The national Republican., 1867-09-05
[Commluieatei.l

STAND BT THE OH AANDMAKKs.-lhe
brief notice in q late number Of the RErU DLICAS
respecting the remodeling Of the old brick
Capitol into three nne mansions, on the sulIu
site, is eminenly suggestive. The Egyptians
never looked forward TO the rising Of the Nile
with greater interest than do many Of the old
residents contemplate with proper pride the CO.
terprise Of Mr.. Brown on the very spot where
the great Clay poured forth hi eloquenco on the
legislation leading to the admission Of Maine
and Missouri into the Union. 1t was from q
balcony erected previously against those sub.
stantial walls that James Monroe, Of Nevolu.
tionary fame, was inaugurated as President Of
the United States and 1t was during his admin
istration that the metropolis rose, as it were
like Phpnix from tho ashes spread around the
city of the Great Immortal" by ruthless
Britons accompanied by the infamous COckburr,
who held high revelry when the Capitol itself
was given to the flames A patriotic spirit,
evoked by the CAROLS Of tho District, raised the
brick Capitol, to secure to Washington the per.
aanency Of the seat Of government here; and
James Monroe and Col Lane, the Commissioner
of Public Buildings, (who was Of the President 5
household and the modest and most efficient
Surveyor and Clerk, Joseph Elgar, and Robert
King, fixed all the bench. marks near the corners
Of the quadrapgular space that forms the east.
ern park Of the Capitol. All above the Lowell of
the cript of that edifce, about which we have
heard SO much idle talk Of the building itself
being too low, 1t was foressen that its extern
sion would mar Its architectural symmetry, but
the old settlers stroye to keep as many Of tic
lofty trees that grew near to break up the mo
notony Of the front when completed. In iikt
manner they cherished the hope that the park
itself would be undistrrbed, because ba!luesJ
was undesirable and the ground, years lack
had been reduced several feet to show the east
ern base Of the building to advantage. Littlt
did 1t ever enter into the minds Of those wht
had studied the whole subject that the first stree
east OF the edifce was ever to be brought down
that stables and back buildings contiguous shoult
be raised, as 1t were, and become nuisances, be
cause few projectors had their own ends t
subserye. Let any one stand near the monu
msnt Of Washington-that Is in line with Ehs
Capitol street-and see how scientifically th'
distribution Of the falling ruins arc secured
and though the building Ia some fifteen fee
lower level, is not the Government fully secure
in its own drainage by the ample sewers within
its present bounds down to street south, ant
the great Meigs sewer that leads further soutl
into the city canal, which is worth all 1t eve
cost as drain to the lower portions Of the city
Again, let Mr.. Brown be viewed as publ
benefactor In thus guarding the estnbishe
grades. Let the F.street cars run along c street
and traverse First street east 10 its apex, G
whithersoeveItheir accommodating proprietor
shall see ft-Ne public will bo satisfied. Tn
officers Of the Senate, as well as the freeholdel
contiguous TO tho park east and thereab0ut
will all be pleased and 1t will be no small loiI
gained that those Of Carroll Place will
grati6ed, while the general public shall bo a
commodAted, as was the practice when thel
were two lines Of omnibusses and when the sea
were occupied not more than two passengers b.
hind could be added to an already loaded team
Times have changed and 1t would seem tha
some companies think they have rights not Onl
to cross public reservations, instead Of fOllowin
the streets, but possess the privilege Of incou
modiDg the persons Of others by outrageor
loads Of passengers forced to stand up, and eve
allow employees to levy tax on 4 market baskD
whom its proprietor occupies part Of the Ilu
form, and assumes the risk Of its being UPSET
being upset himself. The ladies, it is believe
have the right to keep small basket, as tht
do their reticules near thom, without ,,i
charge. They are, doubtless, thankful for Il
kind admonition to "bswLre Of pickpockets
and such characters rarely make anything fro
them the summary process, when caught
the passengers, is all.sufiviept to deter the wOl
from the attempt. The full basket too, Fl
auentIy admonishes the lesson Of slim purse
QulpSUEC.