The Washington times., 1894-07-22
ITS MAGNIFICENT FUTURE
Progress Of the Buildings of the Cath
olic University.
MCMAHON HALL COMPLETED
It VIII 1s the Seat of Philosophical Learn
ing, and Has Ample Conveniences for the
Work-pormitories for 0ut-of-town Stu
dsnts Will Soon Be Under Way

Mcmahon Hall, the seat Of philosophy,
science and letters in the Catholic University,
| is rapidly approaching completion. The ex-
terror Of the great building is almost finished.
There only remains to be done some chiseled
tracery work about the main entrance, and
this will only take but little while, as the
moro elaborate carving has for some time
| adorned the building.
The interior, however, is not so far ad-
vanced, although rapid progress has been
made within the past few months. The plas-
terers are now nearly through with their
share Of the work. Some very magnificent art
plastering beauties the walls
Especial care has been displayed in the
main hall The designs are not only appro-
pirate, but rich and elegant, and throw a
glamor and splendor about the place that is
quite captivating. The main hall itself is
lofty and wide, and would be imposing with
out any decoration. And its grandeur is con-
sideraby added to by the sweeping approach
and the high columns, with their decorated
Ionfan cups. which support handsome stone
canopy over the portico.
Entering the hail. at either side are two
large reception rooms. These will be used to
entertain visitors. or those who have business
in the building. The rest Of the lower floor
will not be occupied for scholastic purposes.
On the second floor there is magnificent
series of class rooms. The stairway and bal
ustrades leading to the upper apartments are
very fine. The material is cast iron, moulded
into artistic designs, and it shows off TO great
advantage. There are two stairways, one
ascending in each OF the wings.
On the second floor, opposite the stairway,
is the large assembly room, spacious apart
ment capable OF accommodating from 600 20
700 students. This will be used as main
lecture hall. On the same floor are eleven
other commodious rooms. where various
branches of English aud classic philosophy
will be taught.
ARRANGEMENT OF THE ROOMS.
In the arrangement Of the rooms the well
fare and comfort of the student and professor
have been cared for. Ali the apartments are
spacious, light, airy and well ventilated. and
ample room is provided for ali the young men
who will come to this philosophic fountain TO
refresh themselves and imbibe knowledge.
Going to the floor above there are here
about eighteen rooms Most of them will be
used for the purposes of instruction in scien-
tific lore. One of the main rooms will be
used as a library, where very valuable
philosophic and scientific set of works will be
kept. and which the students will have free
access to.
On the next floor are several rooms which
can be utilized for lectures or other purposes.
The building throughout is almost fireproof.
As little wood as possible has been used in
the construction. Iron girders, iron stairways.
and iron wherever it was convenient TO use
dow sashes are the only portions of the
structure where lumber could not be dis
pensed with.
Over the main entrance are carved the
words science. philosophy. letters" and
beneath, "McMabon Hall"
A large dormitory is soon to be erected on
the grounds for the accommodation of out-of-
town students. This is a very necessary ad-
junct TO the university. The majority OF the
students are drawn from other cities. and the
faculty is anxious to provide ample sleeping
room for the young men who will take the
philosophical and theological courses.
1t is said that work on the new dormtories
will be started as soon as plans and other de-
tailed matter is arranged. They will occupy
q position almost facing the main entrance
to McMahon Hall and will be constructed
of the same m aterial as the structures already
erected.
IT is NOW DESERTED.
The university is now closed for the Sum-
mer vacation. All the professors and stu
dents have left the building, and will not re-
turn until September. Bishop Keane, rector
OF the university. is in Rome. and while there
expects TO meet the Pope on several occ;-
sions apd lay before him ths condition and
future of the school The other professors
are away in various parts of the country.
Soms Of them are attending the Catholic
Summer school. which is now holding four
weeks course in the Opera house, PlattsDurg,
on Lake Champlain.
When the university term opens next fall it
is expected that there will be a larger number
Of applicants ready to stand examination for
admission than has ever been known before
The university has already established an in
fiuence in Catholic scholastic circles which
outrivals those of any other like institution
in the country. Its establishment has also
checked the flow of students from this
country to Europe.
Many young men prior to the opening Of
university iourneyed to the great French. Bel
Gium, and German Schools but within the
past two years there has been gradual fall
ing off, and quite a large percentage is now
stopping at home. In thu course Of a few
years. when the faculty is enabled to put into
operation the full machinery of theuniversity
curriculum the emigration to foreign univer-
sites will be all but done away with.