The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1902-09-05
INVOLVEMENT TO VIRGINIA'S
ANCIENT CAPITOL.

Virginia is to have practically new
Capitol and at the same time preserve
the grand old building around which
cluster to many historical associations
and which is 50 dear to the heart OF
every citizen of the Old Dominion.
The Legislature appropriated 500,
900 to enlarge, modernize and reno
vate the classic old building, but pro-
vided explicitly in the bill that there
shall be no change in the general plan
and architectural design. The need
for this enlargement and renovation
has long been felt, and the action OF
the Legislature meets with universal
approval, for not only is the structure
itself bound by ties of affection to the
hearts of the people of Virginia, but
in the rotunda stands the priceless
pieces of marble, Houdon's statue OF
Washington, the most exact reproduc'
ton of the form and features Of the
Father of His Country extant. Not
only Virginians, but every American
and admirer on distant lands, will
breathe sigh of relief to learn that
this invaluable work of art it safe from
possible destruction by fire and will
be preserved for the admiration OF
generations yet unborn.
While no definite plans have been
drawn for the repairs and enlargement
it is known that the building will be
given all practicable protection against
the ravages of fire by the substitution
of metal or tile floors for the present
plank ones and the addition of metal
roof and ceiling and the removal Of all
the woodwork that can be dispensed
with. Moreover, the building is to be
enlarged to meet the growing need OF
the State for more ample facilities for
the conduct Of legislative and executive
business. What was once amply large
for the infant State is far too small for
the Virginia of the twentieth CEN
tury.
The historic plans and outlines are
to be faithfully preserved in the en-
largemeht, which will simply amount
to an extension of the north front
along the lines of the present build
ing. The plan is to extend the north
front 90 feet, adding that much depth
to the hall of the House of Delegates
and greatly increasing the floor space
of the apartments now occupied by
the offices of the Governor and the
Secretary of Commonwealth.
The Capitol is one of the historic
buildings of the country, and within
it's portals have occurred many OF the
most stirring events of the nations
history. Its very walls are redolent
with eloquence and are shrine OF
freedom. Within them the fathers
have lifted up their voice for liberty.
A list of the great men who have here
spoken would be muster roll of honor
longer than could be furnished by any
other State-yea, than any other
country. Washington, Jefferson, Ma
son, Madison, Barbour, Monroe-these
are names to conjure with. Yet they
are but few of the great ones that
Virginia gave to the country, and who
in their day and time have lifted up
their voices in the historic walls OF
Virginia's Capital.
Here Aaron Burr, an ex.Vice-Presi-
dent of the United States, was arraign-
ed and tried in 1907 before John
Marshall, the greatest of American
Judges. The scene when Burr arose
to plead not guilty to the charge OF
treason was notable and dramatic in
the grouping of the leading men of the
day. Back of the statesmen and
generals of the Revolution a small
boy had climbed upon the large brass
door-knob to see over the crowd.
From his position of vantage he
saw it all. Forty years later the world
knew him as General Winfield Scott,
the hero OF the Mexican War. Here
assembled the convention of l829-3O,a a
body whose personnel was the equal
of any that has ever assembled: Here
assembled the convention that severed
Virginia from the Union and cast her
lot for better or worse with her sister
Southern States. Here, later, the
delegates from those States assembled
as the Confederate Congress-7he
Sunny South.
Dora-"Oh! I'm in such distress
of mind and l want your advice. l
am loved by three men, and I don't
know which one to accept"
Clara-"Which one has the most
money!"
noro-HTf know tho. tlo von ann.