The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1904-09-22

final form. Why does THIS SHRINE OF
the republic need alteration? Every
American is familiar with the outlines
Of soaring dome and majestic 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
ings and mural decorations worthy OF
the finest Old World palace Changes
mean 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 viii 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
building-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
bt OA a mt WIN 14O-E VI AAC H4llH--
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-
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 list of quarrels and competi-
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 |
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 It Of the
Capitol as 1t 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 century ago. Well can we imag-
Inc General Washington and Major
'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 Presidents
House. and yonder hill for Congress
Hall" DEnfant made studies for the
buildings and indicated the sites in his
nap Of 1871. The designs were never
finished. Congress took up the ques-
ion. Then the trouble began and It
las lasted ever since.
Designed by West Indian.
1t seemed the irony Of Fate that the
uccessful design came from resident
n the West Indies, who was not a
ltizen of the new republic. Congress,
hen holding its sessions in Philadel-
hia, exhausted every means TO pro-
ure a native architect A competition
ras announced in Philadelphia paper
uring 1902 for drawings for Con
ress Hall" and the Presidents House.
he prize was lot in the new city
nd $500 or medal. Congress Hall"
,as to be the largest building in the
,untry, combining grandeur, SIM
lefty and convenience"
The thirteen designs submitted pos |
,asSd Indifferent merit-that Of Ste