The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1946-02-16
Observations
Congress to Have
Modern Chambers
Architect Says


II Francis P. Sullivan. consulting
architect to David Lynn, architect
Of the Capitol, has his way Con
gress will have, when proposed
modernizatlon OF the Capitol is
completed, as nearly ideal legis'
larive chambers, from a practical
standpoint, as science today can
give" His plans provide for a
radical change in the acoustics and
lighting OF both houses.
In order TO correct the acoustical
difficulty, Sullivan plans TO do away
with the castiron skylights and
glass familiar to thousands OF tour
lists. They will be replaced by a
molded ceiling covered with acous-
teal material OF absorbent quail.
~. "a similar material will be
placed on the walls. thus reducing
noise from the galleries.
As for the present lighting. Sulli-
van termed IL a "make-shift" ar
rangement. Most members, who
strain their eyes to see what Is go
ing on every time a cloud passes
over the skylight, would be inclined
to agree with the architect.
Plans are to light the chambers
from indirect sources by reflecting
light downward on the floor from
the ceiling.
Present decorations IN the House
and Senate will largely be elimin-
ated under the plans now being
drawn up.
The two large portraits OF Wash
ington and Lafayette In the House
will probably be incorporated into
the new decorations. The symbols,
emblems or seals OF the various
states may be reproduced in the
new design, with vacant space left
for other states, such as Hawaii,
which may join the Union.
The Senate ceiling may be en-
blazoned with designs symbolizing
American industry and arts. APP
propriate sculpture and mural
paintings will also be introduced
into the decoration of the two
rooms.
IlloN chthNS may Dt NOhAAAANuA-
GRATED by means OF panels In both
houses. A suggestion under con.
sideration for the Senate Is for
panels representing the signing OF
historic treaties.
The work will involve no notice.
able change in the exterior OF the
Capitol, although the slope Of the
roof will be slightly changed.
There is talk, however, Of advanc-
ing the front of the Capital at
some future date to bring II more
in line with the House and Senate
wings, which were constructed at .
later date.
Lynn predicts that construction
would be ready to begin by July ]
and the work is expected to take
two or three months.
II will represent the first change
OF any consequence in the two
historic chambers since the House
was occupied in 1897 and the SEN
ate in 1853.
FARMERS MAY FAIL to meet
the nations 1876 meat production
goal because Of the feed shortage.
The recent meat strike aggravat-
ed the situation. Cattle raisers
had to hold livestock away from
the market, thus consuming extra
amounts of scarce feed SUPPLIES.
II is believed the Agriculture
Department soon will move TO make
more feed available to- livestock
men, less to poultry raisers.
CORRESPONDENTS COVER.
ING a recent White House confer
ence might have saved themselves
considerable embarrassment had
they known more about their Unit
ed States Constitution.
When President Truman said
that he made the foreign policy or
the United States, some jumped to
the conclusion that he was rebuk-
ing Secretary of State Byrnes. Ac-
tually Mr.. Truman sought to still
rumors that there had been some
difference between the two over
Byrnes' achievements at Moscow.
Under the Constitution, the
President Is charged solely with
the conduct OF foreign relations. II
the State Department does any
thing Of which he does not approve,
IT is not official United States for
eign policy.
Paragraph / in its book on For
eign Service, says:
THE President is charged under