$30,000

"At the time the Government Building was completed there was great hue and cry raised about the return to the treasury of the United States of over $30,000 of the sum appropriated to compete the building.  This was all right and the correct thing to do, but as the winds blow and the rains beat on the building perhaps something of an explanation of the return of the $30,000 may be found.  The limestone used in the construction has proved to be of very inferior quality, full of iron, and the result is that the handsome structure it taking on the color of molasses taffy, and in a few years will have the appearance of an immense chunk of that delicious compound.”