Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1900-03-20
THE NEW CAPITOL
A Magnificent Building That Com
bines Beauty with Utility, Com
fort and Solidity,
A CREDIT TO THE TERRITORY
A General Description of Its Interior
Many Changes We're Made From the
Original Plants Total Cost
Very Low.

Noly uVWi
The work of rebuilding the territoria
capitol in historic Santa Fe was begur
in earnest in the early part of 1897 under
the general direction Of the capitol re-
building board, with I. Fl. Rapp in per
sonal charge as architect and superin
tendent, and the imposing and beautiful
building r uo2, sN early completed
that Mr.. Rapl confidently expects tt
have it ready for occupation by the sew
eral territorial officers within thirty
days.
THE EXTERIOR.
The exterior of the structure has beer
SO frequently and so elaborately de.
scribed In previous numbers of the New
Mexican that it is not necessary to en-
ter into details at this time. Present
purposes will be answered by the gen.
beautiful and substantial stone and
pressed brick buildings In the west, and
that it is almost ideally adapted to the
diversified official uses for which it was
designed. 1t Is strictly modern and ul
to date in every detail, and both Its ex.
terror and interior impress the visitor
as remarkably close approximations tc
perfection.
CHANGES IN CONSTRUCTION.
The numerous changes that the re-
building commissioners deemed it wise
to make in the original plan, notably in
the class Of material used, have all been
decidedly for the better, and are certain
to receive the cordial commendati ton of
the people. Among the most important
of these changes may be mentioned the
facts that the framework of the dome
has been constructed Of steel instead of
wood; the stairways are composed of
iron, with ornamental bronzed iron rail-
ings and marble treads, and the corri-
doris and many of the public rooms have
been laid with mosaic tiling. Wire has
been substituted for lath The use of
pine has been avoided. The woodwork
is solid oak and mahogany, and the
floors are all hardwood. These changes
not only make the structure much more
beautiful and enduring, but render it
almost fireproof. So it can be insured at
minimum cost.
IT'S COST.
The total cost Of the building, fur
nished throughout in most befltting
manner, with some needed improve
ments In the spacious surrounding
grounds, will foot up in round numbers
about $4,000. Competent experts, aft
er carefully inspecting the work, ex-
press astonishment that so much was
realized out of so little money. Such
a building would cost private enter
prise great deal more. Indeed, 1t prob
ably could not now be replaced by the
territory for less than 100000. The con-
tracts for most of the materials were
made before the large advance in prices,
and most of the contractors have been
persuaded to make liberal concessions
III dLlOIl VI lIlC ldCl lIdl II WOE
to be one of the conspicuous public
buildings of the famous Rocky noun
tain region, and would prove perma-
nent monument to the excellence of
their productions. The employment of
labor in doing most of the
rough work also contributed materially
toward reducing the cost Also the low
freight rates Governor Otero secured on
material. Viewed from every stand
point, the building Is a credit to the ter
ritory, as we'll as to the faithful archi-
tects and builders, and the people have
reason to congratulate themselves that
they have achieved such proud pos
session at such moderate cost.
THE INTERIOR.
Entering the north door and walking
down the wide corridor, the visitor
passes the rooms designed for the terri
torial treasurer and auditor, which are
located opposite each 9TH
er in the north end, and are provided
with vaults and counters and furniture
needed for the ready transaction OF
business. The treasurer's office will be
fitted up after the fashion of modern
bank. Then come ample Office rooms for
the superintendent Of public instruction
and the land commission.
EXECUTIVE OFFICES.
In the south end are suites of offices
for the governor and secretary. These
are on the opposite sides of the corri-
dor The rooms provided for the gov.
ernor are on the south side, and consist
of large reception room and public Of
flee and private Office and library fol-
the executive. These offices are richly
finished in oak, and are provided with
every conceivable comfort and conven.
ience. The secretary's quarters consist
Of a large reception room and three
rooms back.
SUPREME COURT ROOM.
Passing up the broad stone stairway
Of the main outside entrance, or up one
Of the easy and handsome stairways Of
the interior, the supreme court room
4Sx48 feet, is reached in the south wing
In connection with this are the consul.
tation rooms for the judges and large
Office for the clerk. The latter Is pro-
vided with a vault. Adjoining the su'
preme court room and facing the east
is the large and sunny room intended
for the territorial library, and opposite
this are private and public Office rooms
for the solicitor general.
THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
On this floor, in the west wing. Ia To-
Gated the council chamber, together
with a room and vault for the chic
clerk, besides reading. smoking ant
cloak rooms and closets for the conven
fence Of the council, From these room
a private stairway leads to the pr1vat,