The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1856-10-10


Yet there's surely sin in Miss-takng
From the Charleston COuricr1
The Capital and the Capitol
After long interval, / resume my capito-
line description at this foundation of healtl,
and resort Of fashion.
The regular course Of description leads
me to the exterior Of the Capitol, which is
approached and assembled, at both ends, bv
noble flights Of marble or stone steps, on
the right and left.
TIE EXTERNAL sTATUARY OF THE CAPITOL
l. Persico's magnificent group of Tile
Genius of America, with Hope and Justice
on her rig ght and left, which, believe,
have already described, rather out Of its
order; but will repeat here in somewhat
varied form. i "mbcllishes the tympanum,
which crowns the centre Of the co,amnar
porch, on the eastern front of the Capitol.
The Genius Of America, II colossal figure,
holds in her dexter hand an oval and sun
like shield, resting on quatlrangular and
sun-like altar, the rays Of which shoot from
an oval centre piece, in a lateral position,
inscribed with the words, ~. S. A." The
front of the altar presents rich oaken
wreath, in bas relief, having within it the
words and figures, "July 4, l77o" Directly
over the head Of this central figure there
eliminates a radiant star, the star OF our coun-
try's destiny; and behind the shield is u
spear, in slightly inclined position. The
Genius Of America, turns her noble, cx-
pressivc and benign face towards Hope, on
her left, who fixes on her an animated and
smiling look, her left arm rcposing on an
anchor, twined with q cable, and her right
hand and arm raised exultingly, as if antici-
pating, in prophetic spirit, the future glory
Of the republic. The Genius rests one hand
OH her shield and points with the other, or
with its projecting forefingcr, to Justice,
who, with eyes upraised and fixed on Hcav-
en-, holds in her right hand the partly un-
folded scroll Of the Constitution, and, in her
left hand, the emblclnatic and cquipoised
scales Of her Office. Contrary to former
usage, size is not represented as blind and
an avenging divinity but she is wholly un-
bandaged and unarmed, at once to show that
she regards, rs well with unclouded eye, as
with impartial mind, the rights and inter
ests of all who are subjects of her sceptre,
and that she is as much "a praise to them
that do WELL" as "a terror to evil-doers." !"
An eagle of great beauty sits, with wings
slightly expanded, at the feet of the Genius,
holding, in her talons, branch or branches
of laurel, with which to crown the future
warriors and triumphant heroes Of America.
2. On the Southern abutment of the
grand steps leading up the eastern front of
the Capitol, stands another group Of statu-
ary by Persico. 1t represents The Discov-
cry of '4merico, and consists of two marble
figures, contrasting the European and the
Indian, and illustrating the triumph Of SCI
ence, and of indomitable perseverance in
the discovery Of the new world; while pro-
jecting the shadow Of that strange and
inexplicable event, the fading away and dis
appearance of the red.men of America
before the aggressive and predominant pale
faces of Europe.-The figures are Colum-
bus, landed, for the first time, on the shore
of the great western hemisphere, and an
Indian woman, surprised and startled, at
the first appearance of the white man, in
her eyes strange and mysterious phenome-
non. Columbus is clad in the knightly
arInor of bis era, copied from suit in the
palace of his descendants at Genoa, and
said to be accurate to every joint and riyet.
The great discoverer of the new hemisphere
is unhelmeted, and has bis left arm akimbo,
wiih left heel slightly raised, and bare head
ed, and holds in his right hand (tI,e arm
outstretcLed) the globe, which be first prae-
tically demonstrated TO be the true shape
Of the earth, in conformity with the concIu'
SONS Of science. Over his right shoulder
is cast or hangs graceful robe or cloak
The Indian female is in the garb Of nature
ssys = cincture or girdle of cloth about. he'
Ioins flowing or reaching down TO her fee.
behipd.T Her hair j.. loose and M flowing, and
her eouptenancs, tir0ed towards the grea
Admirsi, aud the pos;tioa OF hsr hands; anc
arms, poet expressiveiy indicate surprise
Iapprehensioo and interest. Peesico toilet
l6ssyears IN tae, execution and oomPleho'