Baltimore, Mch 8 1880To The Honorable Board
of Public Works
Annapolis, Md.
Gentlemen,
We desire to call your attention to the fact that the boilers
forming a part of the heating apparatus in the State House are at times
rendered inoperative during high winds on account of the unfavorable
position of the Smokestacks.
The outlets to these stacks are immediately ajacent to the base
of the Dome and the result of this position is that the wind rebounds
from the Dome forcing a strong current of air down the shafts with a
velocity sufficient to overcome the draft of the furnace. At such times
the smoke & sparks from the fire are driven out through the doors of
the furnace endangering the building and preventing the operation of
the heating apparatus.
If such high winds were to continue during extremely cold weather,
the apparatus being without fire, all of the heating & plumbing pipes in
the building would be frozen and there would be great danger of the
building being flooded with water when the pipes bursted besides
totally destroying the heating and plumbing pipes.
Damage of this character to the extent of over three hundred
dollars ($300.00) was caused to the apparatus during the Winter
of '78-'79.
During the construction of the apparatus in 1876, we feared, from
the position of the smokestack, such a result and verbally suggested
to the Board of Public Works the propriety of placing the boilers in the
Record Building where a suitable shaft could be erected at a sufficient
distance from the main building to not be influenced by the action of
the wind upon that building.
On accound of the increased expense of the proposed change in
location of the boilers the board concluded to having them situated as
contemplated by their original plans.
After the apparatus was put into operation the fears which we had
expressed were fully realized. We attempted to overcome the
difficulty as far as possible by erecting large iron chimney caps which
were of considerable assistance byt in extremely high winds failed to
effect the desired result.
After consultation with the Board & by their authority we proceeded
to increase the height of the brick stacks to a point above the swell of
the Dome where the rebound of the wind would be sufficiently overcome
to guarantee a proper draft.
After commencing operations the foundations of the stacks were
found not to be sufficiently strong to permit of the proposed extension
and after a second consultation with the Board we submitted a proposal
dated September 24th, 1879. (a copy of which we enclose) to remove
the boilers to the Record Building which was the position we originally
suggested in which they should be placed, this proposal exdeeding
considerably in cost the anticipations of the Board they concluded to
allow the matter to rest until the meeting of the Legislature.
As we cannot ascertain that any action has been taken in the matter
up to the present time and deeming it one of the utmost importance we
take this method of calling your attention to it before the adjournment
of the Legislature hoping that you will recommend an appropriation for
the carrying out of this very necessary alteration.
Our great personal interest in the matter arises from the fact that
the defective operation of these stacks leads the Public to suppose
that the Heating Apparatus is improperly constructed which opinion
does our reputation great injustice and we appeal to your Honorable
Board to shield us against this unjust influence as well as to protect
the safety of the building and the interests of the State by taking some
action in this matter.
Presuming an estimate of the cost of such change might be of
advantage we have prepared one to carry out the change contemplated
in our proposition of September 24th which would at present owing to
the enormous advance in materials amound to Forty eight hundred
dollars ($4800.00) although some modifications of this price could be
made if the bricks which comprise the old Boiler House were used to
construct the trench from Record Building to State House.
At the time of submitting the proposition referred to we also
submitted a second proposition for the removal of the boilers to a
position under the Library which change we did not consider at that
time, or now, as advantageous as the one for removing them to the
Record Building for the reason that it would deface the Library to raise
unsightly shafts over that portion of the State House Building.
We enclose two bills one for $297. 33/100 for the Galvanized iron
Smoke Cowls on top of brick stacks and the other for $148. 10/100 for
material & labor used in the work of increasing height of brick stacks
which was countermanded after its commencement.
Very Respectfully
Bartlett Robbins & Co.
Kelley