Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1904-08-29

tinal form. Why does this shrine Of
the republic need alteration! Every
American is familiar with the outlines
of soaring dome and ma jestir facades.
A glimpse of the building arouses dor
mant patriotism and affection in the
heart of every American. The halls are
rich with marbles, sculptures. paint
lngs and mural decorations worthy of
the finest Old World palace. Changes
mean a destruction of many assoca-
tons.
however, and a comparison with the
model. leads to the conclusion that the
alterations will greatly add to the
beauty of the alphabetically called
miracle of architecture The build
Ing Is far from finished. The dome
lacks needful support and the central
hullding-the old CapitOl-is sIbordin-
ated to the new wings on either side
1t is now proposed to correct these
faults by erecting an extension to the
central structure. so that the eastern
front, with its portico and steps, will
he on Il line with those of the wings
AS for sentimental objections to such
change, it need merely be stated that
the adopted plan was made more than
quarter of a century ago and com
pleteS the alterations of which the
dome and legislative wings formed
parts.
History in Pictures.
On this page is pictured the evolu-
ton of the Capitol Thus only can the
history of the building be traced and
the proposed alterations given their
true significance. The structure we
know was not designed in the usual
meaning of the term. 1t has been
growing slowly during the Last 10
years. No single mind is here repre-.
scented. The story Of the structure re-
Sembles Il list of quarrels and conpnti.
Tons in which nearly every President,
and certainly every architect and
builder connected with the work. took
vigorous part, These quarrels have
made the building what it is-a COM
poslte structure, representing the best
thought and skill of the American peo-
pie.
a rude sketch shows the ruins of the
Capitol after its destruction 10y British
soldiers August ~, 1914 Compare
this picture with those above it Of the
Capitol as it is and probably will be,
ana all sentimental objections to the
alterations are Silenccd.
Even more striking is the contrast
between the capital city of to-day and
Of century ago. Well can we mag
Inc General Washington and Major
I.'Enfant wandering over the bare
Maryland hills in 1891 planning the
avenues of the unborn town, setting
aside valley for the main thorough
fare. this knoll for the "Prasidnnt's
House" and yonder hill for Congress
Hall" L'Enfant made studies for the
buildings and indicated the sites in his
map of 1891 The designs were never
finished. Congress took up the ques
ton. Then the trouble began and it
has lasted ever since.
Designed by West Indian.
1t seemed the irony of Fate that the
successful design came from resident
in the West Indies, who was not IL
citizen of the new republic Congress.
then holding its sessions in Philadcl
phiu. exhausted every means to pro-
cure Il native architect. A competition
was announced in Il Philadelphia paper
during 1872 for drawings for Con
gress Hair and the Presidents House
The prize was lot in the new city
and $500 or a medal Congress Hail.
was to be the largest building in the
country. combining grandeur. sim
plicity and convenience"
The thirteen designs submitted pos
seSsed Indifferent merit-that Of Ste