The daily union., 1856-10-10
For the Union.
CAPITOL EXTENSION,

voo heard 40 much of the appro priateness and ee-
snce of the new hall Of representatives and wishing TO
.s the plan ayaled myself of the opportunity when In
The CAPITOL TO step into the architects ROOM and on
b vail 70 view the desired drawing Not hnding IT. as
s,peced mentioned my disappointment to person in at
naanoe who very politely presented for my examina-
lion the July number Of the United States con-
tanning the desired Yew and OF the entire building
including the new dome and extensions as well as detailed
drawings and copies Of the painting statues and dscora
lions Feeling great pride and interest In all that con-
Germs the arts highly grated by the engraVngs and
their descriptions carrying the evidence OF their emana
ting from the pen of familiar with the arts and pos
ssing knowledge of things apperainipg to the Capitol
from an early date With his opinion of the merits of the
work of each artist such publications have happy ten
dency and make the people acquainted with the progress
of their works and the position they have attained De-
string to examine the drawings more muutey purchased
at Shngtons periodical store the July and August num-
bers of the magazine and have since examined them more
critically particularly the drawing representing the en-
tire building as 1t is to be when completed
At the first glance, the drawing presents magnitude
eoual to an entire city crowded into the smallest space
Alter little examination you become familiar with the
parts and begin examine their proportion in reference to
form, durability agreeabeness, and repose to the eye
When the eye rests lofty pile if 1t is mountain, no
fears are entertained for its support 1t rests on the earth
itself and the eye reposes while viewing Its grandeur
there no fear for the sodiy of Its foundation until the
crush of worlds shall unsete all it will be for ages the
herald Of the coming morn its apex rejecting golden hues
to the wanderers eye.
The eve having received her greatest and best lesson
from Naure is not satisfied with the works of art If they
produce pain or doubt OF their sody the form of sta
bity and elegance must be preserved In the engraving
referred to doubt presented to the mind as to whether
the dome has sunk for want Of sufficient foundation
or whether the wings extensions have been too much
elevated The sculptor endeavors to give to his group the
pyramdal form il indicates strength and stability and
the eye is satisfied with the general outline and is more
lenient with the detail.
The architect by approaching the pyramdal FORM
only insures the means of strength and durability, but
ora6es the eye to accomplish which he must call to his
aid all the knowledge within his grasp. The external
foundation from which the dome or seeple OF
great building appears TO rise is most satisfactory when
elevated above the surrounding walls may be
indicating an arch we'll supported by its abuments from
which its first perpendicular effort is commenced.
As there are three pedment fronts with decorations in
sculpture on their ympanums the eye readily detects the
outine OF the base or of the dome If in
oeouity guided by thorough knowledge Of architecture
could elevate the building without overlooking the
work below hope entertained that the subject will be
taken into consideration if the appearance cannot be rem
edied, we will find consolation in that fact
Those feeling desire to view the Capitol from the best
poson and to the greatest advantage will seek the ele
yaed ground occupied by the Columbia College some 23C
feet above from which the defects above sllu
ded to are less percepb and the panoramic view
surpassed in and spendor, including the noble Po
tomac whose banks contain much that deeply interests
the naton the (erected to the memory of Wash
piercing the clouds the halls of legislation Pres
dents mansion executive departments seats of learning
and noble edces friends of humanity and witnesses
our social SYSTEM all within the compass of the eye
without moving muscle