New-York tribune., 1905-06-18

ally, have comprehensive idea of the way n
is to look in the years of it's an armory;
and to many the picture is not altogether pleas
ing. They object to the armory's most imposing
feature, its central tower.
Springing from the graceful arch over the matn
entrance, in 34th-st., and the turrets fankfngH
on either side, this main tower scars away ints
the air to distance of 259 feet above the Level
of 33d-st., which at that point Is considerably
lower than 34th-st. The tower is about twenty
seven feet square from the roof Of the main
, building almost its entire height, there being
small cupola, also square, surmount1ng it Both
tower and cupola are devoid Of any ornamenta-
ton to speak Of and it is this that critics Of
the building chiefly object.
Looks like the hose tower a Fire Depare-
ment house." complained one man.
With few lanterns up top there 1t might
easily be mistaken for lighthouse on a stormy
night commented another.
But it is so tall so gaunt," protested pretty
stenographer in d nearby store And those
little windows in it make it look so like a prison
Br-r-r-rhi"
THAT little cupola, with its rounded root
looks like the cabin yacht, was the sug-
gestion of one man.
| The original plans of Clinton & Russell archI
tects of the building, called for the copper
figure of an infantryrnan to surmount the
cupola, but this part of the plans was dispensed
with when the idea gained ground that such a
figure might give rise to unpleasant talk about
tin soldiers AS it now stands, the architects
claim for the tower that it is in keeping with
the solid baronial type of architecture Of the
building and that it is one of the most useful
features of the entire armOry. Indeed, II the
big brick tower, with its granite trimmings. full
fills all the uses to which it is planned to put
OY,ahI
cheerfuly overlook anything lacking in external
appearance.
From the top of the tower nearly every armory
in the city can be seen on clear days. and it Is
to be utilized by the signal corps. The new
armory is to be brigade headquarters, and
orders from the general may be wigwagged from
the top of the tower to the other armories II
is also to be used for flash signalling, and In
this respect at least is expected to prove OF great
military value.
The signal corps will also have room in the
tower in which to practise climbing poles. seal
ing walls and erecting signal stations This
room forty-eight feet in height, will have steel
ceilings and every appliance to aid in the train
ing of the members of the signal corps
The third floor is to be given up to the uses
of the signal corps There is lecture room on
this floor and in addition the quarters OF the
signal corps officers and the medical depart
ment are located there.
An electric elevator will run the whole length
of the big tower making every room in it easy
of access.
The main drill hail. which is on the S4th-se
level is 1S9 feet wide and POS feet long It's
galleries have a seating capacity Of 265O. or
twice that of the old building. On this floor
level but at the Park-ave. side of the building,
the quarters of the brigadier general. officers
of the regiment, board rooms and various other
rooms These are reached from the street
through private entrance.
Under the big drillrOom are the quarters Of tbs
men of the regiment. These are equipped with
shower baths and lockers. library and a largo
gymnasium, beside a squad room and an assem-
bly, room. amphitheatre. The QuartermasteTs
department, the store room and boiler room are
also this floor. At the extreme eastern end
of the building is the rifle range. which Is con-
structed the double deck system, having
twelve targets. six on each deck Immediately
over this is the revolver range and assembly
for the rifle club. The armory has many
other splendid appointments
Work has advanced slowly on the STRUCTURE
but it is expected that it viii be completed
within two months