The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1881-03-17
1.-THE Capitol Competition"


Editor Statesman:
A correspondent of the STATESMAN
has attempted to convey to the general
public an idea OF the leading features of
arrangement, cons ruction and design
that should be conSi dered in the selection
of aplan for the Instruction of a conve-
nient, substantial and beauti full state cap
itol, that will suit the requirements of
our growing state and the condition of
our climate.
This correspondent would make a prac-
teal illustration of the others remarks.
by describing one of the designs sub
mitted to the State House Commission
ers, selecting therefor the set of plans
that embodies in the most able and COM
plete manner the several ideas advanced.
The author of this design submits
the full number of drawings required,
with dimensions amply figured, materials
shown by color and constructions fully
indicated. From these an intel
ligent estimate can be made
and places the cost of erection within
the limited sum. The practical solu-
ton of the essential wants of the project,
is preferred to fancy display of deceiv-
ing draughtsmanship; while the fact is
fully recognized that simplicity of plan
and construction cheapens the cost of
erection and also the cost of administra-
ton of business.
The entire building is made fireproof
by using iron floor beams and brick arches,
iron lathing for plastering and iron roofs
covered with copper and slate, floors laid
with marble thing. One or more fire
proof vaults are provided for each de-
partment. Each and every office is lighted
and ventilated from the exterior so that
there is rot one inside or dark room in
the building, excepting the vaults; while
the interior. corridors and stairways are
lighted and ventilated by two large
cOurtyards. These courts also assist in
the lighting AID ventilation of the Senate
Chamber and Representative Hall. For
the cold season an automatic ventilation
Is provided in connection with the heat
ing apparatus, by exhaust flues for foul
air and supply flues for fresh air to every
room.
For heating the building one or more
fireplaces are located in every room, while
steam heating will also be used through
out the house. The size and shapes of
rooms indicate good ;gaslight and
water facilities are provided in accordance
with the latest improvements; while cleo
trio lighting, telephones, elevators, dust
flues and other modern inventions are in
trOduced.
Great simplicity and convenience of
plan is obtained in is design by the gen.
eral division of the entire business rooms
upon but two floors of the building.
IN the HIsJ uOOT dTGduS6u Tile
offices of the executive and administra-
tive departments, and SO located that all
offices of intimate business relations are
adjoining or opposite each other; while
all the principal Offices front to the south
or east.
Separate and direct approaches are pro-
vided to each department. The Treas
urer's vaults are specially guarded by po-
lice rooms. An extra set of offices and
vault are reserved for future needs.
On the second floor are located all the
legislative and judicial departments and
offices pertaining thereto. This floor is
re ached by the grand entrance stairway
In front, and by four grand stair cases and
passenger elevator. The Senate
Chamber is located in the west wing, and
the Representative Hall in east wing;
each provided with ample Hobbies and
galleries, and with all necessary rooms for
members and officials.
Both these halls, AS well as their Hobbies
and galleries have direct exterior light
and ventilation; the Senate from three
sides and the House from four sides.
Members will be SO seated that they need
not face the light, while the galleries and
Hobbies will face the members.
The Supreme Court and Appellate
Court rooms, with their appendant
judges and clerks rooms and vaults, are
located in the front center of building,
convenient to the law library. Their en-
tire location on the second floor will be
appreciated.
The State Library is also located son
this floor, convenient for reference and
of large size, with direct light and Yenti-
latiOn from three sides.
The third floor is wholly occupied with
committee rooms. connected by con-
venient staircase, with the halls below.
The classic style of design is adopted in
L. f1 I'll fIn int tf nr.ln
freely treated, and presents the beauty,
strength and harmony conspicuous in
this order. And ii can truly be said that
here the construction IL Ornamented and
not ornamentatiOn constructed. In the
outline of plan, the projecting center and
wings afford great depth of shadow and
increase the apparent hclghth, while the
exterior also indicates the location of
principal rooms. The central dome adds
dignity to the structure, and, with the
centre building, is the leading feature of
the design; while the smaller domes re-
lieve the wings and harmOniZe them with
the center.
AS historical ornamentatiOn we find at
the grand entrance, statues of our lead
ing statesmen or renowned persOnages,
the grand seal of the state, also the names
of the leading battles for independence,
one of which "San Jacinto,o the author
has adopted for his motto. Perhaps it is
a propitious omen for another Texan vie
tory, if the intimate knowledge shown of
all the requirements, proves the local
study and the homie production.
Altogether this design shows that the
author has fully studied the problem in
all its bearings and solved 1t in a most
satisfactory manner; while the mastery
handling of combinations and effects be-
trays not only long experience, but pro-
fessional talent and may well be called
true architecture. OBSERVER.