The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1898-10-27
Vacation Notes. Sightseeing.

rect ideas OF the national capital from
books and pictures, but he cannot catch
the finer essence of what Washington
stands for as the capital of the Nation I'M
til he has looked upon the outward and
material beauty OF the Federal City.
At the time of oul visit the city was gay
with the uniforms of odd Fellows return
ing from the encampment in Boston, and
the brilliant badges of a convention of
ladies of the Masonic Order of the Eastern
Star, all tarrying like ourselves for sight
seeing.
The visitor to Washington is at a loss to
know where to begin operations. particu-
larry if his time be limited. For my own
part, the Congressional Library, being
wholly new, held much to stimulate my
woman curiosity and began by satisfy
ing that trait
Condensed as all descriptions in this
article must be-the library is of the Ital-
ian Renaissance order Of architecture
aud is constructed of New Hampshire
and Maryland granite and enameled
bricks, with the interior finished in CHOICE
marbles from Europe, Africa and Ameri-
ca. The plan is great central roturda,
which is the reading room, from which
radiate booksacks, inclosed by galleries
and pavilions The library grounds ad-
join those Of tie capitol and communioa-
ton is held by means of a subway 1,275
feet long and 4xG feet interior, through
which book carrying trays pass in from
two to three minutes for the convenience
of members of Congress. Books for the
use of readers in the reading room of the
library are taken and returned from the
desk to the bookstacks automatically by
pneumatic action.
The ultimate capacity, Including pro-
vision for future growth, is 4, 500, 900 vol
umes and the amount of shelving now in
use if placed end to end would extend
forty three miles, or from Washington to
Baltimore. In adornment it must suffice
that this palace of books has been de-
scribed as "a vision in polished stone,
and the meniory of the beautiful building
will linger beyond anything seen in Wash
lngton, The question was asked more
than orce, How does it compare with the
Boston Librdry?' but comparison in this
case would be unfair and always ended III
the loYal answer, 1--WE are very proud of
our Boston Library"
On leaving the library it was only natu-
raj to walk across the grounds to the cap
itol; and after studying the dignity and
beauty Of the rotunda and enjoying the
amusements created by the remarkable
acoustic properties of this and the whis-
peIiug gallery, l wandered through the
extension to the IIouse-the Senate was
in dire confusion because of repairs-and
found pleasure in locating the desks Of
oul Maine Representatives, Dingley in y
and Boutelie in 49,. Aftel looking around
to my entire satisfaction | went to the
Ladies' Gallery and res ea, and imagined
the hall full Of members-I was the only
person in it iebatjng weigbty mttters.
OF the 18th Congress- Going of into flights
of oratew and-thoa 1g books; and it
was disappointment that the season de
prived me of the pleasure Of listening to
a session of Congress.
After meeting a friend by appointment
there were ye- several Eouis of the bright
September day before US and we took
carriage to tie Soldiers Home, three miles .
away in the northern suburbs of Wash
ington. The Home $ for the beuefit OF
men who have been Lonorably DISCHARGED
from the regular army after twenty wears
service, OF who have been disabled by |
wounds or disease, md comprise five
hundred acres, beautiful for situation. 1t
was founued by Gen. Winfield Scott and
is government institution in charge of
the Wan Department. There are five
dormitories, library, hospital, theatre
and chapel and I could think of but one
drawback to the apparently happy lives
OF the lrmateS the separation in some in
stances of the old soldiers from their
home ana friends.
The raorning Of Wednesday, our second
LAY, WAS spent at Mt. Vernon. One NAV |
read the published accounts of the man
Washington and enjoy the natural beau
ties OF the place that is named in his |
honor, but to walk in his footsteps and |
haunt his favorite spots, intensifies the |
associations beyond the power Of express
sion. We We're left to wander at will |
over the estate, which occupies beautiful
site overlooking the river. The privilege
of visiting Mt. Vernon, and the satsfac-
ton Of knowing that it is a possession of
the Nation for all time, we owe to the
Mt. Vernon Ladies' Association of the
Union.
The restoration and keeping of the
rooms of the mansion have been intrust
ed to the care of the women of the differ
ent States, and readers of this letter will
recall-not SO very many years ago-the
presence in Maine of an agent from the
Mt. Vernon Assn, soliciting valuable
articles of old time housekeeping for the
Maine room at Mt Nprnon T uraS ;ntor