National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1882-01-28
RAISING THE DOME
And Building N New Congregational LIZ
brnry nj the CapiiOI.

The plans TO properly provide for and secure the
necessary changes In the Capitol building contcm-
plated in the act of Congress- June s. 1880 for in
creased library Accommodations and for better light
and ventilation Of the legislative halls of Congress
are perfectly and amply provided for in the
complete and elegant plans of Mr.. II. 8. Wood
ward, which REPUBLICAN reporter had the pleas.
ure of inspecting few days ago, and of which
mention was made at the time. Mr. Woodward
has been studying the question of accommodating
the library in the present building for over two
years, feeling confident at the outset that with a
proper extension Of the east and probably the
west wings of the old Capitol and raising tho
whole central structure, dome and ALL to heghtoi
FORTY EIGHT FEET
would furnish ample space not only for the pro.
posed Library, but for all legislative purposes the
rapidly increasing necessities of our country can
possibly force upon It In the next century. In
making this subject his study the outward i'm
provement of the structure to favorably compare
with the grandeur Of a country of which this Is
the capital was the first and important considera-
ton.
A LARGE AND SPLENDID DRAWING
of the east front elevation, with its magnificent
proportions and graceful and symmetrical hur-
mony, convinces one at glance that he has in
the proposed changes and additions succeeded In
producing n structure which will rival anything
in the Old World, and at the same time be source
of pride to every American citizen who Is anxious
| that our national seat Of government should be
| the handsomest on earth in nll Its appointments.
The interior changes and improvements are
| on an equally grand and convenient scale.
Sixty large drawing and committee rooms are
| added for the use of Congress while In
the new Library there are scores of rooms for its
officers and for such works Of art as cannot be
| placed on its nearly seventy miles OF ornamental
iron shelving, and so near and convenient will the
new Library be. both to the Senate and House that
| the present reference Libraries of these depart
ments can be dispensed with. Mr., W. says the
science true engineering and architectural skill
consists in furnishing the greatest amount OF con-
venience comfort, and hygenic conditions In the
| least amount of space. The rapid increase In the
value ofland is making this a recognized neces.
sity and he who fills these conditions in all theii
| detais will better deserve the gratitude OF hi.
| fellow men. With the modern appliances of ell
gineerng skill II Is fur cheaper TO extend archi-
tectural improvements longitudinally than lati-
tudinally, and much grander results can be
achieved. The Library of Congress is as much
part of Congress as is each individual member and
II should be as easily accessible 10 each member
as each member is to the presiding officer or to
| each other.
THE IDEA OF A SEPARATE BUILDING
for Library, situated at II remote and inaccessible
distance from the legislative halls. Is a sad re-
Election upon the engineering brains of pro-
gressive country like own, and It is dihcult to
conceive that any prominent engineer or archi-
tect would risk his professional reputation by de-
claring that the present boundary walls of the
Capitol do not furnish all needed room If properly
built upon for all purposes for generations to
The elevation and enlargement of the central
building is a conceded necessity. The extension
Of the east and west fronts, with an addition OF
forty eight feet In height, will not only give all
the library room required, but will make the Capt.
tol building the grandest and most magnificent
architectural pile on the globe An extension oil
the grounds of the Capitol north, south, and east
should also be made thus giving scope to grand
prospective.