The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1922-02-05

Ing, he explained that u was 10 De q,
practical memorial commemorative not
only the services OF all Americans In
the world war, but perpetuating the
memory Of George Washington. and
carrying out the educational features
suggested in his will The Presidents
solicitation OF State cooperation In the
erection Of this national monument has
lent a nationwide interest to a project
begun many years ago by the George
Washington Memorial Association.
Address by President.
In connection with the laying OF the
cornerstone Of the George Washington
Victory Memorial. as it Is called, on
November IA, In the presence OF high
Government officials, foreign representa-
tives and the heads OF the army and
navy. President Harding said: "Wc
are come to pay tribute to the foresight
which first encouraged and endowed the
institution here established-an institu-
ton which is to DO alike monument to
those who sacrificed In q noble cause
and q beacon TO shed nfar tho light of
useful knowledge and grateful under
standing among men,"
The purpose Of the memorial was
also announced as q gathering place for
could meet IN fruitful exchanges. Thus,
as the President suggested, this institu-
ton OF the national capital may be
come, through it's varied uses, a verita-
BILE university OF American citizenship"
It will fill long felt want, for. unhap-
PLY, though the city Of Washington has
become an international meeting place.
it Is not yet equipped with suitable as
sembly rooms.
When completed, the building viii
house the headquarters OF national, mill
tary and patriotic organizations. while
spacious rooms will be set apart for the
exclusive use OF the States and Terri
tories. Organizations may, upon re-
quest and without charge, use the audi.
torium and assembly rooms for meet
ings and conventions.
The building, which originally was
known as 'the George Washington
Memorial" but later also designated as
tho Victory Memorial. was authorized
by an act Of Congress in 1918 to be
erected by the George Washington
Memorial Association. on the site OF the
old Pennsylvania Station in the Mall.
and the spot where Garfield fell. 1t 10
to be between Sixth and Seventh streets,
N. w., on a line with the New Ma
tional Museum Building. The same act
vided that the structure be administered
by the Regents of the Smithsonian In
stitution, who control tho neighboring
buildings.
Four story Colonial Design.
The Design OF the white stone struc-
ture depicts fine Colonial building, with
q pilIared front facing the south, and
a square ground plan. From the broad
green Mall, which bisects washington,
long low steps lead through the facade
of majestic columns to an imposing
lobby, decorated with historical mural
paintings. The memorial is to be OF
four stories IN height, surrnounted by
low dome which crowns huge central
auditorium.
The main feature OF tho ediflce win
be this national auditorium, ample to
seat ten thousand people. The ground
floor OF the hall is in the form Of
great ellipse, its long axis running north
and south. Here there will be seats for
six thousand people, while above an
encircllng balcony Will accommodate
several thousand more. There will be
thlrty-eight thousand square feet Of
space in the main floor, which will con-
tain number OF smaller halls and re-
cept,on rooms, q spacious stage and a
assembly hall.
Within the auditorium may be held
future Inaugural receptions. national
and international conventions. confer
ences and free public concerts. Part
OF the funds now being raised provide
for the purchase OF a fine organ and
an endowment to pay a musician OF na-
tional reputation IS planned.
Far above the mammoth assembly
hall viii stretch an acousticaI dome
three times the diameter OF st. Peters
at Rome.
IS Rooms for States.
Besides the oval balcony q large
banquet hall is provided in tho second
floor seating six hundred and suitable
for dinners Of national Importance.
There also will be rooms on the floor
for the permanent headquarters Of mill
tary. patriotic societies and veterans
associations. On the third floor dfty.
eight rooms are designated FOR tho use
Of States and territorial possessions.
Tho fourth floor Is arranged for addl-
tlonal offices for tho use OF various so
cieties whose objects arc to promote
the welfare tho country or are OF edit
cational influence.
1t Is planned that one room OF the |
building be devoted to the use OF vet |
Grams Of the world war. 1t will be en- |
dowed and provision viii be made for
a museum and library or world war
history and pictures.