The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-06-04
COMM INUNDATED.
The CaDIfOI.-By an Outsider,

Every foreigner visiting Washington for the
first time is struck with the magnificence of the
site on which the Capitol stands, and while ac.
knowledgng great merit in the building itself,
is forced to confess that there is much yet to be
done to render it worthy Of its noble position.
There is much change required within and
without, as well as enlargement for the accom-
mediation of Congress. What course is intend
ed to be pursued in regard to it
The President it appears is at present occu'
pied in examining number of plans submitted
to him, and has no little difficulty in deciding on
the merits Of each.
There is a, grand plan designed by "a Mr.. An
derson of New York, which some of the papers
have been euogizing. There is another by q
gentleman of very considerable ability, Of the
name of Cluskey, which for convenience
economy, and style, it will be difficult to
rival. There are some other competitors for
the honor, whose names have escaped us, and
very probably they are men of talent in Their
profession.
1t seems to US, however, that in the enlarge
ment of the Capitol, il is necessary to consider
several points.
lst. Economy; I'd. Disposition of site; Sd
Wants of Congress 4th Improvements in an
ornamental point of view.
| In Republic, economy is first consdera
ton; but we do not doubt that brother iona
than, while keeping an eye to expenses, will take
good care that the Capitol of the most perfect
Republic that the world ever saw, shall not be
unworthy of a people so intelligent, and so pro
gresive in all the arts of civilization.
The disposition of the site is such, that an ar
effects first care should be to interfere with that
as little as possible. On that point Mr.. Clus
keys plan, if we recolect right, is one Of the
BEST combining with this advantage, that Of
what he calls quadrants, and which, viewed from
the great avenues converging to the Capitol
would have fine effect.
Congress requires further accommodations
new Senate chamber unquestionably. In every
way, the present one is most incommodious and
unworthy of the highest body in the Republic
Then, again, the Supreme Court seemed to us
when we first visited it, sort Of well lighted
cellar on an imposing scale. Our courts OF
justice in Europe are infinitely superior in point
Of appearance. No one entering that Court
can be otherwise than struck with the simple
dignity which it displays. But we should like
to see it better placed, in a hall as large and
high as the present Senate chamber.
As for the improvements in an architectural
and ornamental point of view, there is much to
be said. The building ought to be cased in
marble. The windows in the first story should
everywhere be brought down to the floors; and
French windows replace the uncouth window
sashes. The doors in the interior generally
two low, the passages too small and Oakland
the great staircase up TO the Rotunda loses wha
little beauty it might have had by the low, men
acing arch, which seems literally to be coming
down upon it like a Por,cullis Surely THU
could be changed, or another direction giveI
to the staircasel
The building wants height. This, Mr.. An
derson meets by the addition of another story
There are, however, two objections to this: first
that of expense, and next, the impossibity M
! yet, Of using so many additional chambers The
are clearly not required at present. ard may wei
be left to complete at some other period. II
remedy the defect in architectural beauty whicl
the present line, with the dome rising heavil
above il, suggests to every mind, one archi
tact, we believe Mr.. Cluskey, places range o
columns around the latter This would at ono,
give lightness and elegance TO the building, an'
render the construction of an upper story at
great increase of expense, unnecessary at III,
present moment.
The staircases, balustrades and terraces con