The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-06-14
MISSISSIPPpS CAPITOL
NEW HOME OF STATE A MAdNI-
 FICENT STRUCTURE.
Fine Example of Pure Renaissance Classic Architecture-Interior De- tails Probably, Unequaled in the South-Cost 100000
 and Occupies old Peni- tentiary Site.

New Orleans Times-pemocrat
 The future home of the Commonwealth of Mississippi Is well fitted for It's great office. Power, dignity and beauty clothe the splendid structure. which, standing on an elevation somewhat above the grade of the surrounding town, is sl- houetted clearly against a blue Southern sky. It dominates the view not so much by reason of it's superior size and because of the informing idea that the stone has caught and embodied-that of power and sovereignty. Amid a multitude of build- ings infinitely greater in size, 1t would stifl be recognizable at once as the Capi- tol. the seat of law and authority.
 The structure Is 402 feet in length from wing to wing. and the immense dome. the most conspicuous feature of the exterior. rises 175 feet above the grade line established for the main en- trance. The height of the building, ex elusive of dome, is 6S feet The width of the main pavilion in the center is 20 feet, while that of the two end pavilions is 116 feet. The extreme length of the building as compared with the width. was not designed at the expense of dignity and solidity. Both of these qualities are fully preserved. with the addition of a grace and elegance that results from the em- ployment of correct proportions. It stands on a lot about 750 feet square. the site of the old penitentiary, the main facade to the south:
 Cost of Building.
 The total cost of the building was. in round numbers, a million dollars. The Legislature of 1900 appropriated , this amount for the building and furniture. but subsequently, found necessary to add $3O,000 for extra foundation work. making the total appropriation for the purposes just mentioned. $1,03o00O Of this fund strict construction contracts, the architects fee and the expenses of the commission consumed about million, leaving only $30,000 available for furni- ture It cannot be said that the construc- tion contracts have all been carried out. While the exterior Is complete in every respect some work remains to be done on the interior. The contractors estimate that 1t will be ready for occupancy by Au- gust 1. two months from the present date. The interior, however, is so far advanced that one passing through the corridors and chambers can get perfectly accu- rate Idea of how the structure will appear when the finishing touches shall have been supplied. What remains to be done, fin fact chiefly concerns certain orna- mental details whose absence would hardly be noted by the casual observer.
 The main approach to the building is perhaps from the front. although an ob- lique view from corner of the lot, bringing into the range of vision one of the ends, would give better general idea of the plan. As one walks up the long approach leading to the double flight of steps in front of the main portico, he has full time for the beauty of the Etruc- ture to dawn upon him. The first glance takes in a general view of the massive vet graceful outlines that rise before and ahove him He sees a beautiful and dig nified portco projecting in front of a central pavilion. To right and left are wings leading to pavilions on the east and
 t1,n ho tower to an immense height a massive dome, surrounded with columns, and tinned with the figure of a golden eagle that stands with wings outspread as If ready for flight Over the cast and west navilons are minor domes and In front of them are porticos that lend an inde- sc-ihahle air of dignity to them. Every tbinv is white-the building is construct al of white ilmestone-and the prevailing color adds both purity and elegance to Inc design It requires only moment Tor him to comprehend the triple scheme of the building. which seeks by architec- turaI device to typify not only the power. honor and stability of the State, but also +o cive expression to the trinity of pur- roses for which the Capitol eXists-the accommodation of the executive, legisla- t,,.o and judicial branches of the govern noantA The three Pavilions surmounted hv three domes emphasize this funda- mental idea in ringularly direct man
 Architectural.
 The building is in the pure Renaissance .lossic stvIe and as one approache: nearer he is able to distinguish better and admire the elegant detail with Whicf the styIe is carried out. The commanding eYact of the portico is heightened by thu fact that it Is on level with the req second story of the building, and fl