Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-07-12
Capitol Completion Next.

III COHHeCLlOH Win the Oe8lIlHlHB Oh
work in completing the Capitol Station
plaza, land for which was recently
purchased in completion Of long
delayed project, 1t Is stated that at
the next session Of Congress the sub
ject of the completion of the Capitol
itself will be pressed for action. For
many years 1t has been the hope Of
those concerned in the proper housing
Of the Government at Washington
that the great building which con-
tains the legislative branch should be
finished in accordance with plans
which Were drawn q long time ago.
Those plans contemplate the advance
ment of the center section Of the
building to the line Of the two wings
and the construction Of a facade in
keeping with the wings,
AS it. stands, the Capitol is q. mix
ture of architecture. To the casual
eye 1t appears as unit. To. the eye
Of the architect, however, It appears
as the result Of after-thought design
ing. Save for the recession Of the
central portion and the use Of d.
vergent styles, 1t Is generally har-
monious structure. But it would be
much moro impressive, being architec-
turally more perfect, il 1t were har-
monized. as the designs that have
received virtual approval provide.
Not only would the completion Of
the Capitol in accordance with these
plans add greatly to its beauty and
harmony Of aspect, but it would en-
large the. structure and add much
valuable working space within the
walls. Today the building il con-
gested. So badly IL It crowded that
the presence Of the Supreme Court.
with its own increased needs unac-
communicated, is q serious handicap
upon the legislative branch OF the
Government.
Some room was gained for legisla-
tive work when the Library Of Con-
sress, for many years housed In the
western portion Of the central section,
was removed to its own building.
across the park. Congress flowed
into that space eagerly. but found it
inadequate to meet its rapidly grow
ing requirements. ONCE buildings
were provided and already the House
OF Representatives finds that It needs
another structure Of the same kind.
The Supreme Court should have its
own home. It should no longer be
forced to occupy restricted and be-
grudged space within the Capitol. Its
meeting room, the old-time Senate
Chamber. is sufflcient for the ir1me-
date purpose Of its sessions, though
not for the accommodation Of those
who have good right to attend. Its
chambers" however, are insulaulent.
The members of the court are huddled
into small rooms, dificult Of access
and lacking in the dignity vested in
the highest judicial body Of the coun.
try. The library, a vitality essential
feature Of the court, is badly housed
and is choked for space.
It has not been contemplated, in the
execution Of the plans for the compile
ton Of the Capitol, to allow for a
Supreme Court suite in the central
section, but the expectation II that
provision will be made ct the same
time for an adequate courthouse.
perhaps to be located near the Capt.
tol, in which could be accommodated
this great institution Of justice, with
all it's supplementary Offices.
These two projects, the completion
OF the Capitol and the erection Of =
Supreme Court building, will round
out program OF government i'm
provements long needed but happily
now within the range Of early accom-.
plishment.
| . - 4 J. 49,.