The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1864-08-26
THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CON.
VENTION.
Description of the Amphitheatre in
Which it is to be Held.
from the Chicago Times, Aug. 20.

From the Chicago Times Aug. 20.
The mammoth amphitheatre al the cor
ner of Michigan avenue and Park place,
in which the sessions o. the forthcoming
national democratic convention are to be
held is at present receiving the last finish
ing touches at the hands Of .he carren-
ters. In couple Of days it will be pass
ed over to the decorators, who will dis
play their taste By fessooniDg it with hun.
dreds of flags, banners, and streamers
The building, which is constructed entire
ly of wood, is of gigantic proportions.
1t measures in circumference 62S feet and
has accommodations for an audience of
over, geo persons.- The roof in the
centre is tb;rty>fve feet from the ground
and slopes gradually until it is only twen-
ty eight feet in height. At this point il.
is broken for the purpose OF ventilation.
The remaining portion of the roof COM
mences at point four feet below, and
slopes gently to the outer edge of the
building. The entire structure is covered
with patent felt roofing, capable of with
standing the heaviest rain storms.
The grand entrance to the building is
on Michigan avenue, and is through a
spacious passage way fifteen feet wide
| | his leads directly to the central platform
on which the officers of the convention,
delegates and members of the press will
be seated. Running all round this plat
form is nea, railing, inside of which is a
narrow pathway by which delegates can
leave the building without having to press
through the assemblage or the platform
Close to this footway will be the desks for
the use OF the members Of the press, who
will be largely represented. The number
of chairs on The platform will be six hun,
dred
On the south side of the mammoth anu
phtheatre. surrounding and overlooking
the central platform, is the large gallery
for the use of ladies and gentlemen &C
companied by ladies. 1t has been fitted
up with comfortable seats stretching along
the entire half Of the structure. These
seats are placed on an inclined plane, SO
that every one will have a most excellent
opportunity Of seeing and hearing what
ever is going on at all times. The ncr,h
side is set apart as standing places for the
male portion of the vast assemblage that
is sure TO be present. The entrance to
these galleries is by three passage ways,
each four feet in width. The columns
which support the roof will be tastefuly
decorated with national flags, while the
entire walls will be festooned with flags,
banners end national colors.
Externally there is not much to attract
the eye, but the immense proportions of
the building challenge the attention Of all.
On the top Of the roof are several flag
staffs from which the national flag will
proudly float during the sessions Of the
convention.
The Committee of Arrangements de-
serve the utmost credit for the admirable
manner in which they have discharged the
important duty in;rusted to them. The
greatest attention has been given to the
| carrying ont of every detail in the con.
struction of the building. The system of
ventilation is perfect, and the vast struc-
ture is well lighted throughout
The sight of the building is very con-
venent, and the delegates and others may
| rest satisfied that there will be every ac-
commodation provided for their convey
ance to and from the convention. 1t is
within a short distance Of several of the
principal lines of railway, and only cou
pie Of blocks from the State stree. cars
Arrangements are also being made to run
a large number of vehicles between the
Courthouse and the amphi,heatre during
the si,tings of the convention.