The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1857-01-28
New Capitol at Washington.

New Capitol at washington.
The following description Of the new Houses
Of Congress is from the correspondent of the
Cincinnati Times:-
when completed the Capitol will be not
only tho largest but the finest edifice in the
world. The main building has a front of $50
feet, being nearly so feet more than st. Peters
Church, at Rome, and 200 feet greater than
st. Pauts. The two new wings are each 152
feet wide and 324 feet long, from east to west
that is, they stand broadside to the main
building The total amount fground covered
by the Capitol edfce is over three and half
acres The new dome, now being erected on
the center building, promises to be the great
est architectural monument Of modern times
1t is to be constructed entirely of iron, and
ornamented in classical and tasty style
The Goddess Of Liberty, which crowns its
apex, will be over $50 feet from the ground.
The new wings are now receiving their inside
work. which will require several years for its
completion as every particle Of finish is of the
most durable, elegant and costly description.
Indeed, it seems as though the new wings
were to be not only fire, but time proof SO
massive are the walls and partitions.
The new Hall Of Representatives is 137 feet
long, 80 feet wide, and its ceilings are about
30 feet high. The spectators gallery will
comfortably seat 1900 persons, while seperate
desks are provided for the reporters. The
principal entrance is z feet wide and IA high
with the alto relfeuo figure of Liberty on one
side and History on the other The doors are
to be of bronze, each divided into ten panels
urnamented with historical designs For in
stance, on one panel will appear a representa-
ton Of the battle Of Bunker Hill, and the death
of Gen. Warren; on another Washington re-
signing his commission, &c, &c. These de-
signs are furnished by that well known Amer
i;an artist, Mr. Crawford. The ceiling is of
iron ornamented, and furnished in appropriate
places with yentilators. By an ingenious and
beautiful arrangement of stained glass plates,
above the ceiling, the hall will be lighted
without glare from the gas burners; rich.
mellowed flood of light will be shed upon the
desks of members, instead of haring brilliancy,
SO injurious to the eye. The subject of acoust-
ics has received much attention frem the
Architect and Superintendent, and it is con-
fdently believed that such arrangements and
improvements have been made in the con-
strlction of the Hall, as to render it almost
perfect, so far as acoustics is concerned.
The reporters gallery will occupy one side
of the Hall, directly above the Speakers chair
with a broad gallery behind, where writing
desks and telegraphic apparatus will be pro-
'vided With this arrangement, speeches. and
read in New Orleans, or any distant city, as
soon as in Washington.
The Senate Chamber is arranged upon the
same plan as the House. It is 112 feet long
by 81 wide, with an iron ceiling 80 feet high.
Its doors are also of bronze, ornamented with
historical designs. The corridors, ceilings,
stair cases, &C., &C., are all to be highly fin
ished and adorned with appropriate designs in
iron, marble and bronze. For warming the
new wings, most excellent arrangements have
been made.
A column Of air previously passed through
the meshes of hot water pines to raise it to
the required Temperature of coo or 700, or in
summer over jets of water to cool it, is to be
forced, by means ola hugh fan, worked by
steam, through the space between the roof
and ceiling; the latter is perforated with nu-
inerous small holes, through which this air
finds it way to the room. The apparatus for
the escape Of the vitiated air being at the fuse
of the ceiling, the heated air entering above
will force out the former and supplies its place.
This looks very fair in theory but I am in
-clned to doubt the practicabiity of forcing hot
air do,on, when its well known tendency is to
rise! The plan is contrary to old-iashioned
philosophy.
A large number of workmen and artists are
employed in preparing decorations and stat
nary for the new buildings. The models for
this work are made at Rome, nnder the super
attendance of Mr.. Crawford. 1.-The Genius o.
America" is splendid piece of statuary
modelled, believe by Powers. 1t is a female
figure of colossal size, standing upon broad
platform of granite; on her right the rising SUM-
on her left a magnificent eagle; in her right
hand she holds a civic wreath while her left
arm is partially extended, as though in the aet
of welcoming the victims ofoppression to our
shores. The features of the figure are chissel
ed in the most exquisite manner; there is al
most s0uL-like expression in her eyes anc
brow
The pediment Of the north wing will con
tain an extensive representation of the rise
and progress of our country-Scenes in pio
neer days and illustrations of the present age
the whole forming glorious work of art
The Genius of America" forms the center
piece Of this pediment. "The Pioneer is al
excellent piece of work, representing stall
wart backwo )dSman, with his AK raised agans
the trunk Of a tree. 'sThe Soldier is exem
plfied by a colossal figure, in Continenta
garb, in the act of drawing swerd. youth
is personifed by two fair lads, arm in arm
this is a remarkably fine production, and at
tracts much attention. Education" is tn
title of a life-size figure represented as direct
ing the attention OF child to open book
''Gommerce' is illustrated by noble fgur,
whose right hand rests upon the globe Will
bales, boxes and money bags are scattered
his feet. The "Indian Chief" is a beautifl
work OF art. The poor red man is seatc