The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-09-18
WAsHlSaros, d. c., Sept. IA, l

~ st1-TufR mp the f>feeUf"te -Auhs'V''
CreenCugh's q, oar, &C., &c.
A long recess" as it is termed, Is viewed BY the
citizens Of this district sort OF Arctic hyeni,
during which the Vashiugtonians must 1--we on the
memory of the past the brilliant prospect OF tue
future session. Ths hotels are comparatively de-
sorted, depending for support upon the Southern
travel back and 'ortb. and the few persons whose
business compels them TO remain here. This year
has not been quite dull in consequence OF the ad
vent Of 4dn.i0stration, and the influx OF
hungry patriots loking after Office, but still it has
beea quiet enonYh 20 make itinerant concerts quite
acceptable, whilst circus sSells into the impof-
tanoe Of circums IL Is refreshing 10 read III
the HERALD how f4ll the hotels are in New YORK,
and what crowds iosti- each other in Broadway,
crsa ing much same feeling amongst the deni-
zeus of this myth IF place, as one experiences in
the roasting month Of August, when reading of the
saow. capped A d.s and how cold tho poor devils
are N Siberia.
Bat the approach of Congress can already be no
tced in the preparat ons now going Rusty
looking houses shining out under the influence
OF paint and putty, the streets are being put in
der. and the public buildings rapidly getting on
their best bib aud tucker. Shopkeepsrs are looking
hopeful, hotel pripretors are calculating the
chances of their guests standing an increase OF
prices over what WAS charged last session O, and
Bro. fuckers paper, entered M q fast nag for
TIE prize of the public printing will make its ap-
pearance in few days. Are not al these signs
portentious?
And first, about the public buildings. The Capitol
is undergoing thorough Gaming, process always
IS necessary after session as the renovation of
Cincinnati pen after the porcine season is over.
The object which will attr sct the greatest attention
next winter will undoubtedly be the new group Of
statUary by Greenough, now being put in position,
(and the wrong position at that) on the northern
pedestal OF the eastern steps of the Capitol As yet
the group is fenced in by sort Of house ID remain
there till the workmeu complete the arrangement of
the rocks upon which the figures are placed
Through the potter of Captain Huntington, of the
Capitol police we were yesterday gratided with
view Of this NOBLE work. 1t represents Indian,
with appraised tomahs Sk, in the act Of striking q
white woman, who has child in her arms. An
American hunter-the husband Of the woman-has
seized the Indian from behind, pinioning ore Of his
arms through his aud grasping with his other hand
the uplifted arm of the savage. The woman is
croached to the right of the Indian pressing herbabe
to her breast in one whilst she rests her right
hand on the ground The Indian has evidently creps
up to her, as be is kneeling on knee, and the
woman is looking between him and her child as if
paralized between tear and affection. The hunter
looks over the Indian towards his wife, and the
mingled expression Vt determination and soIicitude
has been happily caught by the gifted sculptor. The
Indians face expresses rage and disappointment.
By the hunters side is Newfoundland
dog-showiDg set Of teeth which we ex.
slant Either in Oct all whole this last great
work By the lamented Greenough will stand as a
proud monument f American art. II is eloouently
beautif,i-the very life itself-needing al,ne the
Pronethean spark 10 finish the scuptors work.
And here we beg to ask why was not the inten-
ton and wish OF Mr.. Greenough carried out in plac-
ing bis group where he desired it to go? 1t well
he Intended il to he placed the lower pedestal or
platform, and not on the upper one, and that Per.
SEQ Columbus, which occupies the southern plat
form opposite, should also have been placed on the
lower platform Surely the author Of such work
ought 10 have his wisha. earrica proper
place for it to stand even were there no better
sons tOr his wish tbaa mere wllm. But Mr.. Green
sugh gave as reason, independent Of the fact Of
the group lookiog better placed he desired that
the colossal statuary placed the upper pedestal
destroyed, not only the statnary ITSELF but injured
the facade OF the Capitol, making it look as il it
lacked proper elevation 1t is scarcely possible that
DIR. Greenouehs almost last request before he died
was treated with neglect simply because the notorious
figure OF Columbus and the Indian woman happened
" D. on the opposite upper pedestal Common de-
oency requires that if that caIicaturc is allowed to
remain 1t should be put the lower pedestal where
it would not be quite 50 disgusting where 1t
stands. We hope it is not yet too late to have the
error corrected and Justice done, not only TO MI.
Greenoughs magnificent conception and the facade
o tic Capitol but also 10 decency in the matter Of
Columbus aud the tenpin ball.
In the interior Of roe Capitol, the gorgeous new
library room will DOUBTLESS be the favorite lounge
aext winter description of this has already
been published 1t ~ fitted up exclusively with iron
castings, made in New York; and those familiar
nth fra n( he sol
red out in that material, can readily imagine the
hghtness and elegance which the room presents.
The prevailing color is light French drab, all the
ornaments and brackets being profnsely covered
with gliding. The furniture Of the room is of the
time Of Louis XIV. The only defect which we
noticed In the ron was the glare of Light, which
comes through the skylight; but that easily be
remedied by coloriDg the glass delicate pink, an
amendment which the ladies will scarcely object to-
The accomplished librarian, Mr.. Mehan, aud his po
lite assistants, are deserving OF this magnificent
chamber for the scene of their future duties
The rotuDda has been newly painted the ceiling
having been ast nished with q coat Of white paint
Tor the first time in ~enty years or The hall
Of the House OF Representatives is undergoing re-
noy,ting process. The ceiling has already been dis
figured by being frescocd Of dull brown shaded al
most TO a black, destroying the beauty Of the
former panel work and making the hall more
gloomy even than it was before. The genius who
suggested the alteration should be compelled 20 fur
nish members next winter with brandy and water,
free Of cost to enable them to keep their spirits up
ia the dismal room he has managed to create. Let
the administration look to it instantly, and if they
have any influence have the ceiling restored to its
original DIOR without delay How can it be expect
ed that good humor vii prevail 10 such dungeon
On the contrary is it not manifest that Congress
will become m,santhropic-cut down the supplies to
a mere crcumstaDoe-and kick up general row?
Destiny hangs on q small peg. and who can tell the
oonsenuences Of the brown paint on the top Of Con-
gfe@i
The Senate chamber &c, are yet in the Dust SO
that We have nothing to say about them
The wings OF the Capitol are progressing with as
much rapidty as Is proper in the construction Of
eest an ediice.
The White House will astonish the members from
the rural districts and bids fair TO rival the glores OF
the st Nicholas or gingerbread of saloon
6ign0r perhaps its Professor" and if SO we beg
his pardon) Lamana OF Ladana, the celebrated
artist in fresco-or fresco artist whichever you
piesse has applied his wand in the shape of paint
brush TO the ceilings OF the lower rooms Of that