it, and is submitted without recommendation The question of removing the tall iron fences from around the parks has been widely discussed and opposite views expressed by distinguished citizens. I have been strongly urged to take action and remove them at once, the reasons given being that the driving of cattle through the streets and the roaming at large of animals is no longer permitted; moreover, it is said that, by confining outlets to certain localities, the police find it difficult to reach persons requiring their assistance. In view of the decided opinion of Congress, as indicated in the act of March 3, 1877, which specially prohibits the removal of iron fences, I have declined taking other action than to respectfully submit this estimate without recommendation, understand ing that if the appropriation is made it will be the wish of Congress that the fences shall be removed. Sixteenth. For care and repair of and refurnishing the Executive Mansion, $16,000. It was found that by repairing and patching the roof of the Mansion at a small cost a new roof would probably be unnecessary during this fiscal year, so that the $4,000 appropriated for that purpose will probably not be used. It is respectfully urged that the entire sum estimated may be appropriated for the coming fiscal year, so that if absolutely necessary a new roof may be constructed, and if not, the funds may be applied to refurnishing some of the bedrooms where the furniture is shabby. Seventeenth. For care and necessary repairs of the Executive Mansion greenhouses, $5,000. The sum appropriated for the past two years has been only $4,000, while previous to that for several years it was $5,500. While I will be able to make absolutely necessary repairs now required, the available funds will not admit of much needed painting, and it is recommended that for the next fiscal year the sum of $5,000 be appropriated. Eighteenth. For repairs to conservatory, Executive Mansion, $6,000. The floor of this building is in such bad condition that in wetting down the plants the waste water percolates through the brick arches and endangers the safety of the structure. It should at once be replaced with a new covering of asphaltum; the old wooden benches should be replaced with slate slabs on iron frames, and new heating pipes should replace the old ones, which are in bad condition and of insufficient capacity. The necessity for this work cannot be overestimated, and it is hoped that this appropriation will be made. Nineteenth. Care and repair of bridges. For two draw-keepers at Navy-Yard (Anacostia) and Benning's Bridges, $1,440. It is respectfully recommended that provision be made for two bridgekeepers for this service, as in former years. The draw of the Anacostia Bridge is required to be opened for small vessels running to the almshouse and jail and to the upper waters of the Eastern Branch. The services of two men are required to open this draw, and in addition to this service they have been employed in making minor repairs to this and to Bennng's Bridge, the latter about 2 miles above. Twentieth. For replanking the roadway and foot-walks and repainting iron-work of Anacostia Bridge, $5,500. This bridge is probably subjected to more travel than any other in the District of Columbia, being the direct approach to the city from the large agricultural district southeast of the Eastern Branch of the PotoThe condition of the wood-work is such as to demand immediate attention, and an appropriation is earnestly recommended for it. mac. Although I have been in charge of this office but two months, I cannot close without bearing testimony to the faithful, energetic, and intelligent manner in which Mr. E. F. Concklin, overseer and chief clerk, and Mr. George F. Brown, public gardener, have performed the various and important duties intrusted to their charge. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Lieut. Col. of Engineers, Colonel U. S. A. To the CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. A. APPENDIX Y Y. ISSUE OF PUBLISHED CHARTS OF THE NORTHERN AND NORTHWESTERN LAKES. ANNUAL REPORT OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL 0. M. POE, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BVT. BRIG. GEN., U. S. A., FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1885. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, Detroit, Mich., July 16, 1885. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith my annual report on the "issue of the published charts of the northern and northwestern lakes" for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, O. M. POE, Lieutenant-Colonel of Engineers, The CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, U. S. A. The issue of the charts to registered vessels has continued during the year in accordance with regulations; also their sale at a fixed price (to cover cost of paper and printing), to any who desired to purchase. The following table shows the extent of this business: Table showing the issue of charts of the northern and northwestern lakes during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. Description. Charts on hand July 1, 1884 Charts issued to vessels, &c Charts on hand July 1, 1885. Number. Total. 2,379 6,725 9, 104 4,258 828 5,086 4,018 The sum of $248.40 was turned into the Treasury from sale of 828 charts, at 30 cents each. Total number of charts issued to July 1, 1884 Issued between July 1, 1884, and July 1, 1885 Total issued to July 1, 1885.. 132, 677 5,086 137,763 Estimate of funds for survey of northern and northwestern lakes for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1887. For printing and issuing charts for the use of navigators, and electrotyping copper plates for chart printing $2,000 |