The Archive · 1938

Vault May Slide to Ground

Mr. Harvey's general conclusions are: The building stands well in parts that have already been provided with steel and wooden structures; vet even in them cracks have occurred. It is impossible to say whether the Kstholikon Dome, with its high vaults and heavy masonry, will fall first, or the many piers of the Rotunda or of the Apse. There is also a danger of the vault of the south transept sliding telescopically to the ground or iron galleries giving way cnd, allowing the stone stairway to fall. Tt is clear that the danger would be gravely enhanced should riy considerable body of persons congregate therein.

The Government is considering what action for structural preservation of the Basilica should be taken.

Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.

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