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

10 uSS'Su anu eAeCutIOn, ana OtnCrS con.
demning it as failure, and as unworthy ol
the place it occupies at the American Capi-
tol
3. On the Northern abutment of the same
steps, is an highly artistic work, bv Green
ough, called Civilization" and designed
to typify The conflict Of civilized and savage
life. 1t groups several figures: m European
mother, with her babe in her arms, struck
with terror, and turning away her face and
her child, on the advance of an Indian.
with upIifted tomahawk and with fell pur-
pose, while the civilized father seizcs the
'nturlate savage by both arms, with an iron
gr'pe, and is struggling to arrest the fatal
blow, designed to do cruel murder on his
wife and child. The coIlarcd dog of the
European family stands hard by, with head
and tail erect, and with expressive eyes.
watching the conflict, hu, taking no part
in it. Few persons behold this beautifully
executed group without the drrrs' interest.
and without a sigh. or hcavr, of sympathy.
on learning that the eminent and I;,,,,cntc,
artist lived not to see il placed in H." posi-
tion it now adorns. The Washing IL Gu;de
Book says: at is destined to tax. u hivb
rank, in after times, as n work Of arl."
4. Persico's statue of Var stands on the
north side Of the great entrance door, from
the eastern portico 10 the rotunda. It's
chlseled out of Carrara marble, and rises
to the height Of nine feet. 1t is arraved in
the costume Of the warrior. with sword in
one hand, drawn up to and near his breast,
and with shield in, or rested on by the other,
and having his armor on and his visor up.
A highly decorated helmet presses on his
manly brow, and his breast is covered by a
figured iron corselet. 1t is highly finished
representation, in attitude, expression and
lowering eye, Of the proper port and car
:sge 7::sage OF tue warrior, tespcaking the eager
excitement Of true courage, united will,
firmncss and resolution, without actual or
positive fiercencss; and n manly sense Of
power and right combined with just indigna-
ton. This statue is greatly admired as we'll
by civilians, as by those whose "voice is still
for war"
5. On the opposite side of the door
beams and smiles the statue of Peace, a
maiden, clothed in simple but flowing dra-
perry, reaching down to her feet. She faces
and looks towards her warlike brother, and
is in the act Of extending to him the olive
branch, held in one hand, while the other
rests on or is pressed against her bosom.
Her smile" says the Guide Book, "is one of
calm and sublime repose, and her attitude is
that Of simple, guileless innocence" This
statue, replete with benignity of expression,
commends itself to the especial favor of
those whose "thoughts are turned on peace"
and it doubtless has charms even to the war
rior of hundred battle fields.
6. In front of, and near the western en-
trance Of the Capitol, rises the Naval Mon
ument of white marble, erected by the Off
GERS of the Navy to the memory Of their
brother officers, who fell in the brief but
successful war with Tripoli, in which that pi-
rate power was signally chastised BY young
America In this case of just retribu,ion
our infantie republic set m example to old
Europe, which ultimately resulted in the
Barbary powers emancipating Europe from
n degrading tribute to and in dsarming
them Of the ability for mischief to either
Europe or America. It's original site was
at the Navy Yard, but it was afterwards re-
moved to its present place in front of the
Capitol. The shaft or column is about 40
feet high, and rests on large square base,
with ornamental additions. The column is
highly and appropriately cmbcllished with
projecting beaks of Ships. anchors, and 9th
er deviccs-tl,c whole being crowned TX IN
eagle, embl"matc Of victory generally. and
especially of the victory achieved hv the
dead heroes Of the TripoIran war, aud
their surviving compecrs and co',n:' :'ri"', in
arms. On one side Of the base is view
Of Tripoli and Of the American llrcl which,
under the intrepid PrebIc. hombnr,'r,! he
pirate city, and compelled j; to ,nh'ni~son
to the virgin flag Of our navy on another
is inscribed the words and figures 1904,
to the memory Of Scmers, Caldwell, Deca.
tur, the gallant brother Of Commodore
Stephen Decatur, Wadsworth, Dorsey, Is-
rael," the roll Of the heroic dead on the
American side; and, on yet another, their
brief epitaph, but eloquent and comprehen-
sive history. This monument records its
partial mutilation by British Vandalism du-
ring the capture Of Washington in 1914.
It is cncircled at the base by fountain or
basin, Of water in which numerous gold fish
sport and display their shining scales.
THE FREscoEs OF THE NEW WINGS OF THE
CAPITOL.
The basement story ofthe two new wings
Of the Capitol, now nprogress of construc.
tiou,, are designed chiefly for committee
rooms for the two Houses of Congress. !, In
the southern, wing, tue Getting Of ;he, Agri.
cultural Committee room Tor The House ,oi
Representatives, is adorned with the richest
and mos. beautiful fresooes, .by an Italian
\ araist. emhlanatio of anricniinra. and al