The Washington herald., 1912-03-16
A TOURIST GUIDE
TO THE CAPITAL
a Fresh Picture Of Points Of In.
terest for Those VINO Come
from Afar.

m every city OF note there are many
things Of more or less interest TO all kinds
OF people. and q few special things that
appeal to every one. That is especially
true in Washington, where every true
American should be vitality interested in
the things that pertain to the national
government, that is to US. or United
States. 1t really means the same thing.
A visitor here for a very short time
things in two days, by going at II in the
right way. One day may be profitably
spent, beginning with the Capitol. Go
carly, and examine the building, base
lnent, main floor, ard terraces, bronze
doors, pictures in the rotunda, Of his
toric interest, and statues in the old hall
OF Representatives.
At the Capitol.
Don't fail 10 see the bronze balustrades
below the House and Senate corridors,
and note the American game birds in
the Senate wing. Visitors are allowed
in the legislative chambers until nearly
noon, when the respective bodies usually
assemble just at twelve. 1t is very in
tsresting 10 stand in the corridor and
watch the justices of the Supreme Court
cross from the robing room into the
court. Then by going quickly to the
senate and then to the House one may
see both bodies in session before lunch
lime. II is OF vital importance in sight
seeing not to forget 10 eat,
BY lunching at the Library of Congress
the interested visitor is in a position to
spend several hours inspecting that build
ing 10 good advantaRe-it is well to re-
member also that the library Is open in
the evening, and on Sunday afternoons, a
time when sll the other government
buildings are closed, except the New
Museum.
While in the library. IL possible, see the
m"saics and fireplaces in the House read
ing room, as they are among the most
interesting decorations in the building
Ine gallery in the rotunda or main read
ing room is also very interesting. Only
leaders are supposed to use the room it.
Scit A visit to the new office buildings
belonging 10 the House and Senate, re-
spt cttUlly, may ne found interesting. or a
drive through the Mall. around the Wash
ington Monument and White House. tax
ING in as much more Of the city as the
time allows
The next day offers opportunity for a
sLori visit to the White House at ten,
Glance around the Corcoran Gallery not
Tar away. Indeed, some Of the more
famous paintings and pieces Of statuary
are worth more than a hasty glance. III
d. the War Department and Treasury
buildings. II Is possible to walk through
them also, as they are very near both
TIE White Hocse and the picture gallery.
To Mount Vernon.
Then. after a hssty luncheon, take the
, lectric car near the post-ofice for Mount
Vernon. at l or o'clock, as no con-
scientious visitor should ever omit the
pilgrimage to Washington's home on the
Potomar. The way lies through Alex
a1dria. where leisurely tourists may stop
on and see the historic church where
Washington had pew, with his auto
graph on the name plate.
This in two days, the industrious and
Indefs tigable visitor may see the most
Important sights OF the city. and what is I
thUs seen will remain in the mind and |
IN source of satisfaction. But such
hurried touristE will miss lots of the
{ "arm "f a more leisurely visit
For those who have been here before.
and feel they have done all the stock
things. there are many new buildings and
EXHIBITS to add to the memories OF old
time friends
The New Museum building has now in
Il tine pictures presented to our govern
menf for national gallery, many of
which are of Historic interest, others fine
examples Of the old masters, with some
very fine modern paintings by celebrated
living artists at home and abroad. There
may also be seen the wonderful life
like group of American Indians Engaged
in their tasks OF providing food or cloth
ing for their families, children with their
toys, all costume6 in clothes actually
worn by members of their respective
tribes. Down below in the same building
al present are the models for three diff
ferent possible monuments TO Abraham
lincoln. with illustrations giving the
m onument and surrounding in three diff
fercnt situations.
The Continental Memorial Hall, built
by the Daughters Of the American Revo- |
luton, is one OF the conspicuous new
of the last few years. and lust
below il on Seventeenth street, is another
" bite marble ediice, the Pan-American
most interesting, outside and in, having |
the court or patio" common to many
south American buildings, and well worth |
visit on its own account, regardless of |
the increasing interest We take, or should, |
IN the other republics on these two con-
tinents. Persons who like machinery will |
find much that is fascinating in the
bureau of Engraving and Printing. |
IN ough visitors there are much restrict |
&C, and must he accompan MED through the |
building by a guide.
The Washington Monument, near by.
aHOfNS a NonQer1ui view on a clear day /
The elevator makes the ascent every half
noUr-the size is decidedly more impos-
ng on close inspection.
Navy Yard and Gun shop.
The big gun shop at the navy yard
Is also lodestone TO many visitors.
BOYS and even men who are tired to
death by an hour in picture gaIIerys ian
scarcely be dragged out by their COM
lSnions from this endless maze of big
machinery, where one may be fortunate
anough 10 see an electric crane pick up a
talrteen-inch gun, turn IL around carry
L The length Of the building, and put Il
N q lathe. Those lathes, with the work
nan riding on the machine, taking of
, thick curl of steel hot enough 10 burn
ne adventurous boy who picks 1t I'D, |
ire certainly irresistible.
Then the parks are what many visitors
IND most interesting Of all, especially in
ne spring. The zoo is attractive to
'hildren OF every age. is beautiful as
'ark. and exhibits unusually appropriate
houses. caves flying cages, &c, for ali
there
The peacocks wandering at will through
he grounds add much to the charm. The II
ords in Rock Creek often. id new and /,
interesting features TO thss drives. when
'transers come from partS fsthe coun-
~ where such substitute Eor bridges
ire unknown. II Is really qSjte thrill