Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-02-09
g|F,F4Y YEARS AGO IN THE STAR

ing held at one place. prisoners would
have to be carried two or three Mules,
and as police officers are often Wit
nesses I'm cases there would be times
when for this reason portions Qf the
District would be left entirely unpro-
rected- A bill was introduced q year
or two ago In Congress establishing
a Police Court of three, Justices. who
should singly hear all cases At tbs
station houses, the prisoners having
the right Of appeal to the three JUS
tices sitting in banc one day each
week Some such provision might
obviate the objections to the present
biH.o
K
The question of paving Pennsylva-
mia avenue was discussed in the Sem
ate February 1 1863,
Avenu. though without action.
and The Star the next
1aVahg. day, after consideration
of the question of the division OF ex-
pense, which was a matter of debate.
said:
Eve do not propose TO interpose
anything which will interfere with
the Immediate passage of the bill In
any shape that will secure an inn
pnevenaent so long and SO badly need
ed. What is wanted is clean.
smooth. quiet and durable pavement
and we shall be thankful IL we can
get 1t on any terms that Congress
sees fit to impose But prompt action
in the premises is of prime impor-
lance. IL anything is TO be done in the
matter of putting it down during the
coming summer. as but little time
remains in which to get out the ma
teriaf. no matter what style OF pave
ment may be adopted"
K x
Plans for a new War Department
building were under consideration fifty
years ago and a
War n.nortmeuf practical move was
made toward its
Building Plan. erection. according
to an article in The Star of February
6. 1863, as follows:
John Crump, esq, architect and
builder of Philadelphia, has been
awarded the highest premiums for
plans and designs for the new War
Department freproof building in this
city by the commission appointed for
Renaissance, having noble approaches.
facades enriched with scuiptured en-
blems, etc. 1t is to be entirely fre-
proof. combining every modern con-
venience. 1t is to be 1873 feet in front
on Pennsylvania avenue by 500. feet
front on 18th street; height from
ground to top of wings IS feet, be-
tween the wings IS feet. to top Of
dome Its feet. The interior halls and
corridors are most spacious. The p-in-
cipal entrance opens into q rotunda
fof IS feet diameter. with a clear height
of $50 feet from the main foor- This
viii be covered with stained glass.
with suitable emblems and devices. At
each floor gallery projects out into
and extends around the rotunda. from
which the war scenes frescoed on the
walls can be seen. These galleries
may be used as a museum for trophies.
The grand staircases are double, erect
ed with stone and decorated with
bronze balustrades They ascend out
side of the rotunda walls The halls
and corridors throughout are spacious
and lofty. The walls are to be built
of granite, brown free stone. iron and
brick. The roof will be framed with
wrought iron and covered With slate
and copper. The floors will be con-
str,Scted Of wrought ron b7sms. h-'~k
arches and tiled with marble. while
the window and door frames. doors.
shutters and sashes are of metal.
bronzed"