lEx iCtbrtB 
 
 SEYMOUR DURST 
 
 When you leave, please leave this book 
 
 Because it has been said 
 "Ever'thing comes t' him who waits 
 
 Except a loaned book." 
 
 Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library 
 Gift of Seymour B. Durst Old York Library 
 
Digitized by the Internet Arcliive 
 in 2013 
 
 http://archive.org/details/historyofmunicipOObroo 
 
H ISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 AND 
 
 OTHEI| PUBLIC BUILDI[(GS, 
 
 IN THE 
 
 CITY OF BROOKLYN. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL. 
 ■ 18 7 8. 
 
lEx ffilthrtfi 
 
 SEYMOUR DURST 
 
 -f ' Tort nie^iu/ ^dm^trj^m oj^ Je MatJtatan^ 
 
 When you leave, please leave this hook 
 
 Because it has heen said 
 " Sver'thing comes t' him who waits 
 
 £y:cept a loaned book." 
 
r ^ 
 
 COMPLIMENTS OF 
 
 F. B. FISHER. 
 
HISTORY 
 
 OP THE 
 
 |[untd|jal jljcprtmcttt Ijuilding, 
 
 AND 
 
 Other Public Buildings 
 
 IN THE 
 
 CITY OF BROOKLYN. 
 
 I»TJ"BLISE3:H3ID bit TiiE! COlSdIlVIOJSr COTTNCIL. 
 
 1878. 
 
1876— '77- 
 
 MAYOR, - - - FREDERICK A. SCIIROEDER. 
 
 1878- 
 
 MAYOR, ------ JAMES HOWELL. 
 
 ALDERMEN IN CHARGE OF CONSTRUCTION OF 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 1 876. — yrcm S^elntary ZStJi to fune rsth. 
 
 JOHN FKENCH, 
 FEANCIS B. FISHEK, 
 WILLIAM H. MURTHA. 
 
 1 876. — yrom //line r?lh to ^&ce»iier 31 st. 
 
 JOHN FRENCH, 
 FRANCIS B. FISHER, 
 WILLIAM H. MURTHA, 
 GEORGE W. WILLIAMS, 
 GEORGE JENNISON. 
 
 1 87 7. — yrcm ,fa7iuarij rst to Sfpril 9th. 
 
 JOHN FRENCH, 
 FRANCIS B. FISHER, 
 WILLIAM H. MURTHA, 
 GEORGE W. WILLIAMS, 
 GEORGE JENNISON. 
 
 1 877. — S/rom S4pril 0th to §Jecemler 37 st. 
 
 JOHN FRENCR, 
 FRANCIS B. FISHER, 
 GEORGE W. WILLIAMS, 
 GEORGE JENNISON, 
 JAMES DONOVAN. 
 
 1878. — 3^rom .fnnuanj rst to ''S^oinjjletion of Worli. 
 
 JOHN FRENCH, 
 FRANCIS B. FISHER, 
 GEORGE W. WILLIAMS, 
 JOHN DREYER, 
 DANIEL O'REILLY. 
 
To the Ilonornlle the Common Council: 
 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 The Aldermen who liave been entrusted with the eonsl ruction 
 of a new Municipal Department Building, in submitting the result 
 of their labors in that belialf to the authority which conferred 
 upon them tliat duty, deem it an obligation, as it assuredly is a 
 pleasure, to place l)erore you a complete history of the proceed- 
 ings had in connection tlierewith, a detailed statement of the ex- 
 penditures, and a ti;ll descriptive account of the structure. In 
 connection therewith we furnish some interesting statistics, not 
 before published, concerning the City Hall and other public 
 buildings. 
 
 The new building is now completed, so far as it was originally 
 intended it should be. We are gratified to be able to state th;it 
 in spite of unforeseen delays its construction is accomplished with- 
 in the time desirable to meet the requirements of the respective 
 Departments, and within the amount originally appropriated. 
 
 We are confident that it is one the best public buildings in this 
 country considering the amount of money expended, and that it 
 is well adapted to the purposes for which it was erected. 
 
 In closing an active participation in its constrnction, we desire 
 to express our warm appreciation of the uniform confidence re- 
 posed in us by your Board, and by the respective Mayors under 
 whose jurisdiction we have officiated. 
 
6 
 
 MUNICll'AL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 We respectfully ask your careful examination of the accompa- 
 nying Report, prepared, under <.)ur direction, ]>y one of our num- 
 ber — Alderman F. B. Fisher. 
 
 Respectfully submitted. 
 
 JOHN FRENCH (Cliairman), 
 F. B. FISHER, 
 GEO. W. WILLIAMS, 
 JOHN UREYER, 
 DANIEL O'REILLY, 
 Aldermen in charge of Construction of 
 
 Municipal Department Building. 
 
 Brooklyn, June, 1878. 
 
H1ST0I[Y OF THE PUBLIC BUlLDIt(GS. 
 
 o 
 
 III seeking- fur inforinution to enable comparisons to be insti- 
 tuted between the work of which this document is designed to be 
 a record, and the pubhc buildings erected in former years in 
 the city of Brooklyn, it was found that the official records 
 contained but little information concerning the construction of 
 the City Hall and other public structures. There were no printed 
 Minutes at the period at which the City Hall was erected, and 
 many of tlie meetings of the Common Council in relation thereto 
 were held in secret session, the proceedings of which are not re- 
 corded. The press of those days, in marked contrast to the 
 present, scarcely mentioned the fact of the erection of the build- 
 ing, or clironicled the incidents connected thei'ewith, though there 
 were many of an exciting and stirring character. It was tliere- 
 fore deemed advisable, while perpetuating the history of tlie new 
 Municipal Department Building, to rescue from oblivion, while 
 some of the participants were yet living, as many facts concern- 
 ing the City Hall as were to be secured at so remote a period 
 from its construction. 
 
 The valuable and detailed information herewith presented on 
 that subject has only been accumulated after much research 
 among nmsty books and documents, and many interviews with 
 some of the men who were actively connected with public affairs 
 tifty or more years ago. Among these may be named Hon. 
 
8 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 Henry C. Mukphy, Hon. Samuel S. Powell, IJoii. Stephen 
 Haynes, Alden J. Spooner, Esq., J. D. Lawrence, Esq., Hon. 
 Francis B. Stryker, and Silas Ludlam, Esq. 
 
 ]\Iucli credit is due John Yates, Esq., for valual)le aid in com- 
 piling and arranging these facts and figures. So far as relates 
 to tlie City Hall and its antecedents, J. M. Masterton, Esq., of 
 Mount Vernon, N. Y. , son of one of the contractors for tlie 
 marble work of the City Hall, and himself the contractor for the 
 marble work of the new Municipal Building, also furnished some 
 interesting figures, taken from his father's books and papers. 
 
 This is believed to be the first record of any moment concern- 
 ing this sul)ject, and it is published with a hope that it may prove 
 of interest to the present and future generations. 
 
 A 
 
MUNICIPAL DErARTMENT BLflLDING. 
 
 9 
 
 THE EARLY MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS. 
 
 Al)out half a century ago the vilhxge of Brooklyn had for its 
 local representative body a board of five Trnstees, and its ]\[uni- 
 cipal Building was a grocery store, on the east side of Fulton 
 street, near the ferry house, owned by Evert Baukeloo, and 
 opposite the preseiit offices of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. 
 
 The Municipal history of Brooklyn commences witli the incor- 
 poration of the village in 1816, when it had a population of 
 4-,500. At tliat time the village comprised the area eml)raced 
 by the East Rivei-, District Street, ( nearly the same as the pre- 
 sent Atlantic Street,) u]) to Red Hook Lane, and a line drawn 
 from Red Hook Lane to tlie City Park, and tlicnce along the 
 west side of the Navy Yard to tlie river. 
 
 In 1825-6 tlie Apprentices' Library was erected and soon l)e- 
 came the centre of all the public business of the villnge and 
 county. The meetings of the trustees were immediately held in 
 that building, and eontinued to be so iintil the incorporation of 
 the city in 1834, when the Common Council held its sessions 
 there until the completion of the City Hall. But the offices of 
 the Mayor, Clerk of the Common Council, and Street Commis- 
 sioner were, on the incorporation of the city, first kept in Hall's 
 Exchange Building, a tlii-ee story brick structure, erected by 
 George Hall, on the southwest corner of Cranberry and Fulton 
 streets, and destroyed in the great fire of 1848. 
 
 When the town and village of Brooklyn were united under one 
 government in 1834, the population of the city was 23,310 ; and 
 George Hall, who had been president of the Board of Trustees, 
 was, on May 20th of that year, by the Board of Aldermen ap- 
 pointed the first j\Iayor. 
 
 2 
 
10 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 More room for tlie city goveriuiieiit offices was imperatively 
 needed by 1836, and in that year the corporation purchased for 
 $11,000, from tlie Apprentices' Library Association, the Appren- 
 tices' Library Building. It was a neat two story and basement 
 bri(!k buihling, at the soutliwest corner of Henry and Cranberry 
 streets, the corner stone of which liad been h^id on July 4, 1825, 
 by General Lafayette. 
 
 Tlie city having thus l)ecome the owner of the Apprentices' 
 Library Building (that institution l)eing merged in the Brook- 
 lyn Institute, on Washington street), erected an additional build- 
 ing in the rear of the Library, and gave the whole the name of 
 the City Buildings, to vphich the officies of the Mayor, Clerk of 
 the Comm(jn Council, and Street Commissioner, were removed in 
 1836-37. 
 
 Besides the sessions of the Village Trustees, those of the Cir- 
 cuit Court, the Court of Common Pleas, and the Municipal Court 
 of Brooklyn, were held in the Apprentices' Library. In the base- 
 ment at the same time were the offices of the County Clerk and 
 the Brooklyn Savings Bank. One of our eminent citizens, Henry 
 C. MuKPHY, in 1834, opened an office in the building, and there 
 began the practice of the law. 
 
 Between 1825 and 1836 the population of Brooklyn had in- 
 creased from 8,800 to 25,000. 
 
 The removal into the City Buildings at the intersection of 
 llem-y and Cranberry streets was only a temporary expedient, as 
 two years previously — in July, 1834 — a public meeting had been 
 held, over which Mayor Hall presided, and a resolution passed to 
 purchase the triangular piece of land on which the City Hall is 
 built. It contained an acre and a half, and cost $52,909, as ap- 
 pears from the following transcript of the deeds and release of 
 dower : 
 
MUNICIPAL DEBAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 11 
 
 Edwakd Rkmsen and wife, J ^'''^^ dated Marj h 1835. 
 
 I itecorded in Liber 4y, 
 ^0 f jmge 490, May 16, 
 
 The Mayou, etc., of the City of ( Acknowledged 
 
 I May 16, 1835. Cuns. 
 Brooklyn. 1 $20,955 00. 
 
 Sarah Remsen, Guardian of Ma- 
 tilda V. Remsen, 
 To 
 
 The Mayor, etc., of the City of^ 
 Brooklyn. 
 
 Deed dated May 1, 1835. 
 Recorded in JJher 49, 
 page 49 B. Acknowl- 
 edged May 16, 1835. 
 Cons. $20,362.80. 
 
 Hezekiah B. Pierrepont and y^\i^i\D'^'id dated ^{^i'/ 
 
 I 1835. liecoi'ded jAoer 
 
 To f 50, page 23, May 20, 
 
 m n-- ^ I 1835. Acknoioledqed 
 
 The Mayor, etc., of the City of I ^r- ^n iq.j- 
 
 ' ' I J/^?/ 19, 183o. (Jons. 
 
 Brooklyn. \ $ii;59o.20. 
 
 Sarah Remsen, ) Ii<ilease of Doxcer dated 
 
 I May 1, 1835. Re- 
 To r corded Uhtr 49, page 
 
 The Mayor, etc., of the City of I ^f^, 31ay 16, 1835 
 
 I Acknowledged May 9, 
 Brooklyn. 1 lg35_ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ 
 
12 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAllTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 TI/i: CITY HALL. 
 
 The laiul liaving been secured, tlie corner stone of a City Hall 
 was laid on April 2Sth, 1836, by the Mayor, Jonathan Tkottek. 
 
 It is evident that at that early period of the city's history, as 
 sanguine a spirit prevailed as in subsequent years, when costly 
 parks and boidevards wei'e made — as unbounded a faith in the 
 growth and prosperity of this community ; for the City Hall, 
 constructed of marble, and planned on a magnificent scale from 
 the designs of Calvin Pollaud of New York City, was intended 
 to cover nearly the whole of the land of which the city had ob- 
 tained possession. Its dimensions were 269 feet on Fulton street, 
 250 feet on Court Street, and 222 feet on Joralemon street. Of a 
 triangular form, it was to have had porticos on the three fronts, with 
 columns each 36 feet 6 inches high, ornamented with a capital of 
 the Grecian order, and resting on a pedestal base 17 feet in height. 
 Surmounting the angles, it was designed to have domes, and, rising 
 from the centre of the building, a tower 12.5 feet high. In its 
 spacious rooms all of the public offices and courts would have 
 been accommodated. Its cost was estimated at from $750,000 
 to $1,000,000. 
 
 The records of the citv ":overnment throw but little liii'lit on 
 the methods pursued in the construction of that building ; and 
 in matters of detail, particularly tinancial ones, they are singu- 
 larly deficient. 
 
 It appears from the records of the City Clerk's Office, that on 
 May 25, 1835, the Conmion Council Committee on Public 
 Lands and Buildings was authorized to procure the plans, and on 
 September 3d, 1835, the lioard met in secret r-ession to consider 
 those which had been received. Unable to agree, am^ther secret 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAKTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 13 
 
 meeting was held un the Ttli ul' Se|)teiiiber, and frum the tive plans 
 which liad been procured, it selected that of Pollaku and Johnson 
 as the best, and awarded preniinnis for those of Gamaliel King 
 and, T. Thomas & Son. Three weeks afterwards, the plans 
 of Calvin Pollard were adopted, and on the 3d of November it 
 was formally determined to build a City Hall, the Comniittee on 
 Public Lands and Buildini-s bein"; at the same time authorized to 
 make contracts for purchasing the marble of \vhi(;h its walls were 
 to be built. Early in the year following, 183G, contracts for 
 marble delivered on the site were made with Mastkkton et Smith 
 amounting to $271,600. 
 
 The corner stone was laid on April 28, and the walls, up to the 
 first story, were built. Then came the commercial panic of 1837, 
 and the city authorities, yielding to the pressure of public opin- 
 ion, and alarmed at the prospective outlay, caused the work to be 
 suspended. On January 22, 1838, the covering up of the walls 
 at an expense of $(?.95 was reported by the Committee on Public 
 Lands and Buildings. The expenses incurred up to that time, 
 as appears by the records of the Finance Department, were as 
 follows : 
 
 Preliminary to making atiother attempt to liuild a City Hall, a 
 resolution was introduced in the Common Council which it is 
 proper to notice. Alderman Thokxe, in April, LS38, moved — as 
 upwards of $150,000 had been already spent on a building 
 scarcely raised above the grouiid, and as it was inexpedient to 
 build a City tiall upon such an expensive plan — " That all further 
 work on the said building be discontinued, and that it be referred 
 
 Cost of the site. . 
 Cost of the walls 
 
 $52,909 00 
 131,585 00 
 
 Total 
 
 $181,191 00 
 
14 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 to tlie Coiuniittee on Public Lands and Buildings to ascertain 
 what price can be obtained for the materials on the ground, and 
 upon what terms the contracts for the present City Hall can be 
 annulled." 
 
 1'liis resolution was laid on the table by a vote of eight to six, 
 and the subsequent action of the Board in regard to its contents 
 does not appear. The Minutes show that up to June, 1837, the 
 value of the marl^le delivered by Masterton & Smith, the con- 
 tractors, was $42,445, which sum was paid, with interest amount- 
 ing to $099.24. 
 
 During those 3'ears the increase of the city in all the elements 
 of prosperity was little short of marvelous. Its population, which 
 in 1840 was 36,233, had risen to 59,573 in 1S45, and the munici- 
 pal ofhces were still confined to the premises known as the City 
 Buildings. 
 
 In August, 1844, the Connnon Council, "in view of the increase 
 of the public business of the city, and the great insecurity and 
 want of proper accommodation in the present City Buildings," 
 directed the Committee on Lands and Places "to procure suitable 
 plans and estimates for the erection of a City Hall, to be located 
 on the public property at the junction of Court and Fulton streets, 
 at a cost not exceeding $75,000,'" and report them to the Board. 
 
 Accordingly, the committee procured the plans, and in due 
 time submitted them to the Common Council ; but in the selec- 
 tion of an architect the Aldermen found it extremely dithcult to 
 agree. Again, in several secret sessions, were the merits of the 
 plans discussed. At last those of Mr. Ranlett were chosen. So 
 strong, however, were the antagonisms which existed, that at a 
 subsequent meeting, also held in secret, this action was recon- 
 sidered, and by a majority of one vote the plans of Gamaliel 
 King were substituted. Although few of these facts api)ear in the 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 15 
 
 Minutes, tlie following does appear under date of Nov. 10, 1845; 
 and in view of the full publicity given to all the proceedings of 
 this body at the present time, it is worth preserving : 
 
 " liesoloed. That the injunction of secrecy in relation to the 
 matter of the City Hall be removed. Adopted." 
 
 Two weeks afterward, on November 2-lth, 1845, a report is 
 found from the special committee authorized to make the con- 
 tracts for building the City Hall. In this report, the committee 
 declare as follows : 
 
 " They have given the matter that careful attention which 
 its great importance demands. They have taken into considera- 
 tion the settlement of the claim of Messrs. Masterton & Smith, 
 and have i-cceived from them an estimate for the mai-ble and 
 setting, which is five thousand dollars less than any other esti- 
 mate received. 
 
 " The Committee have also received several estimates for the 
 mason work and materials, the carpenter work and materials, and 
 for the iron work, and, after careful consideration, have decided 
 to give the contracts to the following persons, viz. : 
 
 "Masterton & Smith, marble and setting $91,240 00 
 
 "Thomas S. Denike, mason work 18,900 00 
 
 "Leonard Cooper, carpenter's work 17,975 00 
 
 " Samuel Congdon, iron work 9,570 00 
 
 "Total cost of the Imilding $137,685 00 
 
 " We give to Messrs. Masterton & Smith in addi- 
 tion to the sum above stated $8,760 00 
 
 " Of this amount they pay to Kain & Morgan for 
 
 marble delivered, which the city was bound to pay. . 2,169 00 
 
 " Making the sum which we pay Masterton & 
 Smith, to relinquish the former contract, but $6,591 00 
 
 " Your committee would further report that they have made 
 arrangements with G. King, Esq., to superintend the erection of 
 
16 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 the building ; for sndi services, and for tlie drawing of tlie plans, 
 the sections, and the working plans he is to receive a compensa- 
 tion of $2,000. 
 
 " Yonr connnittee believe it to be necessary to have a competent 
 mason to superintend that department of the work, and recom- 
 mend tlie Board to authorize the committee to employ such a per- 
 son, at a compensation not to exceed three dollars per day, for such 
 days only as the masons are actxially at work." 
 
 It will be seen that the amount of the contract with ]\Iaster- 
 TuN A: Smith, and the city's acknowledged indebtedness to them, 
 was a round $100,(100. The extra sum of $8,760 was agreed 
 upon as a compromise of the suit brought hy Mastertox tfe 
 Smith against the city for $72,999 for damages by breach of con- 
 tract, ■which had been carried into the higher courts. While the 
 suit was pending ]\L\stehton & Smith, on June 13, 1845, pro- 
 posed to the Common Council to receive the sum of $26,744.43 for 
 profits on the work, not pertbiiiu'd, of Imilding the City Hall, 
 and for materials received but not used ; they also asked to be 
 indemnified against the claims of Francis Kain and Abuah 
 AI()U(!AN, of whom they had bought the marble. These facts are 
 not entered in the Minutes, but it is evident they formed the basis 
 of the final agreement, as set forth in the report. The city au- 
 thorities also, on January 2, 1846, executed an indemnit}- bond 
 in the sum of $100,000, signed by TiioMAS G. Talma(!E, Mayor, 
 to hold ]\Iasteutox S: Smith harndess against any action brought 
 by Kain efe ]\Iougan against Masterton tfe Smith for breach of 
 contract. 
 
 The mason employe<l by the connnittee was Stephen Uatnes, 
 imder whose superintendence work on the walls of the first 
 building was also done. On the 24th of November, 1S45. the 
 Common Council i-esolved to apply to the Legislature for author- 
 ity to raise $100,000 to meet the payments on account of the 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 17 
 
 contracts lor the now building. At a meeting lield on Oc^tober 2, 
 
 1848, the Board made a similar application for authority to raise 
 $50,000. 
 
 In 1845, the demolition of the walls and tlie erection of 
 the present City Hall was bognn. It is a three story and base- 
 ment building, 175 feet long, the rear running parallel with Jo- 
 ralemon street, and the sides on Fulton and Court streets having 
 a width of 100 feet. 
 
 Towards the close of 1848, when the munici})al offices began to 
 1)e transferred from the Apprentices' Library Buildings to the 
 City HaW, the population of the city had increased to upwards of 
 90,000, and the business of the city government departments had 
 also very materially increased. The City Hall was finished in 
 
 1849, daring the mayoralty of Francis B. Stryker, and when the 
 city, with a population of 100,000, was divided into nine wards, 
 comprising the whole of what is now known as the Western District. 
 
 EXPENDITURES ON THE CITY HALL. 
 
 The cost of the City Hall may be divided into the following 
 items, which are all it is possible now to obtain : 
 
 Land for the site $52,909 00 
 
 Walls of the first building 131,585 00 
 
 Claim of Masterton & Smith, contractors 8,760 00 
 
 Removal of old walls, erection of City Hall and iron > ..^^^ '-4g qq 
 
 fenc-e around the park, furnishing, heating, etc. . ) ' ' 
 
 Total $;715,0C0 00 
 
 3 
 
18 
 
 MUNIClI'AL DErARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 The following transcript from the books of the Finance De- 
 partment sliows when the sevei-al loans were raised to meet the 
 payments as they became due : 
 
 $200,000 — Authorized by an Act of the Legislature passed April 
 23, 1835. Session Laws, chap. 129, page 127. Paid 
 in full July 1, 1855. 
 
 100,000— Authorized by amendment to Act April 23, 1835, 
 passed April 12, 1837. Session Laws, chap. 2G3, sec. 
 20, page 281. Taid July 1, 1857. . 
 
 200, OOr— Issued July 1, 1838. Paid in full July 1, 1858. 
 
 50,000— Authorized by an Act of the Legislature passed May 
 14, 1845. Session Laws, chap. 362, sec. 4, page 436. 
 Paid $10,000 in each of the years 1856, 1857, 1858, 
 1859, and 1860. 
 
 100,000 — Authorized by an Act of the Legislature passed May 
 
 9, 1846. Session Laws, chap. 166. Paid $10,000 in 
 each of the years 1861, '62, '63, '64, '65, '66, '67, '68, 
 '69, and '70. 
 
 50,000 — Authorized by an Act of the Legislature passed March 
 
 10, 1849. Session Laws, chap. 85, page 124. Paid 
 $10,000 in each of the years '72, '73, '74, '75, and 
 '76. 
 
 15,000 — Authorized by an Act of the Legislature passed Feb- 
 ruary 23, 1850. Session Laws, chap. 23, sees. 1 and 
 2. Paid January 1, 1875. 
 
 $715,000 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 19 
 
 THE COURT HOUSE. 
 
 Upon the completion of the City Hall, such of the courts as 
 liad survived tlie constitution of 1846 were removed with tlie 
 city offices to that building. In 1855, when the cities of Brook- 
 lyn and Williamsburg and tlie town of Busliwick were united un- 
 der one municipal governinent, the population of tlie city, thus 
 enlarged, exceeded 200,000. For several years previous the 
 question of erecting a Court House, for the accommodation of the 
 courts and county officers, had been agitated. As early as June, 
 1853, an Act was passed authorizing the borrowing of $100,000 
 for such a building. It was not, however, until May 20, 1862, 
 that the corner-stone of the Court House was laid. In March, 
 1865, the building was completed and furnished, and the Supreme 
 Court, City Court, County Court and Court of Sessions, the Su- 
 pervisors, and other county officers, were located therein. The 
 cost of the site and building, complete, was as follows : 
 
 John Schenck, for site $70,000 00 
 
 William Ilannigan, mason work 91,610 00 
 
 J. H. Magill, marble work 73,853 00 
 
 Architectural Iron Works 114,622 27 
 
 Alexander Edwards, granite work 17,139 16 
 
 Close & Miller, carpenter work 30,274 24 
 
 Gold & Co., heating and ventilating 17,105 93 
 
 John Butler, gas-piping 1,890 00 
 
 Bryan & Co., plumbing 7,483 27 
 
 Wolff, Supervisors' Eoom 4,221 00 
 
 Alexander Anderson, paving, etc 14,051 40 
 
 Furnishing, flagging, etc 86,411 09 
 
 Abram Allen, Jr., brick walls $2,795 00 
 
 King & Teckritz, architects 15,180 07 
 
 Total $549,636 43 
 
20 
 
 MUNICIPxVL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 TEE MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS. 
 
 The accommodations provided by the erection of the City 
 Hall and Court House soon proved inadequate to the require- 
 ments of the municipal departments. The population ot" the 
 city had increased to 482,493 in 1875, and for a long time pre- 
 vious several of the departments were flitting from place to 
 place in search of more room in which to transact their part of 
 the public business. 
 
 The headquarters of the Police Department, prior to 1866, 
 were confined to the room now occupied by the First District 
 Court, at the southwest corner of the City Hall basement. In 
 1866, tliey were removed to more commodious quarters in a brick 
 building at the northwest corner of W;:slungton and Johnson 
 streets, and there remained until 1871, when they were estab- 
 lished in a still larger building on the southwest corner of Liv- 
 ingston and Court streets. No other change took place until 
 May of the present year, when the central office of this depart- 
 ment was located in the ]\Iunicipal Building. 
 
 The Bureau of Excise was an independent dei)artment in 
 1872-3, with offices on the south coi'ner of Myrtle avenue and 
 Fulton street. By the amended charter of 1873 the department 
 was made a bureau, subordinate to the Police Commissioners. 
 Tlie bureau went with them from the corner of Livingston and 
 Court streets to the IMunicipal Building. 
 
 The Health Offices of the city, soon after the erection of the 
 Court House, were placed on the first floor, east side, of that 
 building. They wtre then removed to a large frame house on 
 Wiishington street, just north of old police headquarters ; and 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAKTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 21 
 
 subsequently, in ]\Iay, 1873, when the Healtli Department was 
 organized, to more suitable premises at the northwest corner 
 of Court and Livingston streets, and there remained to the end 
 of April, 1878. The department is now in the Municipal 
 Building. 
 
 The City Treasury. — Up to 1S73 tlie city luid no office for 
 the accommodation of its treasurer. In that year, on the reor- 
 ganization of the Brooklyn Trust Company, rooms for the City 
 Treasurer were rented on the northwest corner of Court and 
 Joralemon streets. In the transfer of departments that has just 
 taken place, the otfice was removed to the City Hall. 
 
 Department of Audit. — The Auditor's offive was removed, in 
 1874, from the City Hall to a room adjoining the City Treasury 
 Department on Court street. It has been again located in the 
 City Hall. 
 
 Department of Parks. — The Park Commission, as at present 
 constituted, was appointed in April, 1860. Its first offices were 
 in the Court House ; then they were on Court street, opposite the 
 City Hall ; then at the recent Police Headquarters, corner of 
 Court and Livingston streets, which it vacated in 1871 to occupy 
 part of the three story brick building on the southwest corner of 
 Schermerhorn and Court streets. There the department remained 
 until the first of the present month. The offices are now in the 
 City Hall. 
 
 Department of Arrears. — The amended charter of 1873 cre- 
 ated a Department of xVrrears from a bureau of the Department 
 of Collection. In 1873-78 the Department occupied oflices on 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING, 
 
 Court street, adjoining the Treasurer's and Auditor's depart- 
 ments. It has been removed, during the recent general change, 
 to the Municipal Building. 
 
 Board of Elections. — By a special Act of the Legislature, 
 passed in 1873, tlie appointment of a Board of Elections was 
 directed to be made. The offices of the Board since that 3'ear 
 have been in Montague street, between Court and Clinton, and 
 opposite the Academy of Music. From tlie beginning of this 
 montli they have been in the City Hall. 
 
THE MUNICIPAL DEPApEHT BUILDING. 
 
 o 
 
 It was for a long time apparent to the officials who were cliarged 
 with administering the affairs of the municipal government, as 
 well as to the discriminating public, that the system of occupying 
 separate buildings for the transaction of the public business was 
 impracticable. Not only was it inconvenient to the public, whose 
 affairs called them to the several departments, but extremely an- 
 noying to the officials, who, by the very nature of their employ- 
 ment, were called upon to frequently communicate witli each 
 other. The demand for an improvement in this direction stimu- 
 lated the Board of City Works to attempt a remedy. In 1873, 
 J. W. Adams, the Chief Engineer, under the direction of that 
 department, prepared a plan for the enlargement of the City Hall 
 This plan provided for remodellitig the City Hall, so far as to add 
 wings on each of the East and West faces, to the depth of the 
 building, thus covering the space from street to street, or a total 
 frontage of 232 feet, witli piavilion5 over each wing, front and rear, 
 and a Mansard roof over the entire building, including the 
 wings — thus making the building four entire stories in height, and 
 arranged to utilize the roof story. 
 
 In the meantime the constantly growing wants of the city had 
 so increased the force necessary for the transaction of its business 
 that, in 1875, the rentals for the departments which are provided for 
 by reason of the erection of the new building, amounted to $17,600 
 
24 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAKTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 per annum. Tlie stringency in financial affairs, and tlie c^jnee- 
 quent depression in the values of real estate, caused the Common 
 Council to attempt a reduction of these figures, which, in 1877, 
 was successful to the extent of reducing them to $14, 300. Notwith- 
 standing this reduction, the lack of accommodation both to 
 officials and the public was constantly pressing the authorities in 
 the direction of relief. A careful study of tlie plans proposed by 
 Mr. Adams, and an analysis of the various suggestions tending to 
 an enlargement of the City Hall, developed so many olistacles, 
 that such enlargement was not considered feasible at present. 
 There are some commendal)le features in connection with such 
 proposed alterations, that in the future may be adopted. The 
 steady growth of owv population will doubtless cause sucli an in- 
 crease in the public service, that the present siii-plus space may 
 be exhausted, and more room demanded, hut it is not probable 
 that the public officials of the present generation will be called 
 upon to solve that prol)lem. 
 
 PRELIMINARIES TO THE NEW BUILDING. 
 
 The preliminary steps toward the construction of the New 
 Building, wliicli is the main subjectt of this document, have already 
 been published somewhat in detail, and are to be found in the 
 minutes and documents of the Common Council for 1876. In 
 order to preserve in a consecutive form an enduring record of the 
 entire proceedings in connection therewith, a brief review of mat- 
 ters heretofore puljlished is embodied in this report. 
 
 The municipality at the period of the instigation of these pro- 
 ceedings was, and had been for somq time, the owner of a plot of 
 ground on a corner of Fourth street and North Second street, 
 upon which was a building being occupied, rent free, by the 
 County of Kings, for the pvirposes of an armory and drill room 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 25 
 
 for the Forty -seventh Regiment, National Guard, a State military 
 organization, under the supervision of the County authorities. 
 This laud came into the possession of the city in 1863-4, by pur- 
 chase from James M. Waterbury, as appears by two deeds, the 
 consideration being named as $3,000 and $5,400 respectively, 
 and was at the time of this transfer useless for any city purpose, 
 its location preventing its utility for public offices. 
 
 At the same time tlie county was tlie owner of several plots of 
 mioccupied ground, some of which were considered eligiV)]e loca- 
 tions for a l)uildi;ig for the accommodation of the municipal de- 
 partments. 
 
 Though conducted under separate forms of government, the 
 interests of the city and county are, in a financial and proprietary 
 point of view, almost identical, only about 5 per cent, of the 
 county assessment being exempt from the city assessment. It 
 seemed, therefore, a perfectly reasonable proposition that the city 
 property, being in use by the county authorities, should become 
 the property of the county in exchange for lands of the county 
 to be applied to city purposes, without considering the relative 
 values of the respective property. 
 
 The plot which first was suggested as appropriate for the new 
 structure is located on Adams street, between Myrtle avenue and 
 Johnson street. In accordance with this idea the first official act 
 towards the consummation of the project was had on the 28th 
 day of February, 1876, by the introduction in the Board of Al- 
 dermen, by Alderman Fkancis B. Fisheb, of tlie Twenty-third 
 ward, of a resolution calling for the appointment of a special 
 committee of three to negotiate with the authorities of the 
 county for the transfer of the land on Adams street to the city, 
 and to report to the Board the result of the negotiation. Alder- 
 man Wm. a. Fritz, of the Twenty-second ward, seconded by the 
 
 4 
 
20 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 mover of the resolution, moved that Aklermaii John French, of 
 the Twentieth ward. President of the Board of Aldermen, be 
 chairman of such committee; all of which was unanimously 
 adopted. On the 29th of February, the President appointed as 
 such committee, himself (I)y order of the Board) as chairman, 
 and Alderman F. B. Fisheu of the Twenty -third ward and Alder- 
 man Wm. H. Muktha of the Ninth ward as^the other members. 
 
 This committee connnunicated the fact of their ap])ointment to 
 the Board of Supervisors, which body appointed Supervisors 
 John L. Kyder, of Flatlands ; Demas Steoxg, of the Thirteenth 
 ward, and George Sexton, of the Fourth ward, to confer upon 
 the subject. The result of the first conference developed that the 
 committee of the Board of Supervisors were in hearty accord 
 with the movement, and that there was a fair ])ro1)ability that the 
 county authorities would aid in promoting the erection of the 
 building sought for, placing at the disposal of the city such land 
 as might be required ; whereupon, on the 6th of ]\Iarch fol- 
 lowing, the committee of the Board of Aldermen reported to that 
 body, recommending that the authorities be directed to make such 
 transfer as the special committee might agree upon with the 
 Board of Supervisors relative to the respective lands alluded to, 
 which was unanimously agreed to. 
 
 On the 13th of March the Aldermanic Special Committee re- 
 ported to the Board that after a careful consideration of the sub- 
 ject they had come to the conclusion that other and more suitable 
 lands were to be had for the purpose meutioned, and asking for 
 further and full authority to exchange for land other than that 
 mentioned on Adams street, which request v. as granted unani- 
 mously. 
 
 Frequent consultations with the otiicials of both city and county, 
 and many leading citizens actively interested in the welfare of 
 
MUNrCIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 27 
 
 Brooklyn, liad satisfied the special committee that the buihling 
 would meet with popular favor, and that every facility ^^ould be 
 alForded by all parties to provide for its construction. Having 
 decided thai a new building was to be erected, it was at once the 
 aim of those who were its most active promoters to cause its erec- 
 tion at as early a day as possible ; and it was then deemed not 
 improbable that such Iniilding might be made ready for occu- 
 pancy by May 1, 1877. Subsequent events, as will appear, inter- 
 fered witli this much of the plan. Prompt steps were however 
 taken. The charter under which the city is governed did not 
 provide any means for such an expenditure, except by placing the 
 amount in the tax levy, and no more could be authorized to be 
 expended in any one year than was so raised by tax ; therefore 
 the whole amount would be necessaril}^ raised in one year, or tlie 
 building be contracted for in parts only, and only so much con- 
 structed as the authorities were willing to pay for in a given year. 
 This was not deemed feasiljle, and at the same date — March 6, 
 1876 — the special committee recommended that they be author- 
 ized to attempt to procure the passage of a special act of the Leg- 
 islature to confer power upon the Common Council to facilitate 
 the erection of the public building, to procure plans, specifications 
 and estimates, and to take such steps as in their judgment were 
 necessary and for the interest of the city in the matter. This 
 recommendation, with an appropriation of two hundred and fifty 
 dollars for expenses for preliminary plans, &c., was adopted 
 without a dissenting vote. 
 
 Tlie special committee then prosecuted their negotiations with 
 the Board of Supervisors, simultaneously with their efibrts for a 
 special act of the Legislature, which was then in session. After 
 many delays, such as naturally arise in legislative bodies, they 
 succeeded in effecting a transfer which in all its features was 
 
28 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 eminently snccessfnl. The sjiecial committee of the Board of 
 Siipervisors, the then Sn})ervisor-at-Large James Howell, and 
 otlier gentlemen of the Board, are entitled to the thanks of the 
 commnnity for their zealous efforts in overcoming the ])rejudices 
 of a few memhers who felt reluctant to advise the county to part 
 with so valuable a piece of property, they thinking it might yet 
 be wanted for county purposes, The result when accomplislied, 
 however, proved generally satisfactory, and on the 31st of May, 
 1876, there were tiled in the Registrar's office deeds of transfer, 
 the city deeding to the county the Forty-seventh regiment 
 armory property heretofore alluded to, and the county deeding 
 to the city the site of the present building, which is briefly de- 
 scribed as lands bounded on the east side by the Court House 
 and the brick wall fencing in the lands upon which the Court 
 House stands ; upon the south by Livingston street and the 
 Polytechnic Institute ; on the west by the lands of the Polytech- 
 nic Institute and of the Dutch Peformed Church ; and on the 
 north by Joralcmon street. Said deed contains a condition that 
 fco long as the present Court House lands remain the property of 
 the county no building shall be erected upon said lands so trans- 
 ferred to the city within twenty feet of the present line of the 
 Court House Building, and in all other respects is a full warrantee 
 deed. This condition was, on June 21,1876, modilied by the 
 Board of Supervisors so as not to apply to towers, areas, balco- 
 nies or steps, these being permitted to be built within fifteen feet 
 of the Court House line. 
 
 These lands were purchased by the county, after the building of 
 the Kings County Court House, for the purpose of removing from 
 the neighborhood of the public buildings several unsightly struc- 
 tures, devoted to occupations which rendered their proximity 
 unpleasant, and also with a view to the possibilities of future 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 wants. The pnrcliase was made in 1868, tliere being paid to tlie 
 estate of John Devancene $4-0,600, to Edward W. Fisk $86,420, 
 and to A. C. Buniliain for fixtures $3,717.50. 
 
 The location being in dose proximity to the City Hall, and 
 easy of access, is peculiarly eligible, and when it is considered 
 that it was procured without taxing the public in these days of 
 heavy burdens for any outlay in that behalf, it is a source of con- 
 gratulation. 
 
 The special committee were equally fortunate in procuring 
 the necessary legislation. They applied to the law officer of the 
 city, Corporation Counsel Wm. C. DeWitt, for the draft of an 
 act which would permit the accomplishment of the desired re- 
 sult, which draft was submitted to the members of the Legislature 
 from the city of Brooklyn, and by them promptly caused to be 
 passed. The act met the ap])roval of the Governor on the 2oth 
 of April, 1876, and is in the following hmguage : 
 
 CHAPTER 131. 
 An Act 
 
 To enable the City of Brooklyn to Construct a Public Building 
 Passed April 2(>, 187t), three-tifths l)eing present. 
 
 The People of the State of Keio York, represented in Senate and 
 Assernlly, do enact as follows : 
 
 Skction 1. The Common Council of the city of Brooklyn are 
 hereby authorized and empowered to build a public building, to 
 be used for numicipal purposes, and to acquire land therefor for 
 the uses of the city of Brooklyn, in such manner and under such 
 supervision as said Common Council may determine, at an expense 
 not exceeding two hundred thousand dollars, exchisive of the cost 
 of said land; and for such purpose the financial officers of said city 
 
80 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAKTMENT BlTILDI^fG. 
 
 are authorized and directed to pay out of any moneys in tlie city 
 treasury of said city of Brooklyn tlie cost and expense of said 
 l)uilding and of tlie acquisition of said land therefor, as directed 
 by the Coinnion Coimc-il, anything in any law heretofore passed 
 to the contrary notwithstanding. 
 
 § 2. For the purposes of reimbursing the treasury of the city, 
 the proper authorities are directed to insert said amount in the 
 l)udget, or tax levy, to be laid on the property in said city during 
 the years one thousand eight hundred and seventy-six, one thou- 
 sand eight hundred and seventy-seven, and one thousand eight 
 hundred and seventy-eight, in three equal anmial instalments. 
 
 § 3. This Act shall take effect immediately. 
 
 Appreciating the necessity for prompt action, immediately upon 
 the passage of the special Act of the Legislature the committee 
 sought the advice of three local architects of standing in their 
 profession — to wit, Messrs. John Mumfoud, Wm. B. Ditmaks, 
 and Arthur Crooks — to whom they submitted suggestions as to 
 the kind of building required. The reports of these gentlemen 
 as to the probable cost of such a structure were so encoui'aging 
 that the committee, under the authority previously given to them 
 l)y the Common Council, invited six architects to compete with 
 plans for the building, agreeing to pay to said architects whose 
 plans wei'e not adopted fifty dollars each, and to return such 
 plans. These architects were Messrs. Mundell, Crooks, Ditmars, 
 - Morse, Mumford, and Morrell — all residents of Brooklyn. Sub- 
 sequently, upon request, the committee invited Messrs. Eisenach, 
 Cornwall, and Schultz & Steinmetz, Brooklyn arcliitects, to com- 
 pete, upon the imderstanding that they would be placed on the 
 same footing as to compensation for plans not adopted as were 
 the others — subject to an appropriation to be made by the Com- 
 mon Council. The appropriation was made at the next meeting 
 of the Common Council. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAKTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 31 
 
 On the l:2tli of June, 1876, the coiniuittee made a full rejjort 
 of proceedings to that date, in which they used the following 
 lanOTajre : 
 
 " We have conferred with the heads of the various departments- 
 of the city government, and hud no dithculty in agreeing upon a 
 proper distribution of the new othces proposed to be furnished. 
 Om' recommendation is, that the new buihling he one hundred 
 feet front, and one huntlred and lif ty feet in depth ; of three sto- 
 ries and mansard roof; of brick, with marble or iron front; nearly 
 fireproof, with fireproof vaults for the safe keeping of records, 
 maps, and other valuable pi'operty of the city, and with a cellar 
 for the storage of coal, su]>p]ies for Board of Health, etc., and for 
 phicing therein heating and ventilating apparatus. We also rec- 
 ommend, subject to such changes as experience may dictate, that 
 the new building, when erected, be occupied as follows : first 
 floor, by the Tax Collector, Registrar of Arrears, and Board of 
 Assessors; second and third floors, by the Board of City Works, 
 Police and Excise, and the Board of Health — distributing the 
 offices most visited by the public so as to make them convenient 
 of access; the fourth floor will not be required to be fully com- 
 pleted, only a portion of it being likely to be wanted at present. 
 If desired, a drill room for the police may be finished off in the 
 cellar, which will be of sufficient depth and capable of being used 
 for that purpose. This disposition of the departments furnishes 
 them ample room for their present and prospective wants, and 
 will leave space in the present City Hall for the Treasurer, Au- 
 ditor, Park Commissioners, Bureau of Elections, Committee Rooms 
 for the Board of Aldermen, with considerable unoccupied room 
 for the future wants of this rapidly growing city." 
 
 The reconnnendations embodied in the report above quoted 
 have been carried out, with the single exception of transferring 
 the Board of Assessors to the second floor, and putting the Reg- 
 istrar of Water Rates (a branch of the City Works Department), 
 
32 
 
 MUMCIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 Oil the first Moor. Tliis change was made with a view of aceom- 
 iiiodatiiig the greater number of people, and to coinbine the col- 
 lection of all taxes and assessments upon the first floor. 
 
 The committee accompanied their report with a resolution that 
 they he authorized to procure estimates for the excavation of a 
 cellar on the hind to be dedicated to the new building, and to 
 award the contract therefor to the lowest bidder, which resolution 
 was agreed to. 
 
 lu connection therewith Alderman W.\i. 11. Kay, of the 
 Thirteenth ward, offered a resolution that the Special Committee 
 be increased to five, and be instructed to. continue as a committee 
 to supervise the erection of the proposed building. After debate 
 and several ineffectual attempts to amend. Alderman Ray's reso- 
 lution was adopted. Whereupon Alderman Fishkr and Alder- 
 man ]Mi:i{TiiA tendered their resignations from the committee. 
 By a vote of the Board it was resolved not to accept their 
 resignations. The President of the Board of Aldermen, JoirN 
 FuKNCii, ap]»ointed Alderman Oeokge AV. Williams of the 
 Eighteenth ward and Geokge Je.nnison of the Twenty fourth 
 ward as the additional members of the committee. 
 
 The committee invited estimates for the excavation, and on 
 tlie 19tli of June following, reported to the Board of Alder- 
 men that they had received twenty bids, and had awarded the 
 contract to ThoMAS (Uleavey, the lowest biddei-, at 35 cents per 
 cubic yard, the work to be commenced on the 21st inst. and com- 
 pleted in twenty working days. The work was faithfully com- 
 ]»leted. At tlie same date there was adopted a resolution that all 
 contracts entered into by the Special Committee, by oi-der of the 
 Board, should be executed under the seal of the city by llis Honor 
 the Iklayor. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 83 
 
 BREAKING GROUND. 
 
 Aid. FisiiKii, on tlio lOth of June, on bi'lialf ot" tlio cominittee, 
 presented to the lioard the following invitation : 
 
 "Brooklyn, June 19, 1876. 
 " The Major, Board of Aldermen, heads of Municipal depart- 
 ments, a!ul tlie otiicers thereof, the meml)ers of tlie lioard of 
 Supervisors, the county officers, and the public generally, are 
 hereby invited to be present at the ceremonies a('(-omj)anyiug tlie 
 breaking of ground for the Municipal Building on Joralemon 
 street, west of the Court House, at eleven o'clock, A. M., on 
 Wednesday, June 21, 1876. 
 
 " Respect fully, 
 
 " "F. B. FISHER, 
 " CoiiDidttee on Ceremonies. 
 
 "By order of Committee." 
 
 . The following account of the proceeding;, at the ceremony is a 
 literal extract from the Brooklyn Daily Eagle of that date : 
 
 Commenced — Gkoi nd Broken for the New Municipal Build- 
 ing — The Ceremony this Mokning — Speeches aitkopkiate 
 to the occasion by Mayor Schroedek, the Corporation 
 Counsel, and several Aldermen. 
 
 The ceremony of breaking ground for the new Municipal Build- 
 ing, to be erected on the land adjoining the west side of the Court 
 House, took place, in the presence of a large assemblage of city 
 and county officials and citizens, at eleven o'clock this morning. 
 The spot selected for breaking ground was about twenty feet 
 from the Court House, and al)0ut the same distance from the side- 
 walk of Joralemon street, the place being shaded from the hot 
 morning sun l)y tlie building which towered above it. Ma^'or 
 Scliroeder removed the first shovelful of earth, and was followed 
 by John French, President of the Board of Aldermen and Chair- 
 man of the Building Committee, who removed the second shovel- 
 ful. Addresses by the Mayor, President French, Corporation 
 
 o 
 
34 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 Counsel William C. DeWitt, Supervisor Clark, Alderman i\Iin-tlia, 
 and other officials, followed. A rude platform was erected for 
 the speakers near the Court House wall. 
 
 When the people gathered around the spot where ground was 
 to he hroken, Alderman Fisher, mounting a hox, said to the Alder- 
 men and Supervisors, " Gentlemen, come inside ihe ring." Evei-y 
 one laughed at this. 
 
 AIDERMAN FISBEn's SPEECH. 
 
 Gentlemen— We have invited you here for the purpose of witnessing the 
 breaking of ground toward the erection of the new Munici2ial Building. It has 
 come to be the belief of the present oflicers of the city government that the 
 building which it is contemplated to erect is a necessity both in the interests of 
 economy and convenience to the public. It is proposed on the part of the Com- 
 mon Council to erect a building suitable in appearance and convenient in its 
 structure, which will be satisfactory to the peojale, not only in point of the 
 character of the building, but in reference to the cost thereof. We propose to 
 try for once to build a public building within the means that is allotted for the 
 purpose and a building which is well worth the money. We are satisfied that 
 the times are auspicious to do this, and we shall endeavor to perform the duty 
 which is assigned to us faithfully and honestly, that you as taxpayers may 
 realize a happy result. I now have the pleasure of introducing to you His Honor 
 the Mayor, who, after addressing you, will break the ground. 
 
 SPEECH OF M.\TOE SCHEOEDEE. 
 
 Me. Chaieman and Gentlemen— Some forty years ago the corner stone was 
 laid for the Hall on the opposite side of the street. It was then contemplated to 
 erect a building which should cover the whole of City Hall Square; but the 
 panic of 1837 put a stop to the building for the time being, and the project 
 slumbered until 1844, when finally this building was begun on the modified 
 plan and completed in, I believe, two j'ears. The building as originally in- 
 tended woiild be what we want to-day, as far as room and convenience are con- 
 cerned ; but it was well at that time that wiser counsels prevailed, and that the 
 money was saved to the taxpayers of the city that might have been invested in 
 such a large building. The time has arrived when we must have additional 
 room, and we have the men in the Common Coiincil who are practical me- 
 chanics, who are honest and industrious and have the interests of the city at 
 heart as much as any taxpayer in the city, and who will see to it that this is as 
 honest a job as ever was put up in the City of Brooklyn. It is a fortunate time, 
 as it procures emploj'ment for a number of the unemployed mechanics and la- 
 borers in this citj'. The expense we can easily bear; it is not large. Still, every 
 little helps toward bringing about a more fortunate and auspicious time for our 
 laboring classes and for our business men, and if all followed the example set 
 here by the city, and, with Hope in the future, start new enterprises and invest 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 35 
 
 the money that is lying idle in the hanks, we shonhl very soon again see all 
 our factories in motion, all our mechanics employed and all our lahorers at 
 work. (Cries of "Hear ! hear!" and cheers.) 
 
 Alderiiiiiii Fisher jiiniouiieed that the Mayor would now break 
 gruiuul and wouhl bu fulluwi'd by President French. A laborer 
 whu stood by handed His Honor a shovel, with which Mr. Scliroe- 
 der easily removed a quantity of earth and tossed it into tlie air. 
 ilr. French then took the shovel and went to work like an old 
 hand. He removed two shovelsful of earth, :uid, with the Mayor, 
 returned to liis former position near the stand. The crowd 
 cheered lustily. 
 
 Alderman Fisher then introduced John French, President of 
 the Board of Aldermen and Cliairman of the Building Com- 
 mittee. 
 
 ALDERMAN FKENCH's SPEECH. 
 
 * 
 
 Gentlemtn — In addition to what his Honor, the Mayor, has stated, I wish to 
 call up a few of the historical facts connected with the building of the City Hall 
 before us and of the former contemplated building. His Honor stated that iu 
 183(), or forty years ago, a plan was devised and a building commenced which 
 was to occupy nearly the whole of the triangle before us, the foundation of 
 which cost about half a million of dollars, but as the city became bankrupt, and 
 the population being only about 36,000, it was thought best to proceed no 
 further. Steps were taken in 18-14 and 184.5 to commence the building, which 
 was finally finished, and which now stands before you. The Committee on the 
 building at that time was "Wm. Burbank, Samuel Smith, Thomas J. Gerald and 
 Samuel S. Powell. His Honor, ex-Mayor Powell, is the only living member of 
 that Committee. That building cost, with all its furniture, about $250 000. 
 'J he chairs of the New York t'ourt House cost more than that sum (laughter), to 
 say nothing about the other furniture. The Court House adjoining us here was 
 an honest job, all honor to ex-Mayor Booth, who was Chairman of the Com- 
 mittee. It cost the County of Kings 8551,7(38.28. Now, a good deal has been 
 said about the extravagance of the city of Brooklyn, but it cannot be said that 
 she is extravagant in her public buildings. The city of Philadelphia, with a 
 population of three or four hundred thousand more than this city— this being 
 the third city in the Union — is now erecting a buikling that is to cost about 
 §12,000,000. The city of Baltimore, with a population, I think, of less than 
 200,000, has just finished a building costing S2,273 000. If we are successful in 
 finishing the building that is now contemplated for $200,000, it seems to me that 
 no one ought to complain. The small city of New Haven has a large building 
 exclusively devoted to the pol ce department tliat luust have cost about $100,000. 
 
36 
 
 MUNICIPAL UEFAIITMENT BUILDING. 
 
 I want, in the jiresence of all composing this large company, to thank the gentle- 
 men of the Board of Supervisors, who so generouslj' and now unanimously 
 have agreed to exchange this beautiful spot for the erectiop, I trust, of this 
 beautiful building. I think they will have no cause to regret it, because there 
 is very little difference between the city and the county — the two interests are 
 one, and there is scarcely any difference between them. In 1832, when Brooklyn 
 was a village, the first year I came here, the population consisted, I think, of 
 a little over 18,000, and a gentleman said to a friend of mine, "If you live to 
 the ordinary age of man, you will see this village become a city of. 500,000 
 people." The friend of mine said, "You are crazy, man," and yet we live to 
 see it, and what the future will be no gentleman here can prophesy. We 
 anticipate, as we trust, all good lovers of the city government will try to make 
 it a city of prosperity and success. We trust that the completion of this work 
 will be so satisfactory to you that you will praise what has been done. 
 
 Alderman Fislier tlien introduced Corporation Counsel DeWitt, 
 to whom, he said, they were indebted for drawing the act which 
 authorized the work. Mr. DeWitt was received with cheers. He 
 spoke as follows : 
 
 SPEECH or COEPOEATION COUNSEL DEWITT. 
 
 Fellow Officers of the City of Beooklyn: — While our esteemed Mayor has 
 appropriately had the honor of first breaking ground for the actual construction 
 of the new MuniciiJal Building, I may rejoice, as the law officer of the city, in 
 having drawn the act, and thus broken ground at Albany for this undertaking. 
 Its inauguration here to-day is proof that notwithstanding the financial strin- 
 gency of the times and the extent of our public debt, the people of th 3 city of 
 Brooklyn are fully confident of their ability to meet their obligaticms and to 
 sustain their government comfortably and elegantly. I regret that motives of 
 economy have restrained j'our committee from constructing the new building 
 from the same material throughout, and that the side and rear walls are not to 
 be of marble as well as the front. I notice that the former generation, to which 
 we are constantly ascribing the severest sentiments of economy, did not make 
 this sacrifice in the erection of the City Hall; and while the marble of the old 
 building ma.y need cleansing, I think every one will admit that it is an interest- 
 ing and beautiful structure. While this much may be truthfully said in the 
 wa.v of criticism, your new building will be commodious in apartments and neat 
 and elegant in design. You are to be congratulated on the spot which has been 
 selected as its site. It is not likely that Brooklyn will ever be a capitoline city, 
 or that it will ever be distinguished by the number or grandeur of its public 
 buildings, and it is therefore desirable that they should be brought as near 
 together as possible, in order that their beauty may be concentrated and effective. 
 They should all circle around the old City Hall, making up a sort of cameo 
 crown in the bosom of the city ! (Applause. ) This proximity will not only add 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 37 
 
 to the architectural beanty of the buildings, but it will subserve the convenience 
 of the ofticers of the city who inhabit them and the well-being of the people who 
 elect these officers. 
 
 Under existing laws our municipal government is a unit. There are many 
 departments, but they all co-operate in a single system, realizing our national 
 motto, "One in many." (Applause.) No officer of the city government can 
 fully discharge his duties without making himself familiar with the business of 
 the various departments. AVith the public buildings standing near each other, 
 it will be easy and comfortable to keep up this free and salutai-y intercourse be- 
 tween all the departments, and thus the contiguity of the buildings will serve to 
 expedite public business, to harmonize the operations of the city government, 
 and to sharpen and intensify that rivalrj' which stimulates public officers in 
 their efforts to surpass each other in fruitful and honorable service of the public. 
 (Applause.) I close with this statement: — May the new building stand to wit- 
 ness as many centennial anniversaries of our couuti-y's independence as there 
 are men upon this field ! hnt may the city of Brooklyn survive long after its 
 most enduring marble shall have crumbled into ashes ! (Loud cheers.) 
 
 Supervisor Clark, Chairman of the Court House Committee of 
 the Board of Supervisors, was then introduced, and spoke as follows: 
 
 SPEECH OF SUPEKVISOE CLARK. 
 
 Gentlemen - 1 certainly did not expect to be called upon to say a word on 
 this occasion, but being so, why, I must say something, I suppose, or appear 
 bumptious. (Laughter, i When this question first came to my notice my mind 
 was opposed to the change of this property for the 47th Kegiment Armory 
 in the Fourteenth ward ; but when I came to consider the whole thing my op- 
 position was removed. This spot here would not answer for a park, and the 
 erection of the building here shows you that the Court House was built to cover 
 the nakedness of the place. (Laughter.) Then again the erection of another 
 building here will be a great convenience, not only to officials, but to all those 
 who have bxisiness to transact at our public offices. It is very desiraljle that our 
 public biiildings should be as near together as possible, and in erecting the pro- 
 posed Municipal building here you will have absolute utility, convenience, and 
 everything that is required for the concentration and the early and prompt 
 transaction of public business. 
 
 Alderman Murtlia, of the Building Conunittee, was next called 
 upon. 
 
 SPEECH or ALDERMAN MUETHA. 
 
 Ffllow Citizens — After the terse and cogent reasous suggested by His Honor 
 the Mayor, why this building should be erected, and the historical address 
 made by the Chairman of this Committee, and also the silver-voiced oratory of the 
 Corporation Counsel, it hardly seems necessary for any member of the commit- 
 tee to address one word to the citizens of Brooklyn on the necessity for the 
 
38 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 erection of tbis building. As an individual member of the committee having 
 the construction of this building in charge, I simply desire to say to the citizens 
 of Brooklyn that while I remain a member of that committee it shall be my 
 purpose to see that the city shall receive full value for every dollar expended, 
 and I sincerely trust and hope that this building shall be completed and turned 
 over to the city of Brooklyn without one dollar of additional cost more than the 
 appropriation places within our charge. I believe on the completion of this 
 building that the citizens will be fully comisensated for the money expended. 
 We now have a number of city departments in isolated places, which is a source 
 of annoyance to people who are compelled to run from one place to another in 
 search of our city otiicials. It is desirable that our city offices should be 
 brought in close proximity, and this purpose will be accomplished by the erec- 
 tion of this building, which will bring all the departments of the City Govern- 
 ment within the shadow of the building on the opi)osite side of the street. 
 That advantage, and with the large rental now paid for the offices of many de- 
 partments saved, will make this building a genuine benefit to the citizens. 
 
 lirief speeches were also made by Mr. Daniel Maujer, Super- 
 visor Hawkes, President Truslow, of the Board of Assessors, and 
 Registrar AVliitney, after which the assenihhige dispersed. 
 
 Tliis closes the Eanle's re])ort. 
 
 SELECTION OE ARCHITECTS. 
 
 On tlie 28th of June, lS7t), the committee re[)orted tliat eight 
 of the architects invited to c.:)ni])ete (all except architect Morse) 
 had presented phms; that they had submitted said ph\ns to two 
 of the committee, who were experts ; that the excellence of 
 nearly all of them rendered a choice difficult ; and tendering 
 thanks to the architects for their ])romptness and exhibition of skill. 
 
 They, however, selected three plans, those of John Mumfokd, 
 Wm. B. Ditmaus, and Aktuuk CkouKkS, as being in many re- 
 spects superior and each eipially desirable. Not being al)le to 
 agree among themselves upon au}' one of them, they submitted 
 the three ])lans for the action of the Board. 
 
 After debate and the passage of a resolution that the plans be 
 open to the inspection of the memhers of the Board of Aldermen, 
 and tj no other person, the m.itt^ir was recommitted to the com- 
 mittee for one week. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BriLDING. 
 
 30 
 
 On the 3(1 of July, tlie eoiiimittee nnaninioiisly reported as 
 follows : 
 
 " That tiievhave carefully corifiidered the subject, and are unable 
 to arrive at any different conclusions than tliose reported to you 
 at your last meeting. They have chosen three plans from among 
 the eiglit presented, each of which possesses man}' merits, none of 
 which, however, being entirely satisfactory. Your committee feel 
 confident that with either of the three architects, to wit : Messrs. 
 Mumford, Crooks and Ditmars, they will be enabled to construct 
 a satisfactory building within the appi'opriation. Tliey therefore 
 reconmiend for adoption tlie following resolutions : 
 
 '■'■]?€ solved, That the salary of the architect for the entii-e work 
 be $5,000. 
 
 '■'■Resolved, Tliat the Committee on Municipal Building be and 
 are herel^y authorized and directed to procure bids, not exceeding 
 twelve in number, from responsible parties, for each branch of the 
 work, and that they be authorized to award the contracts for the 
 same to the lowest Indder therefor. 
 
 "•Resolved. That the Board be requested to choose an architect 
 from the names of John Mumford, Arthur Ckooks, and Wm. B. 
 DiTMAKS ; that the roll be called, and each Alderman name his 
 choice, and the one receiving the majority over all shall Ije deemed 
 to be chosen as said architect." 
 
 Tlie first two of the foregoing resolutions were adopted as re- 
 ported. Tlie last motion was amended by adding the name of 
 Wm. a. Mundell, and unanimously adopted. 
 
 The detailed history of the attempt to select an architect would 
 occupy much space. Those who feel interested in its examination 
 will find it recorded in the Minutes of the Common Council of 
 the dates from July 3 to August 14 inclusive. Forty-one v'lva 
 voce votes were had without effecting a result. 
 
40 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 The following statemont will suffice as a fair indication of the 
 status of the respective votes : 
 
 JULY 3 -FIRST VOTE. 
 
 For Arthur Crooks— .Vld. Corr, Kane, Martha, Gnnder, 
 Donovan, Fritz, Jennison — 7. 
 
 For Wm. B. Ditmars — Aid. Eaj, Acker, Williams, Guthrie, 
 Fishei: — 5. 
 
 For John Mumford— Aid. Burnet, Eowlej, Arnott, Griswold, 
 French — 5. 
 
 For Wm. A. Mundell — Aid. Sterling, Black, Reardon, Parker, 
 Hill— r>. 
 
 Aid. Cottrell excused from voting. 
 
 TWENTY -FIRST VOTE. 
 
 For MuMFORD — Aid. Burnet, Eowley, Arnott, Martha, Gris- 
 wold, French — 6. 
 
 For Mundell — Aid. Sterling, Black, Corr, Kane, Eeardon, 
 Parker, Jennison, Hill — 8. 
 
 For Crooks — Aid. Gunder, Donovan — 2. 
 
 For Ditmars — Aid. Ray, Acker, Cottrell, Williams, Guthrie, 
 Fritz, Fisher — 7. 
 
 JULY e— TWENTY-SECOND VOTE. 
 
 For MuMFORD — Aid. lJurnet, Rowley, Arnott, Griswold, Cot- 
 trell, French — 6. 
 
 For Mundell — Aid. Sterling, Corr— 2. 
 
 For Crooks — Aid. Black, Ksme, Murtha, Gunder, Donovan, 
 Reardon, Jennison — 7. 
 
 For Ditmars— Aid. Ray, Parker, Acker, Williams, Guthrie, 
 Sigrist, Fritz, Fisher, 11111—9. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 41 
 
 THIKTY- SECOND VO IE. 
 
 For ]\IuMFOKD — Aid. Rowley, Griswold, French — 3. 
 For CitOOKS — Aid. Burnet, Black, Corr, Kane, Arnott, Murtlia, 
 Gunder, Donovan, Reardon, Jennison — 10. 
 For MuNDELL — Aid. Sterling — 1. 
 
 For DlTMARS — Aid. Rav, Parker, Acker, Cottrell, Williams, 
 Guthrie, Sigrist, Fritz, Fisher, llill— 10. 
 
 Whereupon it was resolved that the Board meet on Monday, 
 the 17th day of July, at 8 o'clock l\ M., and in the meantime 
 such plans and specitications as the authors may consent to exhibit 
 be open to the public in general, from 8 o'clock A. M. to 1 o'clock 
 P. M., in the Common Council chamber, in charge of the Keeper 
 and Assistant Keeper of the City Hall. 
 
 On the 17th of July no vote was taken m the matter of 
 choosing an architc(!t, though debate was had thereon. 
 
 AUGUST 2 -THIRTY-THIKD VOTE. 
 
 For Ckouks — Aid. Burnet, Sterling, Black, Corr, Kane, Mur 
 tha, Gunder, Donovan, Reardon, Jennison — 10. 
 For MuNDELL — Aid. Fritz, Hill — 2. 
 
 For MuMFORD — Aid. Rowk-y, Arnott, Griswold, Cottrell, 
 French — 5. 
 
 For DiTMARS — Aid. Ray, Williams, Sigrist, Fisher— 4. 
 
 FORTY-FIRST VOTE. 
 
 For Crooks — Aid Sterling, Black, Corr, Kane, ]\Iurtha, Gun- 
 der, Donovan, Reardon, Jennison — 9. 
 
 For MuNDELL — Aid Ray, Parker, Acker, Cottrell, Williams, 
 Sigrist, Iritz, Hill — 8. 
 
 For DiTMARS — Aid. Fisher — 1. 
 
 For MuMFORD — Aid. Burnet, Rowley, Arnott, Griswold, French 
 —5. 
 
 6 
 
42 
 
 MUNICIPAL DE'^ARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 Oil the 14tli of August, at a special session, called by His Honor 
 the Mayor, Aid. Fisher offered the following resolution, which 
 was adopted by a vote of twelve to ten: 
 
 '■'■Resolved, That John Mumford and William B. Ditmars be 
 and they are hereby appointed as joint architects for the new 
 Municipal Building, at a total salary of five thousand (5,000) dol- 
 lars for the entire work, the same to be paid them at such times 
 and in such amounts as may be directed and certified to by the 
 Special Committee on erection of a new Municipal Building." 
 
 The friends of each of the respective plans having failed to 
 agree after so many attempts, it was deemed advisable by a ma- 
 jority of the Board to unite upon two architects at no additional 
 expense. No one of the plans presented met the entire approval 
 of any of those of the Board who were familiar with them. They 
 were prepared by men who were not familiar with the detail of 
 the requirements, and whichever plan was chosen would need 
 much remodelling. The two archiiects thus chosen were required 
 by the committee to prepare entirely new plans, embodying sug- 
 gestions made by the committee the more fitly to meet the wants 
 of the departments which were to occu])y the building. 
 
 The combination of architects proved very successful. Com- 
 plete harmony ]>rcvailed, and the result ])roves the selection to 
 have been a ])eculiarly fortunate one. The skill displayed, the 
 taste developed, the promptness and despatch which charactei'ized 
 their labors, the economy manifested in every l)ranch of the work, 
 and the fidelity with which they have caused the labor to be per- 
 formed, have earned for them the gratitude of the public. The 
 architectural beauty and finish of the exterior of the building, 
 and the ada])tation of the interior to the purposes of its erection, 
 are highly creditable, and are confidently submitted to the test of 
 unbiassed criticism. Had it not been for the valuable aid of 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 43 
 
 jMessrs. MuMFOUD and Dit.mars the committee would hardly have 
 been able to present such a building for so comparatively small a 
 sum. Tlie committee desire to make this record of their appre- 
 ciation of the architects. 
 
 On the 14th of August, Messrs. Schultz <Sz Steinmetz were, upon 
 their request, permitted to witlidraw their plans without compen- 
 sation therefor. 
 
 The following resolutions were, at the same date, upon the re- 
 commendation of tlie committee, adopted: 
 
 '•'•Resolved, That the Committee on Municipal Building is au- 
 thorized to procure such necessary printing, stationery, and other 
 incidental supplies as may be re(pxired, the same to be charged to 
 the account for the erection of the Municipal Building. 
 
 '•'• liesoh^ed. That the specitications, when prepared for tlie new 
 building, be printed as a document of this Board, and one hun- 
 dred extra copies be printed thereof." 
 
 This document is numbered l'5 of the documents of 1876, and 
 will be found to be very complete and specific. The specifications 
 met the warm approval of all the bidders, by reason of their ap- 
 proach to perfection in detail, and tlieir c(jmprehensive character. 
 
 On the 25th of September, Aldermen Muktha and Jennison 
 tendered their resignations as memljers of the committee, which 
 resignations were not accepted, by a vote of 13 to 8. They, how- 
 ever, ceased to take further active part m the labors of the com- 
 mittee, though Aid Jknnison occasionally met with his colleagues. 
 
 INSPECTOR. 
 
 On the 13th of November an election was had by the Common 
 Council for Inspector of the building during its construction. 
 
44 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUI [.DING. 
 
 Tlie result was, ]\Iichael J. Uady, 13 ; ]\Iark Phraner, 8 ; Jolin S. 
 Bogert, 2. Mr. Dady was appointed at a salary of $120 per 
 month from January 1, 1877. 
 
 Here, again, tlie committee and the public were extremely for- 
 tunate. Mr. Dady proved to be a man of more than ordinary 
 care, watchfulness, and ability. His entire course during his stay 
 was marked by a zealous devotion to the interests of the city, and 
 his ample fitness for the position was a source of reliance and sat- 
 isfaction to the committee. He served fourteen months, when 
 he resigned to accept another important trust under a branch of 
 the city government. The work had, however, progressed at 
 that stage so that the services of an inspector were no longer 
 needed. Alderman French giving his time to a general supervision 
 of the work from the date of Mi'. Dadi's resignation until the 
 completioTi of the building. 
 
 PnOPOSA LS. 
 
 Tiie architects having completed the plans and specifications, 
 . on the 2d of October, 187*), the committee invited bids for the 
 several branches of the work, which were divided, as will appear. 
 Twelve was the limit of bidders for each branch, beyond which 
 the Common Council had decided not to go. As far as practica- 
 ble, the full number of each branch was invited, and, with the 
 exception of the marble and iron work, all were parties doing 
 business in Brooklyn. ]5idders for marble work were allowed to 
 bid on any quarry they chose, the committee to select the lowest 
 of the best quarrj' named. The marble work fell to a Westchester 
 man, while all the other successful bidders were Brooklyn arti- 
 sans. Tlie heating and ventilating plans were excluded at the 
 first bidding. The bids were received by City Clerk William 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 45 
 
 Ct. Bishop up to two o'clock p. m. oh the 12tli of October, and 
 tliey n-ere l)y him immediatelj' opened, in the Common Council 
 Chamber, in the presence of the bidders and the committee. The 
 bids were as follows : 
 
 PROPOSALS FOR MARBLE WOKK. 
 
 Martin Dixon $45,200 00 
 
 Martin Dixon 41,200 00 
 
 Magill & Binnie 46,124 00 
 
 Christmas & Ross 33,125 00 
 
 Alexander Maxwell 34,000 00 
 
 Gill, Baird & Co 35,860 00 
 
 H. W. Mitchell 36,145 00 
 
 Sinclair & Milne 31,221 00 
 
 J. M. Masterton 28,200 00 
 
 PROPOSALS FOR IRON WORK. 
 
 J. B. & J. M. Cornell $55,789 00 
 
 D. Y. Saxton 47,500 00 
 
 McKinley & Swack 49,950 00 
 
 Huvelman, Havens & Co 49,657 00 
 
 D. D. Boyce 47,381 00 
 
 PIIOPOSALS FOR MASON WORK. 
 
 T. Lamb, Jr $65,725 00 
 
 J. W. Campbell 78,000 00 
 
 Geo. Hadden 64,798 74 
 
 John Guilfoyle 78,000 00 
 
 C. Cameron 74.500 00 
 
 Baltzer Eauth 78,420 00 
 
 Trowbridge & Crane 72,400 00 
 
 Thos. B. Rutan 68,500 00 
 
 J. II. O'Rourke 69,745 00 
 
 J. H. Stevenson 79,250 00 
 
 Thos. Gibbons 71,000 00 
 
 Raybold & Tostevin 74,290 00 
 
4r 
 
 46 Municipal department building. 
 
 PROPOSALS FOR CARPENTER WORK. 
 
 This proposal called for bids liotli tor yellow pine and white 
 pine finish, 
 
 P V O'Pr.-pn ^ YeUow pine $49,400 00 
 
 '^^-^I'en ^ White pine 4:4-,300 00 
 
 John Fallon ! ^,^,"7 ^ ??'nnn no 
 
 (White pine 37,000 00 
 
 \\r- 1 , p 1, 1 ( Yellow pine 56,4-90 00 
 
 W rio'hl ife Brooks. .. . < ,,7, k., /.aa aa 
 
 ® (White pine 53,690 00 
 
 TT , ,j 1 (Yellow pine 49,418 00 
 
 ^^^^'^^ -(White iSine 45;718 00 
 
 Q ( Yellow pine 38,970 00 
 
 J White pine 36,730 00 
 
 v r T I ^ Yellow pine 44,000 00 
 
 111. Jj. JOJinSOn < ,^7, '. OA t;AA AA 
 
 (White pine 39,500 00 
 
 Yellow pine 42,797 00 
 
 White pine 39,197 00 
 
 John Lee. 
 
 „ 1 (Yellow pine 43,250 00 
 
 1). LTallao-lier • inn • /ia oka aa 
 
 (White pine 40,250 00 
 
 -r p, ^Yellow pine 45,700 00 
 
 (White pine 44,050 00 
 
 J rt T \. (Y'ellow pine 43,300 00 
 
 J. J5. Jacobs ^ White pine 39,150 00 
 
 PROPOSALS FOR PLUMBING AND OAS FITTING WORK. 
 
 This proposal called for bids upon hot water fixtures, and with- 
 out hot water fixtures. 
 
 p J ^ With hot water $6,500 00 
 
 r. Mime, Jr., (Without hot water 6,010 00 
 
 T T? ^M ^^ M With hot water 5,700 00 
 
 Jas. iL. Webb (Without hot water 5,000 00 
 
 ( With hot water 6,453 00 
 
 ( Without hot water 6,053 00 
 
 (WitK ho^ water 5,432 00 
 
 (Without hot water 4,992 00 
 
 „ ,„ „ ^ With hot water 7,056 86 
 
 Lt. W. (.ocrer (Without hot water 6,404 86 
 
 M. J. Erien 
 M. Kessell. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 47 
 
 . , e -ui 1 • ^ With hot water $6,620 00 
 
 Armstrong & Blackm | ^.^^^^^^^ j^^^ g^^^^ 
 
 J TT 1 ^ With hot water 5,4-9100 
 
 jas. ±laney Without hot water 4,943 00 
 
 The ao;2:re2:ate of the lowest of the foreo-oino; bids was 
 $182,052.74, wliich with an estimated amount set apart for heat- 
 ing and ventilating $18,000 00 
 
 Excavation of cellar ., 1,586 20 
 
 Cost of superintendence 1,200 00 
 
 Architects' fees 5,000 00 
 
 Contingencies 5,000 00 
 
 Exceeded the appropriation by the amount of $12,833.94:. 
 
 The committee found it necessary tlierefore to modify the 
 plans so as to bring the cost below $200,000. This was done by 
 some changes in the mason work, iron work, and carpenter work. 
 The amended specifications therefor are part of Document No. 
 25, heretofore alluded to. The principal modifications made to 
 accomplish this scaling down was that of removing two tiers of 
 iron beams from the third and fourth floors, and substituting 
 therefor wooden beams with solid fireproof arch blocks between. 
 
 It is not necessary to comment upon tlie effect of this altera- 
 tion, as subsequently it was ascertained that the cost of heating 
 and ventilating was sufficiently less than the estimated amount, 
 to allow replacing the iron beams according to original specifica- 
 tions. Tills, however, was not made apparent until after the 
 other contracts had been awarded. To reach a result under the 
 foregoing modified specifications the committee invited the three 
 lowest bidders of each of the three classes aflfected. The result 
 of this competition was tlie reception of t!ie following lowest bids: 
 
 Mason work— W. & T. Lamb $60,729 GO 
 
 Carpenter work — John Fallon 37,692 00 
 
 Iron work— D. Y. Saxton 35,034 00 
 
48 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 D. D. Boyce claimed right of separate bid for iron anchors, 
 1540, which is not inchided in Saxton's hid as above stated, 
 which claim was allowed. 
 
 The Committee on the 23d of October awarded the contracts 
 to the lowest bidders, respectively, as follows : 
 
 Mason Work— W. & T. Lamb, of Brooklyn, for si.xty thou- 
 sand seven hundred and twenty-nine dollars (|60,729). 
 
 Iron Work — D. Y. Saxton, of Brooklyn, for thirty-live thou- 
 sand and thirty-four dollars ($35,034). 
 
 Nine Thousand Iron Anchors — D. D. Boyce, of Brooklyn, 
 for five hundred and forty dollars ($540). 
 
 Marble Work — John W. Masterton, of New York, for twen- 
 ty eight thousand and two lumdred dollars ($28,200). 
 
 Plumbing and Gas Fitting — James Harley, of Brooklyn, for 
 four thousand nine hundred and forty-three dollars (4,943). 
 
 Caupenter Work — John Fallon, of Brooklyn, for thirty-seven 
 thousand six hundred and ninety-two dollars ($37,692). 
 
 These contracts, prepared under the direction of the Cor[)ora- 
 tion Counsel, were duly executed by his Honor the Mayor, on 
 behalf of the Common Council and the city, and by the respect- 
 ive parties, each of them giving satisfactory sureties in the penal 
 sum of tifty per cent of the amount of their respective bids; 
 and the contracts, together with the bonds, tiled in the Comp- 
 troller's office. 
 
 The time fixed in the contracts for the completion of the build- 
 ing, ready for occupancy, was Febrnarj' 1, 1878. The terms of 
 payment are in accordance with the usual custom. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BDILDING. 
 
 49 
 
 HEATING AND VENTILATING. 
 
 Tlie committee having in view tlie many failures in the matter 
 of ventilating public buildings, were much perplexed as to the 
 proper course to pursue. The architects had prepared plans 
 upon the ordinary methods in use, but they had so frequently 
 proven ineffective that it was deemed advisable to seek special 
 scientific aid in that direction. The committee, therefore, sought 
 the services of Messrs. Lewis Leeds & Co., a firm well known fs 
 successful in ventilating many public buildings, and who sustain 
 a high reputation as scientific and skillful men in that branch of 
 business. This firm laid before the committee the plan now in 
 use in the building. By direction of the Common Council, De- 
 cember 18, it was approved, IMessrs. Leeds it Co. being paid 
 $750 therefor. Bids were received and opened on the 14th day 
 of December (the proposals being for both the architects' and 
 Messrs. Leeds & Co.'s plans), as follows : 
 
 On A'-chitects' On Leeds & 
 
 Plan. Co.'s Plan. 
 
 Eutzler&Ives $14,435 $13,885 
 
 Baker, Smith & Co 18,425 11,330 
 
 Jamer, Jacobs & Co 15,400 
 
 Bramhall, Deane & Co 20,800 20,900 
 
 Davidson & Mars 14,840 
 
 W. H. Warner 22,500 
 
 On the 26th of December the contract was awarded to Messrs. 
 Jamer, Jacobs & Co., of New York, for the sum of $11,330, 
 and was duly executed and filed in the Comptroller's oflice. 
 
 The committee trust it may prove a satisfactory plan. They 
 possess no practical skill to judge of its character, and can only 
 hope that it will accomplish tlie desired result. 
 
 On the 26th of December the committee made a full report of 
 their proceedings for 1876 (see Document No. 33 of that year). 
 
 7 
 
50 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 On the same date, upon motion of Aid. Arnott, of the Eiglitli 
 ward, the following resolutions were adopted ; 
 
 ^^liesolved, That tlie following Aldermen, namely : the Alder- 
 man of the Twentieth; the Ald(>rman of the Ninth ; the Alderman 
 of the Eigliteenth ; the Alderman of the Twenty-third and the 
 Alderman of tlie Twenty-fom-th wards, shall contimie in charge 
 of the construction of the new Municipal Building until otherwise 
 ordered by the Common Council of 1877. 
 
 ^'■liesolved, Tliat (m completion of the Municipal Building, now 
 in progress of erection, the heads of the various departments of 
 the city government shall occuj)y, with their departments, clerks, 
 and other employes, the rooms and spaces allotted to tliem, as 
 shown on the plans now prepared for said building." 
 
 The first of these resolutions was adopted, by approval of the 
 committee, in order that there might be no lapse of superintendence 
 during the time intervening between the outgoing Board and the 
 organization of the incoming Board. It placed the work in charge 
 of Aldermen from certain wards instead of a committee. The 
 practical result of this resolution was no change in the personnel 
 of the committee, the aldermen forming the same being members 
 of the Board for 1877, and representing the wards named in the 
 resolution. 
 
 The Alderman from the Twenty- fourth ward, Aid, Jennison, 
 had given but little attention to the work, and the Alderman from 
 the Ninth ward. Aid. Murtha, had not taken any part in the 
 labors of the committee from the time of choosing the architect up 
 to this time, nor did either of them thereafter. For all practical 
 purposes, the labor and responsibility connected with the work 
 of the committee has devolved upon Aldermen French, Williams 
 and Fisher. 
 
 The second resolution was adopted to avoid CDufusion in the 
 changes which might be made, by requiring action of the Common 
 Council to make such changes, thereliy making of them a record. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAETJVIENT BUILDING. 
 
 51 
 
 Tliis was the last official act oji tlie subject of the building 
 dimng 187G. 
 
 At this time the foundation walls were nearly' all laid up to the 
 level of the street, and were covered over for the winter, work 
 being suspended until the frost should leave the ground in the 
 spring. 
 
 MAYOR'S 2rESSAGE, 1877. 
 
 The following is an extract from the annual Message of His 
 Honor Mayor Frederick A. Schroeder : 
 
 THE MUXICIl'AL BUILDINti. 
 
 " The new Municipal Building is under contract, and will be 
 ready for occupation about the first day of January, 1878. The 
 building will be an ornament to the city, and is admirably 
 arranged to meet a want which has long been felt. It will be 
 entirely fireproof, and the appropriation of $200,000 heretofore 
 made is amply sufficient for its completion. Much credit is due 
 to the committee having this matter in cliarge, for their untiring 
 efforts to secure the best possible structure within the appropria- 
 tion. Two al)le architects, who fully concur in the plans, have 
 the direction of the work, and tirst-class mechanics are employed, 
 and if your honorable body will see to it that the future super- 
 vision on the part of the city authorities shall be no less careful 
 and able than that exercised by the Board of last year, I have no 
 doubt that the taxpayers will be well pleased with the result." 
 
 As soon as the weather permitted the mason contractors began 
 forwarding the work. Steady and faithful progress was made by 
 each contractor from that time until the completion, which was 
 practically efi:ected on the 15th of April, 1878, though the build- 
 ing was not formally accepted from their hands luitil a few weeks 
 later, as will appear. 
 
 It will be seen l)y reference to the bids for heating and venti- 
 lating, upon the architects' plan, that they give evidence that the 
 
52 MUNICIPAL DEFAKTMENT BUILDlKfi. 
 
 estimate of $20,C00 reserved foi- that purpose was a reasonal)le 
 one. Subsequent to awarding tlie other contracts was tlie em- 
 ployment of Messrs. Leeds & Co., before alhided to. Tliis firm 
 came witli such strong recommendations, and made such pro- 
 fessions of abihty to give good ventilation at a large reduction 
 from the amovmt estimated, and having a strong desire to find 
 means within the appropriaticjn to replace the iron floor beams, 
 for which wooden oTies had been substituted, the committee 
 recommended their employment, as before stated. The saving 
 was nearly $9,000. There was at that time an estimated surplus 
 of about $4,500 for contingencies. Tliese two sums together — 
 $13,500 — was deemed sutticient to warrant the attempt to im- 
 prove the work by iron beams. Negotiations with the bidders 
 
 effected the following propositions : 
 
 Additional Cost — Iron beams $12,341 00 
 
 Mason work 581 58 
 
 $12,922 58 
 
 Deductions — Wooden beams $1,578 00 
 
 Iron work at well holes 490 00 
 
 2,068 00 
 
 Total increase $10,854 58 
 
 Which figures were adopted, and on the IGtli of February the 
 change ordered. This left less thati $1,400 for contingencies. 
 This amount was deemed by many as too small to warrant the 
 risk, upon so large a building, of finding demands for " extras " 
 which could not be met. Every alteration found desirable, every 
 omission of the architects, and all contingent expenses were to 
 be supplied with less than $1,400. How well the committee met 
 tliat emergency is displayed in an accompanying table, setting 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 6n 
 
 Ibrtli eaeli item of cxpeiidltiin' in tliut helialf, as well as all de- 
 ductions wliich coiiti-ibuted tliereto. Tliat it recjuired very dose 
 figuring and extreme watclifulness over expenditures to keep 
 within tliis amount those familiar witli necessary extras in build- 
 ing will readily comprehend. 
 
 In March, upon the application of the manufacturers of various 
 styles of boilers for heating, a committee of three citizens, con- 
 sisting of JosEPir Platt. William II. IIazzaud, and Akthur 
 Crooks were, by tlie Common Council upon recommendation, re- 
 quested to report to the Board as to the feasibility of changing 
 the specifications from tubular boilers to some other style. The 
 committee never reported to the Board, but their views privately 
 furnished the committee influenced them to make no change. 
 
 On the 2d of April the President of the Board of Aldermen, 
 William H. Ray, who had only recently been elected, appointed 
 the Aldermen then in charge of the new building as a standing 
 committee. The question of the power to make such appoint- 
 ment was referred to the C orporation Counsel for report. Inas- 
 much as it was no change in the complexion of the committee no 
 report was made, but the Aldermen in charge continued to exer- 
 cise their functions under the resolution of December 26, 1876. 
 Alderman Murtha resigned from the committee on the above 
 date. At the next meeting of the lioard, April 9, his resigna- 
 tion was accepted and the President requested to fill the vacancy, 
 which he did on the ISrh of August by appointing the Alderman 
 of the Twelfth ward, James Donovan. 
 
 The City Boiler Inspector, Thomas F. Powers, was by the 
 Common Council directed to supervise the construction of the 
 boiler and heating apparatus in the new building, which service 
 was carefully performed. 
 
54 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 TNVKSTIGA TION. 
 
 Tliougli all the recommendations of the Aldermen in cliarge of 
 construction were adopted by a inajority of the Common Council, 
 it is not designed in this report to create the impression that there 
 existed entire harmony in reference to the proceedings. The 
 question of choosing the architects was not by any means an ex- 
 ceptional one. The history of most public buildings, the archi- 
 tects of which have been chosen by legislative bodies, reveals the 
 fact that there is usually more or less strife connected therewith. 
 Our own public buildings are no exception to the rule. Not one 
 of them was erected without more or less struggle as to who 
 should superintend the architecture. The prolonged contest in 
 ihis instance was not without its exciting incidents, and simulta- 
 neous with the result arose an indiiference, or at least a desire 
 not to be responsible for the manner in which its construction 
 should be effected, on the part of a minority of the committee. 
 The majority i-epeatedly expressed their regret at this result, and 
 particularly at the loss of the advice, skill and judgment of Alder- 
 man MuRTHA, who had long been connected with pul)lic affairs, 
 and who was well adapted to furnish material assistance. It is 
 not the purpose of an ofHciul record to discuss motives, or allude 
 to questions of political consideration, and there is therefore 
 nothing proper to be said in this connection except to allude to 
 the fact that the official acts of the Board of Aldermen, and of tlie 
 committee, were by a portion of the press, and of the public, the 
 suljject of criticism, and that the work of the architects was also 
 subjected to the same ordeal. The committee are satisfied to 
 submit the fruit of their labors to a discriminating public, con- 
 scious of a duty faithfully and successfully performed. 
 
 On the Gth of September, 1877, Alderman Murtlia offered the 
 following : 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 55 
 
 " Jiesolvcd, That there be a special committee of live members 
 of the Board appointed to investigate as to the manner of the 
 execution of the contracts for tlie erection of the new Municipal 
 Building, with power to send for persons and papers, and that 
 Aid. Black, Acker, Burnet, Easton and Phillips shall constitute 
 such committee, and that they report the result of their investi- 
 gation at the next regular meeting of the Board." 
 
 Aid. Black declined to serve, and, upon Aid. Muktha'.s mo- 
 tion, Aid. DuANE was substituted in his stead, and the resolution 
 was unanimously adopted. 
 
 It is due the architects, contractors and the committee, whose 
 acts were to be scrutinized by this committee of investigation, to 
 say that tlie investigating committee was not named in the usual 
 manner by the President of the Board, but by the mover of the 
 resolution, who declared, in making the motion, that he was in- 
 formed that there was good ground for an examination such as 
 was provided for in his resolution. 
 
 The investigation extended over a period of five weeks, there 
 having been six meetings of the committee, at three of which a 
 large amount of testimony was taken, principally that of archi- 
 tects and experts in building. The examination was mainly con- 
 ducted on the part of the committee by its Chairman, Aid. Duane, 
 and on behalf of the Aldermen in charge of construction of the 
 building, l)y Aid. Fjshkr. Full stenographic notes were taken by 
 Wm. Walton, Stenographer to the Board of Aldermen, and the 
 testimony taken appears in Common Council Document, No. 46, 
 1877. Inasmuch as those interested in the details of the investi- 
 gation will find them complete in said document, a brief review 
 of the course of proceeding will suffice. 
 
 The investigating committee placed itself iit possession of all 
 the contracts and documents existing concerning the new building, 
 
56 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 and required a report from the Aldermen in charge, of all changes 
 from the specifications which had l)een made. This report was 
 lurnished in the following language : 
 
 To the Comiinttee of Investigation into the Manner of Executing 
 the Contract for the New Municipal Building : 
 The Aldermen in charge of the construction of said Iniilding, 
 
 referring to your communication of the 13th inst., respectfully 
 
 reply : 
 
 We herewith hand you copies of the specifications, with modi- 
 fications thereof, they being comprised in Document No. 25, pro- 
 ceedings of Board of Aldermen for 1876. 
 
 We also hand you herewith copy of Document No. 33 of the 
 same year, to which we respectfully refer you (pages 1317, 1322 
 to 1325) tor a list of all the bidders upon the contracts for the 
 New Municipal Building. 
 
 We are not enabled to furnish you the contracts requested in 
 your communication, as they are in the possession of the Comp- 
 troller, nor have we a list of the sureties, tuej' also being on file 
 with the Comptroller. 
 
 In addition to the alterations as tliey appear on tlie modified 
 specifications, the following have been made: 
 
 MASON WORK. 
 
 1. Brick walls below the water taljle faced witli Colaburg brick, 
 instead of rough brick, 
 
 2. Doorway in one of the brick walls in the Tax Office in- 
 creased in width from 3 feet 4 inches to 5 feet. 
 
 3. Brick arches in all tlie floors, instead of Wanner's building 
 material. 
 
 4. Eear wall of fourth stor}'- increased in thickness from 12 
 inches to 16 inches. 
 
 5. AVater-table around the building 6 by 13 inches, instead of 
 6 by 8 inches. 
 
 6. Building 2 feet 6 inches shorter on the east side than shown 
 in plans. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 57 
 
 MARBLE WORK. 
 
 1. Tlie letteifs A. D. substituted for figures 1876 on one of the 
 marble panels on the front. 
 
 IRON WORK. 
 
 1. Cast instead of rolled lintels over the basement windows. 
 
 2. Eighty-eight cast-iron ventilation boxes omitted. 
 
 3. Finial on large tower made of galvanized iron, with wrought 
 iron frame, instead of cast-iron. 
 
 4. Five iron "T" lintels furnished over the vault doors, 3 feet 
 6 inches in length each, 
 
 5 Three cast-iron "T" beams over the fourth story corridor 
 columns, two 7 feet 9 inches in length, and one 10 feet 6 inches 
 in length. 
 
 6. Six rolled iron lintels over the front windows to carry the 
 ends of girders, about 8 feet in length, each. 
 
 7. Colunms and antge in the corridors cast about 3-8 inches 
 less in thickness than called fur. 
 
 CARPENTER WORK. 
 
 1. Paint galvanized iron cornice over the marble front, on the 
 inside. 
 
 2. Leaders changed in size from 4 inches to 5 inches. 
 
 PLmiBING WORK. 
 
 1. Gas drops changed to centre of brick arches. 
 
 2. Sewer connections extended one on each side of building. 
 The authority for the foregoing alterations is comprised in the 
 
 resolutions passed from time to time by the Common Council, to 
 which reference is respectfully made; the authority to "super- 
 vise the erection of the building," to " award the contracts," to 
 " procure necessary incidentals," and the repeated refusals of the 
 Board to require the specifications to be submitted to them, in 
 our judgment, conferred the necessary authority. For more par- 
 ticular reference we respectfully refer you to the Minutes — viz. : 
 
 8 
 
58 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 June 12, 187G, vol 2, page 410. 
 July 3, 1876, vol. 2, page 625. 
 August U, 1870, vol. 2, page 787. 
 October 16, 1876, vol. 3, page 4-10. 
 October 30, 1876, vol. 3, page 525. 
 December 26, 1876, vol. 3, page 983-984. 
 And Document No. 33, herewith presented. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 By order, 
 
 F. B. FISHER, 
 
 Sec. of Aid. in charge. 
 
 At the first meeting of the committee at which testimony was 
 taken several bidders on the work were examined as to the pro- 
 priety of the course of the Building Committee in inviting throe 
 only of the lowest bidders to compete upon the modified specifica- 
 tiuns, vi^hich modifications were made in consequence of the change 
 from iron beams to wooden beams. These witnesses were all 
 called on behalf of the investigation, and all testified that the 
 course of the committee was in accordance with the usual custom. 
 
 At the same meeting Aid. Phillips offered the following resolu- 
 tions, which were adopted : 
 
 " liesoloed, That Mr. D. C. Weeks and Mr. J. A. Horgan be 
 recpiested to examine the new Municipal Building, likewise phms 
 and specifications for same, and to re])ort to this connnittee the 
 quality and character of materials used, the manner of workman- 
 ship, and such suggestions relative to the safety, utility and sta- 
 bility of said building as they deem to be in the interest of the 
 city. 
 
 '''■Resolved, That Mr. W. T. Van Zandtbe requested to examine 
 the fire-proof blocks now being used in new Municipal Building, 
 and report to this committee his opinion relative to their durabil- 
 ity, strength and general adaptation for the purposes required " 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 59 
 
 All of the above named persons being unknown to the Building 
 Committee, they asked through thoir representative, Aid. Fisher, 
 to be allowed to select an equal number of experts to co-operate 
 with those gentlemen in their examination. This request was 
 granted, and the Building Committee subsequently selected G. L. 
 Morse, a well known Brooklyn architect of high reputation, and 
 James Locke, also well and favorably known as one of the most 
 extensive builders in the city, to be associated with Messrs. 
 Weeks and Horgan ; and Thomas Stent, an expert architect, 
 was chosen to be associated with Mr. Van Zandt. These re- 
 spective experts were afforded every facility in their examination 
 of the l)uilding, and they subsequently made the following re- 
 ports : 
 
 To the Committee of Investigation into the manner of executing 
 the contracts for the erection of the Nexo Municipal Building : 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 Your committee have considered it beyond the province of 
 their commission to consider the merits of the general plan and 
 design of the building, and have confined themselves to a dili- 
 gent examination of tlie work, in connection with the various 
 plans and constructional drawings furnished Ijy the supervising 
 architects, the contracts on file in tlie Comptroller's oflice, and the 
 specifications and schedule of changes furnished by the Building 
 Committee (which we herewith enclose properly marked), for the 
 purpose of determining whether the various contracts have Iteen 
 so far faithfully executed ; and also for the purpose of making 
 such suggestions " relative to the safety and stability of said 
 building," as might seem to be "in the interest of the city," as 
 called for by resolution of your committee. 
 
 It is proper to state that any examination of the building at 
 this stage of the work must necessarily be circumscribed and 
 imperfect, inasmuch as a large proportion of the material and 
 work employed has, in the natiu-al course, become hidden from 
 view, and impossible of inspection. 
 
60 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPABTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 AUTHORIZED CHANGES. 
 
 The changes made by the Building Comniittee in the original 
 contracts, and the extra work embodied in the inclosed report, 
 viz. : Items of mason work one to six inclusive, items of iron 
 work one to seven inclusive, items of carpenter work one and 
 two, items of plumbing work one and two, and item one of mar- 
 ble work — we deem to be wise and expedient. 
 
 DEVIATIONS. 
 
 The unauthorized deviations from tlie contracts which we have 
 been able to discover are few, considering the magnitude of the 
 work, and generally imimportant. They are as follows : The 
 front roofs are specified to have red and green slate. The gut- 
 ters are specified to be lined with galvanized iron ; are lined w'ith 
 tin, but in our judgment the tin is as good or better. All window 
 frames to be made of Georgia pine, are made of white pine. 
 The different lengths of iron girders throughout are tied together 
 with scrap-anchors, smaller in size, and with fewer bolts than 
 specified. There are also a few changes in the specification for 
 marble work, which it is just to say we consider will average 
 equal to the requirements of the contract. The joints in the 
 stone roof of portico, however, should be caulked with lead as 
 required. A considerable quantity of " up-river" brick have been 
 used in place of Haverstraw brick as specified. 
 
 SUGGESTIONS. 
 
 We consider that the extensive cutting away of the outside 
 walls in the second story, to facilitate the introduction of steam 
 pipes, as an error in management, is much to be regretted, and 
 recommend that thorough measm-es be adopted to remedy the 
 fault. Also, that the placing of the steam and return pipes in the 
 recesses of the outside walls within eight inches of the outside 
 face of same will be likely to result in frequent freezing in the 
 pipes, rapid condensation, and consequent loss of fuel and im- 
 paired circulation. 
 
 4 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 61 
 
 We beg to suggest that the joining of the 28-foot iron lieaders 
 at tlie stairways in the second, third and fourth tiers of ])eams,' 
 witli tlie lateral beams, niiglit (with advantage) be improved. 
 Also, that larger bearing stone be used under the ends of iron beams 
 over some of the front windows where are the lateral girders. 
 
 G. L. MORSE, 
 JAMES LOCKE. 
 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 Having, in connection with other experts, examined the con- 
 struction of the new Municipal Building, Brooklyn, we beg to 
 state that w^e concur with the report made by our associates, as 
 far as it goes, but deem it our duty to mention the following as 
 being of vital importance. 
 
 First — That the slots, or recesses, for the iron pipes, which are 
 cut in the piers between the side windows, cut away the whole 
 inside half of the wall where they occur, seriously weaken these 
 piers and take away the necessary abutments to the arches over 
 these windows ; as the iron beams come directly over these arches 
 we think this a very serious matter, especially as the wall has 
 been considerably shaken by the cutting before mentioned. 
 
 Second — Wooden lintels are placed over all these side window 
 openings. This we consider very defective, and unusual to place 
 a wooden lintel over an opening above which are placed iron 
 beams. 
 
 Third — There are two w'ide windows on eacli story in the front 
 wall, over each of which is a wooden lintel and arch of 3 rolocks ; 
 above this is a single 12-inch rolled-iron beam resting at each 
 end on a small stone block about 4x6 inches, placed one on 
 either side of the window o])enings, and near the edge of same. 
 These rolled beams receive the large iron girders supporting the 
 iron floor beams. We consider this very defective work, and not 
 a good or safe mode of construction. These windows should be 
 spanned by cast-iron lintels and good brick arches turned in 
 same, and granite blocks should be placed under the ends of the 
 main girders. We find, furthei", that a considerable number of 
 up-river bricks are used, while the specilications call foi' the best 
 Haverstraw bricks. 
 
62 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 We would recommend, in order to obtain a good and safe job, 
 that the pipes be taken ont of tlie slots or recesses in the side 
 Avails, and filling up solid with brickwork tlie said recesses, or 
 slots. Further, that all the wooden lintels over the w indow open- 
 ings in walls bearing iron beams be taken out, and cast-iron lin- 
 tels resting at each end on a bluestone template, with a brick arcli 
 turned over the same, be substituted. Furtlier, that the front 
 window openings, which are spanned in the same manner, be sim- 
 ilarlj treated, tliese lintels being very heavy ; also that granite 
 blocks be placed under the ends of main girders which come over 
 tliese window^s, as before referred to. 
 
 Respectfully submitted by 
 
 D. C. WEEKS, 
 JOHN. A. HORGAN. 
 
 October 22, 1877. 
 
 Mr. Van Zandt, selected by the Investigating Committee to 
 report upon the fireproof material, made no report, though he 
 gave the work an examination. Mr. Stent reported as follows: 
 
 The Ilonoralih the Sjyccial Comm ittee of Investigation of New 
 Municipal BniMirKj, Brooklyn, N. Y. : 
 
 Gentlkmen : 
 
 In compliance witli your request conveyed by letter of the 6th 
 inst., that I would, in conjunction with Mr. J. W. Van Zandt, ex- 
 amine into and report u])on the manner of executing the contract 
 on the new Municipal Building at lirooklyn, as relates to Wan- 
 ner's fireproof building material, I have the honor to submit, 
 that I have examined carefully the wliole of said material erected 
 throughout the aforesaid building, and that I find it to be done in 
 accordan(;e with the specifications, and in a manner which I have 
 no hesitation in saying will result satisfactorily. 
 
 With regard to the )naterial itself, it belongs to a class of fire- 
 proof construction, the use of which is becoming general in all 
 the principal buildings and by the most prominent architects of 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 63 
 
 this and other cities I'or its known quality of resisting the action 
 of fire, for its liglitness as compared witli briclv when used as 
 liollow blocks, and for the readiness with which it can be altered 
 or replaced. 
 
 Nearly three years since Mr. Wanner personally put up for me, 
 in the form of tloor arches and partitions, iipwanl of tifty thou- 
 sand feet of the same material. The evaporation of moisture 
 from it (it having been manufactured and built in the winter) 
 caused a slight shrinkage and necessitated pointing along the top 
 of the partitions next the ceiling, since which it has not caused 
 the slightest trouble, and is to-day in the highest degree satisfac- 
 tory both to the owner of the building and to myself. 
 I have the honor to be, gentlemen, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 THOMAS STENT, 
 
 - Architect. 
 
 74 Astor House Otii(^es, } 
 Nkw Yokk, Oct. 24, 1877. S" 
 
 These examinatit^ns and reports were all made without expense 
 to the city. 
 
 A letter to the Chairman, Alderman Duane, from Leonard F. 
 Beckwith, an officer of a fireproof building material company, was 
 read to the committee, in which the "Wanner" material was 
 severely criticised. Mr. Beckwith was recpiested to appear as a 
 witness, bnt failed to do so. 
 
 All the subsequent witnesses, fourteen in number, were called 
 on behalf of the Building Committee, and their testimony was 
 almost \miformly in opposition to the theories of Messrs. Weeks 
 and HoRGAN. 
 
 The following report of the Investigating Committee, submitted 
 to the Common Council on the 24th of Deceml)er, 1877. which 
 was unanimoiidy adopted, is an ample reward to the Building 
 Committee for all the labor and annoyance incident to the inves- 
 tigation : 
 
64 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 To the Coiiimon Council : 
 
 The Speciiil Committee appointed " to investigate as to tlie 
 manner ot the execntion of tlie contracts for the erection of the 
 new Municipal Building," September 6, 1877, Mhmtes of the 
 Common Council, page 273, vol. 2, 
 
 EEPORT: 
 
 I'liat the}' have procured the opinions of experts as to the man- 
 ner of carrying out said contracts, which are hereto annexed, and 
 have examined a lai'ge number of practical builders, masons, and 
 others well known in the community in reference to the same, 
 whose testimony is also hereto annexed. 
 
 The conclusion to which yoar committee has arrived, after 
 hearing and carefully considering the opinions and testimony, is 
 that the specifications have been substantially complied with, and 
 the contracts well performed. 
 
 The evidence shows that the materials were of good quality, 
 and that the work has l)een done in a good, workmanlike manner; 
 and considering the magnitude of the work, and the limit of ex- 
 penditure ($200,000), we believe that it will compare favorably 
 with any other building of a like character in this country, both 
 in the manner of the construction, and in the economy with 
 whicli it was erected. 
 
 There was some question raised as to the quality of the fire- 
 proof material used in the building, but the weight of evidence is 
 that the kind used (Wanner' s) is equally as good as any other; 
 and considering the difference in the price, we conclude that the 
 architects acted widely in selecting it. 
 
 Certain defects are pointed out by some of the experts, and 
 remedies are suggested for them. 
 
 But your committee conclude, after hearing the testimony of 
 some of our best builders and masons, that the defects suggested 
 are questions of opinions upon which the best of builders difi*er, 
 and that the remedies proposed are themselves questionable. 
 
 We believe that the city's interests have been well considered 
 by the committee of this Common Council in charge of the con- 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDmG. 
 
 65 
 
 struction, and that they have performed their part of tlie work 
 honestly, faithfully, and intelligently, and are entitled to the 
 thanks of this Common Council and of the city for their services. 
 And your committee offer the following for adoption : 
 
 Resolved, That the committee be discharged from the further 
 consideration of the subject. 
 
 C. L. BURNE'J\ -] 
 JAMES T. EASTON, [ Sjyecial 
 DAVID ACKER, f Committee. 
 F. W. PHILLIPS, J 
 
 Dated December 2i, 1S77. 
 
 Alderman Duane, Chairman of the Special Committee, who 
 was al)sent on account of illness, subsequently attached his name 
 to the Report. 
 
 On the 10th of December, 1S77, on motion of Alderman 
 EiSHEU, the Board of City Works was directed to take charge of 
 the heating apparatus of the new building, wlieu notified ])y the 
 Aldermen in cliarge that said apparatus was ready for use, and 
 to heat the building during the winter. One thousand dollars 
 was appropriated for coal and attendance. This direction was 
 complied with at once, tlie ap]iaratns being already in order. 
 
 The foregoing includes the statement of otKcial action for the 
 year 1877. 
 
 MAYOR'S MESSAGE— 
 
 The following is extracted from tlie annual Message of His 
 Honor Mayor James Howell : 
 
 "the new municipal building, 
 
 it is expected, will be ready for occupation by the various depart- 
 ments of the city government, for whose use it has been erected, 
 in the course of the ensuing spring, and you will be called upon 
 to provide for it the necessary furniture. In so doing, I hope 
 
 9 
 
66 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 that no regard will be had to any desire foi' mere ornament or 
 show, but that jilainness and dnrahility alone will be the control- 
 ing consideration. Tiie l)uilding was very much needed for the 
 uses of the city, and although there has been much adverse criti- 
 cism of its plans and construction, if it shall properly serve those 
 uses its erection cannot fail to prove a measure of economy in the 
 saving of rent now paid.'' 
 
 No change having been made in 1877 in the resohition relative 
 to the Aldermen in charge of construction, the Aldei-men from 
 the same wards continued to ofhciate — to wit, the Twentieth, 
 Twenty-third, Eighteenth, Twelftli and Twenty -fourth wards. 
 The changes in the election of meml)ers for L878, however, 
 caused the Twelfth ward to be represented by Aid. Daniel 
 O'Reilly, and the Twenty-fourth ward by Aid. John Dreyer. 
 These two Aldermen, upon assuming their duties in this behalf, 
 found the building a|)proaching completion. They, therefore, 
 did not assmne to interfere in its management, though they 
 attended the meetings of the committee and manifested an in- 
 terest in the success of its labors. 
 
 On the 14th of January, 1878, by a vote of the Common Coun- 
 cil, all alterations from tlie plans and specifications, and all orders 
 for extra work and services in connection with the construction of 
 the new building were ratified and confirmed, and the Auditor di- 
 rected to audit and the Comptroller to pay all l)ills therefor when 
 properly certified by the Chairman of the Aldermen in charge. 
 
 On the 4th of February, 1878, the Comptroller was directed by 
 the Common Council to notify the landlords or the agents of 
 buildings occupied l)y the departments of Police and Excise, 
 Health, Arrears, Parks, Elections, and the City Auditor and City 
 Treasurer, that said buildings would not be required by the city 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 67 
 
 after A})ril 30, 1878, provisiou having been made for such public 
 offices in tlie new Municipal Department Building and the City 
 Hall. 
 
 On the 8th day of April, 1878, the Aldermen in charge were 
 authorized to turn over for occupancy to the Board of City Works 
 from time to time such rooms as might be ready to fit up for such 
 0(!cupancy. By an arrangement with the contractors whereby 
 the Board of City Works were to make good any damage done 
 the building previous to its formal acceptance by the Common 
 Council, Said Board at once entered upon the work of preparation. 
 
 COST OF CONSTRUCTION. 
 
 The entire cost of construction of the new Municipal Building, 
 including the plans, arcliitects fees, superintendence, and all extra 
 work done by order of the Aldermen in charge, amounts to 
 
 $199,979 48. 
 
 A few hundred dollars additional was expended by the depart- 
 ments in alterations which involved increased expense, most of 
 them being made after the work had been finished accoi'ding to 
 the plans, whicli extra work was paid for out of their own de- 
 partment funds. The details of this expenditure as well as of the 
 entire amount expended in construction appear in another part of 
 tliis rejiort. Taking into consideration the magnitude of the build- 
 ing, one hundred feet front by one hundred and fifty-five feet nine 
 inches average depth, four stories and basement, marble front, 
 and all the work in first-class style, with upwards of one hundred 
 rooms therein, the Aldermen in charge deem themselves fortunate 
 in being able to make this satisfactory report. The result is due 
 largely to the low price of materials and labor, enabling the city 
 to make very favorable contracts. At the time of the proposals 
 
68 
 
 MDNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 common labor was readily to be had at from $1 to $1.50 per day, 
 and skilled labor ranged from $1.75 to $2.75 ])er day; ordinary 
 brick were to be liad at about $6 per thousand, while marble, 
 lumber, iron and all other material recpiired were proportionately 
 cheap. 
 
 The writer of this report takes the liberty with the names of his 
 associates to add that much of this result, as well as the approach 
 to perfection to be found in all the details of the work, is due the 
 Chairman of the Committee, Alderman John French. Himself 
 a builder of large experience, identiiied with the construction of 
 some of the most important structures in Brooklyn, animated 
 by a high purpose that this work should reflect ci'edit upon him- 
 self and his associates, and be a valiiable acquisition to the city, 
 he has fully justified the confidence reposed in his integrity, skill 
 and judgment. Fortunately for the interest committed to his 
 trust, retired from active business pursuits, he has l)een enal)led 
 to give almost his entire time to the preparation and completion 
 of the work — watching its progress with a zeal and care in excess 
 of that usually given to private affairs, and with a fidelity to the 
 piiblic interest which it is a pleasure to recognize. To Alderman 
 George W. Williams also much ci'edit is due — particularly for 
 his thoroughly pi-actical services in connection with the carpenter 
 work, in which he is an expert. These two combined have pro- 
 duced a work of which they may be justly proud, while their 
 associates may esteem it a source of self-congratulation to have 
 their names connected with the enterprise. 
 
 It is eminently appropriate in this connection to furtlier add 
 that much valuable aid has been rendered in procuring such a satis- 
 factory result, hy the architects, Messrs. Mumfoko A: Ditmaes, 
 and the Inspector, M. J. Dady, of all <>f whom other mention is 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 69 
 
 made. The city was also fortunate in securing for contractors 
 men of high reputation in the community for ability and integrity. 
 Tlie hibors of tlie Aldermen in charge of construction have been 
 materially lightened by the disposition of the contractors to deal 
 Jionestly and fairly by the city. They have invariably evinced a 
 readiness to correct errors and to remedy defects ; they have em- 
 ployed the most skilled artisans procurable, and purchased the 
 best of material, evidently striving to leave behind them a struc- 
 ture that should prove creditable to themselves and be a source of 
 [)ri(le to tlie city. In this they have been remarkably successful. 
 Where all have striven to do so well there is no occasion to par- 
 ticularize. When it is considered that the prices which they 
 were receiving were extremely low, their accommodating manner 
 and adherence to their every obligation are worthy of commenda- 
 tion. If there could have been about $50,000 more ex[)ended, 
 there are many points which might have been improved upon, so 
 far as appearances are concerned. 
 
 THE LIMIT OF $200,000, 
 
 however, bound the projectors to seek utility at the expense of 
 ornamentation. The substantial character of the work, and its 
 adaptation to the requirements of the Departments, give ample 
 return for the money expende<i. The universal expression of 
 experts and others who have examined the building is that, 
 considering the amount of money expended, it is the best con- 
 structed, as well as the most commodious and beautifid, of which 
 they have any knowledge. This record is esteemed an ample 
 reward by those who have had charge of its construction from 
 its inception until its completion. To claim ability to erect so 
 handsome and commodious a structure in the substantial man- 
 ner which characterizes this building for less than $200,000 is a 
 
70 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 proposition which would al'iiost surpass beli'f'f were it not for the 
 facts and figures whictli are herewith presented. It was })rophe- 
 sied by some prominent citizens and well-informed officials at the 
 outset of the work that the building contemplated would before 
 its completion cost twice that sum. '^J'he satisfaction they, as tax- 
 payers, doubtless feel at being proven incorrect prophets is such 
 as it is believed the general })ublic also enjoy. 
 
 ^0^V PAID FOR. 
 
 It will be observed by a perusal of tlie special act of the Legis- 
 lature that the expenditure for the new building is limited to 
 $200,000, and that it is provided for liquidating that amount in 
 three years. The source from which the moneys are drawn is the 
 surplus in the hands of the City Treasurer for the current yearly 
 expenses, there generally being from $200,000 to $300,000 on 
 hand ahead of the demands for payment. This money cannot be 
 diverted except by special act of the Legislature, and it would not 
 be safe to so divert unless the plan for reimbui"sement, such as is 
 provided in the foregoing law, was quite sure to meet the deficit 
 it would otherwise create. This plan was without precedent in 
 our city, and was only adopted in this instance upon the represen- 
 tations of the financial ofiicers, that in the present state of the 
 Treasury it was safe. The two first instalments have been raised 
 and paid into the Treasury, and the third and last is placed in the 
 budget for 1879. 
 
 The whole amount drawn from the Treasury on this account, 
 in 1876, was $4:,372.45. In December, 1876, a one-third instal- 
 ment, $66,666.66, was paid into the Treasury, leaving a balance 
 to the credit of the Buildhig Account of $62,294.21. In the first 
 six months of 1877 there was paid out of this fund $56,281.25, 
 leaving on the first of July, 1877 (one-half of the entire time in 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 71 
 
 wliicli tlie Building Fund was to he a borrower fi-oni the Treas- 
 ury), a l)alance to the credit of the Building Fund, of $6,012.96. 
 
 In Deceniljer, 1877, there was ]jaid into the Ti'oasury the sum 
 of $6G,6GG.G7 collected by tax. The amount paid out in tlie last 
 six months of 1877 was $8-l,145.52, leaving a balance due the 
 Treasury of $11,465.89, on the 1st of January, 1878. Upon 
 making the last payment upon the entire cost of the building in 
 June, 1878, there had been paid out tVom the Treasury the sum of 
 $199,979.48, and there had been paid into the Treasury on that 
 account the sum of $133,333,33. 
 
 The foregoing tigures are given to demonstrate that the money 
 for tlie l)uilding has been practically raised Ijy tax during the 
 progress of the work, and while the fimd for that purpose was 
 theoretically borrowed from tlie Treasury, it has been a real bor- 
 rower to only a small extent. In December, 1878, the whole 
 amount, without interest, except a small amount lost to the city 
 during its use, will have been raised and the structure ]iaid for 
 without the issue of an}' certificates of indebtedness or of bonds. 
 This may be appreciated in view of the fact that the last of the 
 bonds for the City Hall, built many years since, was only paid off 
 within two years last past. 
 
 nUlENSIOIiS. 
 The building is situate on Joralemon street, adjoining the Kings 
 County Court House. 
 
 The dimensions of the plot upon which the Iniilding stands is 
 one hundred and thirty-four feet on Joralemon street, running 
 back two hundred feet to' the land of the Brooklyn Polytechnic 
 Institute, thence to Livingston street, thirty-one feet wide, one 
 hundred feet deep. 
 
72 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 The dimensions of the building are as follows: one hundred 
 and one feet, one and one-half inches on Joralenion street ; one 
 hundred and forty-eight feet on westerly line ; one luindred and 
 sixty-three feet, six inches on easterly line; and one liundred feet 
 across the rear, with four stories and cellar, the fourth story 
 Mansard roof. 
 
 Heights of stories are as follows : 
 
 First story, eighteen feet in the clear ; second story, sixteen feet, 
 six inches ; third story, fifteen feet, six inches ; fourth story, 
 eigliteen feet to deck of roof. 
 
 JIOW OCCUPIED. 
 
 Cellar — Twelve feet in clear ; east side occupied by the boilers 
 and engine room, 40x04 ; store room for Board of Health, 27x38 ; 
 publics water-closets, and store room for Bureau of Streets of the 
 Board of City Works, 40x64. 
 
 The west side is occupied by police drill room, 40x64 ; Search- 
 ers' room, Tax department, 27x38, with water-closets; and 
 unoccupied space, 40x64. 
 
 Hist Stoi'y — The west side of corridor is occupied by the Tax 
 Collector, which includes tlie Assessment room. Bill room, Cash- 
 ier's department, and the Collector's and Deputy's private offices. 
 
 On the east side, front, is situated the Registrar of Arrears, 
 with general office and private offices for Registrar and Deputy, 
 occupying in the whole 34x64 feet. 
 
 On same side, adjoining the above, is situated the Map 
 room, which is fire-proof, 24x32 feet. 
 
 Adjoining same, to the rear, is situated the Registrar of Water 
 Rates, occupying space 40x64, with pi-ivate office. Cashier's de- 
 ]>artnient, fire and Ijm-glar-proof vault, and water-closets. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 73 
 
 Second Story — Front, east side, is occupied by the Board of 
 City Works, occupying 66x34 feet, as follows : Secretary's room, 
 two Commissiouers' rooms. Chief Clerk's room, waiting room, 
 Board room, President's room. Store room, and Accountant's 
 room. 
 
 The remainder of east side of said floor, to rear, 40x90 feet, 
 is occupied by the Board of Health, as follows : Registrar's 
 private office ; Registrar's office ; Secretary's room ; fire and bui'g- 
 lar~proof vault ; vaccinating room {entered from the main cor- 
 ridor only) ; store rooms ; Board room ; waiting room ; Presi- 
 dent's room; office of Permits and Complaints; Inspector's room ; 
 Sanitary Superintendent's room, and Counsel to the Board. 
 
 West side, front, 40x80 feet, and 24x20 feet off corridor in 
 front, occupied as follows: the Superintendent of Police, three 
 rooms ; Detectives' private room and public room ; Inspector's 
 room; waiting room ; Superintendent's Clerk ; telegraph room; 
 battery room and work room, and Sergeant's and muster rooms, 
 the latter having a private corridor and stairway through side 
 entrance on west side of building. 
 
 The rear portion, west side of this story, is occupied by the 
 Board of Assessors, 40x65, with general office, water-closet ac- 
 commodations. President's room, and Board room. 
 
 Third Floor — East side is wholly occupied by the Board of 
 City Works, as follows : Chief Enguieei's Departnient- — Chief 
 Engineer's Clerk ; three Assistant Engineers (a room each) ; gen- 
 eral office, or drawing room; private office. Bureau of Repairs 
 and Construction — Drawing room ; General office; Private offi.ce; 
 and Store room. £'aroeyor''s Departvient — Permit office ; Gen- 
 
 10 
 
74 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 eral office ; Purveyor's Private office ; Deputy Purveyor's office ; 
 Store room ; Stamping room ; Drawing room ; and Inspector's 
 office. 
 
 On west side rear, Bureau of Streets and Supplies, occupy- 
 ing 38x40 — Permit office ; Inspector's office ; Superintendent's 
 Private office ; General office ; and Assessment room of tlie Sew- 
 erage Department. 
 
 Tlie balance of the third floor, 40x108 feet, is occupied liy the 
 Department of Police and Excise, as follows : Four rooms, front, 
 for the Commissioners ; one Waiting room ; Board room ; Chief 
 Clerk's room ; General and Deputy Clerk's room ; Property Clerk ; 
 Excise Bureau ; large store room for Property Clerk, and two 
 small store rooms for same purpose ; Trial room ; and water- 
 closet accommodation. 
 
 Fourth Floor — West side wlioUy occupied by the Police De- 
 partment, as follows ; Drill Captain's rooms ; Detectives' Sleep- 
 ing rooms (2) ; Fire Marshal and Boiler Inspector ; store room 
 for ballot-boxes ; two living rooms for the female searchers for 
 the Department ; Surgeon's room, off corridor in front, 32x38 ; 
 Reporters' room, on east side, 16x40. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. 
 
 During the progress of the work there were several motions 
 made in the Board of Aldermen, upon which no affirmative action 
 was had, though all the requests emanating from the Building 
 Committee were adopted. 
 
 Tlie old curb in front of the new building was, on motion of 
 Aid. Burnet, of the First ward, replaced by new curb out of 
 the First ward fund. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAETIIENT BUILDING. 
 
 75 
 
 The Trustees of the Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute, occupy- 
 ing a building in the rear of the Municipal Building, were, by au- 
 thority of the Common Council, permitted to paint the rear of the 
 building, the purpose being to reflect light for their school rooms. 
 
 In November, 1877, the Board of City Works began making 
 preparations for fiirnishiiig and fitting uj) the offices for occupancy. 
 With this branch of the work the Aldermen in charge of con- 
 struction had no official connection, except as menil)ers of the 
 Board of Aldermen. They were, however, advised with from time 
 to time by the Board of City Works. The reasonable certainty 
 that the new Ijuilding would be ready for occupancy by May 1, 
 1878, prompted the Board of City Works, in November, to re- 
 (piest authority to advertise for proposals for furniture, gas-fitting, 
 etc. , which was granted. The Board of City Works employed 
 the architects of the building, Messrs. Mumford & Ditmaks, to 
 prepare the plaTis and specifications for such fixtures, furniture, 
 etc. Twenty thousand dollars had been set apart in the budget 
 of 1877 to 1)6 used in 1878 for this purpose, and it was deemed 
 advisable to be ready at the opening of the year 1878 with plans 
 and specifications. This was accomplished. It l)eing foreign to 
 the duties of those responsible for this report, the details of the 
 steps taken to fit \\\) the building are omitted, remarking that the 
 $20,000 was found to be insufficient for the purpose, and the 
 Board of City Works were obliged to avail themselves of the 
 power given the Mayor and Comptroller, in conjunction with two- 
 thirds of the Board of Aldermen, to raise l)etween $3,000 and 
 $4,000 in excess of that sura. The building is fitted up in a re- 
 spectable and substantial manner. 
 
 The new and elegant lamp posts in front of the building were 
 placed there by the Board of City Works under direction of the 
 
76 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 Common Comicil, and tliecost charged to the account for hghtiiig 
 streets. 
 
 The amount appropriated for the expense of the investigation 
 was $165 — for stenograplier's fees, suunnoning witnesses, and 
 procuring bhxnks. 
 
 The first telephone used for journahstic i)urposes was ])hieed 
 in the telegraph room of the Board of Police in the new buikling, 
 by the private enterprise of the Brooklyn Daily Unlon-Aigus, on 
 the 20th of April, 1878. The Aldermen in charge, with the 
 architects and contractors, made a tour of inspection of the build- 
 ing previous to acceptance tliereof from the contractors. Tliey 
 reported the I'act, througli the aid of tlie telephone, to the LTn'ton- 
 Argus office, and it appeared in the afternoon edition of that 
 paper a few minutes later. 
 
 An occurence happened in the summer of 1877 which gave the 
 committee some imeasiness. The iron beams for a portion of the 
 floors were about being shipped from the works at Buffalo, wlien 
 a mob seized upon the cars at that jioint and prevented their 
 moving. A general strike prevailed along the i-ailroad route by 
 which the beams were to be shipped, and for upwards of three 
 weeks the beams remained at Buffalo. Had the strike continued 
 much longer, labor upon the building would have been neces- 
 sarily suspended. As it was, only a few days were lost, which 
 were quickly made up by increased activity on the part of the 
 contractor, Mr. Saxtan. 
 
 The mason contractor was also given some annoyance, and 
 some delay occurred in consequence of a strike by the mason la- 
 borers. They were getting $1.75 per day, and struck for $2 per 
 day. After considering the matter two or three days, the con- 
 tractor concluded to pay the price demanded. The laborers then 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BTTILDING. 
 
 77 
 
 refused to resume work unless Mr. Lamb di.<fliargecl the uon-soci- 
 etj bricklayers in his employ. This demand he refused to accede 
 to, and succeeded in procuriiiiz; otlier laborers at the increased 
 price. The work was suspended about three weeks in conse- 
 quence of this difficulty. 
 
 After the plans had been adopted by the committee, and the 
 l)uildiiig nearly completed, some of the departments desired 
 changes to be made, mainly in partitions and location of doors. 
 By resolutions of the Connnon Council from time to time these 
 changes were ordered, the cost thereof to be defrayed by the de- 
 partments requiring the same. Some of these changes have 
 proved to have been unwise, and are al)out to be remedied ; oth- 
 ers are very satisfactory. There are a few, and bnt a very few, 
 rooms not well adapted to the wants of their occupants ; but as 
 the force gets settled, these inequalities can be readily adjusted. 
 
 Among the changes made from the original plans was the sxib- 
 stitution of brick arches in the floors for " Wanner's Fireproof 
 Material." The occasion of this change was the neglect of Mr. 
 Wanner (a sub-contractor of Messrs. Lamb, the mason contract- 
 ors) to provide the material when required. The delay necessary 
 to enforce the terms of the conti'act wonld have endangered the 
 completion of tlie building in time for the intended occupancy. 
 The committee, under advice of the architects, ordered the change. 
 The brick arches proved a saving in price, and are equally, if not 
 more, satisfactory. The fireproof material is, however, used in 
 the partitions and Mansard roof. 
 
TABLET IN IIAIN CORRIDOR. 
 
 FREDERICK A. SCHROEDER. 
 
 Erected by tlie Common Council under 
 
 the direction of 
 
 Aldermen 
 JOHN FRENCH, 
 FRANCIS B. FISHER, 
 GEORGE W. WILLIAMS, 
 GEORGE JENNISON, 
 JAMES DONOVAN. 
 
 Architects, 
 JOHN MUMFORD, 
 WILLIAM B. DITMARS. 
 
 Inspector, 
 MICHAEL J. DADY. 
 
 Completed — 1878. 
 
TABLET IN MAIN COKRIDOR 
 
 o 
 
 CONS 
 
 c 
 
 May 1, 1878. 
 
 o 
 
 SI 9 9, 979. 48 
 
 -Appropriation, $200,000.- 
 
 Mason, 
 WM. & T. LAMB, Jr. 
 
 Marble, 
 JOHN M. MASTERTON. 
 
 Iron, 
 D. Y. SAXTAN. 
 
 Carpenter, 
 JOHN FALLON. 
 
 Heating and Ventilation, 
 JAMER, JACOBS & CO. 
 
 Plunil)ing and Gas Fitting, 
 JxiMES HARLEY. 
 
 1876. 1878. 
 
80 
 
 MUNICirAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 CHANGES FROM SrECIFICATlONti. 
 
 ADDITIONS. 
 
 Cliange fuce brick, from basement sills, to underside of 
 
 water table, from rough brick to Colaburg brick $37 00 
 
 Doorway in brick wall in Tax office increased in width one 
 
 foot, eight inches, and one new door 45 00 
 
 Rear wall of fourth story increased in thickness GO 90 
 
 Letters "A. D." substituted for figures 1876 on marble 
 
 panel in front 75 00 
 
 Resetting panel 10 00 
 
 Gutting two marble sills 10 00 
 
 Paint galvanized iron cornices over marble front on inside 15 ()0 
 Change leaders in size from four inches to five inches. ... 40 00 
 Change flooring from four and one-half inches to three 
 
 inches on first three floors 594 00 
 
 Change location of gas droi)ii in ceiling 45 60 
 
 Sewer connections extended one on each side of building 34 20 
 
 Alteration of four pediments on main tower 40 00 
 
 Iron tank in place of brick return steam chest in boiler 
 
 room 80 00 
 
 Alterations in granite steps ii\ front to conform to grade. 208 00 
 Alterations in bluestone co[>ing, blocks and steps in front 
 to conform to change from straight lines to curved 
 
 lines 198 00 
 
 An extra coat of plaster on stud partitions and lath work 250 00 
 Paving boiler room with brick on edge instead of con- 
 crete 50 00 
 
 Putting gas pipe and gas drop in tower 14 60 
 
 Adding base on stairs 100 00 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 81 
 
 Extra moulding ou window sills made necessary by venti- 
 lating plans $40 00 
 
 Two white marble tablets in corridor 50 00 
 
 Iron for same 10 00 
 
 Two dome sash and coloi'ed o-lass in centre of buildino;. . 56 00 
 
 Seven hundred feet spruce 4x4 strips for roof 14 00 
 
 Repairing damage to flooring 5 00 
 
 Black walnut box for reporters 10 00 
 
 Sheet iron cover for steam pipes on first corridor floor. . 40 00 
 
 Alteration of door and partition on second story 13 75 
 
 Alteration of door, third story 7 25 
 
 Three cesspools on south side, connecting with sewer... . 24 20 
 
 Building steam slots on second story 75 00 
 
 Furring hall, second story 12 00 
 
 Gas fitting and sewer connections 76 50 
 
 Cesspool connections 12 05 
 
 Extension of water connection 13 60 
 
 Fences and gates, front and rear (temporary) 47 00 
 
 Ten pounds copper wire to fasten cornices 6 00 
 
 Building in water boxes 16 00 
 
 Building recesses in second and third stories 20 00 
 
 Extra brick work in fourth story over columns 37 29 
 
 Extra brick work in fourth story corridor and cross walls 
 
 9 inches higher than plans 94 18 
 
 Extra digging in rear 137 25 
 
 Iron brackets under stairs 106 00 
 
 CONTINGENCIES. 
 
 Fence in front of building during cellar-digging $11 25 
 
 Printing proposals and circulars 11 25 
 
 Indexing Minutes of Common Council for use of Commit- 
 tee 25 00 
 
 11 
 
82 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 Surveying the laud 
 
 Blank record book for Committee 
 
 $25 00 
 2 25 
 
 DEDUCTIONS. 
 
 Change from Wanner's fireproof material to brick arches $535 GO 
 
 Smoke flue from boiler to chimney changed from cast iron to 
 
 wrought iron. 
 Knowles' pump changed to Davidson's pump. 
 Change of size of courses of flagging in front to meet change 
 
 of coping. 
 
 Ventilating pipes in fourtli floor omitted. 
 
 Water tube increased from 6x8 inches to 6x13 inches. 
 
 Flag poles increased in size and length. 
 
 A portion of the head lights not hung. 
 
 Cast instead of wrought iron lintels over the basement windows. 
 
 First tier of beams rest on instead of framing into the girders. 
 This made a stronger floor, but reduced the cost. 
 
 Third and fourth tiers rest on instead of framing into the 
 girders. This change was made necessary, the committee having 
 changed these beams from wood to iron. The 36-inch columns 
 supporting these beams having been cast for wooden girders 
 below tlie beams, new columns would have been necessary if the 
 original plans had been carried out. 
 
 All the corridor antses were cast f instead of 1;^ inches thick. 
 
 The girders of the third and fourth tiers were put in 12^ inches 
 deep instead of 15 inches. 
 
 Walnut rails on principal stairs and well-holes omitted and iron 
 substitiited. 
 
 Mason work, change in height of cellar walls 
 
 Mason work, east wall, shorter than plan, found necessary 
 on a re-survey 
 
 202 54 
 
 100 00 
 
 OFFSETS — NO ADDITIONAL COST Oil DEDUCTION. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 83 
 
 Five cast iron lintels over the vault doors. 
 
 Three cast iron beams over the fourtli story corridor columns ; 
 two 7 feet 9 inches long, and one 10 feet 6 inches long. 
 
 Six 12^-inch rolled iron lintels over the front windows, to add 
 extra support to girders. 
 
 Six tie rods to anchor vault arches. 
 
 Forty-four wrought iron plates to support ends of beams which 
 came into recesses. 
 
 Iron facias around stairways. 
 
 Anchor rods and plates for arches in west tower, over police 
 entrance. 
 
 ALTERATIONS BY DEPARTMENTS. 
 
 Extra cost of alterations ordered by departments and paid for 
 out of their own respective funds : 
 
 Board of Health $250 00 
 
 Board of City Works 149 90 
 
 Board of Police and Excise 418 55 
 
 BILLS AUDITED. 
 Following is a statement of the bills audited by City Auditor, 
 Wm. S. Searing, at their respective dates, and subsequently 
 paid by Comptroller Wm. Bukrell, and charged to Construction 
 
 Fund : 
 
 FOR PLANS. 
 
 1876— Sept. 1. J. H. Cornell, Jr. . . $50 00 
 
 " Sept. 20. C. F. Isenach 50 00 
 
 " Oct. 5. Wm. A. MundeU. . . 50 00 
 
 " Nov. 1. M. J. Morrell 50 00 
 
 " Dec. 22. Arthur Crooks 50 00 
 
 $250 00 
 
84 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 1876— Nov. 20. Silas Ludlam $25 00 
 
 architects' fees. 
 
 1876— Nov. 10. John Mumford $1,250 00 
 
 1877— Aug. 31. " " 625 00 
 
 1878— June 12. " " 625 GO* 
 
 1876— Nov. 10. Wm. B. Ditmars... 1,250 00 
 
 1877— Ang. 31. " "... 625 00 
 
 1878— June 12. " "... 625 00* 
 
 $5,000 00 
 
 $750 00 
 
 VENTILATING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS. 
 
 1877- 
 
 — Jan. 
 
 9. 
 
 L. W. Leeds & Co. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 INSPECTOUS' SALARIES. 
 
 
 1877- 
 
 — Jan. 
 
 31. 
 
 Michael J. Dady. . .. 
 
 $120 
 
 00 
 
 n 
 
 Feb. 
 
 28. 
 
 
 120 
 
 00 
 
 k( 
 
 March 
 
 31. 
 
 n 
 
 120 
 
 00 
 
 (( 
 
 April 
 
 30. 
 
 u 
 
 120 
 
 00 
 
 il 
 
 May 
 
 31. 
 
 
 120 
 
 00 
 
 ( ( 
 
 June 
 
 30. 
 
 Michael J. Dady. ... 
 
 120 
 
 00 
 
 u 
 
 July 
 
 31. 
 
 
 120 
 
 00 
 
 ( ( 
 
 Aug. 
 
 31. 
 
 (( t( 
 
 120 
 
 00 
 
 u 
 
 Sept. 
 
 30. 
 
 n 
 
 120 
 
 00 
 
 u 
 
 Oct. 
 
 31. 
 
 
 120 
 
 00 
 
 
 Nov. 
 
 30. 
 
 
 120 
 
 00 
 
 n 
 
 Dec. 
 
 31. 
 
 it 
 
 120 
 
 00 
 
 1878- 
 
 —Jan. 
 
 31. 
 
 U it 
 
 120 
 
 00 
 
 n 
 
 Feb. 
 
 28. 
 
 
 120 
 
 00 
 
 
 
 
 FENCING. 
 
 
 
 1876- 
 
 -Sept. 
 
 26. 
 
 H. D. Southard 
 
 
 
 $1,680 00 
 
 * Certified, but not audited at date of publication. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 85 
 
 INDEXING MINUTES OF COMMON COUNCIL FOR USE 
 OF COMMITTEE. 
 
 1878— Jan. 16. Isaac B. Crane $25 00 
 
 PRINTING AND BLANK BOOK. 
 
 1877— Jan. 4. Brooklyn Baihj Ar- 
 
 ffus $11 25 
 
 1878— April 30. E. M. Whiting & 
 
 Co 2 25 
 
 . CONTRACTS. 
 
 1876— July 22. Thos. G]eavj, exca- 
 
 vating cellar $765 00 
 
 " Aug. 11. Thos. Gleavy, exca- 
 vating cellar 821 20 
 
 1877— April 19. W. & T. Lamb, Jr., 
 
 mason work $8,000 GO 
 
 " May 23. W. & T. Lamb, Jr., 
 
 mason work 4,500 00 
 
 " June 19. W. & T. Lamb, Jr., 
 
 mason work 4,500 00 
 
 " July 25. W. & T. Lamb, Jr., 
 
 mason work 7,000 00 
 
 " Sept. 29. W. & T. Lamb, Jr., 
 
 mason work 15,500 00 
 
 " Nov. 24. W. & T. Lamb, Jr., 
 
 mason work 10,000 00 
 
 1878— Jan. 16. W. & T. Lamb, Jr., 
 
 mason work 581 58 
 
 " April 16. W. & T. Lamb, Jr., 
 
 mason work 5,000 00 
 
 " May 2. W. & T. Lamb, Jr., 
 
 mason work 6,229 00 
 
 $13 50 
 
 $1,586 20 
 
 $61,310 58 
 
86 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 1877 — April 27, D. Y. Saxtan, iron 
 
 work $6,500 00 
 
 Saxtan, 
 
 iron 
 
 Saxtan, 
 
 iron 
 
 Saxtan, 
 
 iron 
 
 Saxtan, 
 
 iron 
 
 Saxtan, 
 
 iron 
 
 Saxtan, 
 
 iron 
 
 Saxtan, 
 
 iron 
 
 ,451 00 
 
 (A deduction was made from Saxtan's contract of 
 $440 for 88 iron ventilating boxes not required. 
 Overpayment of $G adjusted on final settlement.) 
 
 1877— July 21. D. D. Boyce, iron anchors $302 52 
 
 (A deduction from Boyce's contract of $237.38 — 
 anchors not required.) 
 1877— June 15. J. M. Masterton, 
 
 marble work $1,350 00 
 
 " June 15. J. M. Masterton, 
 
 marble work 6,750 00 
 
 " June 29. J. M. Masterton, 
 
 marble work 7,200 00 
 
 " July 24. J. M. Masterton, 
 
 marble work 5,400 00 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 87 
 
 1878— Jan. 16. J. M. Masterton, 
 
 marble work $7,000 00 
 
 " June 7. J. M. Masterton, 
 
 marble work 500 00 
 
 1877— Aug. 1. J. Fallon, carpenter $3,422 GO 
 " Nov. 15. " " 9,000 00 
 " Dec. 21. " " 3,500 00 
 
 1878— Jan. 25. " " 5,000 00 
 Feb. 23. " " 7,000 00 
 
 " March 20, " " 3,000 00 
 
 " June 3. " " 5,192 00 
 
 1877 — Aug. 28. Jas. Harley, plumb- 
 
 ing and gas fitting $800 00 
 " Oct. 15. Jas. Harlej, plumb- 
 ing and gas fitting 800 00 
 " Nov. 9. Jas. Havlej, plumb- 
 ing and gas fitting 1,000 00 
 
 1878— Feb. 13. Jas. Harley, plumb- 
 
 ing and gas fitting 2,000 00 
 " May 3. Jas. Harley, plumb- 
 ing and gas fitting 343 00 
 
 1877 — Nov, 10. Jamer, Jacobs & Co., 
 heating and ven- 
 tilating $3,500 00 
 
 " Dec. 21. Jamer, Jacobs & Co., 
 heating and venti- 
 lating . . . ^ 2,000 00 
 
 $28,200 00 
 
 $36,114 00 
 
 $4,943 00 
 
88 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 1878— Jan. 
 " May 
 
 1878— Jan. 
 " May 
 
 " April 
 
 " June 
 (( 
 
 " May 
 " Juno 
 
 16. Jamer, Jacobs & Co., 
 heating and venti- 
 lating $2,500 00 
 
 3. Jamer, J acobs & Co. , 
 heating and venti- 
 lating 3,330 00 
 
 $11,330 00 
 
 EXTRA WORK. 
 
 16. J. Harley, plumbing 
 
 2. W. & T. Lamb, ma- 
 
 son work 
 
 29. John Fallon, carpen- 
 ter work 
 
 10. John Seton, galvan- 
 ized iron work. . . 
 
 10. John M. Masterton, 
 marble work 
 
 8. Jamer, Jacobs & Co., 
 heating and venti- 
 lating work 
 
 3. H. P. Bloor 
 
 dome sash & glass 
 1. Jordan & Son .... 
 white marble tab- 
 let 
 
 10. D. Y. Saxtan, iron 
 work 
 
 $197 15 
 183 28 
 
 922 00 
 46 00 
 303 00 
 
 120 00 
 56 00 
 
 50 00 
 116 00 
 
 $1,993 43 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 89 
 
 EECAPITULA TION. 
 
 CONTRACTS. 
 
 Excavating cellar $1,586 20 
 
 Mason work 61,310 58 
 
 Iron work 46,885 00 
 
 Iron anchors 540 00 
 
 Carpenter work 36,114 00 
 
 Marble work 28,200 00 
 
 Plumbing and gas fitting 4,943 00 
 
 Heating and ventilating 11,330 00 
 
 $190,908 78 
 
 Premium on plans $250 00 
 
 Architects' fees 5,000 00 
 
 Surveyor's fees 25 00 
 
 Plans for heating and ventilating 750 00 
 
 Inspector, fourteen months 1,680 00 
 
 Fencing in front of cellar 11 25 
 
 Indexing Minutes 25 00 
 
 Printing Proposals and Minute book . . 13 50 
 
 7,754 75 
 
 EXTRA WORK. 
 
 Iron work 116 00 
 
 Mason work. 183 28 
 
 Carpenter work 922 00 
 
 Galvanized iron work 46 00 
 
 Plmnbing work 197 15 
 
 Marble work 303 00 
 
 Heating and ventilating 120 00 
 
 Dome sash and glass 56 00 
 
 Marble tablets 50 00 
 
 1,993 43 
 
 12 
 
 $200,656 96 
 
90 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 DEDUCTIONS. 
 
 Iron anchors $237 48 
 
 Iron ventilating boxes 440 00 
 
 $677 84 
 
 Cost of building $199,979 48 
 
 Surplus 20 52 
 
 Appropriation $200,000 00 
 
92 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 BASEMENT. 
 
 Room No. 1 — Searcher's Room, Department of Collection. 
 2— Police Drill Room. 
 " 3 — Boiler and Fuel Room. 
 " 4 — Store Room, Department of Health. 
 " 5 — Public Water-closets, 
 ' C) — Store Room, Department of City Works. 
 "■ 7 — General Store Room. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 FIRST STORY. 
 
 Departttient of ColLeet'i.on. 
 Room No. 1 — Collector's Private Room. 
 " 2 — Deputy Collector's Room. 
 " 3 — Cashier's Room. 
 " 4 — Bill and Assessment Room. 
 " 5 — Ciisli book Room. 
 
 Registrar of Water jRafes. 
 Room No. 6 — ^Registrar's Private Room. 
 " 7 — Cashier's Room. 
 " 8 — General Business Room. 
 " 9 — Map Room. 
 
 Registrar of ATrears. 
 Room No. 10 — General Business Room. 
 " 11 — Registrar's Private Room. 
 12 — Deputy Registrar's Room. 
 
J?/on o/ -Thirst ^tory 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 SECOND STORY. 
 
 Department of City ^Yor^ts. 
 
 Room No. 1 — Commissioner's Pi'ivate Room. 
 u 2 " " " 
 
 H g u u 
 
 " 4 — Secretary's Clerk's Rooin. 
 
 " 5 — Waiting Room. 
 
 " 6— Board Room. 
 
 " 7 — Secretary's Room. 
 
 " 8 — Store Room. 
 
 " 9 — Accountant's Room. 
 
 Dcjxirtment of Health. 
 Room No. 10 — Counsel's Room. 
 " 11 — Inspector's Room. 
 
 li^ — Sanitary Inspector's Room. 
 " 13 — Office for Permits and Complaints. 
 " 14 — President's Room. 
 " 15 — Store Room, 
 u 16— " " 
 " 17 — Waiting Room. 
 " 18— Board Room. 
 " 19 — Secretary's Room. 
 " 20 — Registrar's Room. 
 " 21 — Registrar's Private Room. 
 " 22 — Vaccinating Room. 
 
 Department of Assessment. 
 
 Room No, 23 — Board Room. 
 
 " 24 — President's Room. 
 
 " 25 — General Business Room. 
 
 Department of Police and Excise. 
 Room No. 26 — General Muster Room. 
 " 27 — Battery Room. 
 
 " 28 — Telegraph Superintendent's Work Room. 
 
 " 29 — Telegraph Room. 
 
 f 3U— Waiting Room. 
 
 " 31 — Inspector's Private Room. 
 
 " 32 — Inspector's Room. 
 
 " S3 — Superintendent's Clerk's Room. 
 
 " 34 — Detective's Room. 
 
 " 35 — Superhitendent's Room. 
 
 " 36 — Superintendent's Private Room. 
 
98 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 THIRD STORY. 
 Departnnent of City WorAs. 
 £iigiii.eer\^ Bureau. 
 Room No. 1— Cliief Eii.ffineer's Room. 
 2— Waiting Room. 
 " 3 — Assistant Engineer's Room. 
 " 4 — Engineer's Clerk's Room. 
 " 5 — " " 
 
 6 — Drawing Room. 
 
 7— Clerk's Room. 
 
 " 8 — Assistant Engineer's Room. 
 " 9 — Drawing Room. 
 " 10— St,, re Room. 
 
 " 11 — Snperintendent of Sewers Room. 
 Pttrveyo7''s Bureau. 
 Room No. 12— Drawing Room. 
 " 13 — Store Room. 
 
 14— Clerk's Room. 
 " 15 — Purveyor's Private Room. 
 " 16 — Deputv Purveyor's Room. 
 17— Permit Clerk's Room. 
 Bureau of Supplies. 
 Room No. 18— Permit Clerk's Room. 
 
 19— Clerk's Room. 
 
 20 — Supej-in ten dent's Room. 
 " 21 — General Business Room. 
 " 22 — Sewer Assessment Room. 
 
 Department of Police and Excise. 
 Room No. 23— Trial Room. 
 
 24— Store Room. 
 " 25 — Excise Bureau. 
 " 26— Property Clerk's Room. 
 " 27 — Deputy Clerk's Room. 
 
 28— Chief Clerk's Room. 
 
 29— Board Room. 
 
 30— Waiting Room, 
 
 " 31 — Commissioner's Room. 
 " 32 " u 
 
 " 33 — Bookkeeper's Room. 
 " 34 — Commissioner's Roon]. 
 
 35— Store Room. 
 " 36— 
 
100 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 FOURTH STORY. 
 
 Departincnt of Police and Excise. 
 
 Room No, 1 — Reporters' Room. 
 
 " 2 — Boiler Inspector's Room. 
 
 " 3 — Drill Captain's Room. 
 
 " 4 — Female Searcher and Janitor's Room. 
 
 " 5 4k it U iL i. 
 
 " Q " " tt 
 
 Y " " " "•' " 
 
 8 — Snrgeon's Roon). 
 " 9 — Detective's !Sk'e])iiig Room. 
 " 10— Cloth Room. 
 " 11 — Ballot Box Store Room. 
 " 12 — Vacant Room, untiiiishud. 
 13_ u 
 
Tlan of FovLvih 3tor<f, 
 
102 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 ARCniTECTURAL DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Furnished by the Architects. 
 
 The farjidc fr()ntiii<>; on Joi-iilenioii street is of Westcliester 
 marble, from the quarries of John M. Masterton, Esq., at Tucka- 
 hoe, N. Y. 
 
 It is in the Renaissance style of the French and Italian schools, 
 with towers at each angle, and a centre pavilion, the towers 
 projectinij; one foot six inches, and having a width of fourteen 
 feet, returning on east and west sides; the pavilion centre pro- 
 jecting four feet six inches and l)eing thii-ty feet eight inches in 
 width, with the centre of same hroken with an cight-incli pro- 
 jection twelve feet six inches wide. Tlic small towers are sur- 
 mounted with broken segment coniices, oi'namental dormers with 
 pediments and hood with crestings, and mansard roofs with orna- 
 mental cresthigs, and flagstaff sixty feet high. The decks of 
 towers are eighty-four feet above curl). The centre pavilion is sur- 
 mounted by a broken mansard roof, main cornices as above, orna- 
 mental deck cornices, and a dome roof witii flninl, the highest point 
 being one hundred and thirty-Hve feet above curb. 
 
 The first story is rustic ashler, eight inches thick, in thirteen 
 courses, broken at angles of towers and pavilion, with reveal jambs 
 to windows six inches, molded and carved key-stones, and molded 
 panels under the windows. This story is surmounted with a 
 carved and molded nujdillion cornice course. Extending from 
 top of the cornice to the main upper cornice line of the building, 
 at the angles of towers, are placed pihisters, eight inches projection, 
 with carved capitals, panelled and molded pedestals, molded bases, 
 volutes and ornamental bands, the latter one-third the height of 
 the pilaster. The same style of pilaster is also placed at each side 
 and angle of pavilion centre, six inches projection, extending to an 
 architrave and tVeize course on line with main cornice, with a sill 
 course for the fourth story, upon which freize is cut in raised 
 block letters the words Mioilcijxil DepdHiiient BuiidingP 
 From thence pilasters are extended with capitals, etc., as above, 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAETMEST BUILDING. 
 
 103 
 
 to the deck of main rooi', surmounted with a cornice same as main 
 cornice below, witli a broken segment, upon which is placed a 
 dormer window, with hood; tliat, again, surmounted by ornamen- 
 tal band moldings, and a pediment centre on each side, with dome 
 roof, above alluded to, over same, in each side of whicii is placed a 
 circular or bull's-eye window of ornamental design and tinish. 
 In mansard roof, below each side of ])avilion roof, is an oval win- 
 dow of ornate design. 
 
 The windows of second story have panelled and molded pedes- 
 tals with bases, molded sill co>a-ses, 8x8 incii champhered pilasters, 
 and molded and carved trusses, molded fi'eizes and cornices, 
 six-inch reveal jambs and molded panels. Those in towers, at 
 angles of the building, have pediment cornices ; and that in centre 
 of pavilion, over portico, is a muUion window, with a segment 
 cornice. 
 
 The windows of third story of towers and pavilion are sup- 
 ])orted on cornices of those below by console brackets or cor- 
 bels, and molded panels. The remaining windows of this story 
 are trinnned witli molded sills and coiliels, plain champhered 
 broken head architraves, all 8x0 inches and six-inch reveal jambs. 
 The centre window of pavilion of tliis story has an ornamental 
 carved tracery work architrave. 
 
 The fourth story windows of [)avilion centre have semicircnlar 
 heads with plain architrave, eight-inch reveal, with plain key-stones. 
 
 Dormer windows in mansard roofs are of galvanized iron, with 
 panelled and molded pilasters and reveal jandjs, with pedestal 
 bases and pediment cornices, all supported by cornice blockings. 
 The mansard roofs and towers are surmounted with galvanized 
 iron deck moldings, cornices, etc., and angle molds, reachings, etc., 
 of bold design and finish, and also snrmounted with ornamental 
 iron crestings in l)lue and gold. 
 
 The entrances, three in number, are through the centre or 
 pavilion, with granite ste[)S and })latforms, the central entrance 
 being seven feet, and those each side five feet wide. All semi- 
 
104 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 circular arches tlirougli rustic asliler, two feet reveal, wnth 
 voussoirs, and molded and carved key-stones. Over the central 
 entrance is a portico projecting six feet, with carved and molded 
 columns and ])ilasters, with raised hands, volutes and molded 
 hases, and granite pedestal hases. The columns are surmounted 
 with molded architrave, panelled ceiling, modillion cornice, and 
 Corinthian l)alustrade, ])anelled and molded pedestals with orna- 
 mental urns, and stuiie roof, with windows of centre of pavilion ex- 
 tending to said roof. The granite steps to entranci! extend 
 into inner vestihule, the run heing i)r(>keii hy two platforms of four 
 and six feet each. 
 
 The outer entrances are secui-cd hy fancy wrought ii-on gates, 
 opening inward into the main vestihule through inner vestihule 
 doors, which swing hotli ways, with the Buckman patent spring 
 hinge, and plate glass in upper panels. When in princtipal vesti- 
 hule, which is 15x24 feet, the passage is through under the arcade 
 of same. This is supported hy two 14-ir.ch ornamental columns, 
 and two pilasters, from which arches are sprung, handsomely 
 molded and finished with architraves and key-stones. Tiie pass- 
 age from thence is to lohhy under dome, '24x24 feet, wliich is 
 lighted from roof, with well openings in each floor ahove, around 
 which are placed ormx iiental iron rails with fancy newel posts, 
 and a douhle hipped galvanized iron (Seton's patent) skylight for 
 roof of dome, with ventilation. From the ahove vestibule and 
 lohhy, on either side are doors in centre of spaces between walls, 
 columns or pilasters, so placed as to preserve tlie uniformity of 
 appearance, whicli doors o])en to the offices of the Tax CoUecttor on 
 one side, and Registrar of Arrears on the othei'. On rear wall of 
 dome are engraved columns and i)il;isters, with arches, etc., cor- 
 responding with those before described. (These appear on each 
 story.) On first story on each side of centre arch is placed the tab- 
 lets, which are of l)la(;k marble with gilt lettering. Over these, in 
 panels immediately under each and to the line of the abacus of the 
 pilasters, are phuu-d wliite marble tablets, with gilt letters. Pass- 
 ing on through the centre arch, which is ten feet wide (elliptic), 
 
 .i 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 105 
 
 tlie principal stairways are located, occupying a sjiace. with 
 corridor between, of 28x39 feet, on each side of whieli is a flight 
 of iron stairs Ave feet six inches wide, with two phitfonns to each, 
 leading to eacli story ; eacli lighted over head in roof by a skylight 
 4x10 feet, to each well or cylinder, which is three feet wide. At 
 foot of stairs, on main corridor, are placed ornamental iron newels 
 one foot six inches square and six feet higli, npon which are placed 
 bronze standard newel liglits. Under these stairs are entrances 
 by stairways, to the basement, from corridors, and tax collector's 
 office, to searcher's room in basement. 
 
 Tlie I)alance of the corridors, which extend tlii-ough to rear of the 
 building, are twelve feet wide, from which large double doors 
 open vo the various offices or departments. At the head of tlie 
 principal stairs and passing to the right or the left of the division 
 walls, toward the front, are private corridors, leading to the 
 private stairways, for the use of the departments and divisions of 
 same, wliich <)(tcn])y portions of the several floors. This is done 
 to better accommodate the several departments; as, for instance, 
 by a reference to the diagrams it will be seen that the Department 
 of Police and Excise occui)y portions of the second, third, and 
 fourth floors, on the west side. The whole of this De])artment 
 could not well be acconunodated on one floor, to the exclusion of 
 other departments, which the public have occasion to visit. The 
 portions of this Department which the public are compelled to 
 most frequently visit, the architects endeavored to keep as near to 
 the lower floors as possible. The same applies to the Board of City 
 Works, which is locat(>d on the east side of corresponding floors. 
 The heads of the various Departments were consulted in relation 
 thereto, the whole being arranged with the view of hannonizing 
 their several interests. 
 
 The wells on each floor under dome, have circular corners, at 
 which are placed ornamental gas brackets, also at head of principal 
 stairways. Pendant and bracket lights are throughout corridors, 
 rooms, etc. 
 
 14 
 
106 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 The first story corridor extends through, with an entrance on 
 rear, with vestibule doors. 
 
 At the centre, on the west side of tlie building, is a tower twenty- 
 two feet wide, eight feet projection, surmounted with mansard 
 roof, the deck of which is eighty-eight feet above sidewalk. In 
 the celhir and first story of tlie tower are located tlie private or 
 prin(tipal stairways, for the use of the Police Dc]iartment, which 
 extend to the second floor, where the same connect witli a trans- 
 verse corridor which passes the squad room and connect with 
 the private corridor and stairways to floors above, also with the 
 principal corridors. 
 
 WORK AND MATERIAL. 
 
 The foundation walls are started ten feet below curb. 
 
 The footing courses for front walls, and that portion of side 
 walls which form towers, are five feet wide and twelve inches 
 thick. The side and rear walls have footing courses four feet 
 long, three feet wide, and one foot thick. 
 
 All the interior tAvelve inch walls have footings three feet long, 
 twM) feet wide and one foot tliick. All other interior walls have 
 footings not less than three feet long and three feet wide. 
 
 All piers and columns have double footings four by four feet 
 in one stone for upper course, and two stones three by six feet, 
 for lower course, with dressed l)eds. 
 
 Chimney and vaults have double footings one foot thick. 
 
 All the above footings are of the best Greenwich stone, laid 
 with a derrick, and all bedded in six inches thick of cement ; also, 
 concrete footings imcler all stoop walls and steps. 
 
 On top and centre of all footing courses are started the bri(;k 
 walls. Those of side and rear are carried up to the water tables, 
 twenty-four inches thick, laid solid in cement and sand mortar, 
 and thence to tlie top of the cornices, eighteen inches thick, 
 formed of two eight-inch walls with two inclies hollow space be- 
 tween, tied together every two feet in every sixth course witli 
 cast iron anchors. The front wall of cellar and sides formiTig 
 
 r 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 107 
 
 towers ;ire l)uilt solid, three feet tliick, and al)ove same to cornice, 
 two feet four thick, iiichidiiiij;- ashler. The area walls and founda- 
 tions for stoop and porch are all of brick, laid in solid lime and 
 cement mortar, and for the support of the front phitforms twelve- 
 inch arches are sprung from wall to wall. 
 
 The corridor walls are commenced ;is above, on footings twenty 
 inches thick up to first tier of beams, thence to tourth story six- 
 teen inclies thick, and from thence to roof beams twelve inches 
 thick. 
 
 Tlie main transverse walls are built from their footings to the 
 first tier of beams sixteen inches thick, and above tliat to roof from 
 twelve to sixteen inches, as required by the specilications and 
 plans. 
 
 The sliort transverse walls of cori-idors are carried to the roof 
 twelve inclies thick. 
 
 Tlie vault walls commence on the footings and are carried u[t 
 to the first tier of i)eams twenty- four inches thick, thence to third 
 tier twenty inclies thick, and over ea(;h vault are turned a twelve- 
 inch semicircular arch from wall to wall, and anchored withthree- 
 foxH'th-iiich liolts. In each story is Iniilt into these walls an iron 
 door frame ; these walls are laid in clear cement and sand mortar. 
 
 The walls of the cash hook room, tax department, are built 
 as above. 
 
 The walls for the tower on the west side are sixteen inches 
 tliick in l)asenient, tlience to full height, twelve niches thick. 
 
 The walls for the chimney are sixteen inches thick from the foot- 
 ings to the roof, and carried up ten feet above roof, twelve inches 
 thick. All the piers in the l)asement are two feet eight inches 
 square. 
 
 The side walls from grade to cornice, including brick facias, are 
 faced with Colalnu'g brown fronts, in cement and lime mortar. 
 
 The walls of outer vestibule are faced with Philadelphia pressed 
 brick, in red mortar, with joints lined in black. 
 
 The other brick work is of the best Ilaversti'aw Bay hard brick, 
 laid in mortar, composed of two barrels of Rosendale cement, and 
 
108 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 one of best Rockland lime, with proper proportions of cleuu sharp 
 sand, made fresli every (lay. Arches are turned over all the door 
 and window openings and between the antae on the floor of 
 main stairs in each story. All brick work is laid with full and 
 flush joints struck smooth, and every sixth (tourse a header 
 course. 
 
 All walls exposed to the earth have a heavy coat of asphaltum 
 applied before filling against. 
 
 All the windows in brick walls have eight-inch reveals. 
 
 The entire first, second, third and fourth stories, are filled 
 between beams with four-inch brick arches in cement. 
 
 The greater portions of partitions throughout the building are 
 of patent hollow tile, four inches thick, and all the rafters of man- 
 sard roofi which are iron, are also filled in between with same mate- 
 i"ial, in same manner. 
 
 All the piers have bluestone bond lilocks five inclies thick in 
 eveiT two feet, and granite caps twelve inches thick. The entire 
 cellar is concreted, excei)t engine and boiler room, which is paved 
 with brick on edge in concrete, and grouted. 
 
 There is one course of bluestone flagging on each side and rear 
 of building, and thence out to Livingston street, in one course 
 six feet wide. Bluestone sills to all sides and rear openings, water 
 table on side and I'ear, 6x14 ; also bluestone foot blocks under 
 each, iron beam on walls, granite blocks under girders where 
 resting on walls, and bond blocks in walls in every two feet where 
 such gilders are located. 
 
 All the vaults and the cash book room have planed bluestone 
 floors four inches thick. 
 
 All the steps, sills, platforms, etc., at the side and rear entrances 
 <jre of fine-axed bluestone. All smoke flues are capped. Rear 
 wall is coped with bluestone, 4x14. The roof of porch is of same 
 material. 
 
 There is no plastering in basement, except in the Searcher's 
 i-oom, which is a hard finish, also all ceilings of stories above. 
 Sand or stucco finish for all side walls. 
 
 I 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 109 
 
 The girders in each story, except rout', ure of roUeil iron — two 
 tifteen-iiicli beams I)olte(] together — and supported hy fourteen, 
 twelve, and eiirlit-incli (haiiieter cast iron cohunns, with orna- 
 mental capitals and ba^es resting one upon the other, and bolted 
 together, with requisite plates and bolts. Each tier of beams, 
 except those of roof, are of rolled iron, varying in depth fi'om 
 nine to fifteen inches, and weighing from seventy-five to a hundred 
 and thirty-five pounds |)L'r yard, jis per the several spaces required, 
 and ]ilaced ab^ut fmir fi-et apart. 
 
 The deck or main roof beams are of spruce, 3x12 inches. })laced 
 sixteen inches from centres, and sujiitorted between walls with 
 Georgia pine girders, SxlO inches. 
 
 The mansard roofs arc formed with :>x4-inch '•'•T"' ii'on rolled 
 beams bolted to wall plates of rolled iron, ^xS inches, well an- 
 chored to walls, with three-quarter-inch bolts four feet long, built 
 into walls three feet apart. 'J lie angle beams of central tower 
 are nine inches, weighing seventy pounds per yard, and the small 
 towers si.x inches, forty pounds per yard. Along the tops of these 
 roof beams are bolted 4x<')-iiich angle irons to carry the wooden 
 roof rafters, ant! over tlie heads of the dormer windows are 
 bolted 3x;»-inch angle iron. 
 
 The decks of all roofs are covered with one and a (piarter-inch 
 tongued and grooved white pine mill-worked roof plank, and 
 they covered with double thickness of taiTed felt, and then cover- 
 ed with best machine l)rand charcoal tin. All angle molds, reacli- 
 ings, cornices, dormer windows, etc., are of the best Bloom No. 
 twenty-six galvanized iron, and all mansard roofs and towers are 
 covered with 10x20 and 9x1 8-inch Chapnum quarry bhick slate, 
 well rendered in mortar, on the fireproof material. 
 
 The principal stairs from the first to the fourth stoi'v from the 
 main corridors are of iron; also rail, balusters, newells, etc., all 
 of artistic design. There are three fliglits of private stairways 
 which are of wood ; one from the cell ir to the second story on the 
 westerly side in tower, which is used as a ])rivate entrance for the 
 police department, as hereiul)efore described, the two others, from 
 
110 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 the second to the foiirtli storv on l ueli side of ])riiieip<d coi-ridor 
 walls, near front, wliicli are used for the de])artinent occnijyiug 
 rooms conti<i:;uoiis thereto, as also hereiiil)efore described, all 
 of which are of Geory-ia ])iiie, with two inch treads one and a 
 quarter-inch risers, molded walnut rails, two and a quarter-inch 
 fancy turned l)alusters. and box strini>;s. Each stairway is lighted 
 from roof by suital)]e sized skylights of Setou's patent galvan- 
 ized iron, and glazed with three-sixteenth inch ribbed or corrugated 
 glass. On each side of main coi ridor walls, beside principal stairs, 
 are private corridors leading to the above private stairways, the 
 same ])eing liglited l)y sash ])ai'titions dividing same from rooms 
 on each side. 
 
 Also all partitions of interior are sash wheie required to utilize 
 the light, or for ventilation. 
 
 All the floors, exce])t those of princi])al corridors of first and 
 second stories, are laid with S^xli-inch mill-worked Geoi-gia pine 
 on 2x5-inch spruce, placed twenty inches apart, and well secured 
 to iron floor l)eams I'unning crosswise of stune, witli pockets 
 screwed down over all joints in gas or other pi])es under same. 
 The corridors of first and second stories are laid with best English 
 encaustic tile, selected colors, and of beautiful design — this work 
 being perfoi-ined hy Messrs. Miller cfe Coates, of New York city. 
 
 The principal skylight or doii^e is fourteen feet square at base, 
 of Seton's patent, witii gal\'anized iron frames, ribs, bars, etc., 
 and glazed with rough plate glass. 
 
 All the interior finish is of selected white pine, and painted 
 three coats in parti-colors, and inside blinds to all windows except 
 fourth story. 
 
 All the hardware is of Russell & Erwin's best manufacture, 
 bronze furniture complete; all double doors have self-locking 
 bolts ; all doors opening to rooms from main corridors have three- 
 sixteenth-inch fluted glass in upper panels, one light to each ; all 
 interior sash and sash dooi's are glazed with ground glass. 
 
 First story front sash is glazed with English polished plate, 
 and all other front sash with twenty-six ounce English sheet, and 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 Ill 
 
 all otlier windows witli first ([uality French sheet. All sash are 
 furnished with real bronze lifts and pull i)lates. All doors enter- 
 ing rooms from main corridors have Bnckman patent springs, 
 japanned, with acorn tips. 
 
 All bntts to doors are japanned, wirh real bronze acorn tips. The 
 vestibnle doors, front and rear, are linng with the liiickman patent 
 spring hinge, japanned and bronze tips. 
 
 All water closets and wash basins ai'e fitted up in black 
 walnnt. 
 
 All doors from corridors ]\:ive semicircnlar lieads, with head 
 lights. All intcriur doors othei-wise locate(i also have head-hghts 
 mostly hung on pivots. 
 
 The painting was done by C. il. Bkrry, Esq. 
 
 The sash, glass, doors, blinds, and other panel work by G. H. 
 Gerard, Esq. 
 
 Tlie plumbing and gas fitting is of tii'st-class, as follows: there 
 are two lines of sewers, of eight incli vitrified earthen drain, one 
 from Joralemon street and one from Livingston street, which 
 are carried through and under cellar bottoms to the lines of the 
 various works. In the (;ellar is located the water closets and 
 urinals for public use, six of each in number. All rain water 
 conductors from roofs, of which there are eight, are connected 
 withi^ewer. All iron soil and water i)ij)('s are five iiu^hes diameter, 
 well painted before being placed in ])osition, and then well 
 secured. 
 
 The water supply is also taken from both streets, each through 
 a l^-inch galvanized iron sui)ply, extra heavy, to the inside walls 
 of building, theiuie on each partition wall, up to the fourth floor, 
 on each side, for hose attachments for fire purposes, with heavv 
 brass ca])s, gloI)e valves, round-ways, and also up to and out on 
 roof. 
 
 The tap fiom Livingston street supplies all the boilers and all 
 the works on the east side of corridor ; the main from Joralemon 
 street supplying all the works, including fire services, west of 
 corridor. The branch supply to all the works from the above 
 
112 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 main lines is a one-inch pipe, as to the front and rear respectively, 
 and then AAA half-incli and tliree-eiglitli-inch lines of lead 
 pi])e are rnn to the several works ;is re(jnired, to sn]i])ly all wash 
 basins, taid-cs and nrinals. 
 
 In the basement are set j)laiii ii'on enaniellcd-self actiiii;- hopper 
 closets, with traps or combined and fly-n]) seats, the traps cap])ed, 
 with openinf^s in same for cleaniii<>; ont, and supplied through 
 half-inch AAA lead supply ])ipe. 
 
 In each story above cellar are set, at oonvem'ent ])oints, the 
 American Defiance Cari-'s ])nt('nt closets, forty in numiier, sup- 
 plied from tanks over ea<-li. These are located, with few ex- 
 ceptions, under or adjoinin<>; light sliafts i)uilt for the purpose; 
 also the urinfds. Each tank is furnished with valves, overflows, 
 Fuller's patent ball-cocks, and strainers, coni[)]ete, and all lined 
 with four-pf)und sheet lead. 
 
 There is also furnished twenty l^edfni-dshire urinals, large 
 size, with nickel plated sliields, toj) and l)ottum, and sup|)lied 
 through lialf-inch A A A lead pipe and half-inch plated self 
 closing Boston c>)mpression urinal cocks ; furnished with Italian 
 marble, two-inch beds, counter sunk: brass strainers and cou])- 
 lings; ogee molded Itaban marble hacks, four feet high ; and half- 
 inch Boston compression bibbs under urinals (l)rass) for drawing 
 water. Urinals in basement for ])ublic use are of cast iron, enam- 
 elled, with backs, supj)lied through A A A lead, half-inch supply, 
 running the whole length, and furnished with plain l)rass com- 
 pression bibl)s. 
 
 There are fifty- two wash basins thro ighout the l)uilding, 
 all fourteen-inch Warfitier's ware, marl)le pattern, with patent 
 overflows, secuj-ed to nuirble toj^s with brass basin clam]:)S. The 
 to])S, backs and ends are of Italian marble, .ogee molded edges. 
 They are all supplied with cold w;iter througli three-eighth-inch 
 AAA lead sup])ly, and tlii-ee-eighth inch })lat('d Boston com- 
 pression self-closing l)asin cocks, and furnished with plugs and 
 chains, and trapped with S traps and sci-ews. 
 
 Safes under all works lined with 4-lb foheet lead, properly 
 wasted and trapped, and furnished with brass strainers. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 113 
 
 HEATING AND VENTILATING. 
 
 Tliere are two boilers of the t'ullowinc; description : Horizontal 
 tul^ular. four feet six inclies diameter, and fonrteen feet long, con- 
 taining sixty-five la])-\velded tul)es, tliree inches diameter and four- 
 teen feet long. Eacli boiler has six heavy cast iron lugs nine inclies 
 \\nde, and one and a quarter inclies thick, and projecting twelve 
 inches, three riveted on each side of each boiler. Under these 
 lugs are placed one-inch iron phites, sixteen inches long, twelve 
 in(;hes wide, and between the lugs and jdates are placed steel 
 rollers, to allow for expansion and contraction. Each boiler has 
 a mandiole in the top of the dome. The shells of the boilers are 
 of tiie best (jiialitj C. H. No. 1 iron, 5-1 (Jtli-inch thick, except the 
 sheets over the fire, which are of the best quality of reheated fire 
 box iron, same thickness, 'i'he heads are of the best quality flange 
 iron, lialf-incli, rea:iied for connections and tubes. 
 
 The boilers arc riveted, chipped, calked and braced in the 
 best manner. All longitudinal seams are double riveted with 
 £-inch rivets, plac;'d two inclies from centres. Each sheet used 
 in the construction of these boilers is clearly stamped, showing 
 the grade of the iron and the maker's name. Each boiler was 
 thoroughly tested l)y hydrostatic pressure, 150 lbs to the s(piare 
 inch, and (certificates given l)y the proper authorities I)efore they 
 left the maker's shop. 
 
 Each is furnished with full section cast iron fronts, W. AV". 
 Tuj)per's patent grate bars, bearers, bai'S, back-stays, tie rods, 
 anchors, anchor holts, flame bolts, ash ])it, back connection doors, 
 cleaning out doors for front opening, from centre, and (leorge 
 Fox's patent wrought iron and feed water arch plates. 
 
 These boilers are set side Iiy side in best North River brick and 
 cement mortar : one outer wall twelve inches thick set two inches 
 from partition wall of buihling, and the other one eighteen inches 
 thick, with two inches air space. The division walls between the 
 boilers are twenty-four inches thick. 
 
 15 
 
 1 
 
114 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 Over eacli boiler is built a double arch for smoke flues, the 
 cross section of which contains four hundred and fifty square 
 inches at its narrowest ])art, and these are connected with vertical 
 smoke flues by horizontal cast iron flue passing from the I'ear of 
 the boilers across and underneath the floor of the corridoi-s. The 
 cross section of this flue contains nine hundred square inches. 
 The side walls above the saflng are twelve inches thick, extending 
 as high as the arches, coped with Sxl-l-inch bluestoiiC. 
 
 The furnace and bridge walls and back connections are lined 
 with No. 1 Jersey tirebi-ick. Each boiler is furnished with a 
 4-inch safety valve, brass steam gauge, 10-inch dial, and a 
 water glass 18-inch, f-iiich gauge cocks, wood handle. Water 
 gauges and cocks are finished in brass drums four inches internal 
 diameter, metal ^-inch thick and twenty-eight iiiches long, with 
 finished brass elbows and iiipples where going through the boiler 
 fronts. The drums ai'e secured to tlie boilers at the top and 
 bottom of the shell with the steam and water connection, one-inch 
 internal diameter and globe valves. There is also an automatic 
 fire regulator connected with the dampers to flues, with proper 
 feed check and blow-off valves, each 1^-inch, and so arranged that 
 either boiler cau be used independently, or both together as 
 desired. 
 
 The blow-off from the boilers is 1^-incli internal diameter, con- 
 nected with the sewer at a point beyond all other connections. 
 All is furnished with a full set of fire tools and thirty feet of 
 1^-inch four- ply hose {^nil}her)w\i\i brass nozzle and coujdings com- 
 j)lete. The boilers are (-onnected by 6-inch internal diameter 
 wrought iron pipes, on which are placed two 6-inch globe valves 
 near eacli dome, so as to isolate either boiler tliat may he used to 
 do all the heating. Valves are placed in all main su])j)ly and return 
 pipes and return near the main horizontal pipes. All pipes are sup- 
 ])orted on hangers or rollei'S to allow for expansion and contraction, 
 and l-l6th-inch to the ti,>ot hdl or rise for drainage, and no ])ockets 
 or traps where the water (-an remain. All the horizontal pipes in 
 the cellar are covered witli No. 1 hair felt and No. 1 canvas 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAIITMENT BUILDINCi. 
 
 115 
 
 (luck. Tlie risinjf pipes from first to second story are l:[-iiicli, 
 and from second to tbinl stories 1-incli, and where they run to 
 the fom'tli stor}', they are continued I:|^-inch to tlie third story 
 floor. All return pipes are one size smaller than the supply pipes. 
 
 There is also furnished two McNeill steam return traps with 
 connection titfcing-s, for returning all condensed steam from every 
 part of the building to the boilers. 
 
 There is also provided a hot well of cast and wrought iron, 
 three feet dee]> and thirty inches diameter and covered and con- 
 nected with steam trap so arranged with valves as to be under the 
 control of the engineer. 
 
 For the purpose of feeding one or both of the boilers is set in 
 boiler room on solid l)rick foundation a D;ividson's steam pump, 
 with all proper steam and exhaust pipes, valves, drips, and water 
 connections. 
 
 The radiators are vertical, set principally at tlie windows, made 
 to rit between jambs, having ornamental cast iron tops and bases, 
 and of size and heating capacity required for each location, each 
 having separate globe valves. Als(j an automatic air valve with 
 pipe for discharged air imd drip water. All valves ai"e nickel 
 plated and hard wood handles, and all radiators are bronzed in 
 gold color. Coils are placed also in ventilating shafts of requisite 
 capacity. 
 
 The floors of the halls, first story, are w^armed by running four 
 one-inch wrought iron pipes in each space between beams and 
 coimected at each end with wrought iron head pipes hanging 
 one-inch below cellar ceiling— these pipes having been tested to a 
 hydrostatic pressure of one hundred and sixty pounds. 
 
 Two coils are hung at the Ijasement ceiling near tlie front 
 entrance doors, with flues from same through corridor walls, with 
 registers in same, and furnished witli cold air boxes. 
 
 Fresh air is introduced into each ro(jm when desired by slightly 
 raising the lower sash of the window, the incoming air being 
 deflected upward by the means of a curved sill attached to the 
 window frames. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 'J'liere is coimtriictetl two vi'iitilatiiig tines ruiiiiiiijj; tVom ceilings 
 ot" water closets in tlu^ nortlieastcrly and noi-tliwesterly rooms 
 front, of galvanized ircjn, and carrii'd throngli to the roof and 
 capped. 
 
 Ventilation is also pi-ovided Ity spaces left between the beams, 
 or where this was fonnd impracticable, l)y galvanized iron ducts, 
 for the ventilation of water-closets. 
 
 The sky-lights over the light shafts, and over the private stair- 
 ways are I'aised and enclosed partially by galvanized ircju boxes. 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 117 
 
 OPINIONS OF DKPAltTMENTS. 
 
 On tlic I5tli of .rune, ISTS, Alderman Frencli addressed to rlie 
 heads of tlie sevei'al DejiHrtnients, o cupying tlie jMunieipal De- 
 partment Building, the following: 
 
 The undersigned. Chairman of tlie Committee on New Mn- 
 nicipal liuilding, respe<"-tfnlly request your IIonorHhle Hoard to 
 furnish in writing your opinioii of the adaptation of the portion 
 of the said building set apart for the use of jour Department, 
 both as to yourselves and tlie })ul)lic ha\ ing business to transact 
 with you. Yours very truly, 
 
 JOHN FRENCH, 
 
 (Vidj riiian. 
 
 At the meeting of the Aldermen in charge, June 2(>, Alder- 
 man French presented the following replies to the foregoing : 
 
 DKl'ARTiMENT OF CiTl' WoKKS, ^ 
 
 Commissioners' Office, Municipal Department Building, - 
 
 Brooklyn, June 17, 1878. S 
 
 John French, Esq., 
 
 Chairman (Jomiuittee on JVew ManicqMl Bn 'ddhuj: 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 In answer to your favor of .Tune 15, wherein you ask the o\v\\\- 
 ion of the Commissioners of ttiis De})artment respecting the ada[)- 
 tation of the portion of the New Municipal Building set apart for 
 the use of this Department, both as to ourselves and the [)id)lic 
 having business with the Department, I have to say, on ijchalf of 
 the lioard, that they are well pleased, and have no reason to 
 doubt but that the public also are. 
 
 Respectfully y(jurs, 
 
 F. S. MASSEY, 
 
 President. 
 
llH 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 Office of the Chief Cleiuc, DepHrtincut of ^ 
 PuLiCK juul Excisio, of tlie City of Brooklyn, 
 
 BiiouKiAN, June 18, 1878.^ 
 
 Hon. JuHN Fkench, 
 
 Chairiiiun Contiuittee on. New Maiucipal liKtlduuj : 
 Dear Siu : 
 
 I am dim^ted by tlie Board of Police and Excise to acknowledf^e 
 receipt of your communication of the loth inst., recjuesting their 
 opinion as to the adaptation of tlic ))ortion of the new Municipal 
 Building set apart for this Dcpa; Iment. In reply thereto, 1 am 
 instructed to state for your infiniuition thiit the Board ai'e en- 
 tirely satisfied with the apartments assigned for their use. With 
 a few slight alterati( ns the acconnnodations would l)e complete. 
 It is with pleasure that the CoiUiuissioners avail themselves of the 
 opportunity to congratulate the Building Connnittee, the noiu)r- 
 able the Common Council, and tl>e people of the city of Brooklyn, 
 upon the completion of such a magnificent, convenient and com- 
 modious building. 
 
 The Commissioners also desire to add, that after a (;areful 
 examination of the entire structure they are gratified, as you cer- 
 tainly must be, that such an elegant edifice was erected and 
 completed at a cost within the limits of the very moderate sum 
 appropriated. I have the honor to be 
 
 I'espectfully yours, 
 
 SAMUEL RICHARDS, 
 
 Chief Clerk. 
 
 BoAlil) OF ASSESSOUS, > 
 
 Room No. 20, jMunicipal Department Buihh'ng, ^- 
 Bkooklyn, .June 20, 1878. ^ 
 
 Hon. John Fkench, 
 
 Chairman of the Comiiuttee on Neiv Jfunicipal Dejjartment 
 Building. 
 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 I think it fitting that at this time, when you are surrendering 
 your trust, I should say to you and the Houoral)le Committee, 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 119 
 
 tliat the rooms that have been assigned to the Department of 
 Assessment prove admirably adapted to their appointed use, 
 whether considered with reference to the ])ubhc havini^; business 
 here or to tliose who are employed in the Department. The 
 large room is spacious, well liglited and warmed, and affords ample 
 yet not excessive accommodations for the transactions of the office, 
 while the smaller rooms provide every additional convenience 
 that is needed, particularly tlie room for tlio meetings of the 
 Hourd of Assessors, which very well supplies a want that was illy 
 provided for in the apai'tnients heretofore n^ed in the City Hall. 
 
 Very respectfully yours, 
 
 JOHN TRUSLOW, 
 Prei^t of the Board of Assessors. 
 
 Depahtmkxt of Cor.LECTION, ^ 
 Rooms 2, -t, (), S and 10 ]\Iu!iicij)al Building, > 
 Brookian, Jnne 19, 1878. ) 
 
 Hon. John French, 
 
 Chairmcm Committee on Nev) Municipal Building. 
 Drar Sir : 
 
 Yours of the l.'ith inst., asking for my opinion concerning the 
 adaptation of the present offices of this Department to the pub- 
 lic convenience and to the requirements of the employes of the 
 J)epartment, is before me. 
 
 Ill res])onse thei-eto, I am happy to be able to say to you that 
 in my opinion all reasonMl)le requirements are fully met by our 
 present accommodations. Our quarters are sufficiently large, are 
 well lighted and ventilated, and the three Tax Departments so 
 compactly located as to be all the general public can reasonably 
 demand until the age of reason shall ]irevail, and tlie tax-payers 
 of Brooklyn be allowed to settle all their indebtedness to the city 
 in one Department. 
 
 Very respectfully yours, 
 
 JAMES TANNER, 
 
 Collector Taxes and Assessments. 
 
120 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 Department of Health, ^ 
 Office of the Bo;in! of Heiiltli, Miniicipal Dept. Building,^ 
 
 ]>K(X)KLYN-, June 20, 1878. " ^ 
 
 IIoii. John French, 
 
 C/uilriiKui Ciini'jiiiUee on. Ncvj Munieipal BuildhK/. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Your note, inquiriuii- liow the Board of Ilealfli and the public 
 are acconiniodated by the offices assio;ned the Department in the 
 new l)uilding, lias l)eeii referred to nie for reply. 
 
 It is inipofcsible for nie to make other answer than this ; our 
 rooms are admiral)ly arranged and adaj)ted to our wants ; they 
 are commodious, well lighted and well ventilated. We do not 
 see how they could well be more coTivenient either for the uses 
 of the I)e])artment and it ; em[)loy(''s or the accommodation of the 
 public having business therewith. 
 
 On behalf of the lioard of Healtli allow me to heartily thank 
 your Committee and the Common Council for the kindness ex- 
 tended !ind dis))osition manifested toward this Department. 
 
 1 am vei*y truly yours, 
 
 JAMES CRANE, M. D. 
 
 President 
 
 Department of Arrears, j| 
 Municipal De})artment Building, ^ 
 ' lJuooKi.YN, June IS, 1<S78. *) 
 
 John Fuench, Esq., 
 
 Ckairiiian, Coiiiiaittee on JVein MnnH'ipal Ihiildvu/ : 
 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Your letter of the loth instant, requ(!sting my opinion respect- 
 ing the portion of the Municipal iJuilding set a[)art for use of this 
 Department is duly received. 
 
 In repl}^, I would say that the rooms acsigned to this Depart- 
 ment give entire satisfaction so far as 1 (;an judge. There is 
 ample space for all prcsenr purposes, and the same is properly 
 arranged and furnished with a view to ti:e convenience of the 
 
.^MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 121 
 
 employes, searcliers and others liaving business here, and fur the 
 accomtnodation of thei)uhhc. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 EUFUS L. SCOTT, 
 
 iLcgistiur of Arfeai's. 
 
 Department of City Wokks, ^ 
 Nassau Water Dei'artmen t, ' 
 Bureau of Water Rates, Registrar's Ottice, , 
 J>R()oKrA'N', June 1<S, 1878. J 
 
 Aid. John French, 
 
 Ckdh'iiKiii Co'iiiiD.ittee on. Ncio Munh-'ipul liii'ililiiKj : 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 In response to the request contained in youi- note of tlu* l.')th 
 inst., I have to inform you tliat tlie room assigued to tliis Ihireau 
 for the transaction of its business is well adapted to the purposes, 
 l)eing large, airy, and well lighted, and the ventilation good. 
 I have heard no complaint from either the public or employes. 
 Very respectfully, your obedient sei-vant, 
 
 CHAS. A. Mclaughlin, 
 
 Rerjhtrar of Watc/' Rates. 
 
 16 
 
122 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 OPENING DAT. 
 It was the desire of tl e Aldermen in charge to have a day set 
 apart for an opening of the building to the inspection of the 
 l)ul)li(', with dedicatory ceremonies, before its occupation l)y the 
 Departments. This was not easy of accomplishment, inasmnch 
 as the htting np of the offi(;es — which was begun before the con- 
 ti'actors were entirely through with their labors — left iio period 
 at which the respective rooms were in a presentable condition. 
 The necessity for occupation by May 1 also intei-fered, and there 
 was therefore no formal dedication of the building. On the 20th 
 of June, 1878, the work being completed, the rooms fitted up, 
 the signs placed in position, and the Departments in full occupa- 
 tion, the i)ublic were, pursuant to aimouncement, invited to in- 
 spect the building. The rooms were all thrown open to visitors 
 from 9 A. M. to 9 P. M., and a large number of citizens availed 
 themselves of the opportunity of examining them in detail. This 
 opening, occurring several weeks after the building had I)een in 
 use by the public, did not attract tiiat interest that would probji- 
 bly have attached to it at an earlier <lay ; but the commendations 
 of those who expressed themselves on that occasion were very 
 gi-atifying. 
 
 The authority conferred l)y the Common Council to permit the 
 occupniK;y of the building had been exercised, and all the Depart- 
 ments, by ])ermission of the Aldermen in charge, given verbally 
 from time to time by the Chairman under their direction, were in 
 full occupation. 
 
 On the 4th of March the Common Comicil appointed Stephen 
 H. PowF.LL, keeper, and Chas. C. Conraddy, assistant keeper of 
 the Municipal Building ; also, two engineers and a watchman. 
 Subsequent proceedings of the Common Council, as well as the 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAETMENT BUILDING. 
 
 12;} 
 
 terms of the charter of the city, caused a doubt to l)e cast n[>oii 
 the legality of these appointments. The appointees, however, 
 continue to render service, though at this time no payments have 
 been made on account thereof. 
 
 The Aldermen in cliarge held a meeting at 12:30 P. M. on th(^ 
 2()th of June, and resolved to ask of the Common Council to be 
 discharged from tlie further consideration of the subject of the 
 new building, and that no formal dedication ceremonies be had. 
 
 AN ACCIDENT. 
 
 At about !t:;^5 A. M. on Monday, the 24th of June, the people 
 in and around tlie IMuuicipal Building, were startled l)y the shock 
 of a tremendous explosion, which shook not only the building, 
 but the City Hall, Court House, and otlier adjacent structures. 
 The cause of the concussion was the explosion of gas in the vault 
 connected with the Tax Collector's bill room, marked on the 
 diagram of tlie tirst story as " Room No. 5, Cash Jiook Room.'''' 
 The result of the explosion was the complete demolition of 
 the western and southern walls of the vault, the destruction of 
 a portion of the walnut partition between the vault and the 
 clerks' desks, as well as several desks and chairs. Nearly every 
 pane of glass in the large bill room was broken, and closed 
 doors were wrenched from their fastenings and torn in pieces. 
 The effect of the explosion was also apparent in all tlie rooms 
 adjoining the air shaft, which was dire(;tly ovt^r the vault. In 
 the Assessors' room, marked " Room No. 25," on second story, 
 the sash and glass in the air shaft were blown into and across the 
 room, many persons narrowly escaping injury. In the upper 
 stories the damage was slight, though the shock was so severe as 
 to break glass ballot boxes stored on the top floor. 
 
124 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 The cause of the disaster, so far as lias been .ascertained at the 
 publication ot this re[)ort, is asfoHows: A man in the employ 
 of the contractor i'or the pis fixtures in the building, while 
 making some alterations on tlie third floor, on the Saturday pre- 
 vious, had turned off the gas at tiie meter, during the afternoon 
 of that day, turning it on again as he closed his labors about 5 P. 
 M. At tlic time of thus turning off the gas at the meter, it was 
 bnrniiig in the vault. When it was turned on, the vault had been 
 closed for tlie day, and the office vacated. 'J'he gas thus con- 
 tinued to escape through tlie l»urners, until the hours of opening 
 on IMonday morning, when Hamilton Keevl, Jr., in charge of 
 the l)ill room, o])ened the vault, and entered the same witli a 
 liglited cigar in his nioutli. He detected no uinisiud odor, nor did 
 otliei' clerks who passed in and out of the vault during the morning. 
 
 At tlu! hour nuMitioned, Ulivkk S. Vincent, a searcher in the 
 employ of A. S. Wheeler, a dealer in real estate, nuxde applica- 
 tion to be allowed to examine a book in the vault. Permission 
 was granted by Mr. Thomas D. Mosscuoi', Deputy Collector, who 
 instructed Wm. F. Coue, stamp clerk in the tax office, to accom- 
 pany ]\Ir. Vincent to the vault, that being the custom. 
 
 As Mr. Code entered the vt^ult, Mr. Vincent following iiim, 
 and ])robably at the entrance, Mr. Code lighted a match for the 
 ])urpose of lighting the gas. Instantly there was a terrific explo- 
 sion. ]\Ir. Vincent was blown against and through the walnut ])ar- 
 tition and across the room, liishead striking the wall opposite,about 
 thirty feet from the vault door, nearly evei*y particle of clothiiig be- 
 ing torn from his body, which was severely burned. . Innnediately 
 after the flash of the explosion the walls of the vault bulged out 
 and fell, burying Mr. Code in the ruins. Other occupants of the 
 room were IjIowii down, stujined, and some of them slightly in- 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPAKTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 125 
 
 jnred by the flyiin;- fiiniitiirc, which was pcattered tliroughuut tlie 
 room. All alarm of tire was raised, but tlie few burning papers 
 were s]>eedily extiiiguislied. As soon as possible Code was extri- 
 cated from the lieap of brick, and fmnd U> be seriously injured, 
 though alive, and likely to recover. Vincknt was insensil)le, and 
 for a time ap])eared to be dead. Vitality remaining, he was re- 
 moved to St Peter's Hospital, where he died during the night. 
 ]\Iany of tlie clerks had narrow esca])es from death or serious 
 injur J. 
 
 The damage to the building was purely local, though the vio- 
 lence of the shock was so great as to alarm every ])erson in the 
 entire building a!id for a large area around the scene of the dis- 
 aster. The integrity of tlie structure was not disturbed. Beyond 
 a cracking of a few of the fireproof partitions in innnediate 
 vicinity of the air .shafts tlie walls remained perfectly firm. Had 
 they been otherwise tiian of the best material, properly construct- 
 ed, the damage to life and ])roperty would have been severe. 
 
 His Honor Mayor James Howell and Collector James Tanner 
 were ])romptly on the spot, and ordered every i-elief that could 
 be afforded the sutferei's. The jNIayor directeil the Board of 
 City Works to promptly proceed to repair the damage and re- 
 build the vault. In a half an hour from the ex[)losion laborers 
 were busily at woi'k removing the (/Sr/'s, and the employes of 
 John Fallon, carpentei- : W. T. L.VMit, Jr., mason, and Wm. 
 ScHWAKTZWELDEH, furniture, were, in a brief space of time, re- 
 constructing the damaged portions. 
 
126 
 
 MUNICIPAL DEPAKTMENT BUILDING. 
 
 ACCEPT ANC?:. 
 In piirsiiiince ot" tlie (letunniiiutiuii betbi'c iiH'iitioncd, Aid. 
 French, oh the lUtli of .Imu!, 1878, presented tlie following to 
 the Coiunioji Council. The resohition attached thereto was 
 uiuininionsly adopted, and was approved l>y the Mayor on the 
 20th of June. 
 
 To the Jlottofdhh the Coniinon Conned : 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 The Aldermen in charge of coiistiMictinn of the ]Miinici]>al 
 Department Building, respectfully submit that they luive per- 
 formed the duty assigned them in the manner fully set forth in 
 the i-eport herewith presented, and ask the adoption of the 
 following : 
 
 Jiesolved, That the Common Council hereby accepti-. the 
 Municipal r)ei)artment I^uihling from the Aldermen in charge 
 of constru<-tion, and that said Aldermen are herel)y discharged 
 from the further consideration of the subject. 
 JOHN l EENCH, 1 
 
 F. ]}. FISHER, I Aldenneii in Char</e 
 
 GEO. W. WILLIAMS, } of 
 .1 OH N 1)R E YER, Can .struct; on . 
 
 DANIEL O'REILLY. 
 BuooKj.vN, June ^4, 1878. 
 
 In cunncction witli the foregoing. Aid. James T. Easton 
 offered the following, which was unanimously adopted : 
 
 Ueaolved, That the thanks of this Common Council be and the 
 same are herel)y tendered to the S])ecial Connnittee on Con- 
 struction of New Municipal Building for the able and conscien- 
 tious manner in which they have performed theii- very arduous 
 and deh'cate duties. 
 
t