Iowa news. [volume] (Dubuque, Upper Mississippi Lead Mines, Wisconsin Territory) 1837-1841, 1837-06-24
NO. 4.
TIE CAPITOL.


THE CAPITOL.
The Capital is probably the mos, splendid build
ing OF the kind in the world. Ii is built of gram
l1s ana painted white. In the centre vast cir
GUAR nall, ia1 feet i'll diameter, called the HotL-
"a. Il, the northern end, besides many smaller
rooms os committees, &C. IS the ssats Chamber,
anu under 1t tho Hall, where she United States,
Court holds ITS sessions. III front of the Rotunda
ana oser the Ves.iqule of the western 'front.' ID tho
Library vi Congress, with its $4,000 volumes, in
oiadt>g many valuable works Of Literature whilst
~ the southern end is tha House Of Representa-.
tves Hall.
The chambers of the Senate and Representa-
fVos are very beautifully fitted up---each member
has his own desk. cnd thu walls are tasssfilly a
idofned. The columns of the latter, marble, obs
htatnad near to The Poto.nac above this CIV be.
linve, are very beautiful Thoy appear as if t!iey
were composed Of an infnte number Of small stones
OF q great variety of color, and all susceptible Of
the finest polish.
The Rotanda, which is surr,oun.ed by a splen-
did dome, IL ornamented with four grand paint
lns' made by COL FrumhuIl They represent the
Declaration of Independents, tho surrender of
j bnfgoyne, the surrender of CORVALLIS, and Gen.
Washington resignng his commission to Congress
al Annapolis. Thcsa are several basso-reiief
scenes above the the four entrances TO the Rotun-
Ida, representing events in the early history Of Que
country. Spaces reman or four more large paint
iihSs. Which viii some dav or DINER be occupied.
On the west front of the Capitol, and few fee,
from thu foot of the flight of steps which lead up
to the vestibule is a naval monument to tho men,
DRY OF Waasworh. Soniers and others who were
Killed in the Iripclitan war. But il was sad
want OF taste which led to the placing of tina,
monument there, especially TO have il surrounded
| by small and deap basin Of water.
The cost of this immense building. with nil its
furniture, library &c. including the expenditure in
improving the grounds around, and enclosing Their,
with high iron fence, has exceeded if mistake
not, the sum Of three millions dollars.
But interesting as this building is in itself, il
has ceased 10 he an object Of regard, when compa-
red with what it contains. Here assembled every
year those bodies ofnen upon whose deliberations
not only the happiness of millions OF our fellow
citzeas depends. but also the hopes Of tho world,
as it regards the success Of grand experiment,
to determine whether men can be governed by re-
publican institutions. Probably there never was
collection o: men Oil the earth, IN legislative and
Judicial bodies, which embraced so much talent,
as is to be found in the Capitol this winter.
The PUBLIC LANDs.---It is believed that
the public lands, within the limits of the statcs
and territories, amount to three hundred mil
lions of acres. OF these, abou. one hundred
millions are in market at ST. 25 per acre; bit
having been picked and culled, the residue arc
not worth that price, and Of course will not
I
graduated, or reduced, and this Congress can
do in few days after it meets; and thus pre-
cure great sum in spec for the government.
At an average Of forty or fifty cents per acre,
they would bring forty or fifty millions ofdol.
lars. 1t is believed also that there are eight
or ten millions Of surveyed lands not yet in
market, and the choice ofwhich would readily
sell for 81 25, hard money. Then there are
near two hundred millions Of unsurreyed lands
in the states and territories, which Congress
can have surveyed as fast IS it pleases, and
which, at graduated prices,a would sell as fast
as the government could wish. All these
lands will now GO to settlers, AID farmers, and
substantial citizens who wish to make perma-.
nent investments Of their money. The pub
lie lands, in the present breaking up Of banks
and confidence, will be safe and profitable
investment Of money, and far better than hoard
ing. The Treasury order will operate as
presumption law in favor Of settlers by cxcfu.
ding speculators.---No. Rrgus
MADIsoN.-The proprietors are commencing
Improvements, which, If completed, will render Il
tho most populous and important inland town in
in tho territory. A large public house will be
erected Immediately. A canal is to be out from
the third to the fourth lake, which will be suficen,
to propel all tho machinery that will ever be re-
|quired at tina, place A saw mill will be put in.
operation forthwith. Contracts have been made
for the completion of $50 buildings previous 10 De-
tobcr next. Tha capitol is to be constructed Of
stone of which there is an abundance in the immc-
dia.s vicinity. 1t isto ba l04 by 81. The walls
are to be 80 feet high with domo upon the top 20
fee. in diamatei.-C Chicago Democrat.
| THE CRISIS.
| "What do you say now to a national bank ~, Is
saecringly and triumphsntly asked BY some Of. tho
Wings. For one we say that our abhorrencc Of
such s'rnonster," is moro great than ever; the
evils of tho paper system, as an cement 10
ingredient and reckless speculation. lie more and
more apparent, and to ii may be traced all tle
pecuniary embarrassment of moment, that tho
country mas suiiored, since the adoption Of tho
the editor Of the Petersburg Constellation; s.,hs
hour has come when the last of the great battles
botwesn.a real and fctitiods--a metallic and
paper currency is to be fought and won ~ and that
the veal or woe, in al future time Of our nssiona
history depends upon the issue. Ono might sup
pose, from the clamor raised on the present oceo-
al hot hoA 10 hat iayd 80