Evening star., 1926-06-20

what outstanding events or the
many that have marked the history
of the United States in the last 80
years should be depicted in the un.
occupied spaces of the historical
frieze in the rotunda of the Capitol?
This interesting question confronts
Congress and the architect of the
Capitol, David Lynn, in connection
with an estimate of $40 900 now pend
ing before the House appropriations
committee for the completion of this
artistic feature of the Capitol Build
ing. that has remained in an unfin-
ishtd state for many years.
1t is believed likely the necessary
fund will be appropriated in the sec
ond deficiency bill before adjourn.
ment, and with this prospect in view,
Senator Simeon d. Fess of Ohio,
chairman of the joint committee on
library. has designated Senator How
ell of Nebraska and Representative
Gilbert Of Kentucky to recommend APP
propriate designs commemorative OF
epochs in the progress of the Nation.
The frieze consists of a series of
panels encircIing the ceiling of the
rotunda. and each panel portrays
some eyentful era in the life of the
Republic, from the landing of Column
bus in 1892 down TO the discovery
of gold in California in 1848.
Only Two Panels Possible.
The unfinished strip of wall space
In this artistic girdle contains only
about 26 feet, which will hardly per-
init of more than two more panels
When ii Is recalled that the last
event depicted in the circle is the dis.
coEerery OF gold in California in 1S4S,
and when the mind begins to run the
gauntlet of all that has taken place
in America from that period TO 1926
II furnishes some idea Of the task
confronting those who must select
the designs that will complete the
freZe.
Work on the frieze ceased in 1888,
and from time to time since then
plans have heen put forward 10 MI
the remaining portion. The question
has never progressed beyond the
point of discussion. however. until
now. when il seems there is good
chance that the necessary fund VIII
be provided.
In 1895 there We're two proposals
made for the vacant panels: First,
The completion of the Union Pacif1c
Railroad; second. the opening or the
Columbia Exposition In Chicago,
showing President Cleveland toucH-
ing the button that opened the ex-
position.
Three Wars i'm Period.
The following year another artist
advanced two other suggestions. the
signing of the emancipation procla-
nation by President Lincoln, and the
grand review of the Army at the close
OF the Civil War. None OF the paneis
already in place portray George
Washington or Abraham Lincoln. ana
II has been felt by many that these
two foremost Americans should be
renresented somewhere in the frleze.
Fflippo Costaggini. in 1897. sought 10
meet this view by proposing scene
showing Lincoln signing the ema ncl-
nation document. with a bust OF Gen
Washington on the table.
In reviewing the possibilities for
panels in the period since ls4S Inc
civil War. the Spanish-Ameflcah II
War and the World War Immediately
suggest themselves. But they by no
MEANS exhaust the field. If those in
cbarpe of the selection should turn 10
the realm of peace-time- progress IN
those eighty wears there would he
such deyelopments as the construction
Of the Panama Canal, the deVelopheht
of the 1airpla ne--in which America
took an important part-and countess
other achievements.
Both Senator Fess and Archuect
LYNN said Yesterday that no conclu-
sions have been reached. but the ques-
tion will come TO a head in the near
future if the House and Senate ap-
nroye the estimate just transmitted by
Mr.. Lynn.
War and Industry.
10
Senator Howell was inclined 10 ne
,,eye Yesterday that one of the remain
ine nanels would he devoted to the
civil War and the other to symoollze
the great industrial progress the
United States has made in the last
half century.
Although emphasizing the fact that
ANAL conclusions have not beeh
reached. Senator Howell SAID ne
doubted whether there is room IN tne
incompleted portion of the frleze 10
tynifv the World War.
, Even If the item should be left OUT
of the deficiency bill to be passed AT
This session, it is almost certain to be
granted later. since the last congress
nassed an enabling act authorizing
such a sum to be appropriated.
Thousands of American cltiZehs
from all parts of the country, seeing
the sights of the Capital, pass annu-