Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1855-02-27
yotal ann pnsonal.
New Dome.-The plan of Thomas U. Walter

New Dome.-The plan of Thomas U. Walter
the architect for a new dome, has been exhibited
in the Hall Of Representatives for several days
past and has excited the admiration Of all be-
holders. In comparison with the present UNI
brellalooking dome of the centre building II u
stately, rich, and elegant, and the very kind OF i'm
provement required by the extension OF the Capt.
lol, in order TO complete its symmetry and beauty.
Without this improvement, the purpose of Con-
gress in authorizing the erection OF the wings
would be defeated, SO far the
Of the structure is concerned The design is TO
construct the new dome of cast iron.
On Friday, an amendment TO the general appro-
priation bill offered by Mr.. Stanton, of Kentucky,
appropriatng one hundred thousand dollars for
this purpose, was adopted in Committee Of the
Whole on the state of the Union. by majority of
only one vote but, on Saturday, the House OF Re-
representatives. concurred in the amendment, with
but little opposition. The plan, as displayed in
the Hall, proved silent yet eloquent advocate Of
the appropriation.
The whole extent Of the building is seven hun
dred and ffy-one feet four inches; length of
wings, including steps, three hundred ndtwenty-
four feet; width of wings, one hundred and forty
two feet eight inches width of old Capitol, three
hundred and ffiy-two feet four inches area of
ground actually covered, one hundred and forty
three thousand one hundred and twelve feet, or,
more than three and half acres; height Of the
proposed new dome, above the basement floor,
two hundred and forty-six feet
The Sword Of Jacksonville galleries Of the
Senate and ofthe House Of Representatives were
densely crowded. yesterday, with ladies and gen.
,lemen, 10 witness the proceedings attending the
presentation of the sword of General Andrew
Jackson, which he wore in all his expeditions
while in the military service Of the country; and
which was bequeaihed to General Robert Arm
strong by his friend; they having in company
shared the dangers and enjoyed the victories of
the nobIy contested field The weapon is pre-
sent 10 the nation on the part of the family fthe
deceased
Messrs. Cass and Bell delivered eloquent
speeches in the Senate, and Messrs. Smith, Of
Tennessee, Zollicofer and Benton in the House.
In each branch, ladies' were admitted 10 seats
on the floor; General Shields, in the Senate, and
Mr.. Stanton, of Kentucky in the House, showing
their gallantry by making the motion for this pur-
pose.
The proceedings were, in the highest degree, in
teresting.
The Churches J.. ReportorIal Industry
The National hteAigsneer, of yesterday morning,
contains an entire column, from its reporter con-
corning upward Of two dozen of the churches Of
this city; giving the texts of nearly all of their
ministers, and in some cases, furnishing brief
notices Of the trains oil argument in the respec-
tive pulpits. Apart from the interest which may
attach TO the "local item," the gatherer of |" the
points" has certainly won for himself character
for industry never, perhaps before surpassed in
that line of his profession.
Many people, of sound health, too, can scarcely
find time disposition 10 visit church once or
twice day; but the Infeiiigencer's reporter, who
must be exceedingly active and of indomitable
perseverance, drops into about one-half of the
entire number in the city, hears the texts and
guments, and scans the character of the congre-
cations; and all this nearly, within the two hours
ordinarily allotted TO religious services!
Robert Heller, probably, with his intelligent
page, the seer, could discover all these facts with
out venturing out of doors. But as TO how the
reporter succe eded so well within short period
OF time, in performing the feat TO which we have
alluded, must remain a marvel; provided he ac-
complished the work solitary and alone"