The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-16
THE INDIAN AND THE LIBRARY.
Was II Made by Man: An Aboriginal
Tribute to the Great Edifcc.


There are plenty OF people, even in Wash
ington, who, perhaps, do not realize the fact
that in the splendid architectural monu-
ment which Mr.. John L. Smithmeyer has
erected in the Congressional Library
building to the glory of American art
in the nineteenth century, new won
der of our modern world. has been
added to the sum of human achievements.
1t is true that the beautiful edifce abroad
has been accepted as the ideal Of ami
model for all such works, but Americans
as a rule have been slow to recognize the
splendOr of the conception, largely because
they have few things of corresponding art
and beauty with which to compare it. 1t
is a satisfaction to know that the mag
nificent Library building is regarded in
Europe as the most perfect and noble edi-
fee of its sort in the known word. From
a rather different point of view. 1t is a
positive pleasure to see, from the story
which follows. taken from the ''St. Paul
Pioneer Press" that the untutored abor-
igine OF the country is able to appreciate
the sublimity Of the design and the genius
of the architect who created it.
Captain crossfield, of the Fifteenth Min
nesota, one day last week stretched to
dry out in front of his tent a handsome
piece of carpet. Whenever fellow officer
approached, the newcomer would glance
in startled way at the carpet, and either
step over it or around it. Finally the
captain was compelled TO observe that the
carpet was to step on. not TO look at.
You fellows remind me somewhat of
three Sisseton Indians | took down 10
Washington few months ago."
And then the captain told a remarkable
story. showing the deep emotional nature
Of the Indian, and his powers OF reverence
One of the Indians was chief: the other
two were braves. Captain Crossfield had
come to know them well. being connected
with the Indian Department. and could
speak their language thoroughly.
The trip to Washington was an aston
ishing revelation TO the redskins. On every
hand they were confronted with marvels.
AT every turn their senses received new
shock. But Indian like. no word OF amaze
ment, no exclamation OF admiration es-
capped their lips, From morning until
night they moved about the National Capi-
tai in stoical silence
Finally the captain took his Indians TO
the new Congressional Library NOR
exquisite creation than this structure was
never reared. Its marvellous beauty ex-
motionless.
Into this structure the Indians we're led.
They walked up the spotless marble steps
with imperturbable faces. and crossed the
threshold into a paradise of white marble
and onyx Here they suddenly stopped
With eyes constantly growing wider and
wider. the redmen drank in the beauties
of the building. Reverence was now de-
pieted upon their faces. Awe stricken.
and overpowered by his sensations, the
chief finally turned to Captain Crossfeld,
and sweeping his hand majestically, whis-
pered this enquiry in his native tongue:
Made by man.
No flow Of eloquence. no powers of speech
could have so beautifully expressed the
Indians establishment, veneration, fear,
awe
Yes. all made by man. answered the
captain.
Still unsatisfed the chief moved eau
tiously wonderingly toward a massive col
umn of white marble and stretched out his
hand toward it. Then he drew it back. as
If fearful it was all a phantom At last
he touched the cold white stone with the
tips OF his fingers and again drew them
back sharply. this time as if the knowledge
Of the reality OF what he beheld was too
rudely brought TO him.
After that the chief called the other In
dams to him. and they all touched the |
marble column and seemed unable TO
leave the edifice. But no word could be !
got from them. Their minds were like |
sealed books, but Captain Crossfeld be- /
Iieves no tribute which has ever been paid /
10 an architect was more eloquent than |
hat whispered enquiry Made nv MAN 90 I