The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-02-19

statuary. The pcdi'ncn,s are to be adorned
with statues designed 10y Crawford, some OF
which are now being cut in marble under
the direction Of the Superintendent of the
works. We shall take occasion to refer to
these extensions again rs the work progress
ses.
The row Hall of representatives, which
has been the sub hIcct of SO much discussion
of late in the press, is in the centre of the
; first story of the new cxtcnson, south. tits
room 80 feet long, % wide, and SO fee,
, high. The members desks, which number
800 altogether, are arranged in scmicirce
, the reporters have seats behind the Speaker
and spectators are accommodated in LARGE
gallery running round the room, and capa-
bic. it is said, OF seating 200 peraons. The
desks and chairs of members have been got
up "rrgardless of expense" The former are
OF plain oak, with carvings on the back; the
chairs are antique, high-Lackel affairs, COW
cred with red Morocco.
Two objections have been taken TO this
new Hall. The first is, that it has no com.
mnn'ca'ion with the free air of day. 1t has
no windows. Light penetra,es through, a
stained glass square in the ceiling; over
which, at night, gas.burncrs are lit. The
idea of the architect is, that they can VENT,
late the Hail by pumping fresh air in, and
providing an escape for the impure atnos.
pherc which has been breathed by members.
But this civiny-hc'l arrangement does not
Nee, with general approval. 1t is urged
that until fresh air, pure from the vault of
heaven, can be got into the haH without the
intervention Of pumps and tubes, cases of
paralysis must occur very frequently among
members who are attentive TO their duties.
Reference is made TO the similar experiment
which was made in the new Parliament
Houses in>I.ondon, where the pumping sys-
tenn was quickly abandoned, and the old
plan tle,ting in fresh air bv the windows
fually adopled.s 1t would seem as ,hourh
the contrisers Of the new Hall had given SO
much attention to the subject Of acoustics
that they overlooked the minor matter Of
sanitary arrangement.
. Some critics have cavilc1 at tile profuse
and gaudy decorations of the new Hall It
will be perceived, on glancing at the picture.
on the preceding page, that the wall is laid
out in'panels-- each panel being intended
to receive a historical painting in frcsco
The mouling> are painted in the brightest
colors; and the stained glass in the ceiling,
on the same plan, represents, in panels, the
arms, of the various States Of the Union.
The general effect, says one of the Washing
ton correspondents, is dazzling and meretri-
clous; one is reminded Of Il fashionable sa-
loon. in gay capital, rather than the place
OF meeting Of national legislators One
sighs for something more in Keeping with
the egravity ofthe interests to be adjusted in
that room, and the sober air which ought to
pervade the debates Of an American Con.
gress.. Time, however, will do much to-
ward softening the defects which these crit
les dep'ore. A few years will, wonderfully
mellow the bri ght coors of the panels and
moulding: the gliding will wear away, and
solemn dun hue will gradually oversprea'l'
the chamber.
Let us hope that the debates which slal
take place in that Hall shall put to shame
any lneretricious adorument which may
now provoke the sarcasms of critics and
that The new Chamber may never be dis
g'ared by any deeper stain than. few i'll
Judged daubs' Of blight paint. =.