The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1905-05-18

dnal 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 will greatly add to the
beauty Of the Capitol-already called
4 miracle of architecture. The build
ing Is far from finished. The dome
lacks a needful support and the central
huilding-the old Capitol-is subordin-
nted 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 line with those of the wings. |
As for sentimental objections to such |
change. 1t need merely be stated that |
the adopted plan was made more than |
q quarter Of 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 ITO
years No single mind is here repre-
sented. 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 1t is-a COM
posite structure. representing the best
thought and skill of the American peo-
pie. o
A rude sketch shows the ruins of the o
Capitol after its destruction by British r
'oidiers August "a, 1914. Compare C
bis picture with those above It Of the
Capitol as IT is and probably will be,
Ind all sentimental objections to the O.
alterations are silenced. r
Even more striking Is the contrast a
'etween the capital city Of to-day and o.
4 a century ago. Well can we imag- d.
ne General Washington and Major OF
iEnfant wandering over the bare 81
faryland hills in 1891 planning the al
venues Of the unborn town, setting III
dde valley for the main thorough T
are, this knoll for the PRESIDENTS OF
louise" and yonder hill for Congress bl
Inll-" DEnfant made studies for the or
uildings and Indicated the sites In bis re
zap Of 1901. The designs were never
nished. Congress took up the ques- 10
on. Phen the trouble began and 1t he
~ lasted ever since. an
Designed By West Indisn. tn
1t seemed the irony Of Fate that the tn
lccessful design came from resident ur
the West Indies, who was not a 70
tisen Of the new republic. Congress, 81
en holding its sessions In Philadel- ne
la. exhausted every means to pro- na
re a native architect. A competition ac
- announced In Philadelphia paper th,
ring 1892 for drawings for Con be
- HALF and the Presidents House. Of
'e prize was a lot In the new city tn,
d $500 or a medal. Congress Halp sor
u to be the largest building in the ges
1ntry, combining grandeur, sim be
city and convenience" pa,
The thirteen designs submitted pos st1l
ssd Indifferent merit-that Of Ste wa