New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-08
DESIGNER OF CAPITOL EXTENSIONS
A Senate Report Shows That Credit Is Due TO
Charles F Anderson.

To the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir; recently published article on the proposed
extension Of the Capitol referred 10 Mr.. Walter
as the designer Of the wings Of the Capitol. This
IS the popular impression but the fact IS. the
credit belongs 10 Charles Frederick Anderson
Although Mr.. Anderson's claim having de-
signed the extensions OF tho Capitol has been fully
established by investigation made by the Senate
Committee on Buildings and Grounds. reported in
Senate document No. 90. XXXVIIIth Congress.
first session. March .. 1854. he has received no
recognition in any Of the descriptions OF the Capt
tol or In the papers this subject published in
the proceedings OF the American Institute Archi-
tects- The favorable report on AnGerson'S claim
was accompanied by a bill giving him $500 which
was approved by the President February Z.
ls66 As the Capitol is now admitted 20 bs the
finest building in the United States. Justice de-
mands that the part taken in its design by Mr..
Anderson should be generally known.
This Senate report states that in December. $50.
the Committee on Public Buildings advertised for
designs for the extension OF the Capitol. From
numerous designs submitted four were selected.
and the advertised premium equally divided among
the four architects. Mr.. Anderson being OF the
recipients The committee then employed an archl-
tect named Mills 20 prepare q design for the ex-
tension 10 the Capitol. based the principal feat
ures OF the four selected plans. The main features
OF this plan. the report states. corresponded with
the plan OF Mr.. Anderson. However. President
Fillmore adopted different design. and the corner
stone was laid on July 4. 1871 This plan retained
only few OF the external features OF Mr.. Ander-
sons design. and none Of the internal arrange
ment. but there 3 much dissatisfaction mani
Tested IN the Senate that IL finally rejected
although the foundations were nearly completed.
Then President Pierce transferred the work the
extension OF the Capitol from the Department OF
the Interior 10 the War Department, and the work
was put into the hands OF Captain ". G. Mcgs
81 the corps OF engineers Captain Mcigs emplOyed
Thomas ". Walter. architect OF Philadelphia. to
assist him IN preparing a design. aIaiNng
the four architects whose designs had been selected
in the competition. 1t IS known the report goes
on 10 say. 'tnat Captain Meigs had one or more
interviews with Mr.. Anderson, with fun eNplaua-
II remains only TO be seen b. comparison OF
the building with the plans Of Mr.. Anderson
whether there is any similarity or identity be-
tween them. The separation OF the wings from
nades the east. north. south and west sides ara
similar, as well as the exterior Cf both wings"
The report finally winds up by saying: The COM
Mittee, from actual inspection Of Mr. Ander-
extensions or the building they exist be-
heye that his original conceptions and plans have
entered to considerable extent into the existing
construction OF the Capitol extensions"
/ had opportunity Of verifying the findings
OF this committee. for ! was employed by Mr..
Anderson, and the original plans were hung the
walls OF the IN which worked for a
year. and / frequently visited the Capitol while
the exterior Of the extensions was still Incomplete
i was also engaged under Mr.. Anderson's instruc-
tions IN making notifications ia plans Of the SEN
ate and House chambers so that my attention
called 20 the similarity OF Mr.. Anderson's plans
20 the executed work. both regards the interior
arrangement and the treatment OF the wings on
the exterior They were copied from Mr.. Ander-
sons design. GEORGE KELLER.
Hartford. Conn. May G. 1904