Evening star., 1943-08-22

was taken down and drawings for the
new iron structure commenced. The
construction of the dome I claim as
several other schemes by (Thomas ID
Walter (architect and o. Sonntman
Gron constructor.) also studied out
all the working drawings for this con-
struction and invented and designed all
ornaments in and outside Of the dome,
including full sizes details. The outer
form Of the dome was designed by Mr..
Walter for whieh study he had before
him copies OF st. Peters, st. Paul's, st.
Isaac's, dome of the Invadides and the
Pantheon. The placing Of the columns
of the Peristyle on brackets was Capt
Meig's idea" Capt. Montgomery c. Meigs
was in April, 1858, put in charge of the
Capitol Extension and the Post Office
Extension.
Identical Measurements.
The measurements of the Dome are
very similar and in some instances
identical with those of the st. Isaac's
Dome After carefully checking these
measurements, and comparing these two
domes architecturally and in silhouette,
Francis P. Sullivan, Washington archi-
tect who has studied the architecture
Of the entire Capitol building for many
years and the plans Of the various archi-
tects, more carefully than any other
present-d day architectural authority, said
today:
Apparently, from the drawing, Wal
ter derived the general conception Of
the Capitol Dome from the Cathedral
of st. Isaac, and even appears to have
followed some of the specific proportions.
He has very materially altered the pro-
portions between the upper part of the
Dome and the collonade at it's base. 1t
seems to me that this change improved
the relationship between the Dome and
the rest of the building
THE outline of the Capitol Dome Is
graceful, with short, curving lines. The
Cathedral Of st. Isaac, by comparison,
would be rigid and severe. have heard
this feature of the Capitol Dome criti-
cized by architects, but in my opinion
1t is one Of its charms. Walter had
feeling for the bold general compost
tion-his sense of detail was defective"
Mr.. Sullivan is former vice president
of the American Institute of Architects.
fellow of the Institute, member of
the American Society of Architectural
Historians. He was formerly president
Of the Washington Chapter of Architects.
He is at present engaged on design for
the new ceiling for the Senate Chamber,
with improved lighting, and construction
of accoustical tile.
Architects Sketches.
The last drawing made by Mr. Schoen-
born was for renovation OF the rotunda,
to carry out plans Of Architect Walter,
to give greater support for the dome.
which weighs s,sos,2Oo pounds. These
sketches were presented by Supt. Wood
to Congress in his annual report for
1902, recommending that they be fol-
lowed He pointed out that they are
the handiwork of the late August
Schoenborn, who, during the entire time
of Mr.. Walters connection with the
Capitol, was his chief architectural
craftsman. I feel, therefore, that these
sketches reflect many if not all the views
of Mr.. Walter on this subject"
Also in that report Mr.. Wood paid
tribute to Mr.. Schoenborps valuable
work on the Capitol: August Schoen-
born was during his life one OF the most
competent men known. He was faith
ful follower Of the principles laid down
hv walter. end n The execution Of wal