New-York tribune., 1905-03-04
COMPLETING THE CAPITOL.

The plans for the extension and completion
of the Capitol at Washington just approved by
a joint commission representing the two houses
of Congress seem TO offer an excellent solution
of veXed problem. A year or more ago. when
Congress decided that certain alterations in the
building, carrying out the general designs left
by Walter, were desirable, much apprehension
was expressed by critics who thought that more
harm than good might come of attempts to
tinker with an already noble and imposing
structure. The plans made by Walter, it was
declared, were not thoroughly worked out
Moreover, it was said, they were drawn, in
part at least, to meet practical demand for
space within the building, which, with the au-
thorzation Of the new House and Senate an
neXes, no longer exists Congress very wisely,
before taking action, decided to consult the
best architectural opinion, and the joint COM
mission, following these instructions. has, after
a years deliberation, approved modified ex-
tension plan, submitted by the we'll known
architectural firm, Carrere & Hastings
The chief merit of this plan is that it pro-
poses treatment of the building in which ar
tistic results alone are sought The pressure
for room, which Walter foresaw and allowed
for in his designs, has not been permitted to
obscure the real purpose of the extension, which
is to bring the main east front into completer
harmony with the rest of the building AS is
well known, the present dome was set on the
foundations of the old DOME and, being much
larger, it almost overhangs the east front of
the old Capitol, now the middle section OF
the enlarged building. Walter proposed to
carry the east front forward and thus furnish
a better modelled base. But in his last report
made in 1864, he advised that this work be post
poned until the condition of the country be-
comes more settled and prosperous" The de-
STABILITY of refacing the east front with mar
BILE has long been recognized, and when that
step was determined upon the question natu-
rally arose whether the enlargement indicated
as necessary by Walter should not also be un-
dertaken.
The joint commission has recommended what
seems to be a sensible middle course Its re.
port approves the Walter drawings to the ex-
tent of carrying the east front forward II feet
10 inches, so as to restore q better proportion
between the dome and the base But it rejects
as needless any further enlargement, made
simply for the purpose of furnishing additional
room space. One column is TO be added at each
end of the main pediment and the middle Sec
ton Of the building will thus gain an appear.
ance of breadth and solidity which, in compari-
son with the wings, it at present lacks. Yet
the general lines Of the FACADE will be so little
changed that when they are completed the
casual observer will hardly notice that any al
terations have taken place. The Capitol has
come to be what it is through a long succession
Of additions and extensions. Yet its integrity
has been wonderfully well preserved. From
the latest effort at completion and unfcation-
based, as it is, on sound architectural considera-
tions-no possible injury is to be feared.