The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-08-28
PALACE OF PEACE
Andrew Carnegie's Gift to the
World Is Dedicated.
He Donated $1,5OO,OOO for Its
Erection.

Inc hague, aug. 2S.-Ihe capltal
was gayly decorated today in honor
of the ceremo nies incident to the dedi-
cation of the Palace of Peace, Andrew
Carnegie'S magnificent gift home
for the permanent court of arbitra-
ton. Many notable men, principally
diplomats, were here from other coun
; tries to attend the ceremonies.
The American minister to the Meth
erlands, Lloyd Bryce, and Mr.. and
Mrs. Carnegie were also in attendance.
Among the other Americans present
was Oscar Straus of New York, a
member of the permanent court of
arbitration. The acceptance of the
building by Minister of Foreign At
fairs Swinderon on behalf of the diplo-
matte corps was his last official act.
The Palace of Peace is the gift of
Andrew Carnegie, who, In 1903, placed
at the disposal of the Dutch govern
ment the sum of $1,500.0OO for the
purpose, as expressed in his offer, ''of
erecting and maintaining at The
Hague a court house and library for
the Permanent Court of Arbitration
eSta blished by the treaty of the 29th
of July, 1892
To provide a site for this the first
structure ever erected for such a par-
pose, the Dutch government appro-
priated $275, 900. The site selected is
IT a section of wooded and hilly park
stretching from The Hague to Schev-
! eningen, and the cornerstone was laid
i July 80. 1907.
Worldwide Competition.
A worldwide competition for plans
and designs for the Peace Palace was
established and the first prize was
awarded to NJ. Cordonnier. a Brus-
sells architect. The building as COM
! Eleted, however, does not represent
the original plans, the Carnegie COM
mittee having reserved the right to
modify all designs. With Mr.. Gordon
rier's plans for foundation, Mr.. van
de Steur was appointed to carry out
the modified design and remained in
div of
| completion of the building.
The Palace of Peace completed
does not represent any precise style
| Of architecture, but it is regarded by
architects as one of the most impress
sive of modern buildings to be seen in
Europe. Rectangular in shape, it
forms roughly a square of IS yards
By Sc yards, and encloses a beautiful
formal garden. On three sides the
building constitutes the court house,
and on the fourth or west side are the
quarters of the library. The facade
of the second floor is adorned with
statues. the figures representing sci
ence, agriculture, art, navigation,
commerce, industry, conscience, elo-
quence, will force, study, authority,
humanity, conStancy and wisdom.
The main windows of the great court
are guarded by statues of Justice and
Law, and over the central gable above
the main entrance stands figure of
Peace her hands resting on the hilt of
a
swathed scrolls. Just below, over the
corridor, stand two lions.
Contains Four BuStS.
The statuary however, is not con-
fined to the symbolic Four men have
been honored by busts. These are
Hugo Grotius, who has been called the
pioneer of international law; King Ed
ward the Seventh, Sir Randall Cremer,
and William T. Stead. the English
writer and peace leader who persisted
in the Titanic" lie bust of Cremer
was the gift of the International Ar
bitratiOn league.
Within, all that modern art and skill
could do to symbolic the purpose of
the Palace has been devoted to the dec
grafton. The grand marble staircase
which forms the main entrance is illu-
minated from group of stained glass
windows, showing Peace shedding rays
of light on Art and Science, Land and
Sea, Commerce and Industry; while to
the left and right are other stained
glass windows depicting the ancient
horrors of War and above them are
companion panels of Terror and Death.
The great court is an imposing hall
about "A feet long by about 40 feet
in width and rising to the full height
of the Palace. 1t will accommodate
about 900 persons. At the rear facing
the bench or presiding officers stand
is an enormous arched stained glass
window. To one side of it is a draped
figure of Justice bearing a sword, and
to the other Truth surveying her nak-
edness in mirror. Over the throne is
huge oil painting, a gift of France.
To the left of the great hall are the
arched galleries for the use of the pub
lie. The walls are paneled with oak
and the ceiling is of embossed oak in
wonderful designs.