White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1860-06-28
The Republican wigwam at Chicago.

This gigantic structure, the largest au-
dience room in the United State, owes its
erection to the liberality and welcome
with which our Chicago Republicans have
hailed the occasion, which, in Chicago,
now within few days hence is to usher in
the great campaign OF 1860, by naming
the gallant standard bearers of our par
ty, who are destined in November to bear
its colors to victory.
The great Wigwam is not simply in
tended for the sessions of the Convention.
1t will know many glorious rallies during
the Summer and Fall to come. As It
stands, it is the worthy object of pride to
all our citizens, even those Of the oppo-
site politics recognizing the added fame
it will win for our city, in the credit it
reflects upon our residents.
The longest front of the building is on
Market street. Both fronts are simple
and plain, yet neat and in keeping with
the character and designs of the building.
The entrances are broad and ample, and
the area within admirably well adapted
to meet the purposes of the edifce. Ad.
vantage has been taken of the height of
grade on both streets. about ten feet, to
give the amount of slope to the floor by
series of wide platforms to the space in
front of the stage. The platform is wide
and deep, and thereon is to be held the
Republican National Convention of 1860,
as the immense stage will accommodate
from six to seven hundred persons. It
has on either end, as will be seen, ample
Committee rooms. In front of the plat
form is enclosed space for the music.
A judiciously arranged and excellent
feature of the Wigwam is the immense
gallery extending on three sides. The
pitch Of this is such that from every part
perfect view of the speakers stand can
be gained. The supports of the edifcs
are ample enough to Danish all suspicion
of insecurity. yet such as to- interpose the
least possible Interruption to seeing and
hearing.
The entire cost Of the building is be-
tween $4,000 and $4,000. It's capacity
has been fixed by good judges, based on
careful estim ates, at from ten to eleven
thousand. Its interior was left rough and
implanted, the wall back of the platform
being the brick wall of the adjoining
store.
Upon this rongh interior, the light,
graceful and entirely successful handiwOrk
Of our Republican ladies has been bestow-
ed, until when for the first time the effect
of gas light was added Saturday eve
ming, the effect was brilliant in the ex-
IRENE.
Around the front of the gallery are
the coat of arms of the States, and be-
tween them wreaths of evergreen. The
pillars and supports have been painted
white, and wreathed with evergreens, and
from each to each have been twined dra-
peries in red, white and blue, with artii-
cial flowers and miniature national flags.
The pillars supporting the roof, which
form a continuous row along the front of
the platform, bear on one side to the au-
dience, busts of distinguished men. sup
ported by figures of Atlas. The speak
er's stand is double dais or platform on
rollers, to be pushed back to the rear of
the great stage when the Convention is in
session, or brought forward when the great
area in front is filled for a mass meeting.
This latter was the case last evening.
Ghe dais bore elegant appointments Of
furniture and statuary on either side
The chief decoration has justly been be-
slowed upon the stage. The brick wall
at the rear has been painted and divided
into arched panels. in which are colossal
statuary paintings. Over the centre Of
the stage is suspended large gilt eagle.
Altogether the Wigwam is a success IN
design and its carrying out.