The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-01-21

magnificence of style prevails throughout
the building. The bureau of indexes and
archives, which has charge of all the let
tiers and documents of the department.
is an interesting depository. With all the
enormous mass of correspond nee with
foreign ministers, and other papers ac-
cumulated and systematically filed in the
rooms occupied by this bureau, are also
preserved many precious relics of the ma
tion. Among these are the first draft of
the Declaration of Independence, Wash
ingtons commission as commander-in-
chief of the army, and a host of papers
pertaining to the revolution and the early
days of the republic. The library of the
department is in the third story, occupy
ing room with three balconies, con-
structed of iron, wrought in graceful
forms, and beautifully decorated in pearl
and gold tints. On the shelves are over
10000 volumes, largely relating to laws of
the states, history, diplomacy and inter
national affairs.
The nextlmportant of the new buildings
is the still unfinished pension office. It's
style of architecture has been described
as unique, and, if ugly and unique are
synonymous terms, the description is cor
rect AS it now appears it is the home
liest public building in Washington. Some
body said lately that all it now needs
is big smoke-stack or chimney along
side of it to make it look like an old fac
tory. The usufruct or dome on the top,
as shown in the drawing, is not yet erect
ed. When that is done the general effect
will be somewhat improved. The build
ing is constructed of pressed brick, with
oh
100000. course of terra Gotta panels,
three feet wide, extends entirely around
the first story, on which various scenes of
the late war, and from soldiers life, are
depicted in sculpture, figures. The site
Is in Judiciary square, near where the old
district Jail was situated. The pension
office is one of the most important bu-
reaus of the Interior department. 1t has
over 1000 clerks and employees, and an
annual salary list of nearly $2,000,000.
This new building was an absolute ne
cessity, the force of this bureau having
for several years been located in three or
four leased buildings, in different parts of
the city. at great disadvantage. The of
flee, through sub-agencies, disburses over
$30,000,000 per year in pensions. Some
thing over $4,000 claims were
allowed between 1861 and 1884,
and there are now nearly 100000
names on the rolls, with upwards of 1885,
600 claims still pending.
The general post office building though
not one of the largest is one of the best
constructed and most INTELLECTUALLY con-
sistent public buildings. Its site was oc-
cupied in the carly days of Washington by
a large brick structure, erected for hotel
by sanguine individual who had more
penetration than money. Being unable
to complete it, the building was offered as
, prize in a lottery and won by two or
phan children, who held the lucky ticket.
| They were without means to finish it, and
7 the building stood for ten years in this
J condition. Finally it was used as thea
, tire, and the first play ever given in
= Washington was performed in it. In 1916
the government purchased the property
f and completed the building, using it foi
l. the post Office and patent Office. In 1885,
: this building, with all the models, etc.
: was destroyed by fire, and the presen
b. structure was erected soon after. 1t il
: constructed of New York marble, anC
: cost $2000,000. The patent office, oppo
d site, with its vast stores of models, etc.
y the massive treasury building, with it
: well-iilled vaults, and its annex, the bureau
of engraving and printing where GU
e bank notes are made, are each subject
n worthy of a special article by themselves
d Il, M b.