Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-17

''Yon don't think you could get lost in the
CAPITOL said Architect Clark, as he turned
over the leaves OF a book of plans indicating the
various crooks and crannies in the Capitol by
black lines and white spaces 'NO. you don't
think 1t likely" he added, marking the incredu-
lous smile on The STAR mans countenance.
."You don't think it likely. but could lose YOU
80 that you would never find your way out 1
could hide away half of Congress and they
couldn't tell where they were after taking turn
or two. Come, and I'll show little way into
the Iabyrinths." And he led the way, followed
by the scribe. under the great stone staircase
into the dark vaults below the basement of the
building directly under the crypt. The heavy
vaulted walls frowned down upon dark flag
Stones and there seemed to be no opening in the
solid brick and stone masonry to admit light or
air. Light Is furnished by gas Jets which burn
dimy from their long confinement under ground
The walls are massive, and close together and
the arches are built as If to gather up all their
strength to support the tremendous weight Of
the dome piled above them. The vaults within
consist OF narrow passages between heavy ma
sorry.
knowledge Of the upper aoors," said the
architect, would be of no assistance in finding
the way through these vaults. Under the
dome the passages are narrow and circular, and
under the other portions of the building they
are full of abrupt angles. The walls do not at
all follow the lines Of those above, as is usual In
buildings for the reason that when the founda-
ton of the two halls was laid the plan In con-
temptation was very different from that which
was finally adopted. After the foundations
We're laid President Pierce placed the construc-
ton in charge Of the War department, and JEFF
Davis; who was then Secretary Of War; changed
the plan entirely, not liking the one adopted.
This involved the building Of new set of foun-
dation walls, bit the old ones were not re-
moved. This leaves number of narrow pas
sages without any particular aim or direction,
and makes perfect maze full Of crooks and
crannies that would bewlder one not familiar
with the place, and it would be dificult for
him to find his way out should he venture too
far"
All the space under the Capitol is honey
combed BY these dark narrow passages. which
are used generally for store rooms and are so
dark and death-like as to make one shudder at
the idea OF being lost there, for cry would be
deadened against the heavy walls.
wAsHINGToN's uNoccuPIED VAULT.
The space just beneath the center Of the dome,
which is directly in front Of the entrance to the
vault, is the niche provided for holding the re-
mains Of Washington, but which, in compliance
with his request before death, was never used.
In this is the bier upon which his remains were
laid in state, and which afterwards performed
Charles Sumner, Chief Justice Chase and finally
James A. Garfield.
Nothing but the plain pine planks remain.
you see." said Mr.. Clark. breaking . silver of
the side. It used to be covered with black cloth.
and had ornaments at each OF the four corners.
but they have been torn away By relic hunters"
Another chamber under the dome, following
the outline Of the rotunda In the form Of an arc,
is used as store room, and 10 full Of old plaster
castings Moulds and castings OF all the fancy
scrolls mouidings and ornaments used in the
interior decoration OF the building ara piled away
In here 1t Is only BY looking at this pile of pias-