American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1823-10-31
From the National lntettigencer.
THE CAPITOL.


Considerable progress has been made, during the
season, towards the completion of this magnificent
edifce. The interior ceiling of the great central
dome is finished->a more extensive labor than any
one can we'll conceive who has not seen t-and the
scafioldlng is struck. This great hall cannot be
at once, because OF the sculpture of the
entabature 1--WE believe it is called which surrounds
the hall and forms the base from which the dome
springs; but this work is rapidly advancing. The
rooms in the back part Of the centre building are
mostly paistered and painted, and the Office of the
Clerk Of the House of Representatives is removed
into suite OF these rooms, which have been hand
somely fitted up for its reception. The spacious
and elegant room which is to receive the Library is
also nearly finished. The alteration has been com
pleted in the Representatives Chamber, TO make
room Tor the additional number of members who
come in under the new census, and does not detract
from, as we apprehended, but rather increases the
beauty Of inc Hall. Other alterations arc making
in the lobby, to establish an easy and appropriate
communication between the Hall of Representatives
and the Clerks Office in the central building
Whilst these things going within the edifice,
the work without has not been neglected. The ex-
terror of the great dome has been Finished and the
basement ofthe extensive eastern Porico and colon
made has been reared to level with the principal
floor.
The improvement also which was ordered at the
last Session for the Presidents House, has been
ecuted with much prcmptltude, and the noble cir.
cular colonnade the south front Of that building
has advanced almost to completion. This fne build.
ing now wants only the northern Porico to give ii
all the beauty of its original design, and we trust
Congress will not suffer it to remain another year
without giving to it this finishing ornament.
The activity which has been displayed during the
season on the national works at the Seat of Govern
ur m has. I'VE ar haHnV tn cav hPpn ennnlatpl nv
the industry evinced city oh ects by munich
pal authorities, and, we may add, by private enter
prize. Tha; portion of the City Hall which was
obtained by the government for the use Of the Cir
cult Court has been finished, and the Court, with
all its offices, removed thither. Other apartment:
are preparing for the Orphans Court Of the County
and others still, for professional offices, &c The
sum of 5000 dollars has been expended in filling uE
the low grounds on the Tiber much progress has
been made on the new route to which the Canal i!
to be removed, and in year or two, the extensive
tract in front OF the Capitol, heretofore great par
Of it a swamp, will offer to the view the Botanic
Garden, and planted and ornamened Mall.
In the City, within the past season, sixty private
buildings many Of them large and handsome houses
have been erected new Baptist Church and al
African Church have also been added to the four
teen places Of public worship which the city alread
contained. Besides these public edilices, lsrg
building has been reared opposite the Department
OF State for the Branch OF the United States Bank
which, when finished, will form conspicuous or
nament to the City. Several new WharVes hav
been built, indicating that our commerce is grow
Iing-new streets have been opened and old ones i'm
proved; amongst them, the circular avenue aroun
the Capitol is opening to twice its ormer width, an
the facilities Of communication generally Throughout
the city have been extended and improved.