The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-10-05
Local Matters.

THE SMITHSONIAN IssTITUrIoN. There are few
persons who profess to be qualified to criticise
the productions of the painter the sculptor;
though there many who will express their APP
proval or disapproval of his productions. In re-
gard 10 all the wide range of the arts and sciences,
this consciousness OF incompetency is to some
extent evinced, respects architecture alone;
and here, very strangely, all profcients. We
can find few who are not prepared to pronounce
emphatically upon the merits of any structure,
from cottage to a cathedral and that. too, in any
stage Of its progress, from the excavation of the
earth for the foundation to the maturity of the of
test tier that is to relieve the prospect as we gaze
upon il.
We are less fortunate. We are conscious of the
possession Of no instructive appreciation of the beau
ties and adaptedness of architectural designs. We
know that we admire come of the several orders Of
architecture for their simplicity, and others be-
cause they are ornatej and that certain happy COM
bnations produce agreeable emotions within u.s.
but even these vague impressions received with
Difference TO the judgment Of those who are better
skilled.
In the city of Washington, we have many speci-
men5 OF various styles and combinations; yet but
few that we admire. Some of the edfces we re-
gard, so to speak, as too utilitarian and monoto-
nous for either utility taste; while others the
to the uses of their times, and to the means pos
sessed by the architects Of those times but for
day for the purposes required, and for the ia
cilities we possess, they are but poorly suited.
For picturesque beauty, for adaptation TO its uses
for strength Of construction and for durability of
material, we believe that at future day the Smith
sonian Institution will be regarded as most per-
feet edce. This assertion will no doubt be discred
tied by many whose condemnation of this structure
we have already heard. We cannot help this. Our
impressions may be very erroneous, but they
ours; and we will only yield them up when con-
WINGED by better information than we now possess.
Look upon this building. But stay-in doing SO,
remember that field of nineteen acres surrounds
1t, and that it will not be completed until the varied
trees of this field shall tower to the heavens and
their foliage shall overshadow the winding path
ways that will traverse it, Imagine the Institution
thus surrounded, its towers complete, and the
creeping ivy entwining them Look upon it thus,
and you have the most graceful and picturesque
edifce our whole nation can boast. We care not
from what point you survey it ; new beauties will
constantly arise. From every point its variations
will present as it edifce, exquisitely or
nate, yet eminently utiIe.
Such its exterior effects. Now let us enter it.
Every apartment was planned and contrived with
reference to its uses, before the style of the edce
was determined upon, Convenience, strength
symmetry OF proportion, access of light, variety Of
adornment, the absence of labored effects, all i'm
press the mind at each transition.
And yet, a tower section Of this structure
may be destroyed, or ii may be extended to any de-
sired capacity, without impairing its symmetry.
Such is the Smithsonian Institution have
beheld it. We have heard it otherwise described,
but we can yield our judgment only to demon
stration of its unsoundness Who will supply such
demonstration? II can only come from one who
has deliberately examined the subject, and would
be gratifed to the opinions of those who differ
from us submitted TO such an ordeal.
We have heard it said that the masonry is not
substantial; but, although its staunch walls are of
various height there is not the appearance of an
imperiection in them from end to end. We have
heard it said tina its towers TOO lightly made; but
we have been assured by good authority that more
substantial towers of corresponding altitude have
in no part of the world been constructed We have
been told that the stone used here is but sandstone
and of 30 soft texture that the rains will wash il
away, the rosts destroy it, yet the application of
adequate tests has demonstrated il to be infinitely
superior TO any limestone used in this country,
and scarcely inferior to most approved marble.
These tests were conducted by Professor Page and
the results are recorded in the appendix TO Governs
Hints on Public Architecture" Yet such assertions
periodically fit around through many Of the news
papers OF the country, uncontradicted and there
fore wearing the aspect of truth
For US, we look forward with delight TO the day
when this proud structure will be perfected, and
will stand forth monument of the pure taste Of
its architect, and Of the accomplished and liberal
minded regents by whom its plans were approved.
Whether what we have here said is or is not Do.
itic, VIC have not inquired. We only know that
We believe il to be true