The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1922-03-02
Sell Service Stars to States
for Large War Memorial

atives and the heads of the army and
navy, President Harding said: 1--WE are
come to pay tribute to the foresight.
which first encouraged and endowed
the institution here establshed-an in
stitution which is to be alike a mouu-
ment to those who sacrificed in a noble
cause and beacon to shed afar the
light of useful knowledge and grateful
understanding among men"
The purpose of the memorial was
also announced as a gathering place
for Americans, where American minds
could meet in fruitful exchanges. Thus.
as the President suggested, this insti-
tuition of the national capital may be-
come, through its varied uses, veri-
table university of American citizen
ship" 1t will fill a long-felt want, for
unhappiy, though the city Of Washing
ton has become an international meet
ing place, it is not yet equipped with
suitable assembly rooms.
When completed the building will
house the headquarters of national,
military and patriotic organizations.
while spacious rooms will be set apart
for the exclusive use of the states and
territories. Organizations may, upon
request and without charge, use the
auditorium and assembly rooms for
meetings and conventions.
The building, which originally was
known as 1.-The George Washington
Memorial" but later also designated
as the Victory Memorial, was author
lied by an act of congress in 1913 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 IS to be between Sixth and Seventh
streets, N. W., on line with the New
National Museum building. The same
act donated the land designated and
provided that the structure be admin
istered by the regents of the Smith
sonian institution, who control the
neighboring buildings.
Four-Story Colonial Design.
The design of the white stone struc-
ture depicts a fine Colonial building.
with pillared front facing the south,
and a square ground plan. From the
broad green Mall, which bisects Wash
ington, long, low steps lead through
the facade of majestic columns to an
imposing lobby, decorated with his
torical mural paintings. The memo
rial is to be of four stories in height,
surmounted by Il low dome which
crowns huge central auditorium.
The man feature of the edifce will
be this national auditorium, ample to
seat ten thousand people. The ground
floor of the hall is in the form of Il
great ellipse, its long axis running
north and south. Here there will be
seats for six thousand people, while
above an encircling balcony will nc
commodate several thousand more.
There will be $4,000 square feet Of
space in the main floor which will CON
tain a number of smaller halls and re-
ception rooms, spacious stage and a
George Washington museum, besides
the 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 musician OF
national reputation Is planned.
Far above the mammoth assembly
hall will stretch an acoustical dome
three times the diameter of st. Peters
ut Rome.
Sd Rooms for States.
Besides the oval balcony large
banquet hall is provided in the second
floor, seating six hundred ana suitable
for dinners Of national Importance
There also will be rooms on the Zoo
for the permanent headquarters of mill
itary, patriotic societies and veterans
associations. On the third floor IS
rooms are designated for the use Of
states and territorial possessions. The
fourth floor Is arranged for additional
Offices for the use Of various societies
whose objects are to promote the well
fare of the country or are of educa-
tional influence.