Chapter 455. To provide a site for a building for the Washington Public Library
447 words·~2 min read·
/statutes-at-large/vol-30/chapter-455-5957664·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
CHAP. 455.— An Act To provide a site for a building for the Washington Public Library. March 3, 1899. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, * District of Columbia.Site for Washington Public Library.Commission. That authority is hereby conferred upon a commission, to consist of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, the officer in charge of public buildings and grounds, and the president of the board of trustees of the Washington Public Library, to cause to be erected upon Mount Vernon square, in the city of Washington, in the District of Columbia, a building for the use of the Washington Public Library, with funds to be contributed by Andrew *Proviso.*Commencement and completion.No liability to United States, etc.Carnegie: *Provided,* That such building shall be commenced within twelve months and completed within three years from the passage of this Act: *And provided further,* That no liability shall be incurred by the United States or the District of Columbia for the cost of the erection of said building.
FIFTY-FIFTH CONGRESS. Sess. III. Chs. 455, 456. 1899. 1373 Sec. 2. That said commission shall invite ten architects or firms ofDesigns, etc. architects, of conspicuous ability and experience, to submit competitive designs for the said building, upon a carefully drawn programme, said competition to be adjudged by said commission acting with two other persons to be selected by the competing architects. The architect, or firm of architects, whose design shall thus be adjudged most acceptable shall be employed as architect of the building, to act under the direction of the office of construction hereinafter provided for, and to furnish all designs and drawings required for the construction of the building and personal services requisite for their artistic execution.
Said architect shall receive as full compensation for the said designs, drawings, and personal services the sum of three per centum of the total cost of said building, to be paid from time to time as the work progresses; and all designs and drawings furnished by him for the said building shall become the property of the District of Columbia. Sec. 3. That the construction of said building shall be placed inSupervisor of construction. charge of an officer of the Government especially qualified for the duty, to be appointed by the aforesaid commission, who shall receive for his additional services an increase of forty per centum of his present salary, to be paid out of any available funds, and he shall disburse the funds under rules to be prescribed by the said commission, make all contracts, and employ all necessary personal services not herein otherwise provided for.
Approved, March 3, 1899.