The Washington herald., 1910-04-25

Washington has another masterpiece OF
original architecture and artistic splendor
10 invite the rivalry Of nations in the new
home Of the International Bureau OF
American Republics
When John Barrett. director. opened
the home OF American diplomacy to the
press Of the Capital. last night. as accus-
toned as those men OF the pen are 10
things extraordinary, they were startled
by the revelation Of another addition 10
the show places Of the world.
The most striking feature Of the build
ing is that it Is absolutely unique. From
the Spanish-American patio and its cleo
trio fountain blazing in the combined
colors OF the South American republics
and half buried In growing tropical foli-
age, TO the lofty marble walls and gay
facades. there is nothing ike It in the
capitals Of the world.
Attraction for Foref ners.
There IS no place in We nington that
viii attract foreign visitors and receive
their unanimous admiration Ike this
home CT American industry, dedicated 10
the wide plan Of bringing North and
South America into closer kinship
As Director John Barrett showed go
invited guests through the structure Iasc
night the Marine Band PLAYED the pa
triotic airs Of the twenty-one republics
from one Of the splendid balconies. and
the colored fountain. designed by Mrs.
Harry Payne Whitney. fared radiantly in
the center Of the court. Above the patio
the movable roof. opening 70 the sky at
the touch Of a button, silently slid vide.
and rain pattered down in q rainbow
shower On thu exotic plants and trees
below.
The effect was theatrical. and yet there
was a soldity 10 the plan that made It
real The patio is South American. and
there is an atmosphere Of the lands
where the Southern Cross blazes in the
night sky that carried the visitors some
where South Of Panama % and gave them
a fash OF the glamour and old romance
Of the Latin republics
With the languorous glances Of black
veiled senorltas through the barred win
dows around the court. the picture would
have been complete.
Names of Famous Men.
on the walls of the patio are enblaz-
oned escUtcheons Of the republics in
cOiors. and the names Of twelve men
famous in pan-A0erican history. The
pavement tilng portrays ancient Aztec
and Incan NEUROLOGICAL characters.
The fountain is cut from Etowah mar
bIe, and its figures are Of Mexican and
South American Indian men and women.
The court has 4.5oo feet Of tubing. used
with compressed air 20 make the fountain
play in multi-colored cascades. The me-
chanical arrangement was the work Of an
expert. Samuel J. Hail. The sliding roof
IS the biggest OF its kind in America.
President Taft. who Will take part IN
the dedication exercises tomorrow after
noon and night. declared the event was
one Of the most important in the history
OF the American republics. Andrew Car
negie. whose millions made the building
possible. and who will also participate in
the ceremonies. viii arrive at the New
Willard this morning
Diplomats TO Attend.
The entire diplomatic corps will be
present. and many men in public life Will
be special guests. Cardinal Gibbons VIII
deliver the invocation at the afternoon
ceremony, and Secretary Knox. chairman
Of the government board Of international
American republics. Will deliver the open
ing address.
Director John Barrett. whose ideas were
carried out by the architects in the gem
eral plan Of the buildings. VIII also
speak. Cable messages from the execu.
tives OF the twenty-one republics viii ba
read.