The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-01-12

az described, the structural detail and tho deco
ration. is ono OF great dignity and seriousness
whilo the color. including that OF the varl-
GUS toxtile accessories. In tho shape OF
carpet curtains. and draperes. is OF the great
est richness variety, and warmth. II is PROB
ably more in this latter regard than in the
former that whatever distinctly secular charac-
ter the work possesses has been obtained. It's
leading structural features are not those that
we associate naturally with civil purposes. AS
already said. thoy IRE distinctly ecclesiastical
Now that so much has been said in regard to
tho work ITSELF some more directly utilitarian
considerations arise. which are perhaps little
disquicting. Some casual and unprecedented
tests OF the acoustic properties Of the Assembly
chamber were mndc in the presence OF the
writer. md the rcsults were not such rs to
cause any apprehension that the room had
either any marked defects or any re-
unrkablc excellence. II was simply to DO
noted that persons addressed each other
when apart at such various distances as tho
room Afforded. and that they made themselves
heard without special effort Since the Assem-
by has convened. however. there have been
many complaints Of the difficulty that speakers
nave found in making themselves heard. ana
some serious disbursement and alarm have
been inspired in consequence. Any decision in
the matter at present would bo premature and
unwlse in Wow Of tho fact that there is invaria-
bly, much confusion and doubt in arriving at
proper estimate Of the acoustic properties OF
large chambers devoted TO public speaking. In
this instance those who complain hnvc hereto
fore been used to n comparatively small room.
in which little effort WIS required to make
oneself heard. The transition TO the great
space Of the new Assembly room has possibly
been something they were not prepared for.
and they may therefore have been disappointed
a: the results Of their Efforts II may be rca-
sonably inferred that the poorest speakers will
be tho loudcst in condcmning any shortcom-
inGs Of this kind.
II Is somewhat Of distance back to the new
State House OF Connecticut. tho latest acquisi-
ton Of the city Of Hartford. where the commu-
nifty. being largely given to insurance. archi-
tcctural performances seem TO naturally cnsuc.
This building was designed by Mr.. r. NJ.
Upiohn Of this city. and tho general admins
trative economy Of its construction was in
trusted to General William b. Franklin of
Hartford. II is nearly three hundred fcot in
length and little less than two hundred feet in
depth at the centre and the height to the top
of the browning figure. above the dome, is two
hundred and nfty-six feet and Of the roof
niucty-,wo feet. Some two and n half millions
wore Appropriated 90 erect II. Of which a con-
siderable sum remains uneXpcnded. while tho
building is finished to tho point OF practical
utility. and only remains uncomplc;cd in the
matter Of some interior detail and deco
ration. 1t was thought expodcnt by
those having tho work in charge to at
tain the main purpose % il MS oXpcditiously
and as thoroughly rs possible. and the stcnd-
fust pursuit OF this principle has enabled them
Ia
and to turn over to the state building that is
both crcditahlc to tue good TASTE and judgment
oi all concerned. and in every way suited 90 the
general requirement OF the administrative de-
par,mcnts. The plan would appear to have boon
very sensible. All the tenn ptations to eNccsses
and extravaganccs that suggested themselves
IN the course Of lis construction can De yielded
TO and gratiod with far moro discretion and at
least equal satisfaction from tho appropriations
Of tho future. The disposition 10 grant such
appropriations will b, all the more prompt and
willing because it will bo apparent that what
has already been spent has been well spent.
and will have its results enhanced by additional
libernlity
The site has. been well chosen. End tho gem
erhl effect u the construction is dignined and
substantial. with no little grace and symmetry
IN It's chief forms and their disposition. Tho
orhamenhtlon ", IN part. open To the objection
Of being roilned to such degree rs 10 be met
icc,yo and lost. and some ~ the constructive
features do not retain 81 broad a quality as is
desirable. The tower. dome. and browning ng-
urc are presumably. IN n local sense. necessary
10 u State House. on perhaps n similar princi-
ple to that which impcllcd a worthy Driton Of
recent tradition 10 decline to pay IN artist for n
portrait in profile " his daughter. because
he'd be bowed il any child OF his had only one
eye"
Tho interior arrangement Of the building is
excellent. and its decoration rich and tasteful.
The Senate chamber is an admirable room. and
that devoted to the Representatives is littlo in
;eror. II any. in Its treatment.