The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1921-11-11
Carnegie never
EXPECTED THIS

WASHINGTON, Sov. 11.-wher
the late Andrew Carnegie helped
tho American republic build the
Pan American building little did he
expect that eleven years after its
dedication, the spacious Hall Of the
Americas would seat representa-
ttves OF the nations at some OF the
meetings to discuss the Limitation
OF ornaments.
And yet, in his speecn at the de-
dication Of the Pan American
building, April 26, 1910, he said:
lone OF the chief missions of this
palace should be-to draw together
the diplomats and representatives
men OF all our Republics and en-
able them to know each other
and learn Of thor earnest desires
for the prosperity Of all their
neighbors and their anxious hops
that peace shall ever reign be
tween them. Thus these statesmen
will become lifelong friends to
whom may safely be instructed the
settlement Of any international
differences that may arise-this
then, Is one OF the greatest mis-
s!ons OF this international meeting
ground in which we are assembled,
Nor will its mission be fulfilled un-
til every Republic, and I fondlH
hope. Canada also included, shall
have agreed to lay aside the
sword"
High over the heads of the
diplomats and other representa-
tives OF the nations who will meet
IN tho great Hall of the Americas
set in the four corners Of council
room in medallions Of deep relief
is the significant word Pax"
Representing twenty one Amer.
lean Republics the structural lines
CT the building exemplify the dom.
inant architecture CT twenty OF
the American Republics all OF
Latin origin. 1t represents a com.
bination Of the classical and Span.
ish Renaissance, evolved by Albert
Kelsey and Paul p. Cret Of Phila-
delphia, and chosen from seventy
eight designs considered. The site
is at the corner of 18th and B.
streets, facing on Seventeenth
where slightly to the north are To-
Gated Continental Hall OF the
daughters OF the American Revo
luton and Red Cross Headquarters
Across the street to the east lies
part OF the CAPITALS great mall in.
Guiding the White Lot.
The white marble building. stu.
ated near the front OF a five acre
tract and covering a whole square
is approached through n formal En-
trance garden set with pebbled
walks and bordered in low shrubs
and hedges. Broad, low steps lead
to three monumental doors OF
bronze and glass. grIlled with de-
corative iron work. and thanked on
either side by statuary groups re
presenting North and South Amer
lea. Entering, one first steps into
a lofty vestibule from which lenG
reception rooms and continuing
leaves North America behind. \
typical Latin American patio OF
rarden courtyard c%onfronts n
Tho atmosphere. essentially trop!.
cal, Is maintained through out the
year. In summer the great sliding
o OF glass is rolled back under
+, eyes OF the adjacent roofs Of
starr.cases which lead on
either side to the balcony, II
rounding the patio and the assem-
bly, rooms above. Exotic southern
plants flourish within the court.
yard palms. bananas. cofte and
other tropical plants rear their
fonds and foliage toward the
polychrome frieze above; squawl5'
ing. brilliantly colored mackaws
and parrots lend to the tropical
scene. Tho natio Is paved in tile
decorated with metallic figures re.
producing old Aztec and lncan
scenes. In the center an illuminat.
ed Aztec fountain playa. its water
falling into a pool below where
gold fish glide about.
The rear and sides of the lower
floor contain the library, Offices
and exhibition rooms Of the I'm.
ion, where Is available extensive
information relating to all the
Latin American Republic including
both physical features and com.
mercial statistics. Tho Director.
General DR.. Leo S. Rowe Is assist
ed by n staff Of s~taticians, COM
mercial specialists, Editors, com.
pliers, Librarians, translators and
clerks.
The second floor Of the structure
building contain a broad foyer and
adjoining corridors known as the
Gallery of Patriots, where Ire dis.
played the flags of the Republics
and busts OF their statesmen and
heroes. From the foyer opens the
great white hall Of the Americas
one hundred feet long and sixty.
five feet in width. The vaulted
ceiling is supported by twenty four
Corlnthian columns set IN pairs,
which leave isles around the en-
tire assembly room. Tho outer
wall, that toward tho west, over.
looks the formal garden; in the
rear of the building. Five tall
windows bordered In color designs
which include the arms Of the Re.
publls, are arched recesses.
Access Is through two doors at
tho ends of the hall. Broad stair
ways lead downward to a terrace
49,