Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-05-21
The Convention Building ct Chi
cage.
from the Chicago Inter- Ocean

CBkO
From the Chicago Inter-Ocean.
NEARLY READY FOR THE CONVENTION.
The curious spectator who looks through
the Exposition building now, will. after
brief inspection, be convinced that the ar
rangements for the national convention are
not only extensive in character but admirable
in design. The work of constructing the in
terror hall has been pushed forward SO rapid
" that now it could be made serviceable in
two days time, and its entire completion by
the prescribed time will be an easy matter.
The only occasion for rush will be in regard
to decorations, which are to be Of an elabO-
rate character. Yesterday afternoon repor'
ter from this paper secured admission TO the
building, in order to gaze upon the work so
far done, and examine the conveniences and
accommodations. The entire south end Of
the building was blocked from view from the
main entrance, a forest Of seafolding backed
by . terrace Of pine boarding confronting the
eyes An inviting stairway suggested a
means of getting beyond the Enclosure, and
was climbed. II 10 no easy run Of q few
steps, but an extensive flight leading to the
top of the amphitheatre which is raised above
the top Of the galleries of the permanent
building. This is the principal means Of en-
tering the spectators gallery. From any
portion of this range a comprehensive view
of the entire convention will be had, the seats
being as desirable in one part as another,
with the difference Of hearing. The struc-
ture will comprise perfect interior, quite as
much as if building distinct to itself. 1t is
built in the shape Of an oblong amphitheatre,
but otherwise follows closely the old Roman
models. The lower tier Of the gallery runs
close to the main floor, varying in height
from four to eight or ten feet, the topmost
tier reaching to an elevation equal to the
lower rim of the roof. The tiers are from
eleven to fifteen in number, according to
their rise from the main floor.
The GALLERY IS DIVIDED INTO SECTIONS,
by means of ratings, and has to it seven
double entrances and four single entrances.
50 that it can be filled or emptied without
confusion and very speedily. These en-
frances are upon all sides, and at the east
end there are two entrances which will be
available by entrance through two of the
large windows to be removed for the pur-
pose. This gallery will readily seat 5000
people or more. To the main floor, the pOr-
ton set apart for delegates and their alter
with the floor of the permanent building.
Seats have not yet been placed anywhere,
but the form will be in the regulation form of
sections, separated by aisles, there being
numbers and tickets for each seat. The floor
has a gentle pitch, so that the graduation of
chairs will give each sitter a view of all be-
fore him, and enable the chairman to readily
distinguish speaker or a delegate endeavOr-
ing TO claim attention. At the south end is
raised the platform. This is built on the
plan of declivity, the slope being more de-
cded, in proportion, than that Of the main
hall. 1t is commodious, and ample for all
proper demands upon it. The front leads
into a semi-circular division forming place
for the Chairman and Secretaries. The ar
rangements are highly commendable in this
respect. Just below the platform is space
reserved for the resident reporters and Off
cial stenographcrs that has been skillfnlly
designed, and will be fitted with convenient
tables, which will be so placed that ingress
anu egress will be easy. Directly back of
this space following into the body of the
house. is the section for the delegates. bring
ing them into close relation with the platform,
and back of this, running to the north base
of the gallery, is the division to be occupied
by the alternates.
Mosr COMPLETE AND WELL DEVISED.
The retiring rooms to the right and left are
easily accessible for committees, and there
seems to have been no neglect of any claim
or need. The outside correspondents will
have seats at a low pitch of the gallery to
the right AMI left of the platform, where they
will have full command of all the proceed
ings. The acoustics of this convention hall,
are surprisingly good, and when everything
is perfected will be further improved.
The only objection the reporter could find
with the work so far concluded had relation
to the gallery supports and trusses. These
seem to be light, and altogether inadequate
for the strain that will come upon them. The
upright beams appear little better than
scantling, and do not, in all instances, ap-
pear TO be well braced. There is no more
important consideration than the security of
this part of the work and it does seem ad-
visable that some further supports should be
put under this gallery. To-day the City
Building Inspector and several contractors
are to test the work. and of course will give
close attention to this part of it. What they
determine upon will be satisfactory. The
designers and decorators are to commence
work within day or so, and will soon after
finish what they have to do.
The hall will be lighted BY eighteen circu-
lar burners, each having some twenty Jet
tubes. The light by day will be fine.