The National tribune., 1904-04-28


necessary to modify the Walter plans to
this extent, so the space under considera-
ton was made into smaller rooms. The
modified plans contain 66 rooms, which
will be divided equally between the House
and Senate.
The approximate area covered by the
proposed extension is 81, 600 square feet
The total area of the present building is
estimated at 132, 73O square feet. One of
the features OF the proposed extension
plans is the preservation of the old orIgl-
nal east wall of the present central build
ing. upon which rests the dome of the Cap
itui. If the plans are carried out rs now
made. this wall will become the rear wall
of the inner court yard and will be visible
from the corridors which traverse this
section.
The Western extension planned by MIR.
Walter has been abandoned. All the ter
races of the Capitol are on the western
side. and they have been constructed at
enormous expense. If the extension were
made it would require arrangement OF
the landscape effects. and would destroy
the vista frem the Capitol to the White
House to some extent.
The rooms i'm the eastern extension are
to he about 22x30 feet in dimension. 1t is
proposed that the work shall be SO nearly
identical with that of the wings that il
viii be impossible to tell where the new
work begins or the old ends The wings
of the Capitol are Of white marble. The
central building is of an inferior limestone
central building is Of an inferior freestone
and has to be painted every few years to
keep it looking respectable. The addition
planned will be of fine white marble.
Mr.. Woods made a report to Congress
on the proposed extension. which is repro
duced here because it is of good historic
value. and the work Of man who is ell
Enthusiastically in earnest in advocating the
improvement. Mr.. Woods says:
THE old building. fostered by Wash
mgton and designed by Thornton. was
considered to afford, when completed in
1890 ample accommodations for then ex-
listing and probable future needs of the
country. but the tremendous progress of
the Nation. the increase in popula ton, and
consequent legislative representation soon
proved the old Capitol was too small to
properly accommodate the Legislative De
partnlcnt Of the Government"
Then came the first extensions. begun
in 1851 and completed in 1850. Congress
authorized and Walter carried out the con-
struction Of the marble additions ut the
north and south. Walter adhered faithful
y to the spirit of the original. and. re-
q LIKING that the future might again find
the Capitol inadequate in accommodations.
he turned his attention to the preparation
of plans for an extension to the eastward
Of the present building. an extension which
would harmonic with what already eN-
listed. which would give additional beauty
to the splendid dome he had designed AMI
erected. and which he hoped would some
day grace n completed structure.
'Walter has left rs heritage the plans
which I now present you for considera ton.
He has left us a picture Of his conception
of the completed Capitol What greater
tribute to his remarkable genius could be
paid than to say that. if completed i'm ac-
oorIo wifi no r.g. toll W.
gain splendid addition. and yet. as one
views it from the viewpoint SunnGsed in
the perspective. it is still the Capitol.
at would seem sacriege to offer amy
other plan for considerat ton that the Wal
ter plan. We may safely he guided by
the thought. the effort and the production
of this great mans genius. | do not think
this plan should be altered in any par,ie-
ular. as far as concerns the exterior pro-
portions and alignments. As relates to the
interior arrangement of rooms. the require
ments Of the times are different. and
changes are essential in the interior ar
ransement of the Walter plan to suit ex
listing conditions.
II therefore take the liberty of present
ing plan in which these notifications
are set forth. In the modified plan it will
be seen that while the splendid marb,e cor
Encouragement of the rooms oh either
side is effected. giving as great number
as possible. with total of ti';-:3::, for the
House and like number for the Senate.
'"rhe construction of this addition will
cost approximate ly. $780, 600. and whil;
it involves the removal of the Cd portico
at the east it does not involve the re-
moval of the principal walls Of the Old AMI
historical portion Of the Capitol The pres
ent front wall OF the old building remiips
as the rear wall Of an open court. which
lights the west side of the proposed new
addition.
I'm the proposed addition ample prari
sion is made for elevators. stairways. and
corridor connection with the corridors Of
the north and south wings. Ms well as for
the direct communication with the RotHnda
from the east.
THE details of the construction. snch a.
arches and other masonry work. ma.hl"
and plaster work. remain tire sa;'e II
the wings. No departure from this idea
will be made. One should he abe tn mass
from either wing through tho new porto"
and see the same general structural and
ornamental features. The magnifcSnA en-