The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-12-26

sales. The gallery is open every day in
the week; on three days rs cents is charged
for admission and the remaining days are
free. The revenue derived from the ad-
mission fee is added to the endowment
fund. On Thanksgiving day the gallery was
thrown open without charge and was WIS.,
tied by over 5000 people. The thought
occurs here how much better is the exam |
pie given us by this grsat-hearted man
and this is only one of his many benevo- |
lent acts how much more happiness Is
produced 10 this way than in the boarding
up of millions by the rich 70 be wraDgled
over after their death.
TIE NEW NATIONAL LIBRARY.
Last year congress authorized the secre
tary of the interior TO ascertain the cost OF
certain squares with a view of selecting
and buying one for the erection OF new
library building. This action on the part
of the secretary has had tendency to 10
fate the price of real estate in some sections
but as there are several eligible sites, the
government will have no difficulty 10 Sc
curing location without paying fancy
price. The library which is now located
10 the capitol has grown to immense pro-
portions aud as it cannot be enlarged In the
capitol, the proposed new building is nee
essary. Ii seems to US that site in the
immediate vicinity of the capitol would be
a much better location for the new library
than deciding upon any other farther re-
moved from the halls of congress. Mr..
Spofford, the present chairman, estimates
100000 as the requisite SUN, and recon-
mends that the building be so constructed
that it can be enlarged from time to time.
GENEVA AWARD.
There is much discussion at this time as
to what disposition shall be made of the
remaining millions oe the Geneva award
occupying the attention of congress at the
present, and as au agreement by this con-
gress seems out of the question, there IS
growing sentiment 10 favor of covering
the entire sum into the treasury as an
equivalent for the fisheries award. At this
idea the patriots of our country, those
who hold her honor dear" vehemently de-
claim against, asserting such robbery OF
Peter TO pay Paul would be an indelible
stain on our national honor, and in order
to show to the world her honest integrity as
a nation, mildly suggest its being refunded
TO Great Britain. Should such a decision
ever be put into execution and the remain
ing nine millions be returned to John Bull
the new phase of character presented by
Brother Jonathan would so fetch him VI
on his launches, that not to be outdone il
good works he could not do less than APP
propriate the sacred millions tt
be distributed among the suffering
thousands left ruined and destitute by the
late great Scotch Bank failure. Behold
the example of the two great civilizations
to the less christian countries on the globe
BY the side of sucn national honor ant
philosophy, the conversion of Africa, or thu
acquisition Of Cyprus would sink into in
significance.
THE OLD HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
The old House of Representatives I'm
used for that purpose since the completion
of the present hall was set aside by con
gress several years since to be used as
repository for marble statues of distin
guished citizens, to be contributed by the
Legislature OF the States, many states
have complied with the request, aud Mar.
BILE Hall as it is called now, contains mar
BILE likeDesses of many distinguished citi-
zens OF our country.
NOTES.
Many OF the rotten wood pavements laiC
in this city by Sheppard and the board Of
public works, are being torn up and sur
planted by granite blocks and asphaltum,
laid on bed of cement, UUrcrete inches
thick, the former on the inclined pave
ment and the latter on the level Expert
ence deciding it to be the best.
A movement is on foot here 10 obtain q
municipal form of government for the dis
trict.
There are carriages called chariots 10
this city carrying passengers tive miles for
three cents, they are running opposition to
street cars who charge ce1;s,or tickets
for quarter.
wILLAUD's HOTEL,
The old time aristocratic houss so wide
ly known by the familiar RppellatiOn oil
Wizards has been undergoing a thorough
renovation for some time past. 1t is being
filled with rotunda that will be a
great Improvement. Visitors will re-
member the paved yard and fountain back
OF the othce. This is now covered into a
rutunda that is fifty feet long and in the
front forty feet wide, taperiDg back "a
thirty feet width in the rear. The ceiling
Is thir,y'six feet high to top Of the window
carvings. There will be thirty-six light
chandelier in the centre and four size
lights on each OF the twelve supporting
columns. It's to have kalsomining finish
and next year when it is thoroughly dried
will be trescoed. The Office will be in the
southeast corner. The cid bar room 80
well known ~ war times, and more recently
blihatd room will be fitted up as a gen
tleman's cafe, with cherry and mahogany
iurnl'ure throughout; all the new fittings
being OF the costliest kind.
Strangers coming to the capital very
frequently remark upon the fact of
the chief portion OF the city being
located west OF the capitol, Such loca-
tlon seems to them to have been very in
aptly chosen, while the elevated ground
east OF the capitol appears to be by tar
the most desirable site wherein to found a
city. A matter of wonder too, to the up-
Initiated is the front entrance of the capital
facing on to the hill The principal part
OF the city lying Immediately back of il.
an old resident of Washington informed
me OF the reason of this. When the site
OF the capitol was finally decided upon
spectators owning Capitol Hill held it up
at such exhorbitant prices makinV quite
sure of ready purchasers at their own
ngures, but what q mistake; people were
not To be SO imposed upon, and turned their
eyes westward not even deferred by the mul.
uteoinOusdlthculties presenting themselves
~ lnsurmonntahle irrthe choice of such 4
iounoatlon IN the low lying, marshy land
40 evidently unsnited TO their purpose. but
"NiOn mas proved to be the most fortunate