The true Democrat., 1857-02-10
The .ta,ioual Ed1i.o:.

Both the new wings of the capitol are now to some extent inhabited" The court of claim, is located ill the north corner, and in the sunny luxurance of is gorgeous freSco finish, must operate in the most cheering man. ner on the visions of the most sansune of its clients. The cupid cornucopas, gay colors of the rich flower pieces and bird plumage, with the extremely crockery and fantastical quality oi the entire walls and ceilings are unaccoun- table upon any other theory than this. There Is more fitness n the naval taste intended to be accommodated in the adjoining room, where the prominent actions of our naval history are quite well frescoed; this section of the room being, however, overwrought with hnuical, if not entirely unmeanlng profuson of detail.-- There is an "lndian Room ill the south wing, which is exqusitely painted. The pannelings are rich and even gorgeous with color, but in the grouping of its decorations, aud the har- monv of its comprehensive tints. the entire impression is very delightful. The associations suggested by the Indian accoutrements, and animals of the chase, introduced in the pauels, reconcile the mind at once to the garShness which strikes upon the mind discordantly in the other rooms, through the excess of brilliant tins and broken profusion of detail. As the ceilings are all of groned arches, they are painted generally as in one plane with the walls
 The Hall of Representatives in the new building, it is thought, will be in readiness for the next Congress. The ceiling is ornamented in pannelngs of classic taste, alternating, one empty, the next holding massive pendant of splendid architectural foliaton. A portion for specimen is painted with prevailing ground of gold and bronze green. The iron beams form ing the compartments in the ceiling are painted with various decorations of red, blue and sil- yer, including neutral relief and gilt scroll work in the alternate empty pannels. The ef- feet of this, with rich, massive cornic, six feet deep, also painted uniformly with the ceiling, is surprisingly gorgeous. The walls, not yet succeed, will include inches for statuary, brackets for busts, and will be frescoed in keep ing with the rest. The size of the Hall is greatly more than that in the old building, and in length is some 19O feet.
 The Senate chamber is more chaste and pro- portionably smaller. The corridors in both wings, with long ranges of composite finely finished marble columns, will make great show of architectural beauty in the building. The splendid dome to be added to the old building, has not yet reached above the roof, although it is progressing with energy
 However the exact classic principles carried out in the public buildings of Washington may be criticised, it is, nevertheless, all important basis for future architectural progress, that the antique forms should be placed before our stu dents in permanent and prominent buildings. In the direction of originality, there is appa- rently nothing attempted. The pillars before the United States court entrance, composed ill the aim to make the maize a material for their decoration, and the tobacco with thistle and acanthus, in the capitals of the corridor pillars, make about the only attempts at original forms. " ErDress