The times., 1897-06-06
The Genius of the Library.

1Aiee we ps1Ht tbe poflrsht oI BeBlle-
man whose name and personality are
fixed for all time in the history OF the
country, ia connection with the conception,
evolution and final completion OF the Con-
gressional Library building, a structure adj
mittedly the greatest triumph OF American
art in architecture applied to public uses,
accomplished during the whole century.
The country is appreclativeiy familiar
with the almost lifetime devotion to
quate home for the nations library, which
has marked the career OF Mr. Spofford, the
Librarian of Congress. AS time rolls on
there VIII be equal national recognition of
the services which Mr. John L. Smith
meyer has rendered the American people
in working out the body and details of
The beautiful art creation that for ages
viii stand as a erowning glory OF our
national architecture In the nineteenth
century. Fer more than twenty years, in
connection with his efficient junior part
ner. Mr. Pelz, Mr. Smithmeyer applied all
the varied resources of his experience, cul-
ture and genius to this exalted object,
and at length its high accomplishment
wortnily places HMM the Pantheon of the
worlds immortal art masters
When. IN 1877 2, it became apparent that
the Library OF Congress had ouigrown
the quarters assigned TO it, and that its
usefulness would be increasingly hampered
until more fitting receptacle for its
treasures could be provided, IT was de
termined 10 invite the submission OF plans
under competition from the leading archi-
teets of the country. In 1878 the first
competition was held, and the design and
plans presented by Mr.. Smithmeyer, in
conjunction with Mr.. P }. PeIz, were ac-
cepted. The movement did not stop here,
for the successful artists were subjected
70 a running competition for eight years
more, and were compelled to submit many
designs ard to change aad vary. and then
to change back TO, innumerable details,
according to the shifting taste, ideas of
economy or whims of successive Congress
sional Committees.
The earliest Of MFR. Smitmneycr's de-
signs was in the style of the italian re-
naissanee, always believed by him to pre-
sent the most appropriate foil to the
peculiar architecture Of the National Capitol
with which huge structure the Library
sitiOn. The correctness of this conception
has i.een justified in the final adoption OF
the same style 1t is interesting to obsery.
that the first design so closely resembles
the latest in general appearance, that the
evolution Of the latter from the former Is
clearly evident to any one who compares
the two elevations. Indeed, one not crit
cal in details would see little difference
in the absence of ocular comparisons. and
anybody would be apt to identify the pie
ture of 1873 as the Library building as
now we seeft
In 1875 Congressional authority swerred
to the Gothic In architecture. and plans
again were prepared TO embody that idea;
but these, while satisfactory to the Sen
ate, died in a Eouse which was not Gothic.
Meantime, Mr.. smithmeyer Travelled and
studied extensively in Europe, visiting
all the principal libraries OF the old world.
and seeking new light on the problem of
interior adsptability and convenience, In
conformity with the grandeur and dignity |
OF the general design. As q result Of
these long and arduous studies, the Smith
meyer plans OF 1886 Were prepared, sub
mitted and accepted, and it is in accord 1
ance with these, with the exception OF |
detail that the work at last has been fin |
tshed- CT the 1856 design, the leading
journal of Europe, the "Bau- |
kunde des Architecten,' of Berlin. said: |
''The plan for this library may be safely |
as the solution of the problem OF |
great national library structures All the |
available space is utilized ingeniously and /
with scrupulous economy
Two years later the Congress took the
work, already well under way, out of Mr.. /
hands and gave it in charge
of the chief engineer of the Army, with in
structions to cut down cost In a way that
would have been fatal to the beauty of the
structure and greatly detrimental to its
Utility as contemplated by the artist. A
was effected Gen. Casey sue-
eeeded in having adopted a Temporary ]
elimination Of q feature on the first story.
Intended to provide for future Library ex-
Dansicn, which can be restored at any time:
lropped two small towers which had been
decorate the facade, and raised
he dome. Otherwise the structure is. In
act, Just what the final plans made by
Hr. Smithmeyer ia 1886 contelplate.
The one material change. ifit can be called
T. e the elevation Of the dome.
'erhaps may be regarded as a mistake. In !
is present aspect it has the appearance or
Ictive and aggressive competition with the
Iome OF the Capitol something which the
.rtist and architect endeavored TO avoid.