Mr. Dobbins was also entrusted with the erection of
MEMORIAL HALL.
This is a permanent building, so adapted that it may be used hereafter as an Art Gallery or a Station-house. The foundation is not only cemented with Spalding’s glue, but the iron posterns run through to China, and are tied on the other side with the back hair of coolies, detailed for the service through the courtesy of the Pekin government.
Notwithstanding Mr. Dobbins’ immense labors in completing these two buildings, he still found time to run over to Rome and MORITURI
SALUTAMUS.purchase the Colosseum. He brought it home with him for the purpose of exhibiting Prince Bismarck and the Pope in gladiatorial contests during the exhibition months.
The contract for
MACHINERY HALL
was awarded to Mr. Philip Quigley, of Wilmington, Delaware. When it grew too big for his State, he removed it to and finished it upon the ground it occupied. The machinery exhibited was worked by forty horse-power, and a neat stable was attached to the rear for the care and accommodation of the forty horses, the contribution of the city passenger railway companies.
All the shaftings were of sandal wood, and the belting of Russia leather, supplied by the family of the Czar himself. An “hydraulic annex” was also tacked on to the building. It contained a tank 60 by 180 feet, with 10 feet depth of water for fishing and bathing purposes. A portion was fenced off for the preservation and display of “The Falls,” which the hotel keepers and hackmen of Niagara kindly loaned for the occasion. The hydraulic rams and other live stock were watered here every morning, and at stated intervals during the day hydrodynamic and hydrostatic performances were given in the tank by the pupils of the “Girls’ Normal School.” The former were very unique.
The consideration for the construction of this building, as per Commissioners’ report, was $542,300, including drainage, water-pipe, plumbing, and silver-plated door knobs, but exclusive of interior white-washing. This, however, was performed gratuitously by Professor Johnson of the African Commission.