National Republican., 1877-09-20
AT THE CAPITOL.
IN AND OUT AMONG THE WORK.
MEN

LABOR EMPLOYED - APPLICATIONS - A
CLEAN PLAZA Sow-iMrRor STATUE
COLUMBUS A BASE BALLiST-FRbsC0I5-
BRIEF NOTES.
There are about two hundred persons In the
employ of the Government at this time under
Architect Clarke. They alternate. Each Is
allowed To work only half month at n time,
The number Of applications from Others is
immense. The unskillcd labor is sromuncratcd
at the rate of 1925 day. Some of the gar.
dcncrs receive Si.75 day.
THE PLAZA IN FRONT OF THE CAPITOL
has been carefully swept and is frcer from
dust than Il has been within the memory oi
the hoariest persons in tho city. When part
OF the improvements were in progress on the
eastern side Of the Capitol, and dust was flying
IN all directions, the dust greatly disfgurcd
tho building and statuary In front OF it.
and, consequently, workmen are now re-
painting the old sandstone portion of tho
building, and performing other necessary Of
fees.
Yesterday an artist was wiping tho eyes
Of the Western hunter and embracing him IN
| such an aiIcUiiOnato manner 1t was inferred
they had met before. Columbus has boon
| cleaned up and looks much younger; and, In
| this connection, It must he said his attitude
that of a base ballist all ready to hurl the bal
| Mt Gen. Washington. who Is Stationed out In
the plaza with his right hand up ready Il
catch it's magnificent, and shows the
| national game" is not American; that Co
lumbus knew all about II when he came over
and was the first to introduce II here.
The figure of Peace looks right again, as u
should. This is one Of the most beautiful
pieces of workmanship on the eastern side o
the Capitol, and yet II is hardly ever noticed
or commented on. II Is to be regretted 1t.
companion piece, War, Is far less meritorious
| Verify, II may be said in this comparison o
| the two statues, Peace hath her victory.
| The blank space forming
THE BELr OF THE RoTUSDA,
which II was understood was intended to bt
enriched by bnsso-rclicvos, is now being
| painted In real frcsco to represent basso.re
| licvo by Brumidi. The portion completed Il
an allcgorical group representing America
| History, and several auxiliary figures; then
comes the Landing Of Columbus, the first of Q
series Of pictures with which it Is proposed L
encirCle tho rotunda.
EXPECTING To GO on RECORD.
The impression prevails among some o.
those In the lowest strata Of Government ON
| ploy that their names, too, will be published
| in the Blue Book, as request has reached the
| office of tho Capitol architect for tho names o
all the employees under him, and been oom
| piled with.
BRIEF NOTES.
The walls of the old Hall of Representative
have been painted and the capitals Of thu
columns thoroughly cleaned.
4 new carpet will no put down In tn,
Speakers room. 1t will bo similar to that II
| the House.
The Srrgcant-at-Arms' room will also have
| new carpet.
The documentary library of the House In
been rendered habitable by the insertion Of
hull's.cye window In the wall facing the privat
stairway for mcmbcrs A fine view of tn
| 4 At ~ ii
and Il Is expected some iacle writer will re
port what was done In Paris and give tn
public some startling bulrs-eye window report
about the lobbyists.