Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1904-08-10

the building to its
final form. Why does this shrine Of
the republic need alteration? Every
american is familiar with the outlines
sof soaring dome and majestic facades.
"A glimpse Of the building arcuses dor
lmant patriotism and affection in the
heart Of every American. The halls are
rich with marbles, sculptures, paint
ings and mural decorations worthy Of
the finest Old World palace. Changes
mean a destruction Of many associa-
tons.
A critical study of the building,
however, and a comparison with the
model, leads to the conclusion that the
alterations will greatly add to the
beauty Of the Capitol already called
a miracle Of architecture The build
ing is far from finished. The dome
lacks needful support and the central
huilding-the old Capitol-is subordin-
-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
be on a line with those of the wings.
As for sentimental objections to such
a change, it need merely be stated that
the adopted plan was made more than
a quarter of a century ago, and COM
pletes the alterations Of which the
dome and legislative wings formed
parts.
A History in Pictures.
On this page is pictured the evolu-
tion 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 ITO
years. No single mind is here repre-
sented The story Of the structure re-
sembles a list of quarreIs and competi-
tions 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
posite structure, representing the best
thought and skill of the American peo-
pie
A rude sketch shows the ruins Of the
Capitol after its destruction by British
soldiers August "a, 1914. Compare
this picture with those above 1t Of the
Capitol as it is and probably will be,
and all sentimental objections to the
alterations are silenced
Even more striking is the contrast
between the capital city of to-day and
.of a century ago. Well can we imag-
inc General Washington and Major
IEnfant wandering over the bare
Maryland hills in 1871 planning the
avenues Of the unborn town, setting
aside valley for the main thorough
fare, this knoll for the presidents
House" and yonder hill for Congress
Hail. L'Enfant made studies for the
buildings and indicated the sites in his
map Of 1871. The designs were never
finished Congress took MP the ques-
ton. Then the trouble began and ii.
has lasted ever since.
Designed by West Indian.
1t seemed the irony of Fate that the
sSucceSSful design came from resident
in the West Indies, who was not a
citizen Of the new republic. Congress,
then holding its sessions in Philadel-
phia, exhausted every means to pro-
cure native architect. A competition
was announced in Philadelphia paper
during 1892 for drawings for "Con-
gress HalP' and the Presidents House
The prize was a lot in the new city
and $500 or medal Congress Hall"
was to be the largest building in the
country, combining grandeur, sim
plicity ard convenience"
The thirteen designs submitted pos
ssessed Indifferent merit-that Of Ste