The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-11-30

/ With the boxes containing it came also
directions how they should be handled
and opened. In order ~ adapt the exterior
OF a Roman temple b the needs Of a modern
public building. Mr.. jefferson himself drew
"a plan for the interior with the apartments
necessary Tor legislative, executive and jul
dietary puspOses, and accommodated IN
I their size and distribution TO the form and
| dimensions of the building" This arrange
ment for the most part. was carried into ex-
ecution: so that when the visitor now enters
our State Capitol he looks upon the archi-
tectural work Of the great philosopher him.
self.
When the great Napoleon was gathering
at his imperial capital all the works OF art
with which to decorate that city. he insisted
that his efforts TO make it the most beautiful
place in EurODe would fail unless he could
secure this far-famed relic Of Roman archi-
lecture. He accordingly dispatched an
architect 10 Nismus TO inspect the building,
with She view of having it taken down and
removed to Paris. But this was found to be
impracticable. The expert reported to his
| disappointed master that TO attempt the
undertaking would be to ruin the temple.
The Emperor had therefore to abandon his
design.
CHANGES FROM THE ORIGINAL MODEL.
The observer upon inspecting the model
sent by Mr.. Jefferson, now IN the state LIZ
brary, will detect several variations from it
in constructing the present Capitol. The
| changes made were necessary TO meet the
public wants. The latter is now en-
tered from steps and doors on each side. in
stead OF from the front Of the pOrticO, and
the basement was so elevated and enlarged
that the several departments of the Gov
| eminent could be conveniently accOmmO
HatfI fharain In former tho annrpafb
10 the first story Of the building con-
formed 20 the requirements Of the model,
which shows two flights OF steps on the
outside, and parallel to the length OF the
building. This arrangement appears also
in all the early prints of the Capitol.
especially in the wel-snOwn Wig
nette to be seen on the first page
of the old "Richmond Enquirer" news
paper The alteration 60 the present
style was made during Governor William
Smiths first term Of Office, in 1916. How
ever necessary these departures from Mr..
Jeiler5On's plan may have been, the mot
unacc0untable change made by the direC-
tors when the building was first erected was
to cover ii in with Nat instead of a pedi-
mented roof. When at this stage of its his
tory it il described as a massive, rugged
looking pile Of unstuccoed bricks; whose
Hat roof, covered with tiles, lay exposed TO
interstices between the latter became liqui-
dated and ran down into the cutters and
over the sides, much 10 the disgust OF the
public and the inconvenience Of those who
had IL in charge.
NO DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING.
Strange TO say no description OF the Capt.
tol has vet been found in the public arch
ives; no account Of its dimensions, or of the
contracts made Tor It's erection. Here and
there are 10 be found special appropriations
for its construction. In October, 1889, the
Eat roofing was superseded by the present
high pedimented one: the tiles were re-
placed by a covering Of lead, and sum
amounting 20 about $4,000 appropriated 10
pay for these alterations and for paving the
floors Of the porticO and OF the general
courtroom" The stone flooring OF the pOr-
ticO still remains; but where the general
courtroom was at that time We cannot say q.
la later years that tribunal held its sessions
in the ill-lated apartment in the second
story, and at the northeast cor
ner of the building, which, Civ
lag away 10 the weight Of the
crowd, brought about the direful disaster of
april, 1870. There is no reason 10 believe
that any other floor in the Capitol was
paved with stone than that OF the portico.
! In December, 100, another appropriation Of
wards paving for the yet unfinished parts Of
the building. tor purchasing "a III and sufh-
cient bell Tor the use Of the Capitol" for
procuring the requisite number Of cast-iron
stoves for the several halls aud rooms, ana
for opening door from the room adjoining
the Senate Chamber opposite the fireplace.
and TO construct a gallery ON each side said
door. 10 be separated from the said room by
n decent balustrade."
THE ASSEMBLY BELL AND BELL TOWER.
IL will be observed from the above that il
was then necessary at times 10 summon 10
their places absent members Of the General
Assembly by ringing ''Gt and sufficient
bell" This custom had been observed from
the beginning al jamestown. Both the
capitols at Williamsburg had also been
provided with an Official tocsin. and here
we mud continued the same practice. The
bell here referred 10 was suspended In
wooden tower. which stood on the high
ground Immediately In front Of the present
por;ico, aud continued 10 perform its fuDc-
lions there until the erection OF the historic
old tower which now stands on the Square
at the foot Of Franklin street. The