vl«=, Ci>% ^ '»; ^^-^K 7o ^<^ -'i^i^j jP-^a • • ^ ^^ ♦'^ 4<^ ... <*<> " • ' * .♦^ . . . "V '^^* 4<^ ♦"^0 •^..iilr» %.*'*^*'.««-' i.' • Washington and its Environs AN ILLUSTRATED DESCRIPTIVE AND HISTORICAL HAND-BOOK TO THE CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. I BY DeB: RANDOLPH KEIM, I Washington Correspondent^ i AUTHOR OF "i.HEKIDAN's TROOPERS ON THE BORDERS " AND ''SKETCHES OF SAN DOMINGO." Revised Annually.— Edition for 1874. WASHINGTON CITY: ; FOR THE COMPILER. 1874. ^OQJj^ ■J -jfA / nil Entered according to Act of Congress, in tho year 1874, BY DeB, RANDOLPH KEIRI, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. M'GILL & WITHEROW, PKINTERS AND STERE0TYPER8, WASHINGTON, D. C. CONTENTS. 3ee Alphabetical Index at the end of the Hand-book.] Page. Preface v General Information vii Hotels, vii— Lodgings, vii— Boarding, viii— Restaurants, viii — Railroads, viii — Steamers, ix— Street Cars, ix — Vehicles for hire, xii— City Post Office, xii— Mails, xii— Rates of Postage, xiii— Telegraph Offices, xiii— Churches, xiii— Theatres, xiv — General Amusements, xiv— Etiquette, Ceremonies, and For- malities, xiv — Distances from Washington, xix — Foreign Dis- tances, xix— Differences of Time, xx. Section I. Washington and the District of Columbia 1 Washington, 1 — District of Columbia, 5. Section II. Description of the City 15 Avenues, Squares, Statues, Lic Buildings and Grounds 55 Historical Retrospect, 55— Capitol, 56 — History of Congress, 118 — President's House, 121 — Department of State, 128— Treas- ury Department, 131 — War Department, 136— Navy Depart- ment, 140— Department of the Interior, 142— Patent Office, 145— General Post Office, 151— Department of Justice, 154 — Department of Agriculture, 156— Naval Observatory, 1G3— Army Medical Musuem, 166— Government Printing Office, 1G8— Winder's Building, 170— City Hall, 171— Arsenal, 172— Navy- Yard, 174 — Marine Barracks, 170- Magazines, 177 Section IV. Places of General Interest 178 Smithsonian Institution, 178— Corcoran Gallery of Art. 180 — Washington National Monument, 192-Armory, 190-Churches, 197— Halls, 198— Newspaper Offices, 199— Public Schools, 201— Asylums, 202— Cemeteries, 205— District Government, 207— Markets, 209— Places of Historical Interest, 210. . (iii) IV CONTENTS. Section V. The En viBONS OF Washington 211 Section VI. History of Washington 234 Index 244 List of Maps, Plans, and Diagrams. Map of the District of Columbia and suiTOuncIing coun- try, before title page. Plan of Washington, facing page 14 Diagram of Main Bronze Door 67 Plan of the Principal Floor of the Capitol 78 Diagram of the Senate Bronze Door 90 Diagram of the Floor of the Senate 98 Diagram of the Floor of the House of Kepresentatives... 110 Abbreviations . N"., S., E., W., north, northern, northward, south, &c., east, &c., west., &c. ; m., mile ; sq. m., square mile ; lbs., pounds; r., right; 1., left"; hr., hour; min., minute; yr., year; a., acres; av., avenue; st., street; yds., yards. PEEFACE. The necessity of a reliable and complete Descriptive AND Historical Hand-book to the Capital of the United States has long been felt. Warden's Geo,:^rapliical and Statistical Description of the District of Columbia, pub- lished in Paris in 1816, and the several editions of the Guides compiled by William Elliott, 1826 and 1830, and George Wat- terson, 1848, are really the only ones which possess the merit of original research. The productions of a similar character published since 1848, and especially the later ones, have been crude and imperfect, impositions in character and price, and noticeable only as containing the smallest amount of informa- tion for the largest amount'of money. The compiler of the present work hopes to avoid these objections at least, and to give to the public a Hand-book of attractive and useful descriptive information about all places of interest in and around Washington, and at the same time to supply some appropriate historical data which may be valuable to carry away as a souvenir of a visit to the Seat of Government. In the preparation of the historical portions of the Hand- book TO Washington and its Environs, original author- ities only have been examined, including the manuscript rec- ords, correspondence, and proceedings of the Commissioners charged with the superintendence of the building of the city, 1791-1800 ; the correspondence of George Washington, Thom- as Jefferson, and others on the same subject ; the Statutes at Large ; official documents, from the establishment of the per- manent Seat of Government down to the present time; besides the writings of travelers and public men and files of news- papers. Eespecting the descriptive features, all points of interest in the city and surroundings, still in existence, have been personally visited and inspected. It is hoped, therefore, that the Hand-book will prove not only an invaluable companion on the spot, but an ever-wel- come and entertaining friend for future perusal and refer- ence at the home fireside. The compiler is under obligations to many of the oflicers (V) ^^ PREFACE. of the Government ; and while clesh*ing to recognize their kindness, finds it diflicult to make distinctions by individuals : he therefore thanks them all. A map of the District, plan of tlie city, and several dia- grams have been introduced to facilitate inquiries and exami- nation. Many illustrations, engraved by J. C. Lyons, esq. and others, have also been added, to aid in recalling the appearance of the principal places. The general information has been compiled with special reference to the necessities of the stranger in the city, and, in connection with other useful matter, will be found to con- tain trustworthy intelligence respecting railways, hotels, churches, theatres, &c. The code of Etiquette in Washing- ton and Street-car Directory will be found particularly con- venient and valuable. The remaining features of the Hand-book will appear as the reader familiarizes himself with its contents. In a city like the capital of such a constantly expanding Republic as the United States of America there are never- ending changes. To keep pace with these, it is the intention to annually revise and augment the Hand-book to Wash- ington AND ITS Environs, so as to keep it at all times cor- rected to the latest period. The compiler does not presume that the Hand-book is faultless ; but to approximate such a degree of completeness, as far as practicable, will constantly be his endeavor. He will therefore be grateful for any errors or omissions pointed out or corrections suggested. These may be communicated by letter. DeB. R. K. Washington, D. C, 1874. GENERAL INFORMATION. I HOSE who are influenced by a desire to visit tlie Xational Capital, when most attractive in point of beaut}" of nature and art, and without reference to the fashionable and congressional season, should arrive in May or June, or October or November. Tlie hottest months are July and August. The winters, on the other hand, are generally mild and beautiful. The health of the city at all seasous is unexceptionable. For official and social seasons see Etiquette. Hotels. — The iS'ational Capital has a number of hotels, some of which will compare favorably with the best in the country. They are all located upon or conveniently acces- sible to the different lines of street cars connecting tlie Ex- ecutive Departments with the Capitol and western and east- ern portions of the city. The following are the principal hotels and charges per day: The Arlington^ Vermont av., near H st. N., $5; Ebbitt, ¥ st., corner of 14th st. W., U 00; Willards\ Pennsylvania av., corner of 14th st. W., $4 50; MetrojjolitaiK Pennsylvania av., between 6th and 7th sts. W., $4; Imperial, E st. iS'., between 13th and 14th sts. W_., $4; and National^ Pennsjdvania av., corner of 6th st. W., $4. The hotels on the European plan are the St. Janies^ Penn- sylvania av., corner of 6th st. W., single rooms, one person, $1 to $2 ; double rooms, two persons, $2 to $6 ; the latter in- cludes parlor and bed-room; restaui-ant attached; and St. Marc, Penns5'lvania av., near 7th st. W., single rooms $1 to $2, double $2 to $3 ; restaurant attached. There are also other hotels on the American and European plans suited to all classes of persons, and at lower rates. Lodgings. — Persons desiring to pass some time in Wash- ington, and desirous of living retired, can find excellent lodg- ings in the vicinity of all tlie hotels, and in different parts of the city. The large transient population of the city has cre- ated an unusual demand for this stjde of accommodations, and every grade, from elegant suites down to unpretending single apartments, may be found. The rates for rooms (vii) Vlll GENERAL INFORMATION. would range from $25 for single rooms to $100 and upwards a month for suites. Persons remaining less tlian a month can also be supplied with quarters. Bdarding, — Many houses in which lodgings can be secured also provide daily board, ranging from $25 to $35 a montli for each person. The hotels also accommodate outside boarders at $45 a month for each person. Eestaurants. — A number of excellent restaurants can be found in all the business portions of the city. Frequently persons find it more convenient to have lodgings and take tlieir meals nearest where they may happen to be at the liour of dining. The charges at restaurants are about tlie same as at hotels or boarding-houses, according to grade. There are several excellent restaurants equal in appoint- ments to any in the large cities of tlie North. Cuisine excellent. Eaiiroads. — {See Table of Distances.) — Persons departing from Wasliington have a choice of several routes. North, East, and West.— Baltimore and Ohio Railroad — Depot jSTE. corner of New Jersey av. and C st. NW., may be reached by the blue cars on Pennsylvania av. and tlie F-st. cars. Ticket Offices^ 485 Pennsylvania av. and the Depot. North, East, and West.— Baltimore and Potomac Railroad— Depot SW. corner of B and 6th sts. NW., may be reached by street cars on 9tli St., and witliin one square on Pennsylvania av. Ticket Offices., 13tli and 6th sts. and Pennsylvania av. and Depot. South and Southwest.— Southern trains leave from the Baltimore and Potomac Depot. Travellers may also leave Wasliington by the Potomac Ferry Company, at the foot of 7tli St. W., and take trains at tlie corner of King and Union sts., Alexandria, for Riciimond and New Orleans. Transfer coaches convey passengers from the Baltimore and Oliio Depot to the Baltimore and Potomac Depot and Poto- mac Ferry. Alexandria. — Local trains on tlie Alexandria and Wash- ington Railroad leave from the Baltimore and Potomac Depot about every hour during the da,y. Sleeping Cars are attach(^d to all through night trains. Tickets may be procured at railroad ticket offices. Baggage will be called for and checked to all the princi- pal cities of the United States, by leaving orders at the rail- road ticket offices. GENERAL INFORMATION. IX Steamers.— Alexandria— The Washington and Ai^ EXANDRIA Ferry steamers ply hourly each way between "\Vashin£i-toii and Alexandria daring- the da3^ Wharf foot of 7th St., AVashington, and Kino- st., Alexandria. Fare, single trip 15 cents, round trij) 25 cents. Mount Vernon. — The steamer for Mount Vernon leaves the 7th-st. wharf daily, except Sundaj^, at 10 A. M. Return- ing, arrives at Washington at 4 p.m. Fare, $1.50, and ad- mission to mansion and grounds. QuANTico. — Potomac Steamboat Coinipany— Steam- ers leave daily, at 7 A. M., from the 7th-st. wharf, for Quan- tico, connecting with trains for Bichmond and the South. Potomac Landings.— The Palisades, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7 A. M., and Pilot Boy, on Tuesdays and Fridays, 7 A.M., during navigation, from 7th-st. wharf. Baltimore and Intermediate Landings. — Three steamers a week, during the season of iiavigation, leaving Mondays, 7 P. M., Tuesdays, 9 P. M., and Fridays, 12 mid- night, from the 7th-st. wharf. IS'ew York. — The Washington and I^ew York steam- ers leave Fridays, from the foot of High st., Georgetown. Philadelphia.— Steamers leave Georgetown (Water st.) on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10 A. M., via canal, till navi- gation closes. Boston and ISTorfolk.— Steamers of the Washington, Norfolk, and Boston Line leave the 7th-st. wharf Mon- days and Tluu-sdaj^s, at 2 p. m., touching at all principal landings, and connecting with the Richmond and Boston steamers. This line usually suspends during the winter months. The wharves of all the Washington lines may be reached hy the 7th-st. horse-cars. Street Oars, — All parts of Washington may be reached by street-cars. Washington and Georgetown Street Railway, incor- porated 1S62, cars every 3, 4, and 5 min. during the daj^ start on Bridge st., at High, Georgetown, cross Rock Creek over a fine iron bridge, follow Pennsylvania av., passing Mills' Statue of Washington, Corcoran Art Gallery, Lafayette Square, AVar Department, President's House, and Treasury. At the intersection of 15th st. W. they connect Avith tlie cars on the 14^7i Street and Columbia Railways. Exchange tick- ets given for the former. At the S. end of tlie Treasury they again enter Pennsjdvania av., which they follow the entire length of the business quarter of the city, passing the Centre Market and Botanical Garden. At 9tli st. W.'they X GENERAL INFOLIMATION. intercept the IMetropolitan line IS", and S. ; and at 7tli st. W. connect with the cars of the 7th st. branch N. and S. On the latter exchange tickets are given. At the W. gate of tlie Capitol grounds one branch turns to the 1. for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Depot every 10 min. during the day, and the other to the r. for the Ca^ntol or Navy Yard., every 5 min. during the day. At the top of the hill a branch carries pas- sengers to the JE. front of the House, or S. extension of the Capitol. The main line continues along B st. S. to Pennsyl- vania av., and thence to 8th st. E., thence passing the Marine Barracks to the Navy Yard. Fourteenth-Street Branch, cars every 10 min. dur- ing the day, start on New York av. at 15th st. W., NE. of the Treasury Department, thence to 14th st., thence N. to boundary, passing the Fourteenth-Street Circle and State Department. Exchange tickets are given on the Pennsyl- vania av. line. Seventh-Street Branch, cars every 4 and 5 min. dur- ing the day, start at the boundary, follow the same street across the city to the Potomac river, passing the IST. Mai'ket, Mount Vernon Place, Patent and Post Offices, and Odd- Fellows' Hall. At Massachusetts av. they intersect the Co- lumbia Eaihvay, and at F st. N. the Metropolitan line. On Pennsylvania av. they connect with the main line. Ex- change tickets given E. or W. The cars now pass the Cen- tre Market, cross the Mall, with the Smithsonion 'grounds on r., continuing to the wharves for the Alexandria, Mount Vernon, and other steamers. Metropolitan Railway, incorporated 1864, cars every 4 min. during the day, start on 17th st., W. of the Navy and New State Departments, follow 17th st. W., passing the State, War, and Navy Departments, and Corcoran Art "Gal- lery to H st. ; here the Georgetown branch leaves ; thence passing Lafayette Square to i4th st. ; thence to F st., inter- secting the i4th St. and Columbia liailways at New York av. ; connecting with the cars on the 9th st. branch N. and S., on wiiich exchange tickets are given, passing the Patent and Post Offices, and intersecting the 7tli st. line ; thence to 5th St. ; thence to Louisiana av., passing Judiciary Square ; thence to Indiana av., passing the City Hall; thence to C St., passing the Balthiiore and Olno depot to Delaware av. ; thence to^B st. N., where the E. Capitol branch leaves; thence to the Senate extension. Georgetown and East Capitol Street Branch, cars every 6 min. during the day. Same as the main line going W. Cars leave thtit at H and 17th sts. N\V. ; thence to Con- necticut av. ; thence to P st. at the Ch'cle, intersecting tlie GENERAL INFORMATION. XI Connedicitt av. and Park Eailioay ; thence along P st., cross- ing- Eock Creek over a fine bridge, entering "West st., George- town ; tlience to High ; tlience to Fayette, wliere it passes the Convent of tlie Visitation ; tlience to 2d; thence to Higli; thence to Dunbarton ; tlience to Montgomerj^ ; thence to West, wliere the return track follows the outward, back to Washington. The East Capitol extension continues on B st. N. to 1st E. ; thence to East Capitol st., and thence to Lin- cohi Square, the present terminus. It will be extended E. on the same street to the Anacostia. Ninth Street Branch, cars every 7 and 8 min. during the day, start at M st. N. ; thence, passing ]Mount Vernon Place, the Patent OfHce and Masonic and Lincoln Halls, toB St. At N'ew York av. they intersect the Columbia Kailway. At F St. exchange tickets are given E. and W. On B st. the cars pass the Centre Market, and intersect the 7th st. line. On Gth St. they pass the Baltimore and Potomac Depot to Mis- souri av. ; thence to 4^- st. ; thence to the Arsenal gate. Silver Springs Branch, when completed, will connect* with the 9th st. branch at M st. N. At present it starts at the iST. terminus of the 7th st. line, and follows the 7th st. road a distance of IJ m , passing the Scheutzen Park and Howard Universit}', and terminates at present at the road to the Soldiers' Home and Kock Creek Church. Columbia Kailway, incorporated 1870, cars every 10 min. during the day, start on New York av. at 15th st. W., NE. of the Treasury ; thence to H st. At 14th st. they cross the Metropolitan and 14th st. lines ; at 9th st. W. the Metro- politan, passing Mount Vernon Place^ to Massachusetts av. At 7th St. they cross that line ; thence to H st. N. ; thence to the boundary, passing the Government Printing OlHce. At the terminus the Baltimore turnpike and Benning's Bridge road commence. Connecticut Avenue and Park Kailway, incorpo- rated 1868. The Connecticut av. portion is used by the Me- tropolitan line to Georgetown. A car connects at the P st. Circle, and runs to boundary. Fares. — The rate of fare on the Washington and George- town line is 5 cents, to include a transfer or exchange ticket on the 14th and 7th st. branches N. and S. The fare on the Metropolitan line is 7 cents for single tickets, or ten for 50 cents, or on the 9th-st. branch five for 25 cents. Transfers N. and S. are given on the 9th-st. branch. The fare on the Columbia line is 5 cts. Further extensions of existing lines, and the construction of new ones, are proposed, in some instances the roadway having already been laid. Xll GENERAL INFORMATION. Vehicles for hire.— Kates of fare established by law for hacks, cabs, or other vehicle for hire in the District of Co- lumbia. Bet. 5 a. m. and Bet. 12.30 a. m. 12.30 a. m. and 5 a. m. For one or two passengers in a one- f Per h'r, 75 cts. Per hour, $1 12. horse vehicle. 1 Pertrip,75 cts. Per trip, $1 12. For one or two passengers, four- j Per hour, $1 50. Per hour, $2 25. seated vehicle drawn by two -(Per trip, ex- Pertrip, exceed- horses, within the city. ( ceed'glm.,$l. 1 m., $1 50. And for each additional passenger, 50 cts. One mile or less, one half these rates. For one or two passengers, four- p , ^i nn Pprhnnr «9 C"^ S^e's '^^iS^af^Zol'tX Per^?fp"^exte'S--L^JtX"elce^i ftoi^Georrtown. ^ ^ "^•' ^^ 00. ing 1 m., $3 00. And for each additional passenger, 50 cts. One mile or less, one half these rates. One-liorse vehicle does not include buggies and phaetons. In all cases where a vehicle is not engaged by the hour, it will be considered as being engaged bj^ the trip. Special rates are charged for excursions. If there should be an overcharge, drive to the nearest police station, where officers in charge will immediately decide the case. In every case require a ticket of the driver before starting. City Post Office. — General Post Office Building, entrance on F St. General Deliveby, 6 a. m. to 11 p. m. Box Delivery, 7 a. m. to 8 p. m. Sunday, 8 to 10 a. m. and 6 to 7 P. M. Letter Carriers' Window on r., open 7 to 8 P. M. Stamp Office on r. Ladies' Window on the 1. The Mails.— Eastern— for N'ew York, Philadelphia, Bos- ton, &c., due 6.30 A. M., 6 p. M. ; dose 7 A. M. 8 P. M. Western— cZwe 6.05, 11.30 A. m., 2, 7 p. m. ; close 6 a. m., 6.45 p. M. SoVTH— due 7.20 A. M., 5, 7.25 p. M. ; close 6 A. M., 5.30, 9.20 p.m. Baltimore, ^iD.—due 6.05 a. m., 2, 6, 9 p. m. ; close 7, 10 A.M., 12 M., 8 p.m. Georgetown— (^we 11.45 a. m., 4.45, 8, 10 p. m. ; close 8 A.M., 2, 7 P.M. Alexandria— (i?*e 7.45 a. m., 7.20 p. m. ; close 6 A. m., 5.30 p. M. Foreign Mails are forwarded daily to 'New York and San Francisco. GENERAL INFORMATION. Xlll Bates of Postage. — Domestic. — Letters to any part of the United States, 3 cents for eacli ^ ounce or fraction tliereof . Letters within any city, 2 cents wliere free delivery ; other oflSces, 1 cent. Ref^istered Letters, 8 cents registration fee, in addition to tlie regular postage. At least one fall rate must be paid on letters to secure tlieir transmission. Printed books, package limited to 4 lbs., except books printed by or- der of Congress, 2 cents for each 2 ounces or fraction tliereof . Newspapers and magazines 1 cent 2 ounces. All transient matter must be prepaid in full by stamps. Foreign. — The frequent changes in routes and rates rend- ers it advisable to omit a table of foreign postages. All ne- cessary information should be obtained at the Post Office. Money-Orders and Registered Letters.— Tlie Mo- ney-Order and Registered-Letter Departments are open from 8 A. M. to 4 p. M. Xo business is transacted in either of these . departments on Sunday. E ntrance to Money-Order and Registry Departments, from F St., door E. of delivery. Telegraph Offices.— Automatic. — Principal office, 1409 Penn. av. 1 Frankxin. — ^Principal office, 609 Penn. av. I Western Union. — Principal office, Penn. av. and 14th I st.W. i Branch Offices will be found in all the principal hotels, I or near by, and in the Capitol. I Ohurclies. — The following list of places of religious worship is merely designed for the use of visitors in the citj^, and I therefore embraces only tlie representative churches of each I denomination. For convenience of reference, it is arranged alphabetically. The usual hour for service is 10.30 to 11 A. M. and 7 to 8 p. M., according to the season of the year. Baptist.— First, 13th st. W., bet. G and H. E-street, E St., bet. 6th and 7th W. Calvary, II and 8th sts. NW. Shi- loh, (Old School,) Mass. av., bet. 9th and 10th sts. W. Catholic, Roman. — St. Aloysius, I and ]N". Capitol st. NW. St. Dominic's, 6th and F. sts. SW. St. Matthew's, H and 15th st. NW. St. Patrick's, 10th and F sts., (rebuilding.) St. Stephen's, Penn. av. and 25th st. NW. Christian.— First, Vermont av., above IST st. KW. Congregational.— Fh'st, 10th and G sts. NW. Episcopal, Protestant. — Ascension, Hst., bet. 9th and 10th NW. Epiphan)^ G St., bet. 13th and 14th NW. Rock Creek, near Soldiers' Home. St. John's, 16th and H sts. XIV GENERAL INFORMATION. NW. St. Paul's, (Kitnalistic.) 23d st., S. of Circle, NW. Trinity, 3d and C sts. NW. Episcopal, Methodist.— Fonndry, G and 14th sts. NW. Hamline, cor. 9tli and P sts. NW. McKendree, Mass. av., near 9tli st. NW. Metropolitan, 4i and C sts. NW. Wesley Chapel, 5th and F sts. NW. Episcopal, Methodist South. — Mount Vernon, 9th and K sts. NW. Friends.— Orthodox, 13th, bet. R and S sts. NW. Hick- site, I St., bet. 18th and 19tli NW. Meetino^s, 11 o'clock A. M. German Reformed.— First, 6th and "K sts. NW. Ger- man service, A.M. ; Enii;lisli, P. M. Hebrew. — Wasliington Hebrew Congre^i^ation, 8th st., bet. H and I NW. Services every Friday 7 p. m., and Sab- bath (Saturday) 9 A. M. Lutheran — Trinity, (Unaltered Augsburg Confession,) E and 4th sts. NW. St. Paul's, H and' 11th sts NW. Me- morial, N and 14th sts. N. Methodist Protestant. — 9th st., bet. E and F NW. Presbyterian. — First, 4,V st. NW., near tlie City Hall. Fourth, 9th, bet. G and H sts. NW. JS'ew-York Avenue, New- York av., bot. 13th and 14tli ^W. Unitarian.— D and 6tli sts. N'W. Universalist.— Masonic Hall, F and 9th sts. NW. Colored Churches. — Baptist, First, I and 19th sts. NW". Catliolic, Roman, St. Martin's, 15th st., near L NW. Epis- copal, St. Mary's, 23d st., bet. G and H NW. Methodist, Asbury, K and 11th sts. NW. Presbyterian, 15th, bet. I and K sts. NW. Theatres. — The best places of amusement in the city are Ford^s Opera House, on 9th st. AV., immediately S. of Penn- sylvania av., and the National Theatre, on E st.^N., bet. 13th and 14th sts. NW. Here the standard comedies and trage- dies and plays of the day are performed by excellent stock companies during the winter season, varied at intervals by Italian, German, or English opera, and the presence of the- atrical "stars." General Amusements. — Concerts and lectures take place almost every night, and will aftbrd recreation for those who prefer this character of entertainment. Etiquette, Ceremonies, and Formalities. — The population of Washington is divided into two classes : official and luiq^ ciaL and society admits of the same classification. The first includes those actively associated with the various branches GENERAL INFORMATION. XV and departments of the Government and retired officers of the Army and JSTaiy and families. The second includes resi- dents in the capital not in ofiicial employment, and visitors. The Season. — The fashionable season commences with the New Year's receptions, and ends with the beginning of Lent. During this period life at the capital is extremely gay. The congressional season begins on the lirst Monday in De- cember of each year, and, with a recess diu'ing the Christmas holidays, lasts till March 4 in the odd years and until June or Jul 3^ in the even years. During the months of July, August, and September, the prominent officials and residents leave the capital for places of summer resort. Receptions. — The reception season begins on New Year's day and lasts till the beginning of Lent. ' The days for after- noon receptions are arranged among the ladies of the families of the President, Cabinet Ministers, and Governor of the Dis- trict. The announcements are made daily during the season in the newspapers. Hours, afternoon, 2 to 5 p. m. ; evening, 8 to 11 p. m. Afternoon receptions are open to all. Evening receptions are by card, unless otherwise announced in the daily newspapers. Titles — The following are the forms of address used in conversation with certain officials, viz : Mr. Pi-esident ; to members of the Cabinet, Mr. Secretary, ISIr. Postmaster Gen- eral, Mr. Attorney General ; Mr. Chief Justice, Mr. Vice Pj-esi- dent, Mr. Senator, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Justice, for associates of the Supreme Court, and Mr. , for Representatives. The latter frequently have titles, as Judge, (fcc. Official commu- nications should be addressed, "To the President, "To the Chief Justice," and all others "To the Honorable, the Sec- retary of State," &c., or "The Honorable D. W., Secretary of State;" and to members of Congress, Honorable, with the name. The form customary for ladies of officials, is Mrs. President ; Mrs. General ; Mrs. Secretary, &c. The , following form of address for certain officers Avould be better than those now in vogue : For the Secretary of State, The Premier; other membe'i's of the Cabinet, Mr. Minister. Cards. — Whenever a visit is made or reception attended, a card, containing the name and residence in the city, should be sent in, or left with the usher, or in the receiver in the hall. Cards left at afternoon receptions are generally recog- nized by cards to evening receptions. Cards are generally issued to all evening receptions, except those of the President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, and sometimes the General of the Army. In private calls, if the person called upon be out, turn down the right upper corner of the card, to indicate that called in person ; if the call be upon XVI GENERAL INFORMATION. the family, under the same circumstances, turn down the right end. In making- a farewell call, place P. P. C. on the lower edge of the card. A stranger, in calling upon officials, or at receptions, should, if his name be not annoanced by an usher or by card, men- tion it himself, so as to prevent embarrassment. Invitations. — In all cases, invitations to dinner should be promptly accepted or declined. It is not obligatory to respond to invitations to evening entertainments, unless re- quired in tlie letters B. S. V. P., though it is proper to recog- nize tliem formally. Invitations to evening receptions do not require a reply. The general form of reply is : Mr. S presents his compliments to Secretary , and accepts with pleasure his invitation to dinner Thursday evening. Mon- day, Dec. — , 187 — . The form is the same, with adaptation, for evening entertainments. Calls. — The ladies of officials return calls. The President and wife are not required to return calls ; other members of the family can. The lower officials should always call first upon the higher; and ladies the same ; hours 2 to 5 p. m. Evening calls only allowed for social acquaintances. The first visit received should be returned in three days. Stran- gers, desiring to pay respects to any officials, can do so with propriety during office hours, sending in a card, marked "to pay respects," by the usher. Dress. — For visiting and at all afternoon receptions such dress for ladies and gentlemen as is recognized in good soci- ety for morning calls should be worn. At all evening recep- tions and dinner parties^ fall evening dress for ladies and gentlemen should be strictly observed ; consisting, for gen- tlemen, of black dress-coat and pantaloons, white neck-tie, and light gloves. The President. — Cabinet days^ Tuesdays and Fridays, hours of meeting 12 M. Business hours : During the session of Congress, the President receives Senators and Represen- tatives from 10 A. M. to 12 M. every day, except Sunday, and the public, by card through the usher in the ante-room, from 12 M. till 3 P. M., except on Cabinet days and Sundays. The number admitted during hours is governed entirely by the time the President can spare from his public duties. Persons desiring to pay their respects only, should note '■'•to pay res- pects'''' on tlieir cards, and call tlie attention of the officer in in the ante-room thereto. During the adjournment of Con- gress, the President, when not absent from the Capital, usu- ally receives in the morning from 10 A. M. to 12 M. The President and family receive socially in the evening. GENERAL INFORMATION. XVll These visits, liowever, are only made by those warranted by tlieir acquaintance to call upon them. Diplomatic representatives of foreign governments, upon their first arrival at tlie Capital, are presented in the Blue- Room, at a time fixed by the Secretary of State, with the consent of the President. The ceremony of presentation ponsists of an address by the Minister, and a reply by the President. The President's levees are announced through the press. 1^0 further invitation is necessary, and all strangers at the Capital are at liberty to call. The liours are usually from 8 to 10 P.M. Music by the JViarine Band. ISTo dress is pre- scribed, though it is eminently p^roper to appear in the even- ing dress dictated by good society. Enter by the i^. door, wiiere the usliers will direct to the cloak rooms. Then enter the Red, and pass into the Blue-Room, where the President receives. Announce name to the Marshal of the District, who presents to the President. The Engineer in charge of Public Buildings and Grounds presents to the wife of the President. After paying respects, in order to make room for others, it is advisable to pass out at once into the Green and tlience into the East-Room. The afternoon receptions at the President's House are al- ways held by the Avife of the President, on such days as she may select. She is assisted by such ladies as she may invite, generally selected in alphabetical order from the wives of Senators and ^Members, who, by their official positions, are entitled to such consideration, and any friend. Hours, 2 to 5 p. m. No invitations. Visitors in the city are at liberty to attend. Tlie President, after office hours, often assists. Presentations are made in the Blue Room by the Engineer in charge of Public Buildings and Grounds. Approach as in levees, except that it is customary to leave a card at the door. Enter the Red Room. Dress the same as recognized by good society* as suitable for morning calls. These recep- tions afford an excellent opportunity to strangers at the Cap- ital to view the suits of parlors, state dining room, and con- servatories. The latter are open to the public only on these occasions. After leaving the Blue Room, pass into the Green and East Rooms. The corridor which leads from the East Room extends to the conservatories on the W. end. The President, during the winter, gives state dinners, to which thirty-six invitations at a time are issued, and comprise Sen- ators and Representatives, selected alphabetically. Their wives are also included. The President also invites promi- nent officers of the Government in recognized order. On New Yearns day the President receives in the following XVlll GENERAL INFORMATION. order : Members of the Cabinet and Foreign Ministers ; judges of the Supreme Court of the United States; Senators and Representatives in Congress ; the Governor of the Dis- trict of Cohirabia and suite; judges of the courts of the Dis- trict of Cohmibia and of the United States Court of Claims ; officers of the army and navy ; Assistant Secretaries of depart-* ments ; Sohcitor General ; associations and the public. Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Couit.— La- dies receive on Monday. Eeturn visits. First call must be made upon them. Speaker's receptions are announced in the newspapers. General of the Army.— Eeception of lady, Mondays. Expect tlie first call. The General's receptions are by card, miless otherwise announced in the newspapers. Admiral of the Kavy. — Same as for General of the Army, except evening receptions always by card. The Cabinet. — The ladies of Cabinet Ministers usually receive on Wednesdays, at which time visitors in the city are at liberty to call, leave cards with and give names to the usher at the door. Evening receptions by card are given by Cabi- net Ministers. The ladies of the Cabinet return visits. The fli-st call must be made upon them. Senators and Eepresentatives. — Ladies receive on Thursdays. Calls must be first made upon them. Governor of the District. — Afternoon receptions of ladies announced in tlie newspapers. Open to all. Evening by card. I'irst call must be made. Diplomatic Corps. — Invitations are issued to all enter- tainments. Receive calls first. There are also diplomatic evenings for members of the corps and families, and such others as the lady personally invites. Residents.— The ladies of the families of residents at the capital not in official life, call first. Their days at home are generally marl^ed on their cards. Social precedence.— 1 , The President"; 2, the Chief Justice ; 3, the Vice Pi-esident ; 4, the Speaker ; 5, the Gen- eral of the Army; 6, the Admiral of the JSTavy; 7, the Cabi- net, Secretary of State, Treasury, War, Navy, Postmaster General, Seci-etary of the Interior, and Attorney General ; 8, Senators ; 9, Associate Justices ; 10, Representatives in Con- gress; and, 11, Governor of the District. Remarks. — General Jackson first introduced bad manners mto the society of the President's House. The President, by virtue of his office, of a right occupies the highest social posi- tion in the land, and the observance of the formalities which are recognized in the surroundings of any American gentle- man's home should be accorded to the home of the President. GENERAL INFORMATION. XIX Distances from Washingtox. I Capitals of States or Territories are in capital letters. MILES. AtBVNY, N. Y 374 Albuquerque, N.iM..215G Alexandria. Va 7 Annapolis, Md 42 Atlanta, Ga 721 Augusta. Me 631 Austin, Texas 1781 Baltimore, Md 40 Boise City, Idaho...20(;7 Boston, Mass 458 Brownsville, Tex ..I94G Butfalo, N.Y 446 Cairo, Illinois 977 Carson City, Nov.. .2950 Charleston, S. C .... 587 Cheyenne. Wy. T.-.1S50 Chicago, III 842 Cincinnati, Ohio.... (>11 Columbia, S. C 519 Columbus, Ohio 535 Concord. N. H 503 Deer Lodge, Mon.T.2700 LtENVER, Col. T. 1950 Desmoines, Iowa 1102 Detroit. Mich 692 Dover, Del 159 Duluth,Minn 1437 Erie, Pa 466 Fort Abererombie.1507 Fort Benton, M.T..3130 FortBerthold, D.T.2186 Fort Bliss, Tex . 2523 Fort Boise, Idaho..2669 MILES. Fort Bridger,Wy.T.2349 Fort Dodge, Kan. ..1586 Fort Fetterman 1984 Foi t Gil)son,Ch.Na.l387 Fort Hays, Kan 1525 Fort Klamath, Ore.3320 Fort Laramie, W.T.lfiOU Fort Leavenworth. .1263 Fort Randall, D. T.1535 Fort Smith, Ark. ...1307 Fort Wavne, Ind... 694 Fort Yuma, Cal 3881 Frankfort, Ky 731 Galveston, Texas. ..1556 H\RnisBURG. Pa 125 Hartford, Conn 342 Indianxpol'S, Ind... 715 Jackson, Miss 10S2 Jefferson City. Mo.1077 Kansas City, Mo... .1234 Lansing, 3Iich 742 Leavenworth, Kan. 1260 Little Kock, Ark...liri Louisville, Ky 720 Madison.WIs 974 Memphis, Tenn 9:i4 MiLLEDGEVILLE. (ia.. 698 Milwaukee, Wis 927 Mobile, Ala 1082 Montgomery, Ala... 896 MONTPELIER. Vt 556 Nashville, Tenn.... 775 New Haven, Conn.. 307 MILES. New Orleans, La.. ..12.50 New York, N. Y 229 Norfolk, Va 233 Olympia, Wash. T...3982 Omaha, Neb 1298 I'ensacola, Fla 1050 Philadelphia, Pa.... 139 PiUsl)urg, Pa 374 Por laml. Ore 3952 Providence, R. 1 419 IlALElGU, N. C 313 IllCHMOND, Va 130 SvcRAMENTO, Cal 3072 Saint l^ouis, Mo 952 Saint Paul, Minn. .1285 SxLEM, Ore. 3834 Salt Lake City U T.2-164 San Francisco. Cal. 3 155 San Juan Is., W. T.4047 Santa Fe, N. Mex...2093 Savannah. Ga 091 Tahlequvh, liid. T..13(Ri SfTKA, Alaska 4535 SPRlNGriELD, III 92S Tai.lahass ::e, Fla 953 ToPEKA. Kan 1302 Tbenton, N.J 170 Tucs .N, Ar. T 2628 Van.-onver, \V. T...3970 Virgini.i City, !\LT.2087 WuELLi.vG, \V. Va.... 401 Wilmingion, Del... Ill Yankton, D. T 1449 Foreign Distances, air-Line, from Washington, to MILES. MILES. MIT.ES. Belize ...1410 Honolulu ....4650 Rome.. iOoO Berlin ...3840 Jerusalem ...MOO ■San Domingo .. 130i> Buenos Ayres.... ...4870 Lima ....3180 San Juan .. .... 1380 Calcutta ...8580 Lisbon ... 3180 San Salvador . 16.50 Callao .. .3168 London, ....3300 Santiago, Chili 470>) Caracas ...1830 Mexico ....1080 Spanishtown, J un..l2)0 Cape Good Hope ...7380 Nicaragua ....1740 St. I'etersl.urg. 4290 Cape Horn ...0450 Panama ....1840 Sydney, A us .. 9150 ...3670 Paris Tehaun tepee. Vera Cruz Constantinople.. ...4870 Pekin ....7680 1.560 Georgetown, Br. G 2230 Rio de Janeiro. ....4300 Vienna 4110 Havana ...1250 XX general information. Differences of Time. Table showing the mean time at 39 places in the United States and Foreign Countries, u hen it is mean noon at Washington^ D C, United States of America. * Signifies forenoon and f afternoon. Time computed from the ob- servatories of all places marked (oj h. Alban}', X.Y (o) f <> Alexandria, Egypt. f 7 Astoria, Oregon * 8 Augusta, Maine f '^ B.iltiniorc-, Md f Berlin, Pi'ussia (o) f (5 Boston, Mass f Cambridge, Mass... (o) f Canton, China * Charleston, S. C * 11 Chicago, III * 11 Cincinnati, Ohio.... * 11 Detroit, Michigan.. * 11 Greenwich, Eng.... (a) f 5 Honolulu, 8. I * Jeddo, Japan * 2 Leavenworth, Kan. * 10 Lima, Peru * 11 Liverpool, Eng (o) f 4 London, Eng (o) f 5 m. s. 13 13 7 44 5-2 57 2S 52 1 45 1 4G 1'3 58 23 42 41 18 48 30 17 41 30 13 36 2 8 11 3G 44 28 12 49 16 59 41 56 11 2 12 h. Louisville, Ky f 11 Melbourne, Aus'lia * 2 Memphis, Tenn * II iMexico,Mex * 10 Milwaukee, Wi.s * 11 Mobile, Alabama... * 11 Montreal, C.E f Moscow, Russia (o) f 7 New Orleans, La.... * 11 New York, N.Y f Panama, C. A * 11 Paris,.France (o) f 5 Philadelphia, Pa.... (o) f Rome, Italy (o) f 5 Salt Lake, Utah * 9 San Francisco, Cal. * 8 St. Louis, Mo * 11 Vienna, Austria (o) f 6 Washington, D.C... (o) 26 12 48 5 7 40 31 50 16 35 16 6 14 38 28 8 12 12 12 50 15 17 33 7 34 58 6 39 48 58 25 7 11 13 44 SECTION I. WASHINGTON AND THE DISTRICT UF COLUMBIA. WASHINGTON. *5^4*<^^HE Seat of Government of the United States ^v^cSr^'^^ of America has been appropriate!}' called ''the Virgin Capital." A territory under the exclusive j urisdiction of Congress iiad early received the atten- tion of the legislators of the new Republic; indeed, ^^ P before the clamor of war had fairly ceased, or the royal standard of England had left its shores. The posses- sion of such a ten-itory was an important feature in the de- bates upon the framing of the Constitution; and it was pre- cisely fortj'-eight days after the last act of ratification, that the Federal Cit^^ of the Ameiican Republic was by solemn en- actment of the young Congress of the Thirteen Free and Inde- pendent States located on the beautiful eastern sliore of the broad Potomac. It might be added, that not only is Washing- ton the only virgin capital in the world, but its foundation ^A'as simultaneous with the inauguration of tiie permanent form of government of the nation. Of being syncln-onous it lacked less than two years. The idea and the execution were essentially American. It was founded as the Capital of the Republic. It sprang out of the virgin soil, and its growth and magnificence were to be measured 1jy the progress and taste of tlie people who constituted the Government of which it was to be the political head and centre and the permanent residence. Among the capitals of the great nations of modern times, in this particular Washington stands alone. St. Petersburg, now the seat of the imi^ei'ial residence of the Autocrat of all the Russias, rose out of the morasses^of the Neva at the will of the great Peter. It was long what its founder called it, n look-out upon Europe, before the ancient capital of the Czars, in the fertile Moskva, left the sheltering walls of the Krem- lin for the banks of the Neva. Versailles, the queen of royal residences, sprang from a favorite hunting lodge of Louis XIII. A monarch like his successor was alone capable of an Z GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. exhibition of extravagance sncli as this. The genius of Le Brun and Le Notre, and the expenditure of two hundred millions of dollars, did not make Versailles a capital. Its name and its associations are synonymous with the reckless- ness of a hixurious and dissolute coin-t. Rome, the city of over twenty-six centuries, was government and capital , when Romulus, with his handful of Latins on the western slope of the Palatine ; Tatius, with his Sabines on the Capitoline and the Quirinal ; and the Etruscans on the Cselian and Esquiline, gathered around the fornm, and laid the foundation of that career of greatness and power, which justly earned the proud title of Mistress of the World. But republican Rome rose on the ruins of the earlier kingdom of the Tarquins. Impe- rial Rome superseded the colossal fabric of the Republic of the Consuls, the Tribunes, and the Triumvirs. Pontifical Rome reared herself upon the crumbled throne of the Impe- rial Ca3sars. The Rome of to-day, the capital of United Italy, therefore, may well be said to be the mother, while Washington is the maiden, of capitals. Geographical Location.— Washington the Federal, or Capi- tal C'ity of the United States of America, is situated on the left or eastern bank of the Potomac River, between the Anacostia, or Eastern Branch of the Potomac, and Rock Creek, 10(J^ m. (statute) above the mouth of the Potomac River, by sliip channel, from abreast the red buoy oil" Point Lookout to Arsenal or Geenleaf 's Point, and 185^ m. from the buoy \\ m. NE. of Cape Henry light, mouth of Chesa- l)eake Bay. The distance by air line to the month of the Potomac River is 69 m., and to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay 143 m. The distance from the Capitol by air line to the sea-coast, just below Cape Ilenlopen, the nearest point, is 105 m. ; and to the Chesapeake Bay, available for vessels of war, Patuxent River, 53 m. ; Annapolis 38^ m., and Herring Bay 39 m. The city, the site of which was selected by President Wash- ington, was founded under the same provisions of constitu- tional authority and State and National legislation which led to tlie establishment of the Federal Territory, or District of Columbia. The only direct reference to the location of the public buildings witlnn the limits of the Territory already accepted was contained in a proviso in the amendatory act of Congress approved March 3, 1791, requiring their erect- ion on the Maryland side of the Potomac. The longitude of the Capitol, ascertained by Lambert, is 76° 55^ 30'> 54 W. of Greenwich, and 79° 15' 41'' 69 W. of Paris. Latitude 38° 52' 20 N. AREA. 3 When the city was located, the northern limit of the United States was lat. 46° N. and the southern 31° N^., placing Washington hut 23 min. or geographical miles south of the centre from IST. to S. Subsequent acquisitions of territory, however, on the line of the Atlantic sea-board, from the mouth of the St. Croix to the S. extremity of the peninsula of Florida, places the centre at lat. 35° N"., the vicinity of Xewberne, N"orth Carolina, or 233 miles S. Another im- portant consideration in those days was the fact, that on no part of the coast within the bounds of the country was there accessible to sea-going vessels a port situated so far Inland. Distances. — The distances in miles to the chief points in the different sections of the vast domain now under the jurisdiction of the National Government are as follows: From Washington.— North and East : Baltimore, Md., 40 ; Pliiladelphia, Penn., 139 ; New York, N. Y., 229 ; Bos- ton, Mass., 458; Portland, Me., 567; mouth of the St. Croix Kiver, the N. E. boundary on New Brunsmck, 750; Rouse's Point on Lake Champlain, N. boundary on Lower Canada, 598. Northwest: Oswego, N. Y., on Lake Ontario, 475; Buffalo, N. Y., on Lake Erie, 446 ; Chicago, 111., on Lake Micliigan, 842 ; Fort Brady, Mich., on Sault Ste. Marie, boundary on Upper Canada, 1,031; Duluth, Minn., W. end Lake Superior, 1,437 : Pembina, Dakota, forty-ninth paral- lel, boundary between the United States and JBritish posses- sions, 1,677; Olympia, Washington Territory, 3,982; Cape Flattery, extreme N. W. point on Pacific Ocean, 4,102; Sitka, Alaska, 4,535. West : St. Louis, Mo., on the IVIississippi River, 952 ; Omaha, Neb., on the Missouri River, 1,298 ; Salt Lake City, Utah, Rocky Mountains, 2,464 ; San Francisco, Cal., on the Pacific Ocean, W. boundary, 3.155. South and Southwest: Richmond, Va., 130; Charleston, S. C, 587; Key West., Fla., extreme S. point Gulf of Mexico, 1,494; New Orleans, La., 100 miles from the mouth of the Missis- sippi River, 1,250; Brownsville, Tex., S. W^^Rio Grande or Mexican frontier, 1,946 ; San Diego, Cal.^^. W. limit, on Lower California and Pacific Coast, 3,672.' [For Table of Distances to all parts of the U. S. and the world, see Gen- eral Information.} . Area. — The plot of the city lies on the W. side of the tract, 64 sq. m., within the present borders of the District of Columbia, and is 14 m. in circumference. It covers 6,111 a., or a little over 9J sq. m. The avenues, streets, and spaces comprise 2,554 a. ; the Government reservations, as origi- nally laid out, 541 a., and squares 3,016 a. The greatest 4 POPULATION. length is from W. to S. of E. ; or from Rock Creek, between I and K sts. W., to the bank of the Anacostia, at 24th st. E., on B St. S., 4.57 m. The earher plot is extended to 31st St. E. ; but the 7 additional streets and squares are subject to tidal inundation, and are generally excluded from the later maps. The greatest breadth of the city is W. of N"., from Greenleaf Point, at the foot of the Arsenal Grounds, to Boundary, at 11th st. W., 3.78 m. The mean width, however, is not more tlian 2| m. The mean length is over 4 m. The boundary of the city begins at the mouth of Rock Creek, near the western limits of I St. N., opposite Analostan Island, in the Potomac, and fol- lows the course of the creek to the point of intersection of the W. limit of P st. N. ; thence it follows an irregular E. course to a point midway between lltli and the prolonga- tion of 10th St. W. and north of W st. N. ; thence it runs S. till it Joins the W. line of the northern end of 9th st. W., about V St. IST. ; and following 9th st. W. to U st. N., it pur- sues the latter street a few feet ; thence in a due SW. line to the angle formed by the intersection of II st. N., 15th st. E., and the NE. limit of Maryland avenue, where the Bal- timore Turnpike and Benniiig's Bridge road diverge ; thence by the line of 15th st. E. to a few feet S. of the eastern ex- tremity of C St. N. ; thence by a du^ E. and W. line till it strikes the Anacostia; thence" by tlie right bank of the Ana- costia and tlie left bank of the Potomac to the place of be- ginning. The city lies 4 m. along the Potomac and about 3| m. along the Anacostia. Government. — The old municipal form was abolished by the act of Congress, 1871, and tlie jurisdiction of the city was vested in the Governor and Legislature of the Territory, incorporated for municipal purposes and empowered to exer- cise the powers of a municipal corporation, not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States. Finances. — (See District of Columbia.) Population, — The population of the citj^, by decades, since its foundation, was as follows: 1810, 8,208; 1820, 13,247; 1830, 18,826 ; 1840, 23,364 ; 1850, 40,001 ; 1860, 61,122 ; 1870, 109,199. The population, when occupied by Congress, in 1800, is not separately given ; but tliat it was very small may be judged from the fact that the total for Washington 'and Georgetown and the Coimty was l)ut 8,144. The population in 1870 was, white, 73,731 ; colored, 35,455 ; Indian, 13. Born in the District of Columbia, 42,694 ; and in otlier States, 52,748; in foreign countries, 13,757, viz: Ireland, 6,948; Germany, 4,133; England, 1,235; Scotland, 299; British GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 5 America, 239 ; Italy, 175 ; Switzerland, 146 ; all other foreign countries, 582. Miscellaneous Statistics.— Size, 12 in population ; families, 21,343; persons to a family, 5.12; clwellings, ISTo., 19,545; persons to each, 5.59. Persons in each class of occupations, 41,188 : agriculture, 284; personal and jjrofessional services, 26,109 : male, 15,596 ; female, 10,513 ; trade and transport- ation. 5,296 ; manufactures, mechanical, and mining indus- tries,' 9,499. Poreign Capitals. — The Capital of the United States is situ- ated farther south than that of any of the greater States of Europe, as will be seen by the following : Washington.— Lat. 38° 52^ 20"' N". On Potomac River, 106J m. from its mouth. Area 6,111 a., and 14 m. in cu*- cuit. Population, 1870, 109,199. London.— Lat. (St. Paul's) 51° 30' 48'' K. On Thames River, 50 m. from its mouth. Area of old city 1 sq. m. With city and liberty of Westminster and 5 boroughs 31,353 sq. m. Population, 1870, 3,215,000. Paris.— Lat. 48° 50' 12" N. On the Seine River, 110 m. from its mouth. Area 14 sq. m. Population, 1871, 1,950,000. Berlin. — Lat. 52° 30' 16"!^. On the Spree River. Area 6,800 a., and 10 m. in circuit. Population 820,000. St. Petersburg. — Lat. 59° 56' IST. On the N^eva River, near its mouth. Area 6 m. in length and 5 m. in width. Population 667,000. Vienna.— Lat. 48° 12' N. On the Wein River, near the Danube. Circuit 15 m. Population, 1872, 640,000. Rome.— Lat. 41° 54' 06" N. On the Tiber River, 17 m. from its mouth. Circuit 12 m. Population, 1872, 247,497. History. — The permanent Seat of Government was estab- lished at Washington under provisions of the Constitution of the United States and an act of Congress approved Julj'' 16, 1790. For a succinct history of its growth, from its founda- tion down to the present time. See History of Washington^ at the end of this Hand-book. DISTRICT OF COLUjNIBIA. Geographical Sitnation — The Federal Territory, or Dis- trict of Columbia, is situated on the left or E. bank of the Potomac River, at the confluence of the Anacostia. Its present limits lie enth-ely within the borders of the State of 6 GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. Maryland, and bounded on the NW., N., and partly on tlie NE. by Montgomery County, and partly on the NE. and on the E. and SE. by Prince George's County, in that State. Its entire western boundary is formed by the Potomac River. The lat. oi the centre of the District, as fii'st laid out, varies but a few feet from that of the Capitol, and the long, is one minute or geographical mile and a fraction W. Boundaries. — The Federal District, as originally located and proclaimed, Mar. 30, 1791, was a square of 10 m., and consequently comprised 100 sq. m. The lines of boundary began at Jones' Point, or the upper cape, which projects into the Potomac on the Virginia side or right bank, at the con- fluence of Hunting Creek and the Potomac, and but a short distance SE. of the present town of Alexandria, Va. At this initial point the corner-stone of the Territory was plant- ed, with appropriate ceremonies, and formed the starting- point pf a first line, which was run at an angle of 45° W. of N. or ISTW., a distance of 10 m., in the State of Virginia. The second line also started at the initial point, and ran at a right angle with the first, or I^E., across the Potomac, 10 m., into the State of Maryland. The remaining two lines were run from the termini of the first two and at right angles with them, respectively, NE. and NW., the one crossing the Po- tomac and the other the Anacostia, and meeting each other in a point. The original Territory, it will be seen, stood diagonally, each angle facing one of the cardinal points of the compass. The St. point of the District, as originally laid out, is I of a ra. due W. of Silver Spring, Md. ; the E. point 2f m. S. of E. of Benning's Bridge, on the Anacostia ; the S. ar initial point at the I^sT. cape of Hunting Creek, called Jones' Point, 1 m. E. of S. of the centre of Alexandria, Va. ; and the W. point near the soiu-ce of Four-mile Run, in Va. The Potomac River now forms the W. boundary : all that portion formerly belonging to the State of Virginia having been ret- roceded. The four sides of the District, instead of facing N"., S., E., and W., lie NE., SE., SW., and NW. The centre of the original Territory, by a right line drawn from the I*^. to the S. point of the square, is marked by a gray freestone, about 100 yds. W. of the Washington Monument, and on a line almost due S. from the President's House, at a distance of about 1 m. The stone was planted to mark the centre of the District. The lines, as run by Mr. EUicott, ''Geographer General," were marked by square mile-stones, with deeply-cut inscrip- tions, as follows : On the side facing the Territory, "Juris- diction OF THE United States . " On the opposite ' ' Vir- GOVERNMENT. 7 GiNiA" or "Maryland," according to the State on whose I>ossessions the line faced. On the tliird side was tlie year, IfOS. And on tlie fonrtli the position of tlie magnetic needle at the time and place. Some of these stones are still standing ; and more, probably, might be brought to liglit if the accumulations of decayed vegetable growth were re- moved. It has been wisely suggested that the Government should define the lines of the Federal Territory of this now mighty Republic by tablets, columns, and other marks, wor- thy and commemorative of its greatness. Shortly after the District was laid out this was seriously considered. It was proposed to build a great Fort at Jones' Point, on the site of tlie initial corner-stone of the Federal Territorj*. This fort, at the same time, was to constitute one of the defenses of the river approach to the capital from the Sea, and was to be called Fort Columbia. It was actually commenced, but soon afterwards abandoned. In 1846 all that portion of the District, consisting of about 36 sq. m., whicli lay on the W. bank of the Potomac, in Vir- ginia, was retroceded to that State, wliich reduced the area to 64 sq. m., its present extent. The length of the Potomac boundary is 12J m. Since the retrocession, particularly dur- ing tlie rebellion of 1861-'65, the short-sighted policy of that act was sadly apparent in the inconvenience experienced in having the banks of the Potomac opposite the National Capital under the jurisdiction of an inimical local govern- ment. The question of restoring the Territory to its first limits, by securing a new cession fi-om Virginia, is being agi- tated. In the absence of absolute jurisdiction on both sides of the river, it is manifest that there must be interminable conflicts of interest and authority: the more so as the Capi- tal increases in population, wealth, and magnificence. The schemes of improvement of the Potomac in front of Wash- ington and Georgetown also demand the possession of the Vii-ginia shore. Political Divisions.— The District is divided into the cities of Washington and Georgetown and the County of Wash- ington. Government. — The Congi-ess of the United States, in Nov., 1800, assembled for the first time in the City of Washing- ton. The jurisdiction of the United States over the Dis- trict vested on the first Monday of Dec, 1800. It was not, however, till Feb. 27, 1801, that Congress assumed direct and exclusive jurisdiction— all affairs of the District being tu*st referred to a Committee for the District of Columbia for con- sideration and report. 8 GOVERNMENT. Tho act of Congress approved February 21, 1871, created all that part of the Territory of tlie United States included within the limits of the District of Columbia into a govern- ment, by the name of the District of Columbia : the execu- tive power to be vested in a Governo7\ to be nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and to hold office for four years ; and the legislative power in a Legislative As- sembly^ composed of a Council of 11 members, nominated bjr the President and confirmed by tlie Senate, to hold office two years; and a House of Delegates of 22 members, elected by tlie people annually. Two members of tlie Council must be residents of Georgetown and two of the County outside of the cities of Washington and Geor^^etown, leaving- seven for Washington. That portion of the District not included in the corporate limits of Washington and Georgetown is divided into three townships. The Territory is divided into 22 legis- lative districts, viz : of Washing-ton 18 ; Georgetown 2 ; and County of Washington 2. The annual elections are held on the 2d Tuesday in October, and the annual sessions of the Legislative Assembly on the 4th Monday of April of each year. The sanitary care of the District is under the supervision of a Board of Health. All streets, avenues, allej^s, and rivers are under a Board of Pub- lic Works. The Board is required to report annually to the President of the United States, Congress, and the Legislative Assembly. The organic act also defines certain limitations and restrictions in the exercise of governmental functions, particularly with reference to finances, assessments, and taxes. All acts of the Legislative Assembly of the District are sub- ject to revision by'Congress, and that body retains the power of legislation over the District, the same as if the organic law had not been passed. The Legislative Assembly is required to maintain a sj^stem of free schools^ is empowered to create corporations for the District, and has power to ]irovide by law for the election or appointment of ministerial officers. The organic act of Feb. 21, 1871, repealed the charters of the cities of Washington and Georg'ctown and all legislation respecting the Levy Court and County of Washington incon- sistent with that act : the powei-s hithei-to exercised in those connections being vested in the Territorial Government. A Delegate to the House of Eepresentatives of the United States, to serve for 2 years, is also elected by the voters quali- fied to elect memb.'rs of the Legislative Assembly, and has the same rights and privileges as are exercised and enjoyed hy the Delegates from the 'several Territories of the United States to the Houso of Eepresentatives : he is also a member of the Committee for the District of Columbia. POPULATION. 9 Tlie judicial courts of the District are subject to the legisla- tive action of Congress only. The salaries of all officers appointed by the President are paid by the U. S. ; all others by the District. The new District government went into operation June 1, 1871. Finances, estimated upon the tax le^y for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1874 : Assessed valuation of real estate in the District of Colum- bia, 890.433,072, viz : Washington, $80,539,782 ; Georgetown, $0,272,010; County of Washington, $9,021,280. Total actual valuation, $200,000,000. Revenue: Taxes, $1,888,252 00; other sources, $200,000 ; total, $2,088,252 00. Rate of tax on $100 : Washington, $2 00; Georgetown, $2 00; County, $1 58. Appropriations by the 3d Legislative Assembly, payable from above, to June 30, 1874: General District fnnd, $471,130; School fund, teachers and building, $318,300 20; Metropoli- tan Police, $137,445, or ^ total amount, f paid bv U. S. ; Gas fund. $129,975; Interest on bonds D. C, $304,000; on water stock, $31,500; on bonds of late corporation, $289,417 24; Sinking funds bonds D. C, $250,000. Total, $1,931,827 50. Excess' of revenues over appropriations, $150,424 56. Con- gress annually appropriates $25,000 towards the expenses of the Fire Department. The bonded debt existing N'ov. 1, 1873, was as follows : District of Columbia, $5,522,350; late Corporation of Wash- iniiton, $4,127,584 22 ; late Corporation of Georgetown, $252,- 310 90 : total, $9,902,251 18. Congress limits the amount of debt that may be incurred by the District to $10,000,000. The financial operations of the Board of Public Works are not embraced in the above. It appears from the report of the Treasurer that from July 1, 1871, to November, 1873, the total receipts have been $14, 789,092.85. The expenditures for the same period have been $13,380,455.07, leaving a balance of $1,403,237.18. The contracts entered into by the Board number 951, and, deducting the amount estimated for water services, and chargeable directly to property, aggregate $13,501,102.49. Of this sum there remain to be expended, for the completion of the work under contract, $1,030,037.54. Population. — The population of the District, inclusive of the County of Alexandria up to 1840, and exclusive after, durino- each decade since its occupation by the Government, was, 1800, 14,093 ; 1810, 24,023 ; 1820, 33,039 ; 1830, 39,834 ; 1840, 43,712; 1850, 51,687; 1800, 75,080; 1870, 131,700. Classified, 1870 : White, 88,278 ; colored, 43,404 ; Chinese, 3 ; Indian, 15 ; male, 62,192 ; female, 69,508 ; native, 115,446 ; 10 INDUSTRY AND WEALTH. foreign born, 16,250 ; native of District of Columbia, 52,340 ; of other States, 63,106. Of foreiijn countries, 16,254, viz : Ireland, 8,218 ; Germany, 4,920 ; England, 1,422 ; Scotland, 352; British America, 290; France, 231; Italy, 182; all other foreign countries, 639. By civil divisions, 1870 : Washington, 109,199 ; George- town, 11,384; county, 11,117. Slave population : 1800, 3,244 ; 1810, 5,395 ; 1820, 6,377 ; 1830, 6,119; 1840, 4,694; 1850, 3,687; 1860, 3,185; 1870, none. Total, exclusive of Alexandria County : 1800, 8,144 ; 1810, 15,471 ; 1820, 23,336 ; 1830, 30,261 ; and 1840, 33,745 ; subse- quently, as above. The increase to 131,700 during the decade ending in 1870 indicates an unusually rapid gTOwth. Tliis will be f urtlier promoted, as the disposition already manifested by citizens of means in all parts of the country to make the National Capi- tal a place of winter resort increases. Miscellaneous Statistics, 1870. — Area, 64 sq. m. ; persons to a sq. m., 2,057.81. Families, 25,276; persons to a family, 5.21. Dwellings, 23,308 ; persons to a dwelling 5.65. Per- sons in each class of occupations : Agriculture, 1,365 ; male, 1,350 ; female, 15. Professional and personal services, 29,845 ; male, 17,927; female, 11,918. Trade and transportation, 6,126; male, 5,852; female, 274. Manufacture, mechanical, and mining, 11,705; male, 10,071; female, 1,634. Other statistical information will be found under appropriate heads. Vital Statistics.-The District is situated in one of the health- iest regions in the country. J^Totwithstanding the large num- ber of Strangers constantly arriving in the city and the irregular habits of a large proportion, the average death-rate compares favorably with otiier sections. Tiie census of 1870 shows the following results : Oregon, 1 death to 146 popula- tion, the most favorable ; Minnesota, 1 to 124 ; New Hamp- shire, 1 to 74 ; Pennsylvania, 1 to 66 ; District of Columbia, 1 to 65 ; California, 1 to 62 ; Missouri, 1 to 61 ; Massachusetts, 1 to 56 ; Louisiana, 1 to 50. The percentage of deaths to pop- ulation in tlie District is 1.53. The aggregate number of deaths in 1870 was 2,015 : males, l,06o ; females, 950 ; ag- gregate population, 131,700. Of the deaths, 929 died under theage of 5 years. The principal diseases are pulmonaiy and fevers, in particular localities. Tlie fevers are generally intermitting and bilious. Industry and Wealth, 1870.— Valuation of Property, $74,- 271,693; assessed real, $71,437,468; personal, $2,834,225. GEOLOGY. 11 True value, real and personal, $126,873,618. This is exclu- sive of the property of the General Government. Taxation, not national, total $1,581,569 ; countv, $49,975 ; city, $1,531,- 594 ; 1860, total $260,218 ; 1870, public debt, not national, $2,596,545. Agriculture: Acres improved, 8,266 ; wood land, 2,428 ; other unimproved, 983 ; value of farms, $3,800,230 ; implements, &c. $39,450 ; value of productions, betterments, and additions to stock, $319,517. In 1860 there were 17,474 acres improved and 16,789 unimproved, with a value of but $2,989,267. Manufactures : Establishments, 952 ; capital, $5,021,925; products, $9,292,173. In 1860 there were but 429 establishments, with capital $2,905,865, and products $5,412,102. No mining or established fisheries. Agriculture. — The cereals and other crops of the N". belt of the JN". temperate zone are cultivated with success in the District of Columbia. Fruits and vegetables in great variety are also grown. The markets of the capital are abundantly supplied from the \dcinity, and rank with, if they do not ex- cel, the finest in other parts of the United States. Topography. — The District of Columbia presents a pleasing variety of landscape. On the shores of the Potomac, towards the NW., the outlying spurs of the Blue Ridge range of the Appalachian chain approach the city, and form the wild and romantic scenery of rugged rocky hills and deep valleys along the Potomac at the Little and Great Falls. The remainder of the District consists of sweeping and graceful undulations. The Potomac, from the KW., and the Anacostia, from the NE., unite their currents about the centre of the original bounds of the District, fi'om which point the main river flows in a southerly direction, until it passes the line. A number of smaller streams, including Rock and Tiber Creeks, which water all parts of the District, find theu' outlets into the Po- tomac or Anacostia. Geology.— The soil of the District bordering the Potomac is alluvial, formed by the rich deposits of the river, brought down from the mountains. The elevated lands consist almost exclusively of yellow clay, interspersed with sand and gravel. Occasionally a mixture of loam and clay is met with. Rock Creek divides the primitive from the alluvial soil. Above JRock Creek the shores of the Potomac are fined with primi- tive rocks. Shortly after leaving the District the red sand- stone appears. In some parts the stone frequently contains leaves of trees and ligneous fragments. A species of gneiss, composed of feldspar, quartz, and mica, is also abundant, and constitutes the underlying rock of the entire District. 12 ORNITHOLOGY. Mineralogy. — The mineralogy of the District is thus stated by jMr. Ilol)iiisoii, in his CatarogTie : Flint, on the shores of the "Eastern Brancli of the Poto- mac, near the Navy Yard, in small nodules. HORNESTONE, containing organic remains. Agatized Wood, woodstone , three miles north from Wash- ington, sometimes invested with minute crystals of quartz, fine specimens, and abundant. Schorl, in Georgetown, in gneiss. Lignite and Pyritical Fossil Wood, found abund- antly in digging wells. Iron Ore, in the vicinity of the woodstone locality, in de- tached masses, on the surface. Organic remains in sandstone abundant. Botany. — A list of the plants indigenous to the District of Columbia, prepared by J. A. Brereton, in 1822, from the ma- terial collected under ibhe auspices of the Washington Botan- ical Society, and entitled Florida Columbiana., presents 22 classes and 288 A^arieties, following tlie Linnsean classification. Of the more familiar varieties found are the oak, (several va- rieties,) button- wood, red maple, sassafras, alder, mountain ash, linden, catalpa, locust, chestnut, tulip, horehound, pen- nyroyal, dogwood, blue-eyed grass, violet, wild honeysuckle, fox grape, Indian tobacco, mullien, wild sweet potato, night- shade, chickweed, touch-me-not, dog's bane, spiderwort, elder, sumac, calamus, superb lily, hellebore, free primrose, ground laurel, laurel, whortleberry, wild indigo, wild pink, cockle, poke, strawberry, dewberry, blackberry, sweet brier, May apple, columbine, ground ivy, motherwort, catnip, trumpet creeper, water-cress, wikl pepper-grass, passion flower, crow- foot geranium, snakeroot, pea vine, wild potato vine, dande- lion, thistle, wild lettuce, sunflower, ladies' slipper, sedge, nettle, burdock, hog weed, Indian turnip, cucumber. Zoology. — The animals native to the region embraced within and contiguous to the District of Columbia in primitive times resorted to this vicinity in large numbers to feed upon the rich pastures found upon the alluvial banks of the Potomac. Among these were several varieties of deer. There were also panther, black bear, wild cat, wolves, red and gray foxes, rabbits, beaver, raccoon, opossum, squirrels, (several varieties, ][, field mice. The larger species are exterminated. The num- ber of species of all kinds is stated at 42. Ornithology. — The feathered kingdom is well represent- ed. Jefferson, in his IS'otes on Virginia, speaks of 100 vari- eties of birds, most of which doubtless were fonnd in the CLIMATE. 13 District. The wild turkey was found in great numbers. The canvas-back duck, which in early days resorted to tlie vicinity of Analostan Island, is yet met with in the estu- aries of the streams below the city; also the wild goose, swan, mallard, blue-winged teal, widgeon, and other spe- cies. In the swamps are found snfpe, rail, blackbirds, and reed-birds. The country generally abounds in quail. The huntiug of featliered game is restricted by law. The autumn mouths generally coustitute the season. The car- dinal grosbeak, mocking-bird, sparrow, linnet, yellow-bird, thrush, sand-piper, king--fisher, and lieron are also met Avith. The number of species of all kinds is stated at 236. Ichthyology — The Potomac, within the District, is stocked with lish in great numbers, some of yrhicli are of the finest varieties. Those best known are the stiu-geon, (weight from 40 to 150 lbs.,) rock fish, (from 1 to i:j lbs..) shad, bass, gar, eel, (three varieties,) carp, lierriug, pike, perch, (four vai'ie- ties,) catfish, mullet, (three varieties,) and smelt. The shad of the Potomac are of excellent quality. In the season tliey are very abundant, and may be seen caught on the Virginia shore opposite the city ; also large quantities of herriug are caught below the city. The la^vs of Maryland, as early as 1768, provided for tlie protection of the fisli. Subsequent acts placed a hea-sy penalty upon tlie destruction of young fish by weirs and dams, and to prevent beating witli cords or poles at certain seasons of the j^ear. A species of shark also ascends to the city. Herpetology. — There are about 50 species of reptiles. Of turtles and lizards there are several varieties. There are about 20 species of serpents, including the rattle, copperhead, black, garter, watcT, green snakes, and vipers. Climate. — The following meteorological summary, pre- pared at the office of tlie Chief Signal Officer, shows the con- ditions of the climate at the Washington, D. C, station for the year ending June 30, 1873 : 1872. July— Mean temperature, 81°. 7; maximum, 101; minimum, 64; rainfall, 0.82; prevailing wind, S. August — M. temp. 79^.6; max. 98; min. 55; rain, 5.72; wind, S. September— M. temp. 69°.3 ; max. 98 ; min. 44 ; rain, 3.92 ; wind, NW. October — ^M. temp. 55^.8 ; max. 82 ; min. 33.5 ; rain, 4.83 ; wind, I^W. November — M. temp. 42°.2 ; max. 65 ; min. 14 ; rain, #.75 ; wind, KW. 14 CLIMATE. December— M. temp. 31°; max. 48; min. 3; rain, 2.49 wind, NW. 1873. January— M. temp. 31°.7 ; max. 64.5; min. 7; rain 3.73; wind, N. February— M. temp. 31°.l; max. 63; min. 1; rain, 4.69 wind, NW. March— M. temp. 41°.5; max. 69; min. 4; rain, 3.03 wind, NW. April— M. temp. 53o.3; max. 87; min. 36; rain, 3.19 wind, NW. May— M. temp. 63°.6; max. 92.5; min. 43; rain, 5.21 wind, NE. June— M. temp. 76°.5; max. 96; min. 46.5; rain, 1.63 wind, S. For the year, mean temperature, 54° .3 ; total rain fall, 42.01 inches. The climate of the District is generally salubrious, though it is subject to sudden changes, particularly in the spring. A comparison of tlie above figures with the same for previous years shows that the mean of the climate has not materially varied. The hottest months are July and August, and the coldest December and February. Jefferson, in his Notes, says that in 1780 the Chesapeake Bay was frozen from its head to the mouth of the Potomac. The extremes in that year were from 6° to 90°. In 1772 there was a fall of snow averaging 3 feet in depth. At present the average is less than 8 inches. In summer storms of thunder and lightning are frequent. 1 1 Capitol. 2 President's House. } Department of State. 4 Trcusiiry Department. 5 Wai Department. 6 Na^y Department. 7 Interior Department. 8 (.eiicral Post Office. I) Department of Justice. 10 Department of Agriculture 11 Observatory. IZ Arsenal. IJ Navy YarJ. 14 Marine Harracks. 15 City Hall. 16 Jail. 7 Asylum. 18 Centre Market. 19 Smithsonian Institution. 10 Wasliington Monument. 21 Statue of Washington. 22 Greenough's Washington. 25 Statute of Jackson. 24 Corcoran Gallery of .An. 25 Botanical Garden. 26 Magazines. 27 Naval Hospital. 28 Statue of Scott. 19 Medical Museum. JO (Government I'rinting Oftic }l Winder's Building. 52 Armory. J Congressional Cemetery. SECTION II. DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY. AVEXUES, SQUAEES, STATUES, &c. HERE are three points within the city from which ^the finest views of Washington may be obtained : 1st. The Dome of the Capitol. 2d. The West Por- tico of the Capitol, reached through the central hall of the Library of the United States. 3d. The higher of* the north central towers of the Smithsonian In- stitution. Outside of the city the best points are from tlie tower of the Government Hospital for the Insane, beyond the Anacostia, and the portico of Arlington House, beyond the Potomac. The stranger should not fail to take advan- tage of at least one of these opportunities, and all would amply repay him. With the aid of this Hand-book and map lie will thus be able to form a perfect idea of the city and tlie location of the principal public buildings. Topography, — The site of Washington covers an undulat- ing tract, whicli lies along the left or E. bank of the Potomac River, between Rock Creek and the Anacostia. From the rugged elevations on the banks of Rock Creek a crescent- shajDcd ridge crosses the northern portions of the city. About two thirds its length it suddenly parts, to allow the fitful cur- rent of the Tiber through. From that point it rises and spreads out into the expansive plateau of Capitol Hill, which overlooks the Anacostia on the E. Within this encircling ridge the surface falls away in terraces and gentle slopes to the banks of the Potomac. In different parts of the city are eminences which aff"ord commanding situations for the public buildings. From the lower falls of the Potomac at Georgetown, where the outlying spurs of the Blue Ridge Mountains give the face of nature a somewhat rugged appearance, a chain of low, wooded hills range on the N., and continuing on the op- posite shores of the Anacostia and Potomac, merge again in the hills on the Virginia side. These give the appearance of a vast ampitlieatre, in the centre of which stands the city. The mean altitude of the city is about 40 ft. above the or- 15 16 PLAN OP THE CITY. clinaiy low tide in tlie Potomac opposite. The more impor- tant elevations, accordin<^ to levels taken by Brev. Lieut. Col. George W. Hng-hes, Corps of Topographical Engineers, in 1850,^ are as follows : Foundation of St. John's Chnrch, ISTE. corner of 16th and H sts. ]S"W., opposite Lafayette Square and the Presi- dent's House, 65.50 ft. Corner of I and 19th sts. N"W., 82.10 ft. East base of Capitol, 89.50 ft. Base of Naval Observatory, 96.20 ft. Corner of N and 11th sts. KW., (highest point in the city,) 103.70 ft. The soil upon wiiich the city is built is generally a yellow- ish clay, mixed with gravel. In digging wells near New Jer- sey av. trees well preserved were found at a depth of from 6 to 48 ft. At one point a stratum of black mud was discov- ered at a depth of 18 ft. Tlie Tiber — so named more than a century before Wasli- mgton was founded, in the belief, it is said, that some day upon its banks would rise a capital greater than Rome, like its historic and larger namesake — runs through the city, di- viding it into two parts. Its fountain streams rise in the hills to the N., and enter the city in several branciies, the principal one in tlie vicinity of 1st st. W. ; it then pursues a SE. and S. course, till it crosses Massachusetts av., when it winds off to the SW. around the NW. base of Capitol Hill and across Pennsylvania av. and tlie Botanical Garden. Originally its course continued along the Mall and emptied into the JPotomac immediately W. of the Washington Mon- ument. Subsequently it was diverted into the Washington Canal at 8d st. W., which followed the line of B st. N. along the N. borders of the IMall. The tilling of the canal led to further changes. The Tiber and its tributaries have since been utilized by diverting tlicm into the sewerage system of the central and southern portions of the city; hence, although the stream traverses one of the most populous sections, its course is not traceable, the current flowing beneath heavy brick arches, upon which buildings have been erected and avenues, streets, and parks laid out. In primitive days the banks of tlie Tiber were lined with forests, and shad and her- ring in their season were cauglit in its waters, under the very shadow of the hill where the Capitol now stands. Plan of the City. — The plan of Washington was prepared in 1791 by Peter Charles L'Enfant, a French engineer of noticeable genius but eccentric habits, who had served in the Continental Army with suflEicient distinction to attract the PROPOSED EMBELLli-HMENTS. 17 attention of Washin<^ton. In tlie work he was g'reatly as- sisted by tlie advice of Tliomas Jefterson, who, when diplo- matic representiitive of the United States at foreio-n conrts, had, witli an intuitive vision of tlie Avants of the f iitsire, stud- ied the plans of the cities of Europe visited by him, and was competent and prepared, with the aid of plans and his per- sonal knowledge of their details, to contribute an invaluable amount of information on this important subject. Tlie plan adopted combines the artistic beauty and grace of Versailles and the practical advantages of Babylon, revived by William Penn in Pliiladelpliia. In th-e conception of the' plan, the predominating object was to secure positions for the different public edifices ; also squares and areas of different shapes, which would afford fine prospects. The avenues were in- tended to connect the most distant parts with certain princi- pal central points, to insure a reciprocity of views. Lines N^. and S., intersected by others running E. and W., were to divide the city into streets and squares. These lines were to be so combined as to intersect at certain given points another set of divergent avenues, so as to form on the open spaces. Every grand transverse avenue and every principal divergent one, such as from the Capitol to the President's House, "was to be 160 ft. wide, laid out with 10 ft. sidewalks and 30 ft. of gravel- walk, planted with trees on either side, and 80 ft. of carriageway in the centre. The other avenues and streets leading to public buildings or markets were to be 130 ft. wide, and others 110 and 90 ft ■ Its Execution. — The site for the Capitol was determined upon as the initial point in execution of this plan. That im- portant question having been decided, Mr. Ellicott drew a true meridian line by celestial observation, which passed through the area intended for the Capitol. This he crossed by another, a due E. and W. line, which passed through the same area. These lines were accurately measured, and formed the basis on which the whole plan was executed. All these lines were run by a transit instrument, and the acute angles w^ere deter- mined by actual measurement, leaving nothing to the uncer- tainty of the compass. The avenues and streets were then laid down. Proposed Embellislimeiits — The ideas of the projectors not only contemplated a Federal City capable of infinite expan- sion, but also took in its creditable embellishment. Although the want of means and the general apathy of tlie Government and people allowed these suggestions to pass unrecognized, it is interesting to observe that the disgraceful and neglected condition of the Capital of the United States for neaxly three IB TROPOSED EMBELLISHMENTS. quarters of a centurj^ was not owing to any imperfections in the original plans. Directly S. of the President's House, in the triangular space between the Mall and the Potomac and the month of the Tiber, where the untinished and neglected Obelisk to the memory of Washington has stood for over a quarter of a century, was located the site for the Equestrian Statue of Wasliinglon^ voted by the Continental Congress in 1783. On E. Capitol st., between 11th and 13th sts. E., and about the centre of the high plateau between the Capital and the Anacostia, where four aveiuies intersected, was laid out a spacious square, in which was to be erected a Historic Column, to be used also as a Mile or Itinerary Column^ from which sta- tion it was intended to calculate the distances to all i^laces within the United States and on the continent. This column would have answered the purpose of the celebrated Niphon- Bass or Bridge of Japan, situated in the Soto-Siro, or outsid^ of the castle in Yeddo. This bridge is considered as the cen- tre of the empire. From it the Tocaido extends to all parts of the empire, and geographical distances are computed. At the foot of Sth st. W., immediately on the banks of the Poto- mac, and commanding a fine view of the widening reach of the river below, was to be erected a Naval Itinerary/ Column^ to celebrate tlie first rise of the Xavy, and '' to stand a ready monument to consecrate its progress and achievements." The crest of the knoll on which the Patent Office now stands was set apart for a National Church and Mausoleum^ designed for the use of the Government on occasions of public prayer, thanksgivings, state funerals and orations, and for any other purpose national in character. The edifice was to be assigned to the special use of no particular sect or denomination, but to be equally open to all. It was also to be the place for such monumental or otlier tributes of a grateful countr}^ voted by the then late Continental Congress for those heroes who fell in the cause of liberty, and for such others as might be decreed a place there by the voice of the nation. Also, Jive grand Fovntains were to be erected at different prominent points: one S. of the Capitol, in the large irregular space formed by the intersection of Virginia and North and South Carolina avs.; one on Maryland av., at the intersection of F and Ifth sts. NE.; one at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Lou- isiana avs., near the present site of the Centre Market; one on New York av., at the intersection of I st., between 11th and 12th sts. NW.; and one on the N. side of Pennsylvania av., at the intersection of I st., between 20th and 21st sts. NW. It was proposed to supply these fountains from the springs and streams within the limits of the city. Between the Capi- tol and the Botanical Garden it was intended to construct a ORIGIN OF THE PLAN. 19 Grand Cascade^ to be fed from the Tiber. Between Pennsyl- vania and Maryland avs., from 3d st. W., a space of 1,200 ft. was laid down as the main approach to the "Federal House" or Capitol, and by whicli it was intended to reach the upper square of the "Federal House." The Mall was to form a grand avenue, 400 ft. wide and about 1 m. in length, bordered with gardens, to lead to the Equestrian Statue of Wasliington, or where the Monument now stands, and to connect the "Congress Garden with the President's Park." On E. Capitol St., which was to be 160 ft. wide to tiie proposed bridge across the Anacostia, the pavement on each side was to pass under archways, with shops. On the S. of the President's Parli was to be a well-improved "Field, 1,800 ft. wide and | m. long," part of the "Walk" from the President's House. This spacious reservation was designed for the more elegant houses and gardens of the city, to be used by diplomatic or other foreign representatives and prominent officials of the United States. Fifteen squares in the more conspicuous parts of the city were to be distributed among the States in the Union, for them to improve, or to subscribe a sum in addition to the value of the land for that purpose. The States were to embellish these squares within a limited time, by the erection of some appropriate statue, column, obelisk, or other appropriate mark, as they might determine, to the memory of the heroes of the Revolution, " to inspire the young," and designed to "leave a grand idea of patriotic interest." Other designated points were to be set apart for the erection, by the different denominations, of edifices for religious worship, No burial places were to be allowed within the limits of the city. Also squares and areas unappropriated were to be assigned for the uses of colleges and other institutions. All dwellings or other structures were to be built in accordance with certain regulations, so as to preserve uniformity. Origin of the Plan. — The resemblance between the plans of L'Enfant for Washington and L'JSTotre for Versailles will be apparent to any one who has visited the capital of the Western Republic and the magnificent royal residence of the kings of France. The grand avenues de Sceaux and de St. Cloud, diverging from tlie Cour Royale, are reproduced in Pennsylvania and Maryland avs., radiating from the E. front of the Capitol; E. Capitol st. is the Avenue de Paris; the Boulevard du Roi and the Allee da Potager in N. and S. Capitol sts. ; and the AUees de la Reine, de Noisy, des Paons, and de la Reine, which diverge from the E. extrem- ity of the Grand Canal, near the Basin d'Apollon, with the 20 A RETROSPECT. omission of Allee de la Reine to* the SW., respectively, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New York avs. W. of the President's House. The missing avenue in the plan of Washington, the continuation of VeiTQont av., would have completed the resemblance, but for the interference of na- ture : the Potomac and the mouth of the Tiber standing in the way of the extension SW. of the President's House. Other striking features of the design of Versailles are observ- able. Washington, however, having in view the practical as well as the beautiful, might be said to combine the plans of two cities. The streets running at right angles have a regard for the facilities of business. While over these, with an eye to beautiful prospects and the advantageous display of the centres of attraction, at long ranges are laid the broad ave- nues, carrefours^ allees, and lawns of the imperial retreat at Versailles. A Ketrospect. — Though the city was originally laid out on a scale adequate to the necessities of a metropolis of more than half a million inhabitants, and with the proper regard for the adornment of the Capital of a gi-eat people in the future, the crude ideas entertained by subsequent statesmen respecting the political status of the Federal Territory and city were ad- Terse to any expenditure other than to establish there a sim- ple place of meeting for the representatives of the States — a sort of central agency, where the President and Executive officers might be stationed, and where Congress might come once a year or of tener, as the exigencies of the times required, to transact the business intrusted to them by the Constitu- tion — mainly to pass laws, appropriate money, levy taxes, declare war, ratify treaties, and confirm nominations. This class, then in the ascendancy, found it impossible, or were un- willing, to see anything national in the foundation of a Fed- eral Capital, and consequently opposed every measure look- ing beyond the mere provision of accommodations for the public offices. To build a capital in every sei^e sj'^mbolic and worthy of the Union was entirely foreign to their inter- pretation of the meaning of that portion of the Constitution which gave Congress the power to accept and exercise exclu- sive jurisdiction over a Territory to be solely devoted to the vises of the nation for the purposes of the Government. These notions, it would seem, M'ere a revival of a practice in "Ger- many centuries ago. On the left bank of the Rhine, imme- diately below the ancient village of Rhense, on the very brink of the stream, and apart from the habitations of men, is still to be seen the famous though rude rostrum or temple known as the Koenigsstuhl. It consists of stone seats, within a small RESERVATIONS. 21 circular wall, and overhead entirely open to the air. Here, in the earlier ages, the German electors assembled to deliber- ate upon the affairs of the empire, to perform acts for the common good, to make treaties, and to nominate or depose the emperors. Washington, by the class alluded to, was viewed in the light of the Koenigsstuhl of the United States. More mature thought, however, at last brought the people to look upon their capital as the political metropolis of the United States. This enlightened view is recent, dating no further back than 1861. It was not till 1870 that the march of much- needed improvement commenced. With this new state of affairs the Capital is annually becoming more worthy of the greatness of the Kepublic of forty millions of people. Eeservations. — In the plan of the city a liberal allowance of space was selected and marked out in the most desirable localities for the sites of pubhc buildings, parks, and for other purposes of the Government. These grounds were called res- THE MALL. ervations, and were numbered from 1 to 17, with an aggregate area of 541 acres, 1 rood, 29 perches. Those still possessed by the Government — several having been sold or granted away since — are designated on the maps by their original numbers, but are popularly called after the principal build- 22 RESERVATIONS. ins: situated on them, or from the uses to which assigned, as follows : 1. The President's Grounds include the N. and S. Parks and Lafayette Square^ extend from H st. on the N. to the mouth of Tiber Creek on the S., and from 15th to 17th sts. W., with the exception of a square in the NE. and NW. anglers. On these grounds are the President's House, con- servatories, and stables, flanked on the E. by the Treasury- Department, and on the W. by the State, War, and Navy Departments. The former now building. Total area of grounds, 83 a. 1 r. 22 p. 2. The Capitol Grounds include the E. and W. Parks and the Mall^ extending from 1st st. E. to the prolongation of loth St. W., and between B sts. K. and S., with the excep- tion of a narrow connecting strip between 3d and 6th sts. W. This deficient portion of the Mall in 1822 was granted by Con- gress to the municipal corporation, to be sold in lots, to pay the expense of removing the old canal from its location on the S. side of Pennsylvania av., between 3d and 6th sts. W., to the middle of the Mall. On these grounds are the Capitol, Botanical Garden, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Ag- ricultural Department. Total area of grounds originally, 227 a. r. 8 p. Under authoritj'^ of Congress, in 1872, squares ISo. 687 and 688, in the NE. and SE. angles of the E. Park, were purchased and thrown into the grounds. 3. The Park extends from the W. line of the Mall, on 15th St. W., to the banks of the Potomac, and is separated from the S. gardens of the President's Grounds by B st. N., form- erly the line of the Tiber Creek and the Washington Canal. The old channel of the Tiber entered the Potomac on the NW. border of this reservation. These grounds are occupied by the Washington Monument and the Government Nurse- ries. Total area, 29 a. 3 r. 9 p. 4. The University Square extends from E st. N. to the banks of the Potomac, and between 23d and 25th sts. NW. •On these grounds is the Naval Observatory. Total area, 21 a. Or. 18 p. 5. The Arsenad Grounds, foot of 4^ st. W., originally included the point of land at the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac, from Greenleaf 's Point to T st. S., and between the mouth of James Creek and the line of 3d st. W. to the Po- tomac. Total area, 28 a. 2 r. 31 p. This reservation in 1857 was extended by the purchase of the land between the line of the canal into James Creek and W. to the Potomac and N". to P St. S. 6. The West Market Square, on the Potomac, at the foot of 20th and 21st sts. W. covered with water. RESERVATIONS. 23 7. The Centre ISIarket Square, between the point of intersection of Pennsylvania and Louisiana avs. on the N. and B st. N. on the S., and from 7th to 9th sts. W. Total area, 2 a. 3 r. 29 p. This reservation in 1860 was gi-anted to the corporation for the use originally designed, and is occu- pied by the principal market in the city. 8. The National Church Square, between 7th and 9th sts. W. and F and G sts. N., now occupied by the Patent Office. Area, 4 a. r. 22 p. 9. Judiciary Square, between the intersection of Indi- ana and Louisiana avs. on the S. and G st. N. on the N. and 4th and 5th sts. W., occupied by the City Hall and Jail. Area, 19 a. 1 r. 27 p. In 1819 a portion of this reservation was granted by Congress to the corporation for a Town House or City Hall. In 1845 another portion was granted for Public School puri)oses. 10. Reservation N". of Pennsylvania av., between 3d and 4^ sts. W., in 1822, was granted by Congi-ess to the cor- poration, to be sold in lots, to pay for the removal of the canal, which then ran along the S. side of Pennsylvania av. to the centre of the Mall, from 3d to 6th sts. W.,.and to fill up the low grounds in that vicinitj^ Total area, 6 a. r. 31 p. 11. Reservation between B and C sts. N. and 2d and 3d sts. W. Total area, 3 a. 2 r. 34 p. Disposed of same as reservation No. 10. 12. Reservation N. of Pennsylvania av., between 2d and 3d sts. W. Total area, 1 a. 1 r. 4 p. Disposed of same as reservations Nos. 10 and 11. 13. Hospitax. Square, from the Anacostia to 19th st. E. and between B and G sts. S. Total area, 77 a. r. 26 p. On this square stands the ^lagazine, Alms House, and new Jail. 14. The Navy Yard, bounded by M st. S. on the N., the Anacostia on the S., and lies between the continuation of 6th and 9th sts. E. Total area, 12 a. 3 r. 15 p. On these grounds are the buildings, docks, ship-houses, and works of the Washington Navy Yard. 15 and 16. Eastern Market House Squares, near the Navy Yard. These reservations were granted by Congress to the municipal corporation for the purpose stated. Area, No. 15, 1 a. r. 21 p. ; No. 16, 1 a. r. 23 p. 17. Town House Square, the irregular space S. of the Capitol, between S. Capital st. and 3d st. E. and E and H sts. S., intersected by New Jersey and Virginia avs. Total area, 21 a. 1 r. 29 p. The aggregate area of the public reservations in the city, deducting those disposed of, correction of errors, and modifi- cations, is 513 acres. 24 AVENUES. In 1812 the President of the United States was authorized to take possession of the whole of the public reservations, and to lease them out for not exceeding^ ten years, on such terms and conditions as in his judgment might best effect their im- provement for walks, botanic gardens, or other public pur- poses. A detailed description of the reservations occupied by the Government will be found in connection with the public buildings or their other designathig feat '.re. Avenues. — The avenues and streets aave an ag'gregate length of 264 m. — avenues 65 m., stren^ 199 m. — and are of greater width than those of any other city in the world. Witli the alleys and open spaces at intersections they cover 2,554 a., or about two thirds of the area of the entire city. Tlie ratio of street areas to areas of three of the principal cities in the United States and the same number in Europe is : Paris, France, 25.8 per cent. ; Berlin, Prussia, 26.4 per cent. ; Boston, United States, 26.7 per cent. ; Philadelphia, tjnited States, 29.8 per cent.; Nev/ York, United States, 85.3 per cent. ; Vienna, Austria, 35.8 per cent. ; Washing- ton, United States, 41.8 per cent. The carriageways of the avenues and streets are well laid, with a variety of pavements, amounting to over 115 m. ISTov. 1, 1872, in the following pro- portions : Wood, 34.71 m. ; round block, 5.05 m. ; compound wood and concrete, 0.87 m. ; concrete, 16.34 m. ; Belgian and granite, 4.01 m.; cobblestone, 6.76 m.; macadamized, 8.08 in. ; graveled and roads, mostly in the county, 39.22 m. : total, 115.54 m. Cost, $4,081,716 78. At the time of going to press 50 m. were in course of completion. This length is computed on the basis of an assumed width of 32 ft. The improved styles of pavements have been laid on principal thoroughfares oi business and pleasm-e and on the avenues and streets occupied by the better class of residences. The cobblestone, in streets less traveled, mostlj^ south of Penn- sylvania av. The IMcAdam is but little used within the city, owing to the dust, but is extensively employed on tlie higli- wa.ys traversing the rural districts within the Territory. Originally there were 13 avs., named after the States in the Union when the city was laid out. Others on the fii'st plan, but undesignated, were named after States subsequently ad- mitted, tliough not in the order of their admission. There are now 21 avs., nineteen varying from 120 to 160 ft. wide, and two 85 ft. wide, radiating from principal centres or con- necting difl'erent parts of the city. From THE Capitoi.— DEiiAWARE av., 160 ft. wide, N. 15° 44' E. to Boundary, AVENUES. 25 New Jersey av., 160 ft. wide, N. 15° 44' W. to Boiniclaiy. ^lARYiiAND av., 160 ft. wide, N. 62° 25' E. to Boundary. Pennsylvania av., 160 ft. wide, S. 62° 27' E . to Anacostia. Tiiese same avs. are continued beyond the point of inter- section, and form tlie corresponding^ radiation on the S. and W. Maryland av., W. of Capitol, ''N. 70° 22' E. The inter- mediate broad streets intersectmg at right-angles are K., E., and S. Capitol sts. From THE President's House — New York av., 130 ft. wide, N. 66° 9' E. to Boundary. Vermont av., 130 ft. wide, N. 24° 31^' E. to Boundary. Connecticut av., 130 ft. wide, N. 24° 31|' W. to Bound- ary. Pennsylvania av., 130 ft. wide, N. 66 W. to Kock Creek and Georgetown. These same avenues are continued from the centre of inter- section at the President's House, and form the corresponding radiation on the SE. and SW. Pennsylvania av., from the President's House to the Capi- tol, is 160 ft. wide, and runs S. 70^ 33' 30'^ E. New York av., W. of President's House, is 160 ft. wide, and runs S. 70^ 27' W. From Lincoln Squabe, E. of the Capitol — Tennessee av., 120 ft. wide, N. 32° 25' E. to Boundary. North Carolina av., 160 ft. wide, N. 62° 30'E. to Bound- ary. :Massachusetts av., 160 ft. wide, S. 62° 26' E. to Hospital Square. Kentucky av., 120 ft. S. 33° E. to the Anacostia. Tennessee and Kentucky avs. start here, while Massachu- setts and North Carolina avs. intersect and cross, forming the corresponding diverging avs. on the W. Under the old coi-poration, with the exception of a few spasmodic attempts, as the necessities of an increased popu- lation became urgent, no efforts were made to improve the avenues, streets, and spaces. For a half a century Pennsyl- vania av. was the only improved thoroughfare. An act of Congress, approved April 6, 1870, authorized the corporation to set apart one half the width of any or all the avenues and streets under its jurisdiction for parking, leaving a roadwa}^ of not less than 35 ft. width in the centre, or two such road- ways on each side of the park, should that be placed in the centre. Pennsylvania and Indiana avs. and 4| st. W., be- tween the City Hall and Pennsylvania av., were excluded from this arrangement. On July 8, of the same year. Con- gress authorized the paving of Pennsylvania av. at the Gov- ernment expense . Under the Board of Public Works, created 26 DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. under the organic act of 1871 of the District, the improvement of the thorouoflifares of the city was systematically under- taken. A plan of g:rades was adopted, to which all avenues and streets were niade to conform. This gave a regularity and finish which do not fail to strike the eye with pleasing effect. Description of Avenues.— The broad thoroughfares are among the principal attractions of the National Capital, and the finest possessed by any city in the world. A drive upon them, especially of an evening, when thronged with hand- some equipages, affords a truly enjoyable recreation. Pe7insyloania av. is not only the principal, bat also one of the two longest in the city. It is, however, twice interrupted in its continuity ^by the President's House and Capitol. Its width varies from 130 to 160 ft. It is about 4^ m. in length, from Georgetown and Rock Creek to the Anacostia, and is the main line of communication across the city. Along its route are the Washington Circle^ the l^arand Treason/ JDejjartments^ and Fresideufs House. From 17tli to loth sts. the avenue pre- puesidsnt's house, 1670. sents a ])articularly fine prospect, passing between the North Park of the President's Grounds, in front of which is a side- walk 34^- ft. wide, and Lafayette Square. From loth st. W. to the Capitol it traverses the entire length of the finest business quarter and the fashionable drive. It thence winds up and around the hill surmounted by the Capitol, and continues to its terminus on the banks of the Anacostia. At the foot of 8th St. E., leaving this avenue, is the N'avy Yard. Pennsyl- DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 27 vania av. was also the earliest used. In 1800 it was opened and rudely drained from the Capitol to Georgetown. During the administration of Jeft'erson, from the Capitol to the Pres- ident's House it was laid out in three roadways. A row of Lombardy poplars was planted between tlie centre or main roadway and that on either side. A flag-stone foot walk also ran from the Capitol to Georgetown. In 1825 the sidewalk on the S. side was paved with stone from the Capitol to the Navy Department. In 1832 the trees were cut down, the curbs extended, and a drained macadamized roadway, 45 ft. wide in the centre, laid out. The ''centre sti-ip," however, was not entirely completed till 1849, and then was shaded with elms, maples, and "trees of heaven." In 1842 it was lighted with lamps from the Capitol to the President's House ; subsequently it was paved with cobblestones, and so remained till 1870. Massachusetts Avenue is the longest unbroken in the city, being over 4 J m. It begins at the NAV. Boundary, at 22d St. W. ; is 160 ft. wide, and extends to the Ana- costia SE., intersecting New Hampshire and Connecticut avs. at 19th and P sts. NW., forming the F-street Circle; Vermont av. at 14th and M sts. NW., forming the Fourteenth- street Circle; New Yorkav. at 8th and K sts. NW., at Mount Vernon Flace; New Jersey av. at 1st and G srs. NW. ; Del- aware av., between E and F sts. NE. ; Maryland av. and oth and C sts. NE. at Stanton Flace; Tennessee, North Caro- lina, and Kentucky avs. and E. Capitol and 12th sts. E. at Lincoln Square^ and thence to the Hospital Grounds on the Ana^ostia. This avenue is the most beautiful in the city, gi-adually rising to an elevation considerably above the surrounding heights, from which it descends in easy gradation to the mid- dle of the broad intermediate valley, and rises again on the east. On its route are the finest circles and squares. The roadway is in the centre, while on either side are brick side- walks and plots of grass. From Rock Creek this avenue is paved with concrete, and from that point to New Jersey av. wood pavement. Beyond it is ungraded. Vermont and Connecticut Avenues, 130 ft. wide, extending respectivel}^ NE. and NW. from the N. side of Lafayette Square, pass through two of the most attractive portions of the city. New York Avenue, 130 ft. wide, is a fine thoroughfare. It begins at the Potomac and runs across the city in a NE. direction. From the Treasury Department it is parked in the centre, with a fine vista of young trees. Mabyland Avenue, 160 ft. wide, extends NE. across 28 DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. the city from Lon,^ Bridge to the Baltimore Turnpike. SW. of the Capitol it is used for railroad purposes. New Jersey and Delaware Avenues, 160 ft. wide, begin respectively at the Anacostia and the Arsenal Grounds, and run NW. and NE. to the Boundary, crossing each other at the Capitol. Georgia Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at the Arsenal Grounds and runs iSTE., near and parallel to the Anacostia, striking it for a short distance W. of the Kavy Yard, and ter- minates at the Hospital Grounds. South Carolina Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at Ees- ervation No. 17, S. of the Capitol, runs NE., and temiinates in Massachusetts av. Virginia Avenue, 120 ft. wide, begins near the mouth of Eock Creek and runs SE., crossing New Hampshire and New York avs., to the Potomac, near the SW. corner of the President's Grounds. On the S. boundary of the Mall, at 12th St., it resumes, the width being 160 ft., and terminates at the Anacostia, crossing Maryland av.. Reservation No. 17, and Georgia av. Rhode Island Avenue, 130 ft. wide, starts at Connect- icut av. and M st. N., runs NE., intersecting Massachusetts av. at 16th and N sts. NW. ; Vermont av. at 13th and P sts. NW., to tlie Boundary. New Hampshire Avenue starts at the Potomac, be- tween E and F sts. N. ; is 120 ft. ^\ide, and runs NE., crossing Virginia av., 23d and P-strcet Circles, to the Boundary. Louisiana Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at the City Hall, runs SW. to Central Market Square, crossing Pennsylvania avenue. Indiana Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at the City Hall, runs SE. to 1st st. W. In 1850 it was improved from the City Hall. Missouri and Maine Avenues, 85 ft. mde,»begittat the E. line of the Mall at 6th st. W. : run i-espectively SE. and NE. to 3d St. W., the western limit of the Botanical Garden. Ohio Avenue begins at the E. line of the S. Park of the President's Grounds at C st. N. ; runs SE. to Centre Market Square. North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky Ave- nues, in the E. part of the citj'^, are but little built upon. All these avenues are more or less improved by the laying of stone, concrete, wood, cobble, or Belgian pavements, or macadamized or graveled roads, with parking. Executive Avenue, the construction of which began in 1871, begins at Pennsylvania av. E . and W. of the President's DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 29 House, and opposite 15J and 16^ sts. W. The W. entrances each consist of 6 massive granite gate-posts, upon wliicii are swung' iron gates.^ The avenue encloses a portion of the Pros- ' ident's Grounds on the E. and W., and on the opposite sides are the Treasury Department E., and the War and Xavy De- partment and the edifice now building for the joint use of the State, War, and ^axy Departments W. A granite stair- case, 20 ft. wide, ^nth a fountain at the foot of the E. one, is built in the terrace on either side of the President's House, completing communication by the gravel walks leading to the Executive Departments. The sidewalks are richly paved and well lighted. Passing S. of the President's House, on either side, at the prolongation of E st. ^N"., the two wings of theav. form a semi-circle, the two extremities uniting opposite the S. Portico of the President's House, and proceed in a broad sin- gle line due S. to B st. JST., wiiere the av. enters the Park or Monument Grounds, and joins the beautiful Drive, commenced in 1872, connecting the President's and Capitol Grounds. The Drive. — Lea\ang the S. terminus of Executive av., the Drive^ consisting of a graveled roadway of 35 ft., planted on either side with trees, sweeps along the banks of the Po- tomac on the right, aifording a superb view of the expansive bosom of the river N., till lost behind the hill crowned by the Xaval Observatory, and S. as far as the Long Bridge. On the left is a Lake, in course of completion, covering 3 a., fed by a spring on its SE . border and the waters of the Potomac . With- in a small enclosure, about 100 yds. W. of the Washington Monument, and on the left, near the av., is a gray freestone, a little over 2 ft. in height, which marks the centre of the District of Columbia, as laid out in 1791-'92. The Drive now winds around the Monument. On the S. may be seen the gi-een-houses and plants of the Government Propagating Gar- den. The wooden buildings, still standing on the hill near by and used as Government hospitals and by the Commissary Department of the United States Army 1861-'6.5, are now occupied for blacksmith-shops, tools, and storage by the Commissioner of Public Buildings and Grounds. The Drive entei-s 14th st. W. nearly opposite the entrance of the Agricul- tural Grounds, and connects with the carriageways of that beautiful reservation. At this point also commences the Mall. Prior to 1816 this attractive portion of the public grounds was covered \vith majestic oaks, which were cut down about that year, imder the stipulation in the agreement of the Com- missioners with the original proprietors that the latter should be entitled to the wood on the lands. Even the trees which cast a grateful shade over a refreshing spring at the foot of Capitol Hill, near Pennyslvania av.^ were thus destroyed. 30 STREETS. Crossino' 12th st. W., the drive enters the quiet retreat of the Smithsonian Institution'^ and leaving this at 7th st., enters Armory Square^ so named from the Armory of tlie District Militia located on the S. portion, and takes a winding course to 6tli St. W. This portion of thi; roadway is 1,300 ft. long, and will cross the track of the Baltimore and Potomac Rail- road at Gtli St. W. on an ornamental iron bridge, with a 40 ft. roadway and 12 ft. sidewalk on either side, to be con- structed by that company in compliance with the act of Con- gress. From Gtli st. the Drive continues through the reserva- tion to ^ St. W., and thence W. to the line of 3d st. W., terminating opposite the W. entrance to the Botanical Gar- den. It is proposed to extend the Drive across tlie garden, so as to complete the connection with the Capitol Grounds without leaving the line of the Mall, thus carrying out the original plan of the city, which contemplated a walk and drive between the President's House and the Capitol. The Drive, in connection with the roads of the Agricultural and Smithsonian grounds, is nearly 2 m. in length. Streets.— The streets of the city run from :N". to S. and E. to W., crossing at right angles. Tlie streets running IS", and S. are designated numerically and by the words E. or W., according to their positions with respect to the Capitol, which is the dividing point — as 1st st. E. of the Capitol, or 1st st. W. of the Capitol, and so on. The streets running E. and W. are designated by the letters of the alphabet aiid by the word N". or S., according as they arc situated ^. or S. of the Capitol, the dividing point — as A st. N"., A st. S., which are the first streets N.'and S. of the Capitol, and so on. The streets E, of the Capitol number from 1st to 31st st., includ- ing the seven subject to overflow, and W. from 1st to 28th W. The lettered streets run to W st. IS", and to V st. S. The limit of the city inland, or on the N., is known as Boundary Street. To avoid confusion, the city is divided into 4 quarters or sections— NE. and NW., SE.^ and S>Y. N". and S. Capitol sts., running on a K. and S. line from the Capitol and E. Capitol St., and the prolongation of the same replaced by the Mall, running at right angles, constitute the dividing lines. The streets vary in width from 70 to 160 ft., and are paved, macadamized, or graveled, according to their importance. The avenues and streets are numbered after the plan adopted in Philadelphia ; that is, 100 numbers to each square, commencing E. or W. and N. or S. of the Capitol. For in- stance, 100 would be the first number beyond 1st St., and 200 beyond 2d to 3d St., and so on, the intermediate numbers RENOMENCLATURE. 31 endino; in the block. The same rule is adopted for lettered streets and avenues. Principal Streets.— E. Capitol Street, 160 ft. wide, ex- tending ni front of tlie Central Portico of the Capitol E. to the Anacostia, was originally designed to be the chief street of tlie capital. :N'. and S. CAPITOL STREETS, each 130 ft. wide, and re- ceive their designation from the direction they take witli respect to the Capitol as the centre. Tliese streets lie on tlie Jirst meridian or longitade for the United States, as laid down by Ellicott, 1791. K Street N., the longest unbroken lettered street, is 148 ft. wide, and extends from Rock Creek to the Anacostia. It is one of tlie most beautiful thoroughfares of the city, and on much of its length is bounded on either side by tine residences. 16th Street W. is 160 ft. wide, and extends from Lafaj^- ette Square, opposite the N. Portico of the President's House, due N. to the Boundary. It presents a tine prospect. Boundary Street "follows on the line of the city limits, from the intersection of Maryland av., 15th, and II sts. NE., to Rock Creek on the W. There are a few streets which are not part of the general plan of the city. These vary from 40 to 65 ft. in width. Eenomenclature. — It is proposed to abolish the present sys- tem of nomenclature of the streets with duplicate letters and numbers. This plan is not only extremely confusing to stran- gers, but embarrasshig and a source of great inconvenience to residents. The proposed renomenclature contemplates for streets running JST. and S. a system of consecutive numbers, beginning at 2Sth«t. W., which would be 1st st., and termi- nating at 31st St. E., which would be 60th St., the additional street necessary to make up that aggregate being 4^- st. AV. or 21st St. First sts. W. and E. at the Capitol would be 29th and 30th sts. respectively. N. and S. Capitol sts. would re- tain their present names. It is also proposed to adopt for the streets running E. and W. a nomenclature which would re- quire no alteration in the letters, selecting for each the name of some citizen eminent in the service of^^the Government or in private life, the initial letter to correspond with the letter which now designates the street. For instance: Streets North of tlie Capitol — Adams, Benton, Clay or Clin- ton, Douglas, Everett, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Jeffer- son, Kent, Lincoln. Marshall, Nelson, Otis, Peabody, Quincy, Randolph, Story, Tompkins, Upshur, Van Buren, and Web- ster. Streets South of the Capitol — Anderson, Bainbridge, Cliaun- 32 SEWERS. cey, Decatur, Ellsworth, Farragut, Grant, Harrison, Jackson, Knox, Lawrence, Marion, Nash or Nicholson, Overton, Per- ry, Quitman, Rodgers, Scott, Taylor, Union, Van Ness, and Warren. Parking. — The street parks and sidewalks of the avenues and streets are generally planted with trees possessing the merits of stateliness and symmetry of growth, expansive foli- age, early spring verdure, variety of colors in autumn, healthi- ness, cleanliness, and vigorous and rapid growth. Tiie varie- ties used are the silver maple, American linden, European sycamore maple, American elm, tulip tree, sugar maple, sweet gum, red maple, Norway maple, negundo, American ash, button wood, oaks, and European ash and linden. The trees are usually planted 40 feet apart. The American white elm has been planted on E. Capitol st. The supply is kept up from the reserve Nursery on the banks of the Anacostia in the grounds S. of the Alms House, where there is constantly a stock of upwards of 20,000 plants from 2 to 9 feet in height. In 1873, 6,000 young trees were planted. All are carefully boxed, and at intervals watered and pruned : the latter in or- der to preserve uniformity of growth. The narrow roadways and side or centre parking of the wider avenues and streets overcome their barren appearance, and adds vastly to the adornment of the capital. Quarters. — The arrangement of the streets with respect to the Capitol, as we have seen, divides the city into 4 sections. The Northwest Quarter constitutes the finest portions of the capital, embracing the President's House, all the Departments and Foreign Legations, the principal business establishments, fashionable residences and squares. The Southicest Quarter^ formerly known as "the Island," from its separation from the rest of the city by the Washington Canal, now filled, is gen- erally the quarter of persons of moderate means. In it are also the wharves. The Northeast Quarter is the same as the SW. The Southeast Quarter, mth a small portion of the NE., is known as " Capitol Hill," from the Capitol, which stands on the W. brow. It was intended, originally, to make it bj^ art what it is by nature — the finest portion of the city. It has many attractions, and promises, in time, to compete with the magnificence of the West End. Sewers. — The cities of Washington and Georgetown, for the iwrpose of sewerage and drainage, are divided into 5 sec- tions. 1st. Georgetown, embracing the limits of that city. 2d. Slash Run, beginning at the intersection of Rock Creek and K st. NW. ; thence along K to 21st NW. ; along 21st to I St. N. ; along I to 17th W. ; along 17th to H st. N. ; along SEWERS. 33 H to 16th W. ; along 16th to I st. N. ; along I to 15th W. ; along 15th to Vermont av. ; along Vermont av. to 14th W. ; along 14th to Boandaiy; along Boundary to Rock Creek; along Rock Creek to beghming. 3(1. The intermediate sec- tion, beginning at the intersection of Rock Creek andK st. KW. ; thence along K to 21st NW. ; thence alonof 21st to I st. NW.; thence along I to 19th NW. to G st. ^W.; thence along G to the Potomac River ; along Potomac River and Rock Creek to the beginning. 4th. Tlie intercepting section, be- ginning at the intersection of Potomac River and G st. jS'W. ; thence along G to 19th NW.; thence along 19th to I st. :^W. ; along I to 17th ; along 17th to II st. N". ; along H to 16th W. ; along 16th to I st. N". ; along I to loth ^Y. ; along 15th to Ver- mont av. ; along Vermont av. to 14th AY. ; along 14th to N" St. X. ; along ISI to Vermont av; along Vermont av. to O st. N. ; along O to 7th NW. ; along 7th to B st. N. ; along B to 6th W. ; along 6th to B st. S. • along B to Potomac River; along Potomac River following the borders of stream to be- ginning. 5th. The Tiber Basin, beginning at intersection of Boundary and 14th st. ^V. ; along 14th to ^N" st. K. ; along N" to Vermont av. ; along Vermont av. to O st. N". ; along O to 7th W. ; along 7th to B st. N. ; along B to 6th W. ; along 6th to B St. S. ; along B to Potomac River ; along Potomac liiver to the Anacostia; along the Anacostia to C st. NE.; along C to 15th E. ; along 15th to Boundary; along Boundary tb beginning. The sewerage of the city formerly drained into the canal, M'liich crossed the city from the Anacostia to the Potomac S. of the President's Grounds, From 3d to 15th st. W. it ran directly in front of the Capitol, and separated the beautiful grounds on the Mall from the rest of the city. This open mass of tilth and disease was tilled in 1872. The B'Stred Intercepting Sewer ^ 1 m. in length and 12 ft. in diameter, was constructed in place of the canal. Tiie main branch empties into the Potomac at the foot of 17th St. W. One of the larg'est sewers in the world is tlie Tiber- creeh Sewer^ so named from the stream which flows through it. It is a brick arch 24 to 30 ft. si)an, and 15 ft. high, and drains the entire city E of 6th st. W.— about 3,000 acres. Its outlet is at the Tiber arch, near the W. entrance to the Botan- ical Garden, on 3d st. W., into which the smaller branch of the intersecting or canal sewer from 7th st. W. empties. The line of this great sewer, from its mouth, passes under the Botan- ical Garden and Pennsylvania av. N. to E st. N". at its junc- tion with N. Capitol st., which it follows to K st. N. The portion from II to K st. is now under construction. The- destination of this sewer is the Boundary, reached along I^ 3 84 SQUARES. St. N. to 1st St. E. ; thence by the latter. When completed, it will be 2 m. in length. Branch sewers of 9 ft. each are behig built out from 3cl st. NW. and F st. KE. From the Tiber arch a large sewer extends SE. The Slash-^un Sewer ^ -| m, long, 10 ft. span, named after the natural watercourses wliicli enter the city in several branches on its N W. boundary .^ empties into Rock Creek. A 9-ft. conduit sewer is also being built along Boundary st., in the NE. part of the city, as supple- mentaiy to the Tiber-basin system. Small tile and pipe sew- ers convey the sewerage of streets and dwellings into the g-eneral system. There are about 10 m. of main sewerage, mcluding 5 m. of brick sewers, from 4 to 9 ft. in diameter, and 80 m. of tile and pipe. Squares. — In addition to the grounds attached to the public buildings, and which will be described in that connection, there are a number of beautiful squares in various parts of the city. Those W. of the Capitol are — Lafayette Square, a parallelogi-am of 7 a., K. of the President's House, and between 15| and 1G| sts., frequently popularly known as Madison and Jackson sts., respectively, from the early residence of those distinguished gentlemen upon them. Tlie broad av. extending to the N. is IGtli St., tlie high ground at its terminus being Meridian Hill. From tlie President's Grounds on tlie S. it is separated by a broad av., which extends from 15th to 17th sts. This square is beau- tifully laid out in graveled walks with seats. It is adorned with trees and shrubberj^, many of them rare and valuable species and in pleasing variety. It is lighted throughout with gas, two of the 'lamp-posts combining drinking foun- tains. A watchman's lodge, also partly for the public," stan ds on tlie N. side. The building is approached at either end by circular walks, screened by rows of evergreens upon each side and in front Hower beds. Two bronze Vases 7 ft. high, weighing 1,300 lbs. each, mounted on granite pedestals, stand on the E. and W. sides of the square. These are copies from an antique vase, and are the work of the brass foundry of the N'avy Yard. Thej^ were cast with the permission of Mr. liobe- son, Secretaiy of the Navy, and reflect great credit upon the workshops of the Grovernment. In the centre of this square is Clark Mills's equestrian statue of General Andreiu Jackson, contracted for by the Jackson Monument Association, com- posed of the friends and admirers of the subject, who sub- scribed $12,000 for the purpose. In 184S Congress granted to the Association the brass guns and mortars captured by (he General at Pensacola. In 1850 an additional number of brass guns and national trophies, sufficient to complete the SQUARES. 35 Statue, vrere donated by Congress, In 1852 Congress appro- priated funds for the erection of the marble pedestal upon which it stands, and in 1853 made a further appropriation of $20,000 for the statue itself, and made it the property of the United States, The statue is one third larger than life, weighs JACKSON EQUESTIUAN STATCE. 15 tons, and cost, inclusive of the value of metal and the amount contributed by the Association, $50,000, The hind parts and tail of the horse being solid, tlie animal is poised, without the aid of iron rods or other devices as in the great statues of Peter the Great, George III, and the Duke of Wel- lington, This was the first application of this principle. The statue was unveiled in the presence of a large number of peo- ple, Stephen A. Douglas delivering the oration, on the 8th day of January, 185^ the anniversary of the battle of New Orleans, in which General Jackson routed the British forces under Sir John Packenham. From the K. line of Lafayette Square, on the E. and W. extremities respectively, diverge Vermont and Connecticut avs. On the former, just beyond I st. W., the first trans- verse ^t, N., is Scott Square^ and in the oorre^wnding k)ca- 36 SQUARES tion on Connecticut av. is Farragut Square^ each containing 1| a. Both these squares have a paved roadway of 24 ft. width cut through them, running on a line with the avs. They are laid out in walks, with seats and drinldng fountains for pedestrians, and are in every way attractive popular re- sorts for the neighborhood. In the centre of Farragut Square is an ellipse, in which will be placed the Colossal Statue of Ad- miral Farragut^ for which $20,000 was voted by resolution of Congress April 16, 1872. At the intersection of Massachusetts and Khode Island avs. and IST and 16th sts. NW., less than ten minutes' walk on 16th St., due N. of the President's House, is an unnamed square of about 1 a., which promises to be one of the most interesting in the city. This square has been selected as the site of the Colossal Bronze Equestrian Statue of Brevet Lieiv- tenant General Winfield Scott, ordered by Congress in 1867. The statue, which is finished, represents the General in full uniform, mounted on a war charger at rest. He holds the reins in the left hand and a pair of field glasses in the right, the latter resting against his hip, and with calm martial bear- ing surveys the field. The figure is 10 ft. from the stirrups to tlie chapeau and horse and rider 15 ft. The pose is one of grace, dignity, and firmness. The charger, with ears thrown up and nostrils dilated, every vein fiushed with life, stands ready to obey the commands of his rider. The design is by H. K. Brown, sculptor, New York, and was cast by Eobert Wood & Co., of Philadelphia, out of bronze cannon, trophies of the valor and skill of the General in the Mexican war, and donated by Congress. The statue weighs 12,000 pounds, involved the labor of eight skillful artists nine months, and will cost $20,000. The statue is considered one of tlie finest of the kind ever made in the United States, and is not only creditable to the sculptor and the founders, but to American art. The pedestal will be 14 ft high, consisting of platform, sub-base, base, die, and cap, of Cape Ann granite, in five large blocks. Total height of the pedestal and statue 29 ft. The platform is 26 ft. long, 13 ft. wide, and 2 ft. thick, and weighs 119 tons 1,197 lbs; sub-base, 20 ft. X 10 ft. X 1 ft., 84^ tons; base, 17 ft. X 7 ft. X 3 ft., 41 tons; die,15 ft. X 5 ft. X 5 ft., 38 tons; and cap, 17 ft. X 7 ft. X 3 ft., 37 tons 1,500 lbs. Total weight of pedestal, 320 tons 697 tt)S. The entire pedestal, when quarried, weighed 400 tons 621 ibs. These are the largest stones ever suc?7e«sfully quarried in this country, and among the largest, if not quite so, in the world. Great difllculty was experienced in tlieir removal to the seacoast, whence they were transported to the National Capital by sea. The site for this statue is ad- SQUARES. 37 mirably chosen, the broad street and intersecting avenues affording a view of it from various parts of the city. Franklin Square, between 13th and 14th sts. W. and I and K sts. IS"., comprises 4 a., and was purchased by the Government in 1829 in order to secure control of a fine spi-ing, the waters of which, as early as 1832, were conveyed in pipes to the President's House and Executive ofiices. This water is still used for drinking jjurposes at the President's House, it being considered better than that from the Potomac. The spring lies IST. of the fountain, beneath two iron and stone covers, built in the arch constructed over the spring. It was not until 1851 that this square was laid out. In the centre is a small fountain, with a basin 30 ft. in diameter, and a keep- er's lodge, with other conveniences, near by. There are also several drinldng fountains. The square is planted with a pleasing variety of ornamental trees and shrubs. Judiciary Square, on the original plan of the city, was designated reservation No. 9, and was set apart for the then contemplated buildings for the accommodation of the judicial branch of the Government. It comprises 19| a., and ex- tends on the S. from the intersection of Louisiana and Indi- ana avs., at the head of 4^ st. W. to G st. N., and between 4th and 5th sts. W. The S. portion, fronting on 4J st., is occupied by the City Hall. On the E. side, beyond E st., was erected the immense temporary wooden structure for the ball given in honor of the Second Inauguration of President Grant, March 4, 1873. In the NE . angle is the Jail. On the W. side, during the re- bellion, 1861-'65, wooden buildings were erected for soldiers' hospitals, afterwards donated to the uses of the Women's Christian Association, but since removed. This square is being made one of the most attractive in the city. Rawlins Square, on New York av., SW. of the Pres- ident's Grounds, between 18th and 19th sts. W., containing about \\ a., is beautifully laid out, with walks, trees, ever- greens, and shrubbery. It has two small rustic fountains, with ornamental margins and centre-pieces of rock- work. This square, prior to 1872, was a low, desolate waste. It was filled up to the grade, and covered with earth capable of sus- taining vegetable growth, and planted with trees and ever- gi-eens. The change has added a pleasing feature to a por- tion of the city in many respects natui-ally uninviting. In this sg^uare will be placed the Statue of General John A. Rawlins^ Adjutant General and Chief of Staff to General Grant, and later Secretary of War, and for which $10,000 was voted by Congress in 1872. Mount Vernon Place, at the mtersection of Massachu- 38 CIRCLES. setts and New York avs. and K and 8th sts. NW.^ till 1871, was occupied on the E. half by the Northern Market. It is now beautifully laid out and planted. In the centre is a raised circular space, containing a bronze fountain. A short distance S. of Pennsylvania av., on the E. side of 6th St. W., is what is known as Circus Lot; that part of the reservation in which it is embraced being set apart for that purpose. The rents are contributed to charitable insti- tutions. There are other spaces in the W. portions of the city, but are without name. Of these is the wedge-shaped space, of about 4 a., between 3d and 4^ sts. and Missouri and Maine avs., lying W. of the Botanical Garden; and adjoining it, on the W., another area of 17^ a., which extends to 7th st. The W. portion is known as Armory Square, from being the site of the District Armory. Also one of ^ a., N. of the Mall, at the intersection of Ohio and Louisiana avs. Lincoln Squabe lies 1 m. du-ectly E. of the central Por- tico of the Capitol, on E. Capitol st., and at the intersection of Massachusetts, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky avs. It comprises 6^ a., and is beautifully laid out in walks and planted with trees and shrubs. In the centre is a raised circular mound, on which it is proposed to erect a statue to the President from whom the square received its name. On either side is a small fountain. It was in this square, in the original embellishment of the Capital, that the Historic Col- umn was to be built ; to serve also as a Mile or Itinerary Col- umn, from which all geographical distances in the IJnlted States were to be calculated. There is an excellent distant view of the Capitol from here. Stanton Place lies NE. of the Capitol, at the intersec- tion of Maryland and Massachusetts avs., and comprises 3^ a. A short distance S. of the Capitol, at the convergence of New Jersey, South Carolina, and North Carolina avs., is a large tract, originally laid out as Reservation No. 17. It contains 23^ a., or, on the first maps, 21 a., and was set off as the site for the Town House or City Hall, but has never since been considered in that connection. It is still with- out improvement, though the subject has been called to the attention of Congress. There are other squares in the SE. parts of the city vacant and unimproved. Of these might be mentioned one of 3^ a., at the intersection of Pennsylvania and North Carolina avs.; one of 2^ a., at the intersection of Pennsylvania and South Carolina avs.; and one of 1^ a., on North Carolina av., be- tween 2d and 3d sts. E. It is the purpose to extend to these spaces the improvements contemplated. ORNAMENTAL GARDENING. 89 Circles. — The spaces at the intersections of the more import- ant avenues form what are termed Circles, containing ^ acre or less. These constitute most beautiful features. Tlie Washington Circle,, on 23d st. W., at tlie intersection of Pennsylvania and New Hampshire avs., and passed on the way to Georgetown, contains the Colossal Equestrian Statue of General George Washington,! by Clark Mills, ordered by Congress in 1853, and for which $50,000 were appropriated. Tlie statue was cast out of guns donated by Congress, and represents Washington at the crisis of the Battle of Prince- ton, the horse shrinlving before the storm of shot and din of conflict, while the rider preserves that equanimity of bearing native to his great character. The Fourteentli-street Circle,, at the intersection of Massa- chusetts and Vermont avs., is chastely laid out in walks, and planted with a choice selection of evergreens, trees, plants, shrubs, and flowers. In tlie centre is a rustic fountain, with a Scotch terra-cotta foundation-bowl and rustic stone centre- piece, and in difierent parts of the circle are rustic stone and wooden seats. A short distance beyond, on Vermont av., at the intersection of Rhode Island av., is the Thirteenth- street Circle,, as jat without particular improvement. On P St., in the direction of Georgetown, and at the inter- section of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire avs., is the P-street Circle,, 380 ft. in diameter, and laid out in Avalks and lighted. It is designed to erect in this circle a fountain 50 ft. in diameter, with coping and centre-piece of handsome design in marble or granite. A fine selection of evergreens and trees will also be planted. Several fine residences face upon it. The residence of the British Lega- tion is in the vicinity. The terminus of Pennsylvania av., on the Anacostia, widens into a semi-circle of nearly 5 acres, as yet but little improved. Triangles. — At the intersection of the avenues and streets are small spaces, designated Triangular Reservations. Many of these E. and W. of the Capitol are planted with trees and shrubs, and are further beautified with small fountains. Birds. — A flock of imported sparrows was set at liberty in | the public grounds in 1871 for the destruction of insects, i During 1873, 425 cages, in addition to those previously put / up, were placed in the trees for the accommodation of their / increased numbers. These useful birds are fed regularly every i morning during the winter in Franklin, Lafayette, and other ' squares. Ornamental Gardening.— In 1851 A. J. Downing, the cele-~ brated landscape gardener, was employed by the Government ] 40 engineer's office. to lay out the public parks and reservations. The grounds of the President's House were to be extended to the line of the Washini^ton Canal, now B st. N., and to be laid out with a circular parade-ground, lined with trees in the centre. A carriageway, by means of a suspension bridge, was to con- nect the S. Park of those grounds with the Mall, near the Washington Monument. A drive was to follow the Mall to- the Capitol. The Mall itself was to h? beautifully adorned with lawns, walks, drives, trees, and shrubbery. Lafayette, Franklin, and the other squares were to be laid out by the same person. The admirable schemes of improvement con- templated by this truly artistic gardener were suddenly in- terrupted by his death in 1852. During the single year of his service he prepared a general plan for the laying out and beautifying of the public grounds. This, in a great measure, has been carried out by his successors. In the Smithsonian Grounds may be seen a beautiful Vase, erected by the Amer- ican Pomological Society to the memory of Downing. A description of this tribute to his genius will be found in its appropriate place. Previous to this the attempts at the appropriate laying out and i)lanting of the public parks were both cnide and spas- modic. In 1826, more than a quarter of a century after the Government had made the city its permanent seat, there were no public walks, save the dusty avenues. In 1831 the grounds around the Capitol and President's House were still in the unkempt condition of nature unadorned. In 1832 the old Treasury Building M-as enclosed. The next year the pedestal wall and railing were placed in front of the Park of the President's House, and the S. Park, near the mansion, was planted with trees. In 1834 the foot and carriageway were completed. In 1835 Lafayette Square was improved and planted, and supplied with lamps. In 1837 the W. Park of the Capitol Grounds was extended to take in part of the Mall from the circular road around the building to 1st st. W., mak- ing an addition of 8 a. The park was walled in and the grounds laid out in walks and supplied with fountains. In the same year the President's Gromids were in more creditable condi- tion. In the S. park, towards the then line of the canal, it was proposed to lay out an extensive tish-pond, to supply the Presi- dent's table with fish. The public grounds, an eyesore to the community and a reflection upon the tase and liberality of Congress, were again neglected. Engineer's Office. — It was not until 1871 that a course of systematic improvement was inaugui-ated by Major O. E. Bab- cock, Corps of Engineers U. S. Army, Engineer in charge BOTANICAL GARDEN. 41 Public Buildings and Grounds, under whose supervision are all squares, cii'cles, and triangles, the Propagating Garden, and the grounds of the President's House, Smithsonian In- stitution, and Washington Monument, and reservations not otherwise provided for. Tlie control of such other reserva- tions belongs to the department by which occupied, and the Capitol Grounds and Botanical Garden to Congress. Con- gress annually appropriates funds, to be expended under the Office of Engineer, for salaries of emploj^ees; the improve- ment and care of the public grounds not otlierwise specially assigned; repairs and refurnisliing the President's House, green-houses, and for fuel ; lighting the Capitol, President's House, and public grounds, purchase of new posts, repairs, and pay of lighters ; and construction and repairs of all bridges on the Potomac and Anacostia, and repairing and extension of Government water-pipes. The total appropriations for 1873 were $829,042, of which $265,550 were for care of grounds, $369,536 for a new bridge across the Anacostia, and the bal- ance on all other accounts. Propagating Garden. — The Government Propagating Gar- den, oi-iginally on Missouri av., between 3d and 4} sts. W., is beautifully situated on the banks of the Potomac, S. of the Washington Monument. The garden covers 8 a. The ^/b?'c- ing houses are supplied with apparatus for the propagation and growth of plants of the rarest species and varieties. In 1872!rfrom the old garden, upwards of 20,000 papers of flower seeds were collected and cured. These, with surplus plants, sometimes numbering upwards of 10,000, consisting of roses, chrysanthemums, verbenas, geraniums, begonias, and othew hot-liouse annuals and slu-ubs propagated at these gardens, were distributed to members of Congress, and others'notilied by circular letter that such stock was ready. A Niirsey-y is connected with the garden, in which trees and sln-ubs are gi-own for the supply of the public parks. Botanical Garden. — Open daily, 9 a. m. to 6 p. w. — This instructive place of public resort is situated at the foot of Capi- tol Hill, extending from 1st to 3d sts. AV., and between Penn- sylvania and Maryland avs. There are two main entrances for pedestrians, one opposite the main central W. gate of the Cap- itol Park and the other on 3d st., opposite the E. end of the Drive. Each entrance consists of four marble and brick gate piers, ^^ith iron gates. Xo wheeled vehicles are permitted in the garden. The avenues diverging from the W. Capitol Park give the garden a wedge-shape, the narrower end facing the W. front of the Capitol. It comprises 10 a., surrounded by 42 BOTANICAL GARDEN. a low, brick wall, with stone coping and iron railing, ahd is laid out in walks, lawns, and flower-beds. N. of the Main Conservatory is a large foimtain^ witli 9 main jets and a mar- ble basin 93 ft. in diameter. The fountain is supplied from the Acqueduct, and throws its highest stream to an altitude of 65 ft. This fountain in full play presents a beautiful ef- fect, especially when reflecting the rays of the sun. S. of the Conservatory is a smaller fountain, witli a granite basin. During the summer the hardiest plants, in boxes, are ranged on either side of tlie main walk, and contribute materially to the beauty of the garden. Tlie Mai7i Conservator)/, commenced in 1867 from designs by Mr. Clark, Architect of the Capitol, consists of a central dome and two wings. The base is of marble and the super- structure iron. The entire length is 300 ft., greatest width 60 ft., height of dome 40 ft., and wings 25 ft. The dome is supported on a brick column, wliicli answers the double pur- pose of being a chimney also. Around this column winds an iron, spiral staircase, which leads to a cupola surroimded by a balustrade. From this point the finest view of the W. front of tlie Capitol may be obtained. The key is kept by the Su- perintendent. There are 10 smaller Conservatories, of brick and wood, in one of which is a Lecture or Botanical Class- room, with accommodations for 100 students. Tlie latter fea- ture contemplates the appointment of a Professor of Botany by the colleges of the capital to hold lectures here. All the conservatoi'ies are heated by hot water, conducted in iron pipes, supplied from 5 boilers. Three of the boilers are in the vaults under the pavement of the dome of the Main Conser- vatory. The object of the garden is education and the dis- tribution of rare plants. For the latter purpose there are 4 conservatories devoted to propagation. All seeds are saved. The garden is under the control of the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. Each member of Congress, on ap- plying to the chairman of the committee for plants or seeds, is supplied, if practicable. Boquets are frequently obtained in the same way. Botanical Collection.— The first collection of plants in this National Conservatory was brought to the United States by the Exploring Expedition to the^'Southern Hemisphere, 1838-'42, commanded by Captain (Rear Admiral) Charles Wilkes. The collection was first deposited in the Patent Ofiice, but in 1850 was removed to the Botanical Garden. Some of the plants are still living, and a large share of the present collection are the descendants of those brought back by the Wilkes Expedition. A few have furnished represent- atives for many of the principal conservatories of the United States and Europe. BOTANICAL GARDEN. 43 The disposition of the collection is according to a geograph- ical distribution. The strictly tropical plants occupy the cen- tre Conservatory, and those of a semi-tropical nature, requir- mg protection and lying towards the N. pole, are i>laced in the W. range and wing; and all indigenous to countries lying towards the S. pole are in the E. range and wing. The Centre Building or Rotunda., temperature 80°, contains a fine variety of the majestic palms, called by Martins the princes of vegetation, and of which there are 300 kinds, the most prominent being here represented. The most interest- ing in the collection is the palm tree of Scripture, familiarly known as the date palm. Jericho, the City of Palms, was so called from the numbers of this tree growing in its vicin- ity. It was recommended to be used by the Jews in the Feast of Tabernacles. In Arabia, Egypt, and Persia it sup- plies almost every w^ant of the inhabitants. The fruit is used for food, the leaves for shelter, the wood for fuel, and the sap for spu-ituous liquor. It matures in 10 years and then fruits for centiu-ies, bearing from 1 to 300 cwt. at a time. Among the Arabs the pollen dust is preserved from year to year, and at the season of impregnation of the pistils or female flowers a feast called "Marriage of the Palms" is held. It is a singular historical fact, that the date palm of Egypt bore no fruit in the year 1800, owing to the presence of the French army in the country, which prevented the an- nual marriage feast. Among the other plants in this portion of the Conservatory are the fan, royal, ratan, sago of Japan and China, Panama hat, oil, wine, coco de Chili, sugar, and cradle palms; the East India bamboo; the tree fern, from New Zealand; as- trapea, from Madagascar ; screw pine of Australia, with its cork-screw leaves and roots in mid air; the cinnamon of Ceylon ; maiden's hair fern ; mango, a delicious fruit of the West Indies; and banana, that most prolific of all plants; the great stag and elldiorn ferns from Australia, (very fine specimens,) and the dumb cane of South America. The sap of the root of the latter will take away the power of speech. Humboldt, during his explorations in South America, was eight days speechless from tasting it. The outer circle of the rotunda is devoted to the smaller tropical plants. The E. range., temperature 50°, and wing., 40°, are de- voted more particularly to the plants of the South Sea Islands, Brazil, Cape of Good Hope, Australia, and New Holland. The principal specimens are the tree fern of New Zealand ; the aloe and the Caffre bread tree from the Cape of Good Hope ; the India rubber, the passion flower, the caladium, of Brazil; Korfolk Island pine of Australia, one of the most 44 BOTANICAL GARDEN. beautiful and largest-growing trees in the world ; the queen plant, or bird of paradise flower, from its resemblance to the plume of that bird ; the tutui, or candle-nut tree, from the Society Islands, the nut being used by the natives for lighting their huts ; the coflee plant, and several varieties of cactus. To the W. range and wing, temperature same as E., the plants of China and Japan, the East and West Indies, and Mexico are assigned. The most notable plants here are the cycadacese, of the East Indies, the largest in the country; the four-century plant ; the camellia japonica, or Japan rose ; the lovelj^ lily of Cuba ; the historic papyrus antiquorum, or paper plant, of Egypt; the tallow and leechee trees of Cliina ; the guava, a delightful fruit of the West Indies ; the vanilla of Mexico, the species which furnishes the aromatic bean ; the black pepper from the East Indies ; the sugar cane, the clieramoyer, or custard apple, and cassava of the West Indies ; the sensitive and the humble plants ; the American aloe, or century plant, of Mexico ; the camphor tree from Japan ; the tea plant ; the papay, an Oriental tree, which has the property of rendering the toughest meat tender ; a plant of the ada7isonia digitata, or monkey bread, which grows on the banks of the Senegal, and reaches the enormous circum- ference of 100 ft. They are supposed to attain the age of 5,000 years. They have many uses. Humboldt pronounces them the oldest organic monuments of our planet. There is also a specimen of the carob tree of Palestine, sometimes called St. John's bread. The pulp around the seed is sup- posed to have been the wild honey upon which St. John fed in the wilderness. There are other interesting speci- mens of the vegetable kingdom, including a pleasing variety of climbing plants. The arrangement of the exotics in the Central Conservatory presents the appearance of a miniature tropical forest, with its luxm-iant growth of tree and vine. Until recently the Conservatory was in possession of a speci- men of the bohan upas tree, of which such fabulous stories have been told. Each wing of the Conservatory is supplied with a fountain. In the W. range is a vase, brought from St. Augustine, Florida, and taken from the first house built on the ISTorth American continent within the present limits of the United States. A fine specimen of maiden's hair fern grows in the vase. The outside conservatories are generally used for propaga- tion. One, however, is specially devoted to camellia japo- nica, and another to that curious growth, the orchids or air plants. The botanical collection received some valuable con- tributions from the expedition of Commodore Perry to Japan. The supply is kept up by propagation and purchase, and at LIGHTING OF THE CITY. 45 rare intervals by scientific or exploring expeditions of the United States. Superintendents of the Botanical Garden. — 1850-1852, W. D. Breckenridge ; 1852, William R. Smith. History. — Tlie design of the projectors of the city contem- plated the location of a botanical garden upon one of the extensive reservations which had been set apart for public purposes. In 1798 there was considerable discussion as to its location. A deputation waited upon the Commissioners of the city and m-ged the S. Park of the President's Grounds, but as the object was the enjoyment of the public, it was seen fit to establish it in its present desirable situation near the Capitol. The topography of the ground, however, was most uninvit- ing. The Tiber flowed across one end of it, and most of it was low and marshy, and exposed to the ebb and flow of the tides in the Potomac. There is a tradition that it was the early execution ground of the city, and that no less than five criminals were hanged there. In 1822 the Botanical Society of Washington was incorporated by Congress. Tiie society, prior to its incorporation, through the individual efforts of those interested in botanical researches and investigations in the District of Columbia, had prepared a full list of plants, and as early as 1817 had arranged them according to the Lin- nrean classification and the more fashionable arrangment of Jussieu. The grounds assigned to the society were the same now used by Congress for that purpose. Under the auspices of the society the marshy portions were dredged and con- verted into a small lake, into which the tide continued to ebb and flow. A few of the native trees were planted, consisting of fine oaks, buttonwoods. gums and persimmons. The only vestige remaining of these primitive efforts at a botan- ical garden are two post oaks. After the discontinuance of the society the garden was used as a deposit for rubbish. In 1850 the representative management was assigned to the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. The first buildings were then erected, and the oflEice of Superintendent created. This post was first filled by W. D. Breckenridge, who had been horticulturist and botanist to the Wilkes Ex- pedition. A systematic course of improvement was inaugu- rated out of the annual appropriations by Congress, begin- ning with the filling of the entire grounds to a depth of 5 to 6 ft. Lighting of the City.— The lighting of the city is entirely by private companies. The first of these was incorporated in 1848. In that year Congi'ess made an appropriation of $2,000 46 STATUES. for paying the Washington Gas Company for lighthig the Capitol and Capitol Grounds, to include fixtures ; for laying pipes from the main pipe at the Capitol to the foot of 15th st. W., on both sides of Pennsylvania av., and for 100 lamp- posts and lamps and other necessary fixtures. This was the first use of gas in the city. In the same year gas was also tii-st introduced into the President's House. It has since grown into general use. The Government provides for the lighting of all public buildings and grounds, and the District for avs. and sts. Statues. — The statues in the public parks contribute greatly to the adornment of the capital. The principal are GreeTi- ough'^s WasJmigtoru in marble, in the E. Park of the Capitol, and those of Jefferson^ E. of the President's House ; Jackson^ in Lafaj^ette Square; and Washington^ in Washington Circle, in bronze ; the Equestrian Statue of General Scott,, in bronze, to be placed on IGth st. W. ; a statue of Lincoln,, in marble, surmounting a small column of the same material, in front of the City Hall. A description of all statues will be foimd in connection with the grounds in which they are placed. Statues of Admiral Farragutund General Eatolings have been ordered by Congress. In 1792 Jefferson urged the commissioners of the city to employ one Cerachi, a-n Italian sculptor, to exe- cute the equestrian statue of Washington ordered by the Con- tinental Congress. The sum of 20,000 guineas was to be the cost, and Jett'erson suggested the sale of city lots to supply the funds. No action was taken. In 1794 the same sculptor was brought forward as the best person to design and execute the Monument to American Liberty proposed to be erected E. of the Capitol, in what is now Lincoln Square. This was also abandoned. Water Supply.— The water of the city is carried from the Great Falls of the Potomac, by the Aqueduct, a distance of 12 m., to a Distributing Reservoir,, 2 m. from Rock Creek and 4^ m. from the Capitol The daily supply is 30 million galls, and consumption 17 million galls.*, or 127 galls, to eacli pei^ son — the largest of any Qxiy in the world. The full capacity of the Aqueduct is 80 million galls. A description of this remarkable work will be found in another part of this HAND- BOOK. In the effluent screen well at the distributing reservoir are laid four 48-in. mouth-pieces for the supply of the city. Three of these are reduced in the pipe-vault to 36-in., 30-in., and 12-in . Leaving the vault these three mains run parallel across the - ^ -i. i - (See pages OS, CO.) cttcs aiid rclicvos ai'c wrought m the highest style of ai't. In 1862, contrary to the views' of Mr, Walter, the Architect of the Capitol, the door was placed C8 MAIN BRONZE DOOR. ill the doorway leafliiig from the old Hall of Eepresentatives, now the Hall of Statnaiy, into the corridor leading? to tlie New Hall. In 1S71 it was removed to its present position, and properly constitutes the main door to tlie edifice. In event of the extension of the portico, so as to brin^- it in harmony with the wings of the building, the Bronze Door, it is suggest- ed by the architect, should form the inner or vestibule door, where the architecture will be consistent with its form and in harmony with its design. The events portrayed on the door constitute the principal events in the Life of Columbus and the Discovery of America, with an ornate enrichment of emblematic de- signs. On the key of the arch of the casing is a Head oj Columbus-^ a very excellent piece of facial execution. On the sides of the casing are four admirable typical statuettes, placed in niches at the top and bottom of the door, and arranged chronologically: A, Asia; B, Africa; C, Europe; D, America. The rest of the casing is embellished with a running border of ancient armor, banners, and heraldic de- signs ; and at the bottom, on either side, an anchor — all in basso relievo^ and emblematic of Navigation and Conquest. On the frame of each leaf of the door, set in niches, are six- teen statuettes of the patrons and contemporaries of Colum- bus. They are given as nearly as possible in the order of the importance of their association with the promulgation and execution of his theory, or in the extension of tlie range of geographical exploration inaugurated by him. The first 8 figures are associated in pairs when the doors are closed; when opened, they are divided, but should be examined in the order of the references. I. Alexander VI, Roderigo Lenzoli Borgia, a native of Spain, Pope of Rome I49Z-ISOJ. z. Pedro Gonzales dc Mendoza, Archbishop of Toledo, and Grand Cardinal of Spain, a man of great influence at court, and early patron of Columbus. 3. Ferdinand, King of Spain, royal patron of the undertaking of Columbus. 4. Isabella, Queen of Spain, and royal patroness of Columbus. 5. Charles Vlll, King of France, an enlightened monarch and friend to the cause ' of discovery. 6. Lady Beatriz de Bobadilla, Marchioness of Moya, and friend of Columbus. It is said that the likeness is of Mrs. Rogers, wife to the sculptor. 7. John II, King of Portugal, the monarch who rejected the proposals of Colum- bus. 8. Henry VII, King of England, appealed to by Bartholomew Columbus on behalf of his brother J meantime the discovery was accomplished under the auspices of Spain. 9. Juan Perez de Marchcna, prior of the Convent of La Rabida, and friend to Columbus. 10. Martin Alonzo Pinzon, commander of the Pinta, the second vessel in the first fleet across the ocean. II. Hernando Cortez, early companion of Columbus, and conqueror of Mexico. 12. Bartholomew Columbus, brother to Christopher, advocate of his theory at the ROTUNDA. 69 court of Henry VII, and first Adelentado of Hispaniola. It is said that the likeness is of the sculptor. I J. Alonzo de Ojeda, a companion of Columbus in his first voyage of discovery, and one of the most daring of his contemporaries. 14. Vasco Nunez de Balboa, discoverer of the Pacific Ocean from the Isthmus of Darien. 15. Amerigo Vespucci, one of the earlier discoverers of the main land of America, author of the first account of the New World, and from whom the continent takes its name. 16. Francisco Pizarro, conqueror of Peru. The panels illustrate in alto relievo the leading events in the career of Columbus, beginning at the lower panel of the r. or S. leaf of the door. I. Columbus examined before the Council of Salamanca respecting his theory of the globe, which was rejected. II. Departure of Columbus for the Spanish coast from the Convent of La Rabida, near Palos. III. Audience at the court of Ferdinand and Isabella. IV. Departure of Columbus from Palos on his first voyage of discovery. V. Transom panel, Columbus landed on the Island of San Salvador, and taking possession in the name of his sovereign. VI. Encounter with the natives. VII. Triumphal entree of Columbus into Barcelona. VIII. Columbus in chains. IX. The death-bed of Columbus. He died at Valladolid May 20, 1506, aged 70 years. His last words were: " In manus tuas, Domine^ commendo spiritum meum.^'' "Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." Thirty years after his remains were transferred to the Cathedral of San Domingo, on the island of that name. In 1796, when the Spaniards lost their hold on the island, they were removed to Havana. Between the panels are a series of heads, representing the historians of the vo3\ages of Columbus and his followers. That above the lower or N. panel of the door is Washington Irving^ and in the corresponding position opposite W. H. Prescott. The most celebrated bronze doors of Em-ope are in Florence, in the Church of the Baptistry of St. John, opposite the Duo- mo. They are three in number, the centre one, by Lorenzo Ghiberti, about 1420-1450, consumed thirty years in execution, and illustrates scenes in the Old Testament. Michael Angelo declared this gate worthy to be the portal of Paradise. The earliest of the remaining two is by Andrea Pisano, 1330, and the other by Ghiberti, 1400-1420, consumed 20 years in exe- cution, and was the first of the sculptor's works illustrating scenes in the ISTew Testament. Eotunda. — From the central Portico, passing through the great Bronze Door, the visitor stands under the lofty canopy of the Rotunda. The height from pavement to canopy is 180 ft., and diameter 98 ft. The circuit of the sides is di- vided into eight panels, separated by massive Roman pilas- ters, supporting an entablature ornamented with wreaths of olive. Festoons of elaborately traced flowers, scrolls, and wreaths embellish the upper x)ortions of tliese panels. The 70 ROTUNDA. ^\Teatbs on either side, over the panels on the r. and 1. of the E. and W. doors, encircle busts of Columbus,, Cabot,, Raleigh, and La Salle, four names most conspicuously iden- tified with the history of the early discovery and exj^loration of the N. American continent. They were executed by Capellano and Cancici, Italians, both pupils of Canova, were ordered in 1827, and, with the frieze of wreath-work, cost $9,500. That over the panel on the 1. of the W. door is Columbus ; in the corresponding position on the r. is Kaleigh ; over tlie panel on the 1. of the E. door is Cabot ; and corre- sponding on the r. La Salle. Over the four entrances are smaller panels, containing historical subjects in basso relievo. E. Door. — The Landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock, 1620 : Cancici, a pupil of Canova. W. Door. — Pocahontas Saving the Life of Captain Smith, 1606 : Capellano, 1821, a pupil of Canova. N. Door. — William Penn (the founder of Pennsylvania) Holding a Conference with the Lidians, 1682 : Gevelot, 1827. S. Door. — Daniel Boone in Conflict with the Indians, 1773 : Caucici. All these sculptured subjects are wretched caricatures, and disfigure the conspicuous places they were designed to em- bellish. Thev were ordered in 1826, and cost $3,500 each, or $14,000. It is designed to ornament the frieze, 300 ft. in length, with sculpture, representing the History of the United States, and make other improvements necessary to the appropriate finish of this part of the Capitol. In the eight large panels between the four doors of the Rotunda are a corresponding number of historical paiiitings, four illustrating the discovery and settlement of North America, and four the leading events in the struggle for independence. The first executed were by Trumbull, ordered in 1817. The last of which was com- pleted in 1824. The artist. Colonel John Trumbull, of Con- necticut, in 1775 was an Aid-de-Camp to Washington, and in 1776 Deputy Adjutant General of the N. Department, under Gates. He first cultivated the art of painting in America, and later studied in Europe. In 1786 his pictm-e of the Death of General Warren at Bunker Hill was com- pleted in London. John Adams, at the time, was residing in that city as Minister of the United States, and Jefferson, in the same capacitj^, was at Paris. The artist expressed to them his intention to commemorate the leading events of the Revolution in a series of historical paintings. In 1789 he returned to liis native land to carry out his purpose. He at first established himself at New York, then the seat of gov- ernment, and secured life portraits of the leading actors in ROTUNDA. 71 the stirrina; scenes he proposed to transfer to canvas. Havino- finished there, he traveled from New Hampsliire to Sontli Carolina, completina; his collection of portraits, and sketch- ing the localities of the events. In 1794 he had nearly com- pleted this preliminarjMvork. In 1817 Congress ordered the execntion of the fonr revolutionary paintings noAV in the Ro- tunda. If the paintings do not exhibit the artistic touch and spirit of a master, they are at least faithful representations of great events in our national history. The majority of tb.c portraits are from life. The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.— Trumbull. Ordered 1817, cost $8,000. The painting in the panel on the r. of the S. door represents the memorable Congress of 1776 at the moment of signing that instrument of American liberty. In the disposition of the characters tlie artist consulted Jefferson and Adams, both of whom were present. The style of dress, the furniture, and the liall itself, are exact reproductions of the time and place. The promi- nent group of figures on the r. in the painting are Jefferson of Va., the author of the instrument before named, Adams of Mass., Franklin of Perm., Hancock of Mass., Rutledge of S. C, and Thompson of Penn. For variety of composition, the Committee of Five are represented as having advanced in a body to the President^s table, instead of reporting in the usual form, through their chairman. The rigid dignity of the scene and tlie expression of determination on every counte- nance will be observed. The names of the individuals represented, commencing on the observer's left (the right of the picture) and following the line towards the r. are — I, George Wythe,*f Va.; 2, William Whipple, and j, Josiah Bartlett, of N. H.; 4, Benjamin Harrison, of Va.; 5, Thomas Lynch, of S. C.; 6, Richard Henry Lee, of Va.; 7, Samuel Adams, of Mass.; 8, George Clinton, of N. Y.; 9, William Paca, and 10, Samuel Chase, of Md.; il, Lewis Morris, and iz, William Floyd, of N. Y.; 13, Arthur Middleton, and 14, Thomas Heyward, of S. C; 15, Charles Carroll, of Md.; 16, George Walton, of Ga.; 17, Robert Morris, 18, Thomas Willing, and 19, Benjamin Rush, of Penn.; 20, Elbridge Gerry, and 21, Robert Treat Paine, of Mass.; 22, Abraham Clark, of N. J.; 2j, Stephen Hopkins, and 24, William Ellery, of R. L; 25, George Clymer, of Penn.; 26, William Hooper, and 27, Joseph Hewes, of N. C; 28, James Wilson, of Penn.; 29, Francis Hopkinson, of N. J.; 30, John Adams, of Mass.; 31, Roger Sherman, of Conn., 32, Robert L. Livingston, of N. Y.; 33, Thomas Jefferson, of Va.; 34, Benjamin Franklin, of Penn.; 35, Richard Stockton, N. J.; 36, Francis Lewis, N. Y.; 37, John Witherspoon, of N. J.; 38, Samuel Huntington, 39, William Williams, and 40, Oliver Wolcott, of Conn.; 41, John Hancock, of Mass.; 42, Charles Thompson, of Penn.; 43, George Read, Del.; 44, John Dickinson, of Penn.; 45, Edward Rutledge, of S. C; 46, Thomas McKean, of Del.; and 47, Philip Livingston, of N. Y. The Surrender of Burgoyne, October, 1777. — Trum- bull. Ordered 1817, cost 68,000. The painting in the pan- el on tlic 1. of the W. door represents the surrender of the 72 ROTUNDA. Britisli Gen. Burgoyne to the American Gen. Gates at Sara- toi^a. The scene portrayed represents Burgoyne, attended by Gen. Pliillips and other officers, dismounted, and near the marquee of the American commander, offering his sword to Gen. Gates, who advances, but declines to receive the token of submission, and invites the fallen general into his quar- ters. On the r. of Gates is a group of the principal officers of the American army of the N. In the background will be observed the British army at the confluence of Fish Creek and N". River. The troops, in long lines, under the direction of Col. Lewis, Quartermaster General of the American army, and headed by American, British, and German officers, are moving across the creek and meadows towards the place of surrender in the foreground. The portraits introduced, beginning on the observer's left, are — I, Maj. Lithgow, of Mass.; 2, Col. Cilly, and j, Gen. Starke, of N. H.; 4. Capt. Seymour, of Conn., of Sheldon's Horse; 5, Maj. Hull, and 6, Col. Greaton, of Mass.; 7, Maj. Dearborn, and 8, Col. Scammell, of N.'H.; 9, Col. Lewis, of N. Y., Quarter- master General; 10, Maj. Gen. Phillips^ of the British army; 11, Lieut. Gen. Bur- goyne, Commander of the British forces; 12, Gen. Baron Reidesel, of the British army, (German); ij, Col. Wilkinson, Deputy Adjutant General of the American army; 14, Gen. Gates, Commander of the American forces; 15, Col. Prescott, of Mass. Volunteers; 16, Col. Morgan, of the Va. Riflemen; 17, Brig. Gen. Rufus Putnam, and 18, Lieut. Col. Brooks, of Mass ; 19, Rev. Mr. Hitchcock, of R. I., Chaplain ; 20, Maj. Robert Troup, of N. Y., Aid-de-Camp ; 21, Maj. Haskell, of Mass.; 22, Maj. (after Gen.) Armstrong, Aid-de-Camp ; 2j, Maj. Gen. Philip Schuy- ler, of N. Y.; 24, Brig. Gen. Glover, of Mass.; 25, Brig. Gen. Whipple, of the N. H. Militia; 26, Maj. Clarkson, of N. Y., Aid-de-Camp; and 27, Maj. Stevens, of Mass., commanding artillery. The Surrender of Cornwallis, October, 1781. — Trumbull. Ordered 1817, cost $8,000. The painting on the r. of the W. door represents the closing scefte in the contest between the Colonies and the mother country, the surrender of tlie army of Lord Cornwallis to the Americans at York- town, Virginia. The event is associated with an incident which should be borne in mind in order to comprehend what might seem out of keeping. About 18 montlis before the surrender, Gen. Lincoln, in command of the American forces at Charleston, S. C, had been obliged to capitulate to the Britisli. Lord Cornwallis at that time refused to allow the American com- mander to march out of the city with colors flying and other honors customary under the circumstances. The terms of surrender accorded to Lord Cornwallis in this instance were the same as he had gi-anted to Gen. Lincoln. Gen. Wash- ington, the Commander-in-Chief, and to whom the honor of receiving the surrender was due, appointed Gen. Lincoln to superintend the submission of the British, in the same man- ROTUNDA. 73 ner as the American Gen. and his troops had been treated at Charleston. The American forces will be seen in order of battle on the r. of the road leading into York ; Washington and the Ameri- can general officers resting on the r. of the line. The French troops face the Americans fi-om the opposite side of the road, with Gen. Kochambeau and the chief officers of the French army and navy on their 1. The British troops, with shoul- dered arms, colors cased, and drums beating, are filing out of the town, approaching the two lines of the victorious Ameri- cans and French to the place of surrender, from whence, hav- ing grounded and left their arms, they will march back un- armed to their quarters. The scene itself represents Lord Cornwallis and his chief officers, under the direction of Gen. Lincoln, passing the op- posite groups of American and French generals and entering between the two lines of the victors. By this disposition the chief actors in the scene are brought out boldly. In the dis- tance the town of York is visible, with the conquered troops marching out. York Kiver and the Chesapeake Bay are also brought in, and attbrd a general idea of the topographical sur- roundings. It may be added, with respect to tlie French offi- cers, that tlieir portraits were obtained from Paris, in 1787, and were taken from life, at the residence of Mr. Jefterson, then Minister of the United States to France. The following are the portraits given, commencing on the observer's 1. : I, Count Deuxponts; 2, Duke de Laval Montmorency, and 3, Count Custine, Cols, of French Infantry; 4. Duke de Lauzun, Col. of French Cavalry; 5, Gen. Choizy ; 6, Viscount Viomeuil ; 7, Marquis de St. Simon; 8, Count Fersen, and 9, Count Dumas, Aids-de-Camp to Count Rochambeau; 10, Marquis Chastellux ; II, Baron Viomeuil ; 12, Count de Barre and Count de Grasse, Admirals in the French Navy; 14, Count Rochambeau, Gen. -in-Chief of the French forces; 15, Gen. Lincoln, American Army ; 16, Col. Stevens, American Artillery ; 17, Gen. Washington, Commander-in-Chief; 18, Thomas Nelson, Gov. of Va. ; 19, Mar- quis Lafayette; 20, Baron Steuben; 21, Col. Cobb, Aid-de-Camp to Gen. Wash- ington; 22, Col. Trumbull, Secretary to Gen. Washington ; 23.Maj. Gen. Clinton, of N. Y. ; 24, Gen. Gist, of Md. ; 25, Gen. Wayne, of Penn. ; 26, Gen. Hand, of Penn., Adjutant General; 27, Gen. Peter Muhlenberg, of Penn.; 28, Maj. Gen. Knox, Commander of Artillery ; 29, Lieut. Col. Huntingdon, acting Aid to Gen. Lincoln; 30, Col. Timothy Pickering, Quartermaster General ; 31, Col. Alexander Hamilton, commanding Light Infantry; 32, Col. Laurens, ofS. C. ; 33, Col. Wai- ter Stuart, of Penn., and 34, Col. Nicholas Fish, of N. Y. Resignation of Genekal Washington, Dec. 23, 1783 : Trnmbuil. Ordered 1817, cost $8,000. The painting on the 1. of tlie N. door represents Washington returning his com- mission to the President of Congress. The great contest was over. Peace had been proclaimed. That great patriot had withdrawn from the army at New York, on which occa- sion many of those who were thus to be forever deprived of 74 ROTUNDA. his leadership shed tears. It was Dec. 23, 17S3, in the State House at AiniapoUs, Maryland. The patriot commander was surrounded by liis officers, in the presence of tlie Con<^ress of the infant Kepublic, and was now about to restore to Con- gress his commission, and witli it tlie autliority witli wliich they had invested him in the dark and trying- times of the war. He had completed a touching- address. After con- gratulating Congress upon the successful issue of tlie con- flict, expressing his obligations to tlie army, and committing tlie f nture to the protection of Almiglity God, he closed witli the words : "Having now linished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action, and bidding an aliec- tionate farewell to this august body, under whose orilers I have so long acted, I here otier 1113^ commission, and take my leave of all'the employments of public life." It may be men- tioned, as a coincidence, that the President of Congress was, in 1775, the flrst aid-de-camp to the illustrious general. The portraits introduced, commencing on the observer's left, are — I, Thomas Mifflin, of Penn., President of Congress; 2, Charles Thompson, of Penn.; 3, Eibridge Gerry, of Mass.; 4, Hugh Williamson, of N. C. ; 5, Samuel Osgood, of Mass.; 6, Edward McComb, of Del.; 7, George Partridge, of Mass.; 8, Edward Lloyd, of Md. ; 9, R. D. Spaight, of N. C; 10, Benjamin Hawkins, of N. C. ; II, A. Foster, of N. H. ; 12, Thomas Jefferson and Arthur Lee, of Va. ; 14, David Howell, of R. I.; 15, James Monroe, of Va. ; and 16, Jacob Reed, ofS. C, all members of Congress; 17, James Madison, of Va., spectator; 18, William Ellery, of R. 1.; 19, Jeremiah Townley Chase, of Md.; 20, S. Hardy, of Va. ; and 21, Charles Morris, of Penn., members of Congress; 22, General Washington, of Va. ; 23, Cols. Walker and Humphreys, aids-de-camp; 25 and 26, Gens Small- wood and Williams, and 27 and 28, Cols. Smith and Howard, of Md. ; 29, Charles Carroll and two daughters, of Md. ; 30, Mrs, Washington and her three grand- children; and 31, Daniel Jenifer of St. Thomas, of Md., spectators. In the corresponding panels on the opposite or E. side of the Rotunda, beginning on the 1. of the S. door leading to the House of Representatives, are four paintings of historical events connected with the discovery and early settlement of America. Baptism of Pocahontas, 1613: Chapman. Ordered 1836, cost $10,000. The scene is at Jamestown, in Virginia, the tirst permanent white settlement on the American con- tinent. Pocahontas, the daughter of the Indian king Pow- hatan, had already given evidence of her attachment for the whites, and had saved the settlement from extirpation at the hands of her ruthless people. The Indian princess is in the act of receiving the sacred rite of baptism. John Rolfe, her future husband, stands by her side. The relatives of tlie prin- cess are present. Her uncle, with revengeful look, watches the scene. The portraits introduced, commencing on the observer's 1., are — ROTUNDA. 75 I, Standard Bearer; 2, the Page; j, John and Ann Laydon, first marned in the country; 4, Sir Thomas Dale; 5, Alexander Whitaker; 6, Hans Spilman; 7, Po- cahontas; 8, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest, first settlers; 9, John Rolfe; 10, Sister to Poca- hontas; II, Nantequas, brother to Pocahontas; 12, Opechaucanough; 13, Opachisco, uncle to Pocahontas; 14, Richard Whiffin. Discovery of the Mississippi River by De Soto, May, 1541 : Powell. Ordered 1850, cost $12,000. The paint- ing is intended to represent De Soto and his party arriv- ing on the banks of the Mississippi, after a toilsome march tlu'ongh swamp and forest from distant Florida. The paint- ing, however, does not verify liistory. The discoverers had endured great privations, and, ragged and w^orn, took to the river in canoes, in hopes of escape from their snirerings. De Soto succumbed to the fatigues of the march, and was buried in the river. On the r. will be seen the Mississippi, filled with green islands, and canoes laden with savages approaching or landing on the banks near at hand. The portraits and prominent characters and objects repre- sented, commencing on the observer's 1., are — I, Soldier dressing his wounded leg; 2, a young Spanish cavalier; 3, a confessor; 4, a group of standard bearers and helmeted men; 5, a cannon being placed in po- sition by artillerymen; 6, a Moorish servant; 7, De Soto mounted; 8, camp chest, with arms, helmets, and other accoutrements and implements of war; 9, two young Indian maidens ; 10, Indian chiefs bringing the pipe of peace ; 11, old priest bless- ing the cross; 12, ecclesiastic bearing the censer; 13, stalwart men planting the cross. The first engagement for a picture to fill this panel was with Henry Inman. The artist however died before the completion of his work, and the picture was abandoned. Landeng of Columbus, October 12, 1492 : Vanderlyn. Ordered 1842, cost $10,000. This painting represents Colum- bus, accompanied by his principal officers and a few attend- ants, already landed on the Island of Guanahani, one of the Bahama Islands, and the first land discovered . The successful discoverer is in the act of proclaiming possession in the name of the Idng and queen of Spain. In the distance groups of seamen are giving expression to their joy ; two figures near are contending for glittering particles in tlie sand. The fleet at anchor in the distance. A peculiarly tropical haze pervades the atmosphere. The following are the principal characters represented, commencing on the observer's 1. : I, Alonzo de Ojeda ; 2, cabin boy kneeling; 3, Rodrigo Sanchez, inspector; 4, Vincent Yanez, standard bearer; 5, Martin Alonzo Pinzon, standard bearer; 6, mutineer repentant; 7, Rodrigo de Escobedo, notary ; 8, Columbus; 9, soldier look- ing at the natives; 10, sailor's veneration of Columbus; 11, friar bearing the cross. EiMBARKATlON OF THE PILGRIMS f rom Delft-Haven, in Holland, July 21, 1620, O. S. : Weir. Ordered 1836, cost $10,000. Represents the Piuitan fathers about to brave the 76 ROTUNDA. dangers of the stormy Atlantic for an asylum in the wilds of America, where they might enjoy the blessings of civil and religious liberty. The following portraits are introduced, commencing on the observer's 1. : I, boy of Mrs. Winslow; 2, Mr. and Mrs. Winslow; 3, Mr. and Mrs. White; 4, boy of Mrs. Winslow; 5, Mrs. Brewster and child; 6, Elder William Brewster; 7, Mr. and Mrs. Fuller; 8, William Bradford; 9, Gov. Carver; 10, nurse and child; II, Mrs. Carver and child; 12, William Robinson, pastor of the congrega- tion; ij, Mrs. Bradford; 14, Captain Reynolds; 15, boy of Gov. Carver; 16, Miles Standish and wife Rose. The domical ceiling, viewed from the pavement of the Rotunda consists of an inner shell, over which is the mas- sive iron covering of the Dome. The canopy stands at a height of 180 ft. above the pavement, and measures 65^ ft. in dameter, and 21 ft. perpendicular height. The canopy is ornamented with a variety of figures in fresco, combining allegory and history, executed by C. Brumidi. The central group, which occupies the apex of the ceiling, represents a deification of Washington, the Father of American Liberty. On his r. is Freedom, and on his 1. Victory. In the foreground are 13 female figures, representing tlie original States of the American Union. These figures form a crown and sup- port a band, upon which are the appropriate words E Pluri- hus Unum. The figures begin with New Hampshire, on the 1. of Victory, and follow in'semi-circular procession, accord- ing to their geographical order. The drapery, decoration, and coloring are designed to indicate the products and situa- tion of the States represented. Around the base of the can- opy,, which measures about 204 ft., are 6 emblematic groups, designed as an allegory of the Revolution, 1776-'83. These groups begin at tlie W. 1. The Fall of Tyranny. — Represented by Freedom and an Eagle battling with Tyranny and Priestcraft ; a mailed soldier vainly struggling to uphold the ermined robe of royalty. Discord stands by; also Anger and Revenge, with the incendiary torch. 2. Agriculture, towards the N. — Represented by Ceres, with cornucopia. America, wearing a red Cap of Liberty, turning over to Ceres the mastery of a pair of horses attached to a reaper. Flora is gathering flowers, and Pomona bears a basket of fruit. J. Mechanics. — Represented by Vulcan, resting his r. foot on a cannon, and around are the various instruments of his art, with mortars and cannon balls. In the E. is — 4. Commerce. — Represented by Mercury, holding a bag of gold, and directing attention to it. The figure thus called is Robert Morris, the financier of the Revo- lution. Merchandise, with men at work, and two sailors, pointing to a gunboat, complete the allegory. 5. Marine. — Representing Neptune in his car, bearing his trident, accompanied by attendants, emerging from the deep. Amphrodite, Venus, is about dropping into the foaming waters an electric cable, which has been handed her by a cherub. 6. Arts and Sciences.— Represented by Minerva, the Goddess of Wisdom, ASCENT OP THE DOME. 77 surrounded by figures— Franklin, the philosopher; Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat ; and Morse, the inventor of the magnetic telegraph. The figures of juveniles indicate teaching. These frescoes cover nearly 5,000 sq. ft. They may be slewed from different points in the ascent of the Dome. As they are approached they increase in size. Seen from the balustrade beneath the canopy, they are of colossal propor- tions. Sufficient light by day is thrown in from the openings in the outer shell of the Dome. At night hundreds of gas jets, lighted by electricity, illuminate not only the canopy, but the entire interior of the Dome. These frescoes were ordered in 1864, and cost $50,000, of which $39,000 was paid for compensation of the artist and as- sistants, and the balance for materials. Ascent of the Dome. — The stairway inside the lii-st door on the 1., after leaving the rotunda on the N., leads to the top of the dome. At the head of the first flight of steps on the r. is the entrance to the battery and electric gas-lighting ap- paratus^ to wliich a visit should be made. Returning and continuing the ascent, an opportunity is afforded of studying the mechanism of the immense structure overhead. A small door at the top of an intricate flight of steps opens between the inner and outer shells. On the inside is a range of arches, affording a \ iew of the rotunda and canopy. A short distance above a doorway opens under an imposing peristyle of 36 iron columns. The next door opens upon a balustrade above. The last ascent is by an abrupt flight of steps over the inner shell, whicli leads to the platform immediately beneath the canop}'. This point affords a closer view of Brumidi's allegory, a de- scription of whicli will be found elsewhere. This platform makes a fine whispering gallery. Another flight of steps leads to the crowning platform, from which the most exten- sive view of the city "may be had. Panoramic View of the City.— With the assistance of the maps of the citj' and District, the stranger will be able to ac- quaint himself with the most prominent features in the view. Looking towards the E., on the 1. is the Asjdum for the Deaf and Dnmb, and on the r., beyond tlie Anacostia, the Asylum for the Insane. On the S. may be seen the Anacostia uniting with the broad current of the Potomac. On the point are the buildingsof the Arsenal, and 7 m. below, on theopposite shore, Alexandi'ia. Opposite Georgetown is Arlington House, with Fort Whipple on the r. In the W. is the official quarter of the city. The building on the hill, at the head of New Jersey av., is the Howard University ; and the white tower in the dis- 78 DIAGRAM OF THE CAPITOL. 11§ 05 5 s « ? s ^ LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 79 tance, on the line of E. Capitol st., is the Soldiers' Hgrne. Tlie railroad which leaves the city on the N. is the Baltimore and Ohio — the r. brancli for Baltimore, and the 1. for Point of Rocks and the W. The road S. of the Capitol is the Balti- more and Potomac, also for the IST. and W., running in con- nection witli the Pennsj'lvania Central. The Tiber Creek follows the basin of the valley on tlie IST. Library of the United States.— (OjDew every day, Sundays excepted , from 9 a. m. to 4 2^. m. ; during the sessions of Con- gress till hour of adjournment.) The Library of the United States may be readied from tlie Rotunda by the W. door, along' the corridor on either side of the balustrade around the head of the staircase leading up from the main W. entrance. The principal door of the Library is immediately opposite the W. door of tlie Rotunda. The Library Halls occupj'- the principal floor of the entire W. projection of the Capitol, consisting of a connecting cen- tral hall, 91 J ft. long, 34 ft. wide, and'38 ft. high, completed in 1853, with two wings on the IST. and S., each 95 ft. long, 29J ft. wide, and 38 ft. high, finished in 1865. The interior was designed by Mr. Walter, Architect of the Capitol, who com- pleted the central library, and the ^A'ings were carried out by ]Mi'. Clark, his successor, at a total cost of $280,000. The cen- tral library consists of 12 deep recesses, or alcoves, surmount- ed b}' 2 upper tiers of cases, with galleries and corridors, all of iron. Tlie hall is lighted by windows in the alcoves and by skylights fitted in the iron frame- work of the roof, and trahs- mittetl through the ceiling. This consists of iron frame-work, supported upon massive'foliated iron brackets, each weigh- ing 2,000 lbs. The alcoves and shelves are embellished with piiastered and paneled fronts, painted a soft buff color and artistically gilded. The book-shelves are also of iron, and covered with leather. The floors are of tessellated black-and- white marble. The wings are of the same design as the cen- tral hall. Tlie former have 4 tiers of shelves instead of 3. Heat and ventilation are supplied from the Senate and House ap- paratus, 200 ft. distant, on either side. The iron-vrork was manufactured in New York, and transported in pieces. It is the only completely flrc-proof library in the world. The library hails allord accommodation for 172,000 volumes, and with the attic and law library 210,000. The additional space required has been in part supplied by temporary wooden shelves ranged along the galleries. It is proposed to' erect a suitable building in the angle of the E. Park of the Capitol, to be specially devoted to the pur- poses of the Library of the United States. A special com- 80 LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. mission, created by act of Mar. 3, 1873, now have this subject under consideration. Speaking of the necessities of the Library, IMr. Spofford, Li- brarian, says : " Wliatever may be the present rate of growth of American libraries, it cannot be doubted that tiieir ])rospec- tive increase, with the growing development and intellectual enterprise of the country, will be in an accelerated ratio as compared with thepast. The Library has twice doubled with- in twelve years. In 1860 there M-ere 63,000 volumes in the Library, in 1866 there were 100,000, and in 1872 there were 246,000. Without calculating upon specially large accessions, it is reasonable to assume that, by the ordinary additions to its stores from copyrights and from all other sources, it will reach 700.000 volumes^ by the year 1900, 1,250,000 by the year 1925, 1,750,000 by 1950, and 2,500,000 by 1975, or about a cen- tury hence." In 1874 the Library numbered 260,000 volumes and 50,000 pamphlets. Of this aggregate 30,000 volumes belonged to the law library. The average annual accessions are 10,000 boolvs and 5,000 pamphlets. The sources of supply in the or- der of numbers are as follows : purchase, copyright, (excluding duplicates,) deposit of the Smithsonian Institution, presenta- tion, and exchange . The whole number of copyrights entered in 1873 was 15,352. The largest liDrary in the world is the Bihliotheque Nation- ale, Paris, having about 1,400,000 volumes. The second is the British Museum Lihrary, London, with 900,000 volumes. The Royal Library, at Munich, claims to have 800,000 volumes. It may be generally stated that there are sixteen libraries in Eu- rope larger than the Library of the United States. The lat- ter, numbering 260,000 volumes, is the largest in America. The second is the Boston Public Library, 'which has about 200,000. This national collection of hooks has many distinctive fea- tures. It is richer than any other — perhaps than all others combined — in books, pamphlets, journals, manuscripts, and maps relating to the history and topograj^hy of America. It is only approximated in this particular by the library in the British Museum in London. It is also well stocked with the printed literature, in various languages, relating to South, Central, and British America, and the Islands of the West Indies. Its collection of pamphlets illustrating the progress and political history of the country is unrivaled. The next great feature is the completeness of its law de- partment, including, as it does, complete sets, nearly all in duplicate, of English and American reports, the statute law of all countries, and the best editions of most published text- LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 81 books in the common and civil law. Every department of jurisprudence is represented, and tlie collection is kept up to date by purchase and the importation of freshest works in every field. The general library is very complete in its peri- odical collections. Full sets of all the British and American reviews and magazmes are kept up, and bound files of the leading newspapers of the country are here stored for refer- ence. One of the most valuable files of newspapers is a full set of the London Gazette, from its first issue in 1665 down to date. Only one other complete set exists. This contin- ues the official organ of the British Government. Besides the valuable collection of colonial and revolutionary newspapers, the Library is in possession of a complete file of the N'ew York Evening Post, from its fii'st issue in 1801 to the present year ; the Charleston Courier, from its first issue in 1802 down to its demise in 1873 ; and the Savailnah Republican for the same period. Also files of other metropolitan and provincial news- papers. No department of literatm*e, art, or science is neg- lected. There is a good library of works on chess, angling, cooking, and all miscellaneous topics, while in the exact and applied sciences the wealth of the collection is inesti- mable. The Library of the United States became the repository of the entire Smithsonian library after the fire in 1866, which destroj^ed so large a portion of that building. This part of the collection embraces the largest assemblage of the trans- actions of scientific and learned societies to be found in the world. Among the rare works are two great folios, written on velliun, with numerous illuminations by hand, executed ^\dth the utmost care in the 13th centuiy. The oldest printed book in the libi-ary is a Constitution of Pope Clement V, of Rome, printed in 1467, by Peter Schoeffer, at Mentz. Among the most rare works of the Force collection are a copy of Eliot's Indian Bible ; 41 different works by Increase and Cotton Mather, printed in Boston and Cambridge, 1671- 1735 ; files of early American newspapers, from 1735-1800 ; 300 early atlases and maps, some unpublished, covering the country from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico ; a l^rge number of incunabula or books printed during the infancy of the art, embracing a complete series of imprints by the most distin- guished early printers, representing^ every year from 1467 to 1500, and a large number printed in the following century ; also 48 folio volumes of historical autographs of great rarity and interest, embracing a collection of revolutionary letters, chiefly military and political, covering the whole period, from 1765 to 1787. The numerical extent of this collectiou is 22,520 volumes, or, including pamphlets, 60,000 titles. 6 82 LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. The Library is also rich in ilhistrated works in fine arts, architecture, and natural history. Under the Rules of the Library, the privilege of taking books out is accorded by divers statutes to the following per- sons : The President of the United States, Vice President of the United States, members of the Senate, members of the House of Kepresentatives, members of the Cabinet, judges of the Supreme Court, judges and solicitors of the Court of Claims, representatives of foreign governments residing at Washington, Secretary of the Senate, Clerk of the House of Kepresentatives, Solicitor of the Treasury, Financial Agent of the Library Committee, ex-Presidents of the United States, Chaplains of the two Houses of Congress, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. All persons 16 years of age and up- wards are permitted to call for books to be used in the li- brary hall, and may obtain the same by filling one of the blank forms of tickets found on the tables and handing it to the assistant at the Librarian's desk. Books taken out by persons authorized thereto must be returned in two weeks. No maps, manuscripts, or printed books of especial rarity are permitted to be taken out of the Library. In addition to the Library of the United States, each House of Congress has a documentary collection of its own, comprising all official documents published under their au- thority. THE CAPITOL/— WEST FRONT. A fine view of the business and official quarters of the city LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 83 may be had from the W. Portico, reached through the door in the centre of the W. side of the main hall. Immediately below are the terraces which form the W. face of the emi- nence upon which the Capitol stands. Pennsylvania av. diveroes from the r., and Maryland av. from the 1. Towards the W., between these, lie the Botanical Garden, with its conservatories, and the Mall, from which rise the towers of the Smithsonian Institution, the square outlines of the De- partment of Agriculture, and the iintinislied Obelisk to the memory of Washington, all surrounded by beautiful gardens, and the Long Bridge. On the summit of the hill still farther W. are the two domes of the Observatory, and still beyond the Heights of Georgetown. To the S., at the point where the two rivers join, lies the Arsenal. Following the broad bosom of the Potomac, at a distance of 7 m. the shipping and buildings of Alexandria are visible, and upon the river sail- ing and-steam-craft. On the heights overlooking the oppo- site bank of the river is Arlington, famous as the former residence of the Confederate Gen. Lee, and now the resting place of thousands of soldiers of the national army. A little to the r. and rear stands Fort Whipple. Looking towards the N., on the distant hills may be seen the tower of the Soldiers' Home, and nearer the Howard University. A fine view may also be had of Pennsylvania av., with the Treasury Department, President's House, and the new State, War, and Navy Department, visible at the other end. At various points may be seen the otlier public buildings, school-houses, and cliurclies, blending with the ma^s of the city. Librarians of the United States. — Clerks of the House of Representatives : 1802-1807, John Beckley, of Va. ; 1807- 1815, Patrick Magruder, of Md. Librarians : 1815-1829, George Watterson, D. C. ; 1829-1861, John S. Meehan, N. Y. ; 1861-1864, John G. Stephenson, Ind. ; 1864, Ainsworth R. Spofford, Ohio. History. — The act of April 24, 1800, providing for the re- moval and accommodation of the Government of the United States, authorized the expenditure of $5,000 for the purchase of such books as might be necessary for the use of Congress at Washington, and" for fitting up a suitable apartment in the Capitol for their safe-keeping. A small number of books w^as purchased and forwarded to the Seat of Government. The chief promoter of the interests of the Library from the beginning was Thomas Jefferson. On Dec. 18, 1801, Uriah Tracy, of Connecticut, and three days later John Randolph, of Roanoke, respectively of the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives, and of the new committee appointed on the Iji- bi-ary, made an important report to then- respective Houses 84 LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. on the subject of the needs of the Library of Congress. The eftect was beneficial. A few weelcs later, Jan. 26, 1802, the act "concerning the Library for the nse of both Houses of Congress" was passed. Under the provisions of this act all the books or libraries previously kept separately by each House were placed in the Capitol, in the room in the N. wing occupied by the House of Representatives during the last ses- sion of the Sixth Congress. Tlie House, from 1801 to 1805, occupied the temporary structure outside, known as the *•' Oven," south of the building. The unexpended balance of the first appropriation of $5,000, together with such sums as might be thereafter appropriated, were to be expended under the direction of the joint committee. The early appropria- tions were very small, as low as $450. The first collection of books under the new act was made in 1802, under tlie direction of Albert Gallatin, of Penn., Dr. Samuel Latham Mitchill, of ]Sr. Y., and others, and comprised about 3,000 volumes. In 1806, on the report of Dr. Mitchill, Congress appropri- atted $1,000 for the purchase of boolvs. Since tliat time that amount has been increased from time to time, as the neces- sities of the Library became apparent to the slow appreciation of Congress. The present average annual appropriation is $12,000. During the brief occupation of the city by the British, in 1814, the Library was destroyed, with the rest of the interior of the Capitol. To repair this loss, Thomas Jefferson, in a letter dated at Monticello, Sept. 21, 1814, addressed to Samuel H. Smith, tendered the sale of his library of 6,700 volumes to Congress. The Senate accepted the off"er at once. In the House, however, there was considerable debate, but the off'er was there also accepted. The collection contained many rare works, gathered by Mr. Jefferson in Europe. The price paid by Congress was $23,950. It was objected to Jefferson's collection, that some of the volumes were of an infidel character, and by others that it contained too many Bibles. His books may be distinguished by a private mark. Wherever the printer's signature occurs at the bottom of the page as a J, he has made a T before it, and when T occurs, a J after it. This makes the initials of his name. The new Library was deposited in the Post-ofiice building, an old structure commenced by Samuel Blodgett, in 1793, as a hotel, and situated on the S. side of the present Post Office square. Congress also held one session here, but in Dec, 1815, met in the building on Capitol Hill, erected for its temporary accommodation by the citizens of Washington. II I LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 85 The Library, however, was not removed till after the resto- ration of the N". wing was completed. It was then trans- ferred temporarily to apartments on the W. side of the build- ing, over the present oflSces of the Clerk of the Supreme Court. ^ In 1824 the Library was removed to the hall in the centre of the W. front of the Capitol, specially designed and fitted up for its accommodation. The same hall, reconstructed of fire-proof materials, now constitutes the central library of the superb suit of apartments devoted to the uses of the Library of the United States. In 1824 all duties upon books, maps, and charts imported for the Library were remitted by act of Congress. In 1846 a copy of all books, maps, charts, &c., copyrighted in the United States, was required to be sent to the Library of Congress. This was generally disregarded, and was re- pealed in 1859, and re-enacted in 1865. In 1867 a penalty was placed upon any violation of this law. In 1851 the Library numbered 55,000 volumes. On Christ- mas Eve of that year the Library took fire in one of the alcoves, from timbers carelessly exposed to the flues. The progress of the flames was rapid. In a short time 35,000 volumes were destroyed. The destruction of a few works of art in the hall was irrep- arable. Of these the following are mentioned : Stuart's paint- ings of the first five Presidents of the United States; two portraits of Columbus, one said to have been an original ; an original of Peyton Randolph, President of the fii*st Conti- nental Congress, and others of Boliver, Baron Steuben by Pyne, Baron De Kalb, Cortez, Judge Hansom, of Maryland ; about 1,200 bronze medals of the Vattemare Exchange, some over two centuries old ; a likeness of Washington in bronze ; and busts of General Taylor by an Italian, and La Fayette by David. The fire, however, was confined to the central library. Congress, within the year ensuing, appropriated $157,500 for the restoration of the library hall and the purchase of books. In the meantime one of the document rooms and ad- joining passages was occupied. In 1866 the custody of the valuable library of the Smith- sonian Institution, consisting of 40,000 volumes, was transfer- red to the Library. In 1867, at a cost of $100,000, Congress purchased the Peter Force collection of books, manuscripts, maps, and papers re- lating to American history, the most complete private collec- tion extant. Mr. Force was born in New Jersey in 1790, and died in Washington, D. C, in 1868. 86 LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. The act of Congress to revise, consolidate, and amend the statutes relating to patents and copyrights^ approved July 8, 1870, abolished the earlier system of entering in the clerk's office of the district courts, and established a general law, prQyiding that all records and other things relating to copy- rights, and required by law to be preserved, should be under the control of the Librarian of Congress, (the United States,) and kept and preserved in tliat Library. In accordance with this the Librarian has the immediate care and supervision of all matters touching copyrights, under the general direction of the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. The Librarian makes an annual report to Congress of the number and description of copyright publications for which entries have been made during the year. Two copies of the best edition of each book copyrighted are required to be sent to the Librarian, and one copy of each sub- sequent edition. The term of copyright is twenty-eight years, and, under certain regulations, may be extended for an ad- ditional term of fourteen years. The Law Branch of the Library of the United States occu- pies an apartment on the E. side of the basement of tlie N. wing of the main Capitol building, used from 1800 to 1860 by the Supreme Com-t of the United States, and immediately below the room at present occupied by that tribunal. The law books of the Library for a time occupied a room S. of the central library, and in 1848 were removed to an apartment on the W. side of the basement, near the Supreme Court room. In 1860, after the removal of the Supreme Court, the books were deposited in the present place. In February, 1816, an effort was made to establish a law library at the Seat of Government for the use of the Supreme Court of the United States. The measm*e failed for want of action by the House of Kepresentatives. In 1832 an act ''to increase and improve the law depart- ment of the Library of Congi-ess of the United States " was the first official recognition of this important subject. The fine and newly assigned apartment was authorized to remain, however, under the superintendence of the Librarian of Con- gress. The Justices of the Supreme Court were to have free access to the library, and to make rules and regulations for its proper custody and management, but not in conflict with the same for the government of the Library of Congress, nor to exclude any officers or persons having access to that Library. The sum of $5,000, and an annual sum of $1,000, for a pe- riod of five years, was appropriated, to be expended in law books, the purchases to be made by the Librarian of Con- gress, under the direction of the Chief Justice of the United SUPREME COURT OP THE UNITED STATES. 87 States. These appropriations have since varied in amounts, at present averaging $2,000 each year. At that time there were about 2,000 law books in the Library of Congress, of which 639 were of the Jefterson library. Under a resolution of Congress, the law library of James L. Petigru, of S. C, was pm*chased in 1867 for $5,000. The law branch of the Library of the United States is now the largest and most valuable law collection in the United States. North Wing, — Leaving the Rotunda by the IST. door, the passage leads into a small elliptical vestibule, in imitation of a Greek temple, containing a peristyle, supported on an arched substruction in the basement. The capitals of the pillars are ornamented with the leaf and flower of the tobacco plant. A dim light is admitted through the cupola. The door imme- diately on the 1. entering this space leads to the electrician's apartments and the top of the Dome. On the 1. of the nar- row passage is the apparatus which operates the wires con- necting the batteries and gas jets. Across this vestibule is a second vestibule, which leads into the Supreme Court room on the E. Opposite is a prostyle of Potomac marble. The door on this side opens into the offices of the Marshal and Clerk of the Supreme Com-t. Supreme Court of the United States. — {Open to visitors every day^ except Sunday.) The apartment occupied by this tribu- nal, fomaerly the Senate Chamber, is semi-circular, with a rather flat dome, enriched with square caissons in stucco, and ch'cular apertures to admit light. The chamber is 75 ft. great- est length or diameter, 45 ft. greatest width, and 45 ft. high. On the E. side a screen of Grecian Ionic columns of breccia^ or variegated Potomac marble, with capitals of white Italian marble, modeled after those of the Temple of Minerva, pol- ished, extends along the back of the range of seats of the Justices. These columns, with the entablature, support a gallery. The seats of the Justices are raised several feet above the floor, and are ranged behmd a low screen, which answers the piurpose of desks. The Chief Justice occupies the centre seat. The officers of the court have desks at either end and at the foot of the Justices' platform. The floor is beautifully carpeted, and tables and chau's are placed within the bar for the accommodation of those ha\dng cases before the court. Outside the rail are seats for visitors. Against the W. wall are a number of consoles, supporting busts of the departed Chief Justices: John Jay, by Frazee, 1831, $400; John Rutledge, 1857, 88 SUPREME COURT OP THE UNITED STATES. $800 ; Oliver Ellsworth, by Auger, 1834, $400 ; John Mar- shall, 1836, $500. The times for holding the sessions of the Supreme Court have been subjected to frequent changes by statute since 1789. Under the act of January, 1873, the annual session com- mences on the second Monday of October in each year. The adjournment usually takes place in May following. Daily sessions from 12 noon to 4 p. m. The Justices, wearing their judicial robes, enter from the N. door of the chamber, and are formally announced by the Marshal or deputy. The peo- ple in the room rise and remain standing till the Justices are seated. The opening of the court is then proclaimed by a proper officer. When the court-room was occupied by the Senate the President's chair stood in a niche in the screen of columns, and was raised on a platform. In front and lower were the desks of the Secretary and Chief Clerk. The entablature of the screen supported a gallery, in front of which was another, following the circle of the room, and supported by iron col- umns, with bronzed caps, surmounted by a gilt iron balus- trade. Against the wall over the E. gallery was a fine painting of Washington, b}'- Charles Wilson Peale, richly framed and draped. The chamber was chiefly lighted from the E., and the President's chair, standing on the line of the diameter of the circle, formed the centre of the radiat- ing aisles, between which, in concentric curves, were ar- ranged the Senator's desks. There were accommodations for 64 Senators. In the rear a railing enclosed the bar of the Senate. Outside were sofas for privileged visitors. The offices of the Senate occupied the rooms in the immediate vicinity of the chamber. Originally there was an upper gallery on the E. side, sup- ported by an attic colonnade, but this was removed in 1828 to admit more light. It was then that the semi-circular gal- lery was introduced. The approaches to the chamber and galleries were exceedingly dark and gloomy. At night a gas chandelier diffused light. On the W. side of the building, across the main vestibule, were the offices of the Secretary of the Senate, now occupied by the officers of the court. The two rooms on the N. side were assigned to the President and Vice President — now the robing rooms. Latrobe, the architect, proposed to have one of the galle- ries supported upon emblematical figures, representing the thirteen original States. The models, by Franzoni, were completed in Italy and brought over, but no further use was made of them, Congress failing to appropriate the funds necessary to the execution of the dCwSign. THE UNITED STATES COURT OP CLAIMS. 89 In the plan of the city, the reservation between D and G sts. N. and 4th and 5th sts. W. was set apart for the erection of a building' for the uses of the Judicial branch of the Govern- ment. ISTothing, however, was done. In Feb., 1801, the Supreme Coiu-t of the United States was assigned to and assembled in the basement on the E. side, immediately be- neath the present room, and now the Law Library. The court was assigned to its present accommodations in Dec, 1860, upon the occupation of the new chamber provided for the Senate. It is proposed to erect a building for the inde- pendent use of the judiciary, to include the Supreme and other courts of the United States in the District of Colum- bia. The site under consideration is the square recently added to the E. Park of the Capitol Grrounds on the S., to correspond with the proposed building for the occupation of the Library of the United States in the same square on the N. These two buildings completed, standing respectively SE. and NE., and clear of the E. fa9ade of the Capitol, would add greatly to the magnificence of the main central structure. Chief Justices.— 17 8d, John Jay, IST. Y. ; 1795, John Rut- ledge, S. C, rejected; 1796, William Cashing, Mass., de- clined ; 1796, Oliver Ellsworth, Conn. ; 1800, John Jay, :N'. Y. ; 1801, John Marshall, Va. ; 1836, Roger B. Taney, Md. ; 1864, Salmon P. Chase, Ohio ; 1874, . Associate Justices, 1874. — IS'athan Clifford, Me., 1858; Noah H. Swavne, Ohio, 1862 ; Samuel F. Miller, lo., 1862 ; David Davis, 111., 1862 ; Stephen Field, Cal., 1863 ; William Strong, Penn., 1870; Joseph P. Bradley, N". J., 1870; Ward Hunt; N. Y., 1873. The Judicial power of the United States, by the third ar- ticle of the Constitution, is vested in one supreme court and in such inferior courts as Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The judges of both the supreme and inferior courts hold their offices during good behavior, and receive for their services compensation which cannot be dhninished during their continuance in oflSce. The Chief Justice and Associates of the Supreme Court of the United States are appointed by the President, by and with the ad- vice of the Senate. The Constitution defines the judicial power of the court, which is confined to civil cases national in their character : for instance, between citizens of different States, or in which aliens or representatives of foreign gov- ernments are interested, questions under treaties, and appel- late and revisory jurisdiction in certain cases. ■^^he United States Court of Claims occupies a suit of rooms in the basement of the W. projection of tlie central building, 90 SENATE EXTENSION. reached by the 1. corridor after entering the main W. door of the Capitol. The court consists of a Cliief Justice and four Associates. Its business is the verification of claims against the U. S. and brought before Congress for adjustment. Chief Justice, Charles D. Drake, Mo., 1870. North or Senate Extension. — In order to preserve the con- tinuity of description, after leaving the Supreme Court room, in the IST. Wing, the visitor to the Capitol should proceed di- rectly to the Bronze Door of the E. vestibule of the IST. Exten- sion, which may be reached by pursuing the main N. and S. corridor, and at its terminus turning to the r. and then to the 1., the last corridor ending in the vestibule. Just after leaving the vestibule of the Supreme Court the division- between the original Capitol and the Extension will be observed, the first part reached being the connecting corridor. The Senate Bronze Door, by Crawford, consists of a simple post and lintel. The frame over the door is supported by enrich- ed brackets. The ornamenta- tion consists of scroll-work and acanthus, with the cotton-boll, maize, grapes, and entwining vines. The upper panel of each valve contains a star, surround- ed by a wreath of oak leaves, and acts as a ventilator. In the foot panel of each leaf are figures, typical of Peace and War. The door is 14| ft. high and 9J ft. wide, with two leaves, weighs 14,000 lbs., and was cast "by James T. Ames, at Chicopee, Mass. The total cost was $6,- 000 for model and $50,495 for casting. It was put up in 1868. The remainder of the door is divided into 6 panels, in which, in alto relievo^ are rep- resented events connected with SKNATE BRONZE DOOR. tlic revolutiouarj" struggle, the establishment of the Government, and the foundation of the Capitol. The panels containing liistorical subjects, in chro- nological succession, begin at the top of the left valve of the door, as follows : I. Battle of Bunker Hill and Death of Warren, June, 1775. } \ VI I V II IV in 0. 0. ^J SENATE EXTENSION. 91 II. Battle of Monmouth, June, 1778, and Rebuke of General Lee, who meditated betraying the American Army. III. Battle of Yorktown, October, 1781. Hamilton's Capture of the Redoubt. IV. Welcome of Washington at Trenton, April, 1789, on his way to New York to assume the office of President of the United States. This panel contains por- traits of the sculptor, his wife, and three children, and of Rogers, the sculptor of the Main Door. V. Inauguration of Washington, First President of the United States, in New York, April 30, 1789. The principal figures in this panel are portraits, including John Adams, Vice President, on his right ; Chancellor Livingstone administers the oath; Mr. Otis, Secretary of the Senate, presented the Bible. The other distinguished personages represented are Alexander Hamilton, Generals Knox and St. Clair, Roger Sherman, and Baron Steuben. VI. Laying of the Corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States at Washing- ton, September 18, 1793. The. prominent figures are likenesses. The order to Mr. Crawford contemplated two doors, one for the E. Portico of each wing. The sculptor had proceeded no further than to complete the drawing of his designs and the work of his models in clay, when he was overtaken by death. The work, however, was completed by W. H. Rhinehart, of Maryland, an assistant in the studio of the sculptor at Rome. The fortunate exaction of a guaranty from the European founder, who seemed to doubt the ability of the nation to maintain its credit and to cope with the Rebellion, then going on, led to the shipment of the models to the United States in 1863. They were somewhat damaged in removal, but were restored by Silas Mosman, of Massachusetts, under whose superintendence they were cast. Tlie mechanical ex- ecution of tliis work is considered in every respect equal to the gi-eat Door, and establishes the skill of American workmen in competition with those of Europe. Above the door, resting on a cap supported by massive brackets, are two reclining female figures, in American mar- ble, by Crawford, representing Justice and History. Both recline against a globe, the former supporting a volume bear- ing the words "Justice, Law, and Order," and has a pair of scales lying by her side. The latter holds a scroll, inscribed "History, July, 1776." On either side of the door, in the beautiful marble wall, is a niche, ready to receive appropriate statues. From this portico the bronze door enters a vestibule., consist- ing of a colonnade of 16 fluted marble columns, with capitals of acanthus and tobacco leaves. The columns are disposed in couples, and equally divided on either side with corresponding- pilasters. The ceiling is composed of massive blocks of highly- polislied marble, ranged so as to form panels, three of whicli are provided with stained glass for the admission of light. The walls are scagliola imitation of Sienna marble, and are broken at suitable intervals into niches, with bases of Ten- nessee marble. The floor is tessellated in white and blue 92 SENATE EXTENSION. marble. The first door on the 1., after entering, leads into the Official JReporters'' Room. On the r. is the Senate Post Office. At the W. end is a smaller vestibule, leading to the floor of the Senate Chamber. The doors are of bird's-eye maple, with bronze enrichments, and set in bronze frames. The Senate Chamber will be described from the galleries. The public are permitted on the floor of the Chamber w^hen the Senate is not in session. The regular hour of meeting of the Senate during the session is 12 noon every day ex- cept Sunday, and adjourns on its own motion : holiday and night sessions are ordered by the Senate. During the ses- sion the following persons only are by law entitled to the privileges of the floor of the Senate : Officers of the Senate; Members of the House of Representatives and their clerks; President of the U. S. and private secretary ; heads of de- partments; Mnisters of the U. S. and Foreign Ministers; ex-Presidents and ex- Vice Presidents of the U. S. ; ex-Sen- ators and Senators elect ; Judges of the Supreme Court of the U. S. ; Governors of States and Territories ; General of the Army; Admiral of the Navy; Members of National Legislatures of foreign countries ; private secretaries of Sen- ators, appointed in writing ; and Librarian of Congress. Tlie W. door in the S. wall of the main vestibule leads to the E. Staircase^ ascending to the corridors and committee rooms of the second floor and to the ladies' galleries and retiring rooms. This magnificent staircase is made of highly-polished Tennessee marble. The columns have bronze capitals. The ascent from the main fioor is by a broad flight of 16 steps, which divide at tlie first landing, the rest of the ascent being by a double flight of 18 steps. Overhead is a stained-glass skylight set in an iron frame, surrounded by iron casing of trellis work, resting on a heavy cornice of marble. At the foot of the steps, in a niche, stands the semi-heroic statue of Franklin, the phi- losopher, in marble : by Hiram Powers. 1862, $10,000. Against the E . wall, over the first landing, is the painting of Perry's Victory over the British on Lake Erie : by Powell, of Ohio. 1873, cost $25,000. The painting represents the Com- modore transferring his flag from the Lawrence, which had been disabled, to another ship. A new movement compelled the enemy to surrender. The best view of this painting is from the balustrade at the top of the staircase. A double stairway, which unites at the first landing below, leads be- neath the arched support and massive blocking of the upper staircase to the basement. A beautiful stained-glass window, at the head of the second descent, admits light. At the foot of these steps is the Senate Refectorij. The best general view SENATE EXTENSION. 93 of the E. staircase may be had from the lanclmg of the steps leading to the basement. The W. door in the N. wall of the vestibule opens into the Senate Reception Room^ a brilliant salon about 60 ft. long, witii a vaulted ceiling divided into two arches, that on the ^. being groined, and is divided into four sections, in which are allegorical figures in fresco: IS"., Liberty; S., Plenty; W., War ; E., Peace. The S. half of tlie ceiling consists of a cir- cular arch, broken by deep caissons, arranged in concentric circles. Tlie fresco in the centre represents youthful figures in a vignette of clouds. Outside tlie circle are allegorical fig- ures in fresco : N'E., Prudence; SE., Justice; SW., Temper- ance ; NW., Strength. All these frescoes were executed by Brumidi, in 1856. The ceiling is heavily gilded throughout, and from it is suspended a fine chandelier. Tlie walls are finished in tint, and enriched with stucco and gilt. They are divided into five panels, with medallion centres for portraits of illustrious citizens. Each medallion is surrounded by \^Teaths, and is sm-mounted by an eagle. The base of the walls is scagliola, in imitation of Potomac and Tennessee marbles. Under the arch in the S. wall is a well-executed centre-piece in oil, by Brumidi, representing Washington in consultation with Jefferson, his Secretary of State, and Ham- ilton, Secretary of the Treasury. On either side is a medal- lion yet unfilled. In the X. wall of this magnificent apart- ment, between the windows, is a mirror. The floor is of encaustic tUes, finely laid, and with a beautifully-wrought star as a centre-piece. The room is furnished in rosewood, with damask and lace curtains. In winter the floor is richly carpeted. On the E. a door opens into the Senate Post Office^ ele- gantly fitted with cases and other conveniences for the recep- tion and distribution of the Senate mails. This room was originally intended for the Library of the Senate, and was decorated with that view. The vaidted ceiling is embellished with frescoes by Brumidi, the principal pieces representing History, Geography, Physics, and the Telegraph. Three allegorical figures support a tasteful centre-piece, from which drops a chandelier. The walls are finished in oil and gilt. Adjoining, on the N"., is the Room of the Sergea7it~at-Arms of the Senate. On the walls under the arches are four allegorical designs in basso relievo : that on the E. representing Dissolu- tion or Secession, illustrated in the breaking of the fasces or bundle of rods, wMle on the one side lies cotton, and on the other corn, the rival products of the opposing sections of the country. On the S. is the same figure as War, with the en- gines of strife. On the W. the bundle of rods are again 94 SENATE EXTENSION. miited, with the motto E Pluribus Unum and eagle. On the N. the implements of war are being destroyed and exchanged for peace. The centre-piece of the ceiling represents Re- construction. The W. door of the reception-room opens into the vestibule of the Senate lobby. On the 1., descending to the basement, is b, private staircase^ with a bronze railing, formed of entwining vines and foliage, relieved with eagles, deer, and cupids. A similar staircase occupies a correspond- ing place on the W. side of the lobby. These, including two connecting witli the lobby of the Hall of the Representatives in the S. Extension cost nearly $22,500. They are elaborate and artistic specimens bronze-work, and in a part of the building too dark to enable their merits to be fully appre- ciated. They were manufactured by Archer, Warner & Miskey, of Philadelphia. During the sessions of the Senate admission to the Senate lobby can only be obtained through a Senator. This, how- ever, is not in strict accordance with the rules of the body. When the Senate is not in session the lobby is open to the public. The lobby is a vaulted passage, with gilt panels and cornice. A chandelier makes up the deficiency of daylight. On the 1. are two doors, leading to the floor of the Senate Chamber. The first door on the r. opens into the room as- signed to the President of the Senate, generally known as the Vice PresidenVs Boom. It is a well-fiu-nished apartment, witli plain stuccoed ceilings and tinted walls. In this room is the original of Rembrandt PeaWs painting of Washington^ purcliased by tlie Senate. Permission to enter may be ob- tained from the President of the Senate. When not in use, visitors may be admitted througli the courtesy of the Ser- geant-at-Arms or one of tlie doorkeepers. Tlie second door on the r. of the lobby leads through a small passage or vestibule into the Marble or Senate Retiring Room. This elegant apartment is 38 ft. long, 21|ft. wide, and 19^ ft. high. The ceiling rests upon 4 Corinthian columns of Italian marble, and consists of massive polislied blocks of white mar- ble, forming deep panels. The walls throughout are of highly- polished Tennessee marble. In the panels of the walls are large plate-glass mirrors. Those at tlie ends produce a striking eftect. In the E. and W. walls are niches. Tw^o of tliese contain lieads of Indian chiefs, executed in marble. The floors are of encaustic tiles. The room is handsomely furnished, and, without question, is the finest apartment of the kind in the world. There is a fine view of tlie N. portions of the city from the windows. In front is IST. Capitol St., and the diverg- ent avs. are Delaware, inclining towards the E., and New Jersey, towards the W. SENATE EXTENSION. 95 Leaving the room by the W. door, we again enter the Sen- ate lobby. Passing out of this into the vestibule, on the 1. is the W. private staircase to the basement, the same as the one already described at the E. end of the lobby. On the r. is the Presidents Boom, assigned to tlie use of the President of the United States on his visits to the Capitol. This room is rarely used except on the last days of the session of Congress, when the President, with his secretaries and Cabinet ministers, as- semble there to expedite the business of legislation, the Pres- ident signing such bii Is passed by the Senate and House of Representatives as meet his approval. Tlie walls and ceiling of this room are richly and appropri- ately decorated. On the S. wall, under the arch of the ceil- ing, is a portrait of Washington — a copy from Rembrandt Peale's — with a reclining female figure on either side : that on the r. representing Victory, who holds a sliield, bearing the inscription, Boston, Trenton, Princeton, Monmouth, and Yorktown. Tlie figure on the 1. Peace, witli a laurel wreath. On the four walls are medallion portraits of Washington's first Cabinet: S., Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State; E., Henry Knox, Secretarj'^ of War, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasiu-y ; W., Edmund Randolph, Attorney General, and S. Osgood, Postmaster General. Under the cornice are a nunber'of small copper-colored medallions, rep- resenting the coats of arms of the States. The rest of the walls are artistically decorated in arabesques. Overhead are four corner-pieces in fresco : the first of Columbus, with a globe and early instruments of navigation, representing Dis- covery ; likeness from a portrait in Mexico. Diagonally oppo- site, Americus Vespuccius, with charts and telescope. Explo- ration, from a painting in Florence. William Brewster, with an open Bible, representing Religion ; and diagonally opposite, Benjamin Franklin, with manuscript and printing-press, or Histor5\ Four medallion pieces between these represent Religion, Libertj^ Legislation, and Executive. The medal- lion from which the chandelier is suspended is enriched with three infant figures, supporting an American flag. The ceilings are further embellished. The entire decoration'is by Brumidi. The room is the most i-ichly decorated in the United States. The floors are beautifully tiled. There are three large mir- rors in the Avails. In winter the room is richly carpeted and furnished. At the end of the corridor continuing W. from the lobby is a screw elevator^ beautifully designed and luxuriously furnish- ed, for the use of Senators. It runs from the basement to the corridors of the second floor, and is fitted up with a double engine : cost $10,000. Turning to the 1., after leaving the 96 SENATE EXTENSION. W^ vestibule of the corridor, tlie rooms on the r. are occupied by the Secretary of tlie Senate and tlie various clerks of the body. On the same side is the W. Staircase^ in white marble. The design is the same as the E. one, already described, and leads dh'ectly to the gentlemen's and reporters' galleries. The view of this staircase, looking upwards from tlie first landing of the steps leading to the basement, is supremely beautiful. The highly-polished white-marble blockings, en- tablatures, steps, balustrades, and columns, with their exquis- itely-wrought capitals, of the same material, strike the eye with the magnificence of its architectural design and execu- tion. The light thrown in from above adds to the charm of the scene which greets the vision. The sombre hue of the Tennessee marble employed in the E. staircase, though pre- senting a richer appearance, does not eflectively bring out the beauties of workmanship bestowed upon these striking features of the interior fitting of the Capitol Extensions. Opposite the foot of the staircase, in a niche, on the main floor, is the statue of JoJrn Hancock, President of the Conti- nental Congress which signed and promulgated the Declara- tion of Independence, 1776. The statue is semi-heroic ; exe- cuted in 1860, in marble, by Horatio Stone ; cost $5,500. At the head of the first flight of steps against the W. wall is the Storming of ChapuUepec, by Walker, IST. Y. Ordered in 1860, cost $6,000. This painting was originally intended for the room of the Committee on* Military Aftairs. It rep- resents the storming of the castle of Chapultepec, Sept. 13, 1847, by the American army, under Gen. Scott. The castle, one of the defenses of the city of Mexico, crowned an emi- nence 900 ft. high, and was taken bj^ means of scaling-lad- ders. The particular moment of the conflict is the consulta- tion between Gen. Quitman and several of the officers of the advance division. The batteries at the foot of the liill were taken, and the approach to the city by the aqueduct lay open. The hill-side is already occupied by the United States rifles. Gen, Quitman, mounted, appears on the 1. of the painting. Gen. Shields is without his coat, and wounded. Near at hand are Lieuts. Wilcox and Towers, of the engineers. On the 1. stands a section of Drum's battery. In the rear, advancing to the support of Casey's troops, are the Pennsylvania, New York, and South Carolina volunteers, bearing their State colors, and commanded by Geary, Baxter, and Gladden. Xicontenca, the Mexican commander, is Idlled. Gen. Per- sifor P. Smith, with the rifles, confronts the enemy's breast- works, and points to the retreating Mexicans, who are fleeing by the aqueduct. The filling of the picture represents ofli- THE GALLERIES. V i cers hurryino; to and fro, a few Mexican soldiers surrenderino-. and wounded and slain strewn around. An aloe is charac- teristic of the vegetation of the country. Tlie artist was pursuing his profession in Mexico wiien tlie war broke out, but escaped to the American lines, and joined tlie army as an Interpreter, returning in 1848 to the United States. The S. corridor corresponds with the lobby on the N. side of the Chamber, and is intersected by the connecting range between the Senate Extension and the main building. In this corridor, opposite the S. entrance to the Senate Cham- ber, stands an old clock, long in use by the body, but with no special historic associations. The deep windows on the N. side of the corridor, opening into the Senate cloak rooms, are arranged for statuary. In the recess of the E. one of this line stands a bust of Thomas H. Benton, a Senator from Missouri, by Stone. With the exception of the E. vestibule, which is marble, the floors throughout are paved with en- caustic tile of elegant design. The Galleries, — The second floor of the Senate Extension is occupied by corridors, the inner sides of which are pierced with 12 doors, leading into the Senate Galleries^ and the outer sides bounded on the E. and W. by committee rooms ^ and the N". by retiring rooms for ladies in the E. end, and representatives of the press in the W. On the S, is the con- necting range, occupied by the Senate document room. On either "side of this are windows, which look out upon the main building. These corridors are reached by the E. and W. staircases, already described. The walls are of a simple tint, with variations of stucco. The ceilings are vaulted, and are enlivened with stucco work of various designs, blended mth symbolic figures. Over the main E. vestibule is a spa- cious hally surmounted by a beautiful arch, in the centre of which is a skylight. Adjoining "this, and over the Senate reception room, in the KE. part of the Extension, is another hall of similar design. Both lead into the ladies' galleries. The second also opens into the ladies'' retiring room— a. hand- somely-furnished apartment, fitted up with two Tennessee marble mantels, with mirrors and every convenience . Like the first floor, the second is paved with encaustic tiles throughout-. With this preliminary knowledge of the varied attractions in art and architecture of the N. Extension of the Capitol, before visiting the basement the visitor should step into the gallery, and at his leisure study the wonders and beauties of the Hall of the Senators. The accompanying diagram of desks will enable him, during the session of the body, to place any of the Senators. 7 98 SENATE CHAMBER. 1 DIAGRAM OF SENATE CHAMBER. V. P. Vice President. S. Secretary. L. C. Legislative Clerk. C. C. ChieJ Clerk. M. C. Minute Clerk. S. Sergeant-at-Arms. D. Doorkeeper. R. Reporters. SENATORS. I W. G. Brownlow, Tenn. Z J. J. Ingails, Kan. 3 F. T. Frelinghuysen, N. J. 4 Simon Cameron, Penn. 5 J. S. Morrill, Vt. 6 H. B. Anthony, R. I. 7 G. F. Edmunds, Vt. 8 J. R. West, La. 9 W. A. Buckingham, Conn. 10 O. P. Morton, Ind. 11 L. M. Morrill, Me. 12 J. W. Flanagan, Tex. Ij P. Clayton, Ark. 14 A. L Boreman, W.Va. 15 P. W. Hitchcock, Neb. 16 T. J. Robertson, S. C. 17 J. J. Patterson, S. C. 18 M. W. Ransom, N. C. 19 S. B. Conover, Fla. 20 S. W. Dorsey, Ark. 21 W. B. Allison, Iowa. 22 T. W. Tipton, Neb. 2? T. W. Ferry, Mich. 24 G. G. Wright, Iowa. 25 O. S. Ferry, Conn. 26 W. Windom, Minn. 27 Carl Schurz, Mo. 28 A. Ames, Miss. 29 T. O. Howe, Wis. JO H. Hamlin, Me. 31 R. Conkling, N. Y. 32 John Scott, Penn. 33 John Shermcn, Ohio. 34 W. Sprague, R. I. 35 A. Gilbert, Fla. 36 J. L. Alcorn, Miss. 37 A. A. Sargent, CaL 38 W. T. Hamilton, Md. 39 H. G. Davis, W. Va. 40 J. F. Lewis, Va. 41 J. B. Gordon, Ga. 42 G. R. Dennis, Md. 43 A. S. Merriman, N. C. 44 45 R Crozier, Kan. 46 G. A. Boutwell, Mass. 47 R. J. Oglesby, 111. 48 J. H. Mitchell, Oregon. 49 B. Wadleigh, N. H. 50 D. D. Pratt, Ind. 51 A. Ramsey, Minn. 52 Z. Chandler, Mich. 53 J. P. Jones, Nev. 54 M. C. Hamilton, Texas. 55 Charles Sumner, Mass. 56 J. A. Logan, 111. 57 R. E. Fenton, N. Y. 58 A. H. Cragin, N. H. 59 M. H. Carpenter, Wis. 60 W. M. Stewart, Nev. 61 G. E. Spencer, Ala. 62 J. W. Stevenson, Ky. 63 A. G. Thurman, Ohio. 64 T. C. McCreery, Ky. 65 T. F. Bayard, Del. 66 H. Cooper, Tenn, 67 J. P. Stockton, N. J. 68 E. Saulsbury, Del. 69 T. M. Norwood, Ga. 70 J. W. Johnston, Va. 71 J. K. Kelley, Oregon. 72 L. V. Bogy, Mo. 73 G. Goidthwaitc, Ala. 74 SENATE CHAMBER. 99 Hall of the Senators, or Senate Chamber. — This magnificent apartment occupies the centre of the principal floor of the IST. Extension. It has an entrance for Senators from corridors on the E ., S., and W., and two from tlie lobby on the N. The occupation of tliis Chamber, devoted to tlie deliberations of the his^liest branch of the legislative arm of the Government, took place on Jan. 4, 1859. It is in the form of a parallelo- gram of the following dimensions : Length, 113^ ft. ; width, 80| ft. ; height, 30 ft. ; superficial area of floor, 9,136 sq. ft. ; cubic contents, 328,536 cub. ft. The dimensions of the floor of the Chamber, exclusive of the cloak rooms and lobby, are 83 ft. long and 51 ft. wide. On tlie E., W., and S. sides of the Chamber are the cloak rooms of Senators, and on the IST. the Senate lobby. Over these and around the Chamber are the galleries^ the seats rising and receding in tiers, till brought to a level with the corridors of the second floor, which are reached by two marble staircases. The portion of the I*^. Gallery over the back of the cliair of the President of the Senate is devoted to reporters of the press, local and general, being provided with about 40 desks, and seats for as many more. Directly opposite the reporters, in the S. Gallery, a number of seats are set apart for the diplomatic representatives. The galleries, from the reporters' to the diplomatic, on the S. side, are devoted exclusively to ladies^ and gentlemen accompanying them ; a portion foi' the exclu- sive use of the families of Senators. The coiTCspondlng galleries on the W. are for gentlemen. Tlie galleries will seat 1,200 persons. In the rear of the S., E., and W. Gal- leries are the communicating corridors. At the E. end of the N. corridor is the ladies'' retiring room — a luxurious apartment,' complete in all its appointments, communicat- ing with the ladies' galleries, and attended by a matron em- ployed by the Senate. In the rear of the reporters' gallery is the reporters' hat and retiring room and telegraph office. This is reached through a door connecting with the W. cor- ridor. These corridors form the second floor of the ISI . wing. The entrances to the galleries, during the sessions of Con- gress, are guarded by doorkeepers, whose duty it is to scat the people and to preserve order. On the^oor of the Chamber are seats for 74 Senators. The , aisles diverge from the President's "desk" like radii^from a centre. The desks are arranged in concentric semi-circles facing the N., with an iron railing investing the whole. The desks are made of the finest quality of mahogany, and the majority were in use in the old Senate Chamber. These were made a half century ago. The President's desk occupies a raised platform or dais. 100 BASEMENT. At his back is a deep niche, and in front a broad desk, upon which lies the gavel when tlie body is in session. Immedi- ately below, on either side, are the seats of the Sergeant-at- Arms r., and Doorkeeper 1. At the desk in front, com- mencing on the 1., are tlie seats of the Secretary of the Senate, Legislative Clerk, Chief Clerk, and Minute Clerk, in the order given. The two seats on the floor in front and at either end are for the official reporters. These desks are of mahogany, in keeping with the rest of the furniture of the Hall. The flooi' is raised about 3 in. for each receding semi-circle of desks, and is pierced by numerous double ventilators^ reg- ulated with the feet, under each Senator's desk. These ven- tilators are fed from an air-chamber or reservoir beneath the floor, and supplied by fans and steam-coils in the basement with moistened air tempered from 68° to 70° winter, and from 8° to 10° below the outside air in summer, and regulated by thermometers and hygrometers in ditferent parts of the chamber; these are examined at regular and brief intervals by the chief of the ventilating department. The contam- inated air passes through the trellis work of the outer range of panels in the ceiling and through spaces provided in the centre panels. A current of air from the ventilators below to those above is constantly passing through the Chamber. (See Ventilating Department.) The cei7m^ is a splendid specimen of taste and skill. It consists of immense cast-iron girders and transverse pieces, forming deep panels, 21 of which are glazed, each with a centre-piece symbolic of the Union, the Army, and Navy, Progress, and the Mechanical Arts. In addition to these, there is an outer row of 24 panels, with trellised centre for ventilation, and outside of all a row of deep caissons and circles, with a star in each. The entire frame rests on a heavy iron cornice. The iron work4throughout is bronzed, with gilt decorations. Tlie walls are richly painted, those supporting the galleries being laid off in panels. The walls back of the galleries are pierced by doors on each side. The doors are of bird's-eye maple, elaborately finished with foli- ated bronze ornaments. Niches for statuary are also sunk in the walls. The iron work was done by Janes, Beebe & Co. The hall by day is lighted through the paneled ceiling by means of the skylight in the roof. At night innumerable jets ranged above the ceiling around the glass panels, and supplied with gas and ignited by electricity, difl"use a soft light throughout the Chamber. Basement.— The basement of the Senate Extension is reach- ed by the steps beneath the E. and W. staircase. There are COMMITTEE ROOMS. 101 two entrances from the outside, on the E. and N"., and a cor- ridor leadinoj the entire length of tlie building N. and S., with entrances at either end. The basement entrance has a double approach consisting of a vaulted carriageway and massive arcaded passagetor pedestrians, botli beneath the E. Portico. The door opens into a vestibule^ in which are eight immense marble piers, fom- on each side, with corresponding pilasters. These piers support the colonnade of the main vestibule, and afford, perhaps, the most striking example of the durability" and strengtli of the edifice. Under the arches of the ceiling is rich and appropriate decoration. Tlie walls are of scagliola. A colossal bust of Washington, by Beattie, is here. It is not the property of tlie Government. At the W. end of tliis vestibule are two doors, tlie one on the N". leading into a broad corridor, and on the S. to the basement foot of the E. staircase, also to the Senate Refectory, and the small door on 1. to the folding rooms and vaults in the sub- basement. The corridors of the basement present an inter- esting exhibition of the decorative art. The vaulted ceilings throughout are in distemper, and all below the spring of the arches in oil. The w^alls are paneled in the style of the 15th century, as emploj^ed in the Vatican at Rome, with centre medallions of illustrious Americans. The name of the per- son is also given. The ceilings are in the same style, with introductions of modern inventions. The decorations of the pilasters of all the corridors are recollections of the loggia of Raphael in the Vatican, with additions from the natural history of America. The birds, animals, and reptiles are studies from the collection in the Museum in the Smithsonian Institution. They were drawn by Brumidi, and painted by Leslie. The decoration of the basement commenced in 1855. The medallions and liner parts of the decoration are by Bru- midi, while the details are the workmanship of others. Op- posite the E. end of the IST. corridor is a fine fresco of Robert Fidton, the first to apply steam to the purposes of navigation. The likeness is from a portrait painted by Fulton himself, and now in the office of the Commissioner of Patents. The ceil- ing of the N. end of the W. corridor is embellished with the 12 signs of the Zodiac. There are also several beautifully- finished landscapes, representing Day and Kight. Committee Kooms.— The finest apartments for the uses of the committees of the Senate are in the basement. They are not generally open to the public, though, when not officially occupied, there is no difficulty in getting a view of them, through a Senator, the Sergeant-at-Arms, or clerk of the committee. A rap at the door is frequently suflacient. Dur- 102 COMMITTEE ROOMS. ing the adjournment, or a recess of the Senate, the Sergeant- at-Arms, whose otRce is m the NE. corner of the buikUng, main floor, and who has possession of the keys, will afford visitors an opportunity to see these rooms. The most inter- esting to visitors are the — Room of the Committee on Military Affairs — W. side of W. corridor, N. of W. staircase ; name over the door. Ceilings frescoed with victors' wreaths, shields, and other emblems of war. Panels of walls and pilasters represent arms and armor of diffei'ent periods, nations, and races, ancient and modern. The pilasters were painted by Leslie. The sword across the shield in the centre pilaster is a copy of the sword of AVash- ington. On the W. wall is a medallion head of Liberty, sur- rounded by flags and weapons of war. Under the spring of the arches are 5 historic subjects, in fresco, by Brumidi : N., Boston Massacre, 1770. S., Battle of Lexington, 1775. N"., Death of Wooster, during the British invasion of Connecti- cut, 1777. S., Washington at Valley Forge, 1778. The three prominent figures in the foreground are Washington, with Lafayette on his 1. and Gen. Green on r. E., Storming of Stony Point by Anthony Wayne, 1779. Wayne, wounded, is being carried into the fort. Room of the Committee on Naval Affairs, adjoining the above on the N., name over the door. The general design of ' the decorations is Pompeian. The principal features of the ceilings are fresco representations of marine gods and god- desses and the figure of an attractive Indian female. Under the spring of the arches are representations of ancient porti- cos with antique vessels. The walls, painted in oil, are divided into nine panels, with blue background and figures represent- ing the attributes of the navy as centre-pieces ; the entire room executed by Brumidi. The pilasters are scagliola, by French artists. The Roomot the Indian Committee, on the E. side, at the S. end of the same corridor, and originally intended for the use of the Committee on Agriculture, is decorated with American vines and fruits. The foliage is specially well executed. The ceiling is distemper and the walls oil ; executed by Castens, a German. At the E. end of the N. corridor, on the 1., is the Room of the Committee on Foreign Relations. On the ceiling, in distemper, are four well-executed eagles, and under the arches, in oil, four medallions, containing'profiles of chairmen of the committee : Clay IST., Allen S., Cameron E., Sumner W. The medallions are by Brumidi, and the rest of the room by Castens. The Judiciary/ Committee Room, on the same corridor, and that on the Library, are also beautifully finished. Under the arches of the basement, connecting range, are medallions OFFICIAL TEIiEGRAPH. 103 of Patrick Henry, Jefferson, and Madison, E. side ; and Han- cock, J. Q. Adams, and Henry Laurens, W. side. All the committee rooms in this Extension are rielily fur- nished. Tlie name of the committee is on or over the door of each. The inner rooms are devoted to the storage of pub- lic documents. At the W. end of IST. corridor is the elevator. Heating and Ventilating.— The Senate heating and venti- lating apparatus occupies a number of vaults in the sub-base- ment of the SW. poi-tion of the Senate Extension. It is always open to visitors, and may be reached tln-ough the lirst door in the ]S^. wall of the passage leading W., at the basement foot of tlie W. staircase, S. side. There are 4 fans : 2 for air and 2 exhaust ; 4 boilers, 3 engines, 2 steam-pumps, 1 for attic tank and 1 for boilers ; 18 miles of steam-pipes in the entire Extension ; 1 vaporizer, 2 descending shafts from the loft of the Senate Chamber, and 1 ascending shaft into the open air, the outlet at the base of the Dome. The principal air-sliaft enters from the glacis of tiie first terrace in the W. Park, 220 ft. from the building, tlie air being drawn in by a fan, and forced through a main air-duct into the air-space under the floor of tlie Senate, and tlie nee into the Chamber by means of registers. A branch air-duct communicates with the gal- leries. The supply of fresh air is 30,000, and exhaust 40,000 cubic ft. a minute. The original apparatus was designed by Capt. M. C. Meigs, and the exhaust and other improvements by H. F. Hayden, Chief Engineer U. S. Senate. The engineer in charge will explain the principle. While here it would be interesting to inspect the foundation walls of the building. Also inquire for the entrance to the pneumatic tube on the N". side, and designed to connect the Capitol and the Gov- ernment Printing Ofiice, and for the elevator engine. Official Telegraph.— In the hall, at the E. end of the N". corrider of the basement, is the office of the Government Telegraph line, connecting the Capitol with the Executive Departments and Government Printing Office. The wires leave the building and cross the Capitol Grounds by a subter- ranean cable, and thence on poles along N. Capitol st. to the Government Priiiting Office ; thence along G st. I^. to the Interior, Post Office, and Ti-easury Dei>artments and Attor- ney General's Office. From the Treasury Department they pass over the White House to the War and Navy Depart- ments, and by a single wire to the State Department, via 17th St. W., Vermont av., and 14th st. N". It is proposed to extend them to embrace all the isolated Bureaus, Navy-yard, and Arsenal. The line was constructed in 1873, by G. C. Maynard, under authority of an act of Congress. From the 104 THE UNDERCROFT. Senate Extension the wires are conveyed under the arches of the sub-basement of the building to the House office. N. Wing Basement. — Instead of returning to the main floor, the visitor should follow the central corridor towards the S. In the main building on the r. are the Senate bath- rooms. On the 1. of the arched substruction of the elliptical vestibule is a passage into a vestibule, from which the door on tlie 1. enters the Law Ijibrary. The staircase leads to the vestibule N. of the Rotunda, on the main floor. Law Library. — This apartment is semi-circular, with an arched recess towards the W., and a colonnade recess on the E., back of which are the only windows. An arcade passage runs around the sweep of the circle, supporting a domical ceiling of masonry, resting on heavy Doric columns, covering the entire room. The ceiling is groined upon the surround- ing arches. In the tympanum of the W. arch, in the recess, is a plaster relief, by Franzoni, representing a figure of Jus- tice, and by her side Fame, crowned with a rising sun and pointing to the Constitution of the United States. The col- umns and piers of the arches of this room are heavy Doric. Some alterations were made on the original design of this room, owing to the fall of the vaulted ceiling, the result of defective construction. This led to the introduction of the columns, which have added greatly to the appearance of solidit}^ and has materially strengthened that part of the building. The alcoves for the books are arranged on the W. Returning to the corridor and continuing S. we enter The Orypt. — This inteiTcsting part of the basement of the Capitol may also be entered beneath the central Portico or W. door of basement. The Crypt presents a circular space, consisting of a treble colonnade, containing 40 Doric columns of the proportions of those of the Temple of Paestum, sur- mounted by groined arches running in radii direction, and supporting the floor of the Rotunda. The star in the pave- ment under the central arch denotes the exact center of the Capitol. The Undercroft.— Beneath the Crypt is the Undercroft, or vault, originally designed for the sarcophagus containing the remains of Washington. The key is in the room on r. of 1. corridor, at the foot of the steps descending from the W. door of the Crypt. An attache of tlie office will lead the way. The Undercroft is cruciform and arched. The square portion is 10 ft. In the centre of the crowning arch is a star, not distinguishable, however, which marks the exact centre of the immense pile above. In the vault is portion of the NATIONAL STATUARY HALL. 105 bier on which the remains of President Lincohi, Thaddeus Stevens, and Chief Justice Chase lay in state. Upon learning of the deatli of Washington, Congress, Dec. 24, 1799, passed resolutions appropriate to the sad event, and provided tliat a marble monument should be erected by the United States in the Capitol at Washington. The President was authorized to request the wife of the de- parted patriot to permit his body to be deposited under it. The monument was to be so *•' designed as to commemorate the great events of his military and political life." In re- sponse to the letter of the President, Mrs. Washington thus trans mitted her assent : "Taught by the great example I have so long had before me, never to oppose my j)rivate wishes to the public will, I must consent to the request of Congress, which joii had the goodness to transmit to me ; and in doing this I need not — I cannot — say what a sacrifice of individual feeling I make to a sense of public duty." The wish of Congress was not earned out, and a subse- quent request of the same character, in connection with the National Monument, was declined. Returning to the Crypt, it would be well to take a view of the substruction of tlie central Portico from the W. door. Leaving the Crypt by the S. door, the visitor enters a small octagonal vestibule, beyond which are document and folding rooms. The door to the 1. leads into another vestibule, of beautiful design, containing a stairway, into a circular vesti- bule on the main floor, communicating K. with the S. door of the Rotunda, and S. with the N'ational Statuary Hall. This vestibule is crowned by a dome and cupola, and resem- nles a Greek temple. The capitals of the columns are orna- mented witli the leaf of the cotton plant, instead of the acan- thus. This vestibule corresponds with that on the N. side. It is suggested that the visitor here ascends to the main floor, and turning to the 1. or S. enters the ITational Statuary Hall. — The Kational Statuary Hall, for- merlj^ used as the place of meeting of the House of Repre- sentatives, is Grecian in design, having been planned and adapted, by Latrobe, after the remains of the Theatre at Ath- ens. It consists of a semi-chcle of 96 ft. chord. The <'iids of the prostyle and peristyle are separated by a wide project- ing surface of freestone, which rises to the tof) of the order and supports a segment arch, which corresponds with the segment of the vaulted ceiling that crowns the hall and ends against it. To the top of the entablature blocking is 35 ft., and to the apex of the domed ceiUng 57 ft. The semi-peri- 106 NATIONAL STATUARY HALL. Style or circular colonnade on the N". is composed of 14 col- umns and 2 antae, of the Corinthian order ; the shafts of solid blocks of variegated marble or breccia, quarried from the banks of tlie Potomac, above the city. The bases are free- stone. The capitals are of Carrara marble, executed in Italy, and designed after those in tlie Temple of Jupiter Stator at Rome — Hadtield says after the capitals of the Lantern of De- mos at Athens. Tlie entablature is of the proportions used in the former temple, ornamented with dentils and modil- lons, enriched with leaves and roses. Tlie floor is of marble. A paneled dome springs overhead. The apex of the dome is pierced by a circular aperture, crowned by a lantern, serv- ing the double purpose of light and ventilation. The dome is similar to that of the Panl;heon at Rome. On the S. side of the hall, forming the loggia, are 8 columns and 2 anta3 of the same style as the peristyle. Over the entablature of this colonnade springs a beautiful 72 ft. chord. On the blocking of the cornice beneath is a figure of Liberty^ in plaster, by Caucici, 1829, originally intended for execution in marble. The figure, seen from the gallaries in front, produces a strik- ing effect, and is in every respect worthy of the pupil of the great Canova. On the r. is the frustum of a column, around which a serpent, the emblem of wisdom, is entwining itself, and at the feet of the figiu-e is an American eagle. In the frieze of the entablature, under this figure, is sculptured an eagle in stone, with outspread wings, the work of Valaperti, and of very superior merit. The gallery over the loggia was set apart for the ladies, having cushioned seats for the accom- modation of 200 persons : the general gallery would seat 500. Over the N. door stands an exquisitely designed and beauti- fully executed clock in marble, by Chas. Franzoni, 1830. His- tory, her drapery floating in the air, is represented as standing in the winged car of Time and recording passing events. The car is placed on a globe, on which, in basso relievo^ are cut the signs of the zodiac. The hours are marked on the face of the wheel of the car. In July, 1864, a paragraph in an appropriation bill passed by Congress authorized the President of the United States to invite each and all the States to furnish statues, in marble or bronze, not exceeding two in number for each State, of deceased persons who have been citizens thereof and illustri- ous for their historic renown, or for distinguished civic or mili- tary service, as the States determine, worthy of this national commemoratioix, when so furnished to be placed in the old Hall of the House of Representatives, in the Capitol of the United States, which is set apart for a National Statuary HaU. NATIONAL STATUARY HALL. 107 It is to be regretted that so many years have already been permitted to pass with so small a recognition of the grandeur of this projected National Gallery. Tlie State contributions in the order received are — KiiODE Island — Major General Nathaniel Greene^ a dis- tinguished officer of the Kevolution. Marble, by H. K. Brown. Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island and promoter of civil and religious liberty in America. Marble, by Simmons. Connecticut — Jonathan Trunibull, an eminent patriot of the llevolution. From him the term '"Brother Jonathan," as apphed to the United States, originated. Marble, by Ives. Bogcr Sherman, one of the committee to draft the Declara- tion of Independence and signer of the same, member of the Constitutional Convention, and a Senator of the United States. Marble, by Ives, 1870. New York — George Clinton, a statesman and officer of the Revolution, Governor of New York, Vice President of the United States 1805-1813. Bronze, by H. K. Brown, 1873. Edward Livingston, Secretary of State 1831-1833 . Now being executed in Italy. Marble, by Palmer. The following contributions have been ordered : New Jersey — Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declara- tion of Independence, a Senator of the United States. Mar- ble, by H. K. Brown. Nearly ready. Major General Philip Kearney, an officer of the Army of the United States. Killed m the rebellion of 1861-'6o. Bronze, by H. K. Brown. Nearly ready. In addition to the State contributions, the Hall also con- contains a plaster cojjy of the statue of George Washington at Richmond, by Iloudon, 1788, representing the Father of his Country in civil attire, with a statl' in his hand, his cloak and sword resting on a bundle of rods, and with a rude plow in the rear. The original was ordered by the General Assembly of Va. A bust of Abraham Lincoln, marble, by jMi-s. Ames, 1868, $2,000, mounted on a beautiful pedestal of Aberdeen gi-anite, presented to the Fortieth Congress; a -bust of T. Kosciusko, the Pole, in marble, by Saunders, 1857, $500; bust of Thomas Crauford, sculptor; the superb statue of Alexander Hamilton, in marble, by Horatio Stone, 1868, $10,000 ; statue of Abraham Lincoln, by Miss Ream, 1866, $15,000; and 11 Penser^oso, a female figure, executed in mar- ble, by Mozier, $2,000. The general collection of statuary will doubtless be enlarged from time to time. The beginning of a collection of paintings has also been made. In the panel at the E. end of the prostyle is Thomas Moran's celebrated painting of the Grand Cafion of the Yellowstone, purchased by Congress in 1872 for $10,000. In 108 HOUSE EXTENSION. the opposite panel is a life-size portrait of Henry Clay^ by John Neagle, 1843, $500, and portraits of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, by Chester Harding; one of Gunnmg Bedford^ a member of the Constitutional Convention from" Delaware, presented; one of Joshua R. Giddings^ by Miss Ransom, $1,000; and a mosaic of Abraham Lincoln^ by Salviati, of Venice, a manufacturer. It is proposed also to fit up this Hall with upper and lower galleries, with panels and niches, the former to be occupied by portraits of Speakers of the House of Representatives. When the Hall was occupied by the House, the Speaker's chair stood on the S. side, upon an open rostrum about four feet above the floor, enclosed by a bronze balustrade. Rich crimson curtains fell in elegant folds from the capitals of the columns, and were separated so as to form luxurious dra- peries as a background to the chair and rostrum. Below and in front of the Speaker's rostrum stood the Clerk's desk, raised on a variegated socle. Upon this stood a rich mahog- any table, with damask silk curtains. This platform was reached by steps on either side. Between the columns were sofas and accommodations for twenty reporters. The members' desks, of mahogany, with arm chairs, Avere arranged in concentric circles, the aisles forming radii from the centre. The Hall was arranged for 232 members. In the rear of the outer row of desks was a bronzed iron railing with curtains, constituting the bar of the House. Outside of this was the lobby. The panels on eitlier side of the ladies' gal- lery contained full-length portraits of Washington by Van- derlyn, and Lafayette by Ary Scheffer, a present from the distinguished Frencinnan upon his last visit to the United States. These are now in the House of Representatives. Under these were copies of the Declaration of Independence, in frames emblematically ornamented. At night the Hall was lighted by "solar gas" from a chandelier at the apex of the dome. This Hall was occupied by Congress for 32 years. During the -first days of the Rebellion, 18(31-'6o, troops were quartered in it. In 1862 it was used as a hospital for the sick and wounded of the army ; and in 1864, by act of Congress, was set apart for its present appropriate purpose. South or " House " Extensiou. — The S. door of the National Statuary Hall opens into a broad corridor, which constitutes the beginning of the S. Extension of the Capitol, devoted en- tirely to the uses of the House of Representatives, the lower brauch of the Congress of tlie United States. This portion of the building corresponds, in its general features, witli the Senate Extension, the larger size of the Hall of the Repre- HOUSE EXTENSION. 109 sentatives constituting the only difference. The E. staircase^ the same as tlie Senate, leads to the galleries for diplomatic representatives and families of members of Congress. At the foot, is the Statue of Jefferson, by Powers, 1863, $10,000, ex- ecuted in Italy, very superior. Opposite, over the first land- ing, is an equestrian poHrait of General Winfeld Scott, by Troye, (not owned by the Government,) painted for the Vir- ginia legislatiu-e, the rebellion breaking out before it w^as de- livered. The main entrance into the vestibule beyond will be fitted with a bronze door, the designs of which were prepared by Crawford, sculptor of the Senate door, previous to his death, and executed, in model, by Rhinehart, $9,000, and are now stored in the building. The door will represent scenes in the life of Washington. The vestibule consists of 8 fluted columns in couples, with capitals enriched with acanthus, to- bacco, and corn leaves. In the walls are niches. On the 1. of the S. corridor is the Members^ Retiring Room, now used by the Official Reporters. The lobby beyond and the floor of the Hall are open to the public during a recess or adjournment. At other times a member of the House can pass \isitors into the former. The rules of the House designate those privi- leged to tlie floor. The lobby has an iron-paneled ceiling, decorated in oil, after the style of the 15th century. On the r. the doors open mto the Hall, and on the 1. is the Sergeant- ai'Arms'' Room, in which the Mace is kept when the House of Representatives is not in session. The Speaker'' s Room, next on the 1., is entirely finished in iron, enriched with gilt. The furniture and fittings are extremely fine. On the walls are engravings or photographs of the S]:)eakers. On the 1. of the W. corridor are the Offices of the House. On the same cor- ridor is the W. staircase, the same as on the E. At the foot is tlie head of Bee-she-kee, The Buffalo, a Chippewa warrior from the sources of the Mssissippi, from nature by F. Yin- centi, 1854; copied in bronze by Joseph Lassalle, 1858. Op- posite, over the first landing, is Westward Ho, a chromo-silica, by Emanuel Leutze, 1862, $20,000. The best view is from the balustrade at the top of the staircase. The painting rep- resents an emigi-ant train crossing the Rocky Moimtains. The figures are excellent, and the face of nature in those high al- titudes is faithfully portrayed. A guide to these wild regions leads the way. The faces of the travel-worn emigrants beam with hope. In the distant valley in the rear is an emigrant camp. The snow-clad peaks and rugged rocks all appear in their wild sublimity. Above are the words "Westward the Course of Empire takes it way," and below is the "Golden Gate," the entrance to the harbor of San Francisco. The entire picture is surrounded by an appropriate border. In 110 HALL OF THE HOUSE. •« r 1^1 — H »- MEMBERS or THE HOUSE. in REPRESENTATIVES. East Side. 1 A. R. Cotton lowai 39 C. A. Eldredge Wis 77 T. 8. Ashe N.C. 115 3. A. Smith v« 2 J. W. Begole Mich; 40 W. R. Roberts N.Y. 78 J. H. Sloss Ala 116 W. Townsend Pa 3 W. H. Lamport N. Y. 1 41 P. Cook Ga 79 T. T. Critt«nden Mo 117 L. K. Bass N.T. 4- J. G. Scl.umaker N. Y. 42 W. J. O'Brien Md 80 J. D. Young Ky 118 A. F. Pike N. H. 6 A. H. Willie Tex 43 W. S. Holman Ind 81 W. E. Niblack ina 119 1. R. Sherwood 0. 6 M. Sayler 0. 44 S. Aroher Md 82 R. M. Knapp 111 120 W. H. Bamum Conn 7 W. P. McLean Texl 45 C. Pelham Ala 83 J. T. Harris Va 121 8 T. i^wann Mdi 46 D. M. De Witt N.Y. 84 J. C. Robinson HI 122 9 H. W. Parker N. H. 47 J. R. Lofland Del 65 E. Perry N.Y. 123 W. S. Moore Pa 10 J. B. Storm Pa 48 T. J. Creamer N.Y. 86 Hiester Clymer Pa 124 M. K. Armstrong Dak 11 R. M. Speer Pa 49 J. R. Eden Ill 87 C. N. Lamison 0. 125 ^ 12 A. H. Stephen* 18 H. B. Smith Ga 50 G. Barrere III 88 F. Hereford W. V. 126 N.Y. 51 J. Q. Smith 0. 89 E. Wells Mo 127 N. P. Chlnman B.C. 14 J. Cohum Ind 52 D. W. Gooch Mass 90 H. L. Pierce Mass rZS W.E.Arthur Ky 15 I. W. Scudder N.J. 53 S. Hooper Mass 91 C. Hays Ala 129 J. H. Caldwell Ala 16 S. S. Cox N.Y. 54 M. Rawls Ga 92 J. H. "Piatt, Jr Va 130 S. J. Randall Pa 17 J. B. Clarke, Jr. Mo 55 H. P. Bell Ga 93 J. R. Hawley Conn 131 J. W. Nesmith Ore 18 A. H. Buckner Mo; 56 H. R. Harris Ga 94 S. F. Hersey Me 132 H. B. Banning 0. 19 R. B. Vance N.C. 57 A. Comingo Mo 95 G. Willard Mich i:!3 S. K. Wolfe Ind 20 A. White Ala| 58 J. M. Glover Mo 96 H. W. Barry Miss 134 J. D. Young Ky 21 DeW. C. Gi.Jdinga Tex 59 M. J. Durham Ky 97 J. H. mount Ga 135 J. K. Luttrell Cal as W. S. Herndon Tex 60 A. Mitchell Wis 98 E. D. Standeford Ky 136 J. M. Bright Tenn 28 J. D. C. Atkins Tenn: 61 W. B. Read ^d 99 C. W. MlUiken Ky 137 L. Todd Pa 24 G. M. Adam3 Ky 62 L. T. Neal 100 C. W. Kendall Nev 138 E. Hnnton Va 25 J. Hancock Tex 63 R. Hamilton N.J. 101 S. S. Marshall 111 139 A. M. DaTis Va 28 J. M. Pendleton R. L' 64 M. I. Southard 0. 102 R. Q. Mills Tex 140 R. T. Bowen Va 27 J. W. KiUinger Pa 65 F. Wood N.Y. 103 J. A. Magee 104 P. M. B. Young Pa 141 A. R. Howe Miss 28 D. A. Nunn Tenn 66 R. P. Bland Mo Ga 142 J. Hailey Id.T. 29 C.St John N.Y. 67 J. Wilson Iowa 1(6 R. A. Hatcher Mo 143 L. A. Sheldon La 80 C. L. Cobb N.C. 68 E. R. Hoar Mass 106 E.Crossland Ky 144 F. G. Bromberg Ala 81 H. Maynard Tenn 69 S. W. Kellogg Conn 107 W.C.Whitthome Tenn 145 R. C. McCormick Ar.T. 82 L. B. ijunckel 0. 70 C. C. Sheats Ala 108 J.O.Whitehouse N.Y. 146 W. R. .«teele W^.T. 83 A. H. -mith Pa 71 W. G. Doanan Iowa 109 W. R. Morrison Ill 147 0. B. McFadden Wi.T. 84 T. \Yhitehead Va 72 E. K. Wilson Md 110 F. Morey La 148 G. y. Cannan V. T. 85 W. M. Robbing N.C. 73 M. W. Field Mich ni C. B. Farwell 111 149 P. Clarke N.Y. 36 J. M. Leach N.C. 74 J. Berry 0. 112 W. H. Stone Mo 150 M. Maginnis M.T. 87 L. Q. C. Lamar Miss 75 J. McNulta Ill 113 C. N. Kotter N.Y. 151 J. B. Sener Va 38 J. B. Beck Ky 76 A. M. WaddeU N. C.ill4 H.J. Jewett 0. West Side. • 1 0. P. Snyder Ark 39 G. W. Hendeo Vtj 77 W. Lousthridee Iowa 115 E. Hale Me 2 C. Clayfon Cal 40 J. M. Wilson Ind 78 W. Crutchfield Tenn 116 S. Hooper Mass 8 A. S. Wallace S. C. 41 G. W. McCrary Iowa 79 D. P. Lowe Kan 117 J. A. Garfield 0. 4 H.H. Starkweather Conn 42 H. L. Dawes Mass 80 H. B. Sayler Ind 118 R. C. Parsons 0. 6 J. Cessna Pa 43 B. T. Eames R. I. 81 J.D. s-tra«bridg« Pa 119 C. B. Darrall u 6 G. W. Hazelton Wis 44 G. F. Hoar Mass 82 .1. D. Ward 111 120 W. J. HTnes Ark 7 A. Crocker Mass 45 H. S. Bundy, 0. 8:3 W. D. Kelley Pa 121 G. L. Smith La 8 P. 8. Crooke N.Y. 46 J. Niles Miss 84 J. M. Rusk Wis 122 R. H. Cain S. C. 9 S. L. Woodford N.Y. 47 P. Sawver Wis 85 M. C Hunter Ind 123 J. P. C. Shanks Ind 10 J. Monroe, 0. 48 C. G. WilUams Wis 86 E. e. Roberts N.Y. 124 W. J. Purman Fla n D. B. Mellish N.Y. 49 E. 0. Stanatd Mo 87 L. Myers Pa 125 J. H. Sypher 126 A. S. McDiU La .12 J. S. Ne?!ey Pa 50 H. 0. Pratt Iowa 88 H. C. Bnrchard 111 Wis 13 W. B. Williams Mich 51 D. Wilher N. Y, 89 S. A. Hurlburt III 127 J. Orr Iowa 14 W. H. Ray 111 .i2 J. H. Burleigh Me 90 J. S. Martin III 128 I. B. Hyde Mo .15 N.B.Bradley Mich 53 W. E. Lansing N.Y. 91 J. B. Hawley 111 129 J. Buffinton Mass 16 J. N. Tyner Ind 54 W. J. Albert Md 92 G. C. McKee Miss 130 T. J. Cason Ind 17 W. P. Sprajue 55 H. L. Richmond Pa 93 A. J. Ransier S. C. 131 L. Danford 0. 18 W. P. Frye 19 I. C. Parker Me 56 J. B. Packer Pa 94 R. H. Whiteley, Qa. 132 A. W. Tavlor Pa Mo 57 J. T. AveriU Minn 95 J. R. Lynch M.3S i:i3 H. H. Harrison Tenn •20 L.D. Shoemaker Pa 58 C. W. Willard Vt 96 J. .S. iart N.Y. 134 L. Crounse Neb 21 G. L. Fort 111 59 B W. Harris Mass 97 J. H. Rainey S. C. 135 W. H. H. Stowell Va 22 S. Ross Pa 60 H. H. Hathom N.Y. 98 J. T. Walls Fla 136 J. M. S. Williams Mass 23 L. P. Poland Vt 61 W. A. Smith N.C. 99 B. F. Butler Mass 137 J. T. Rapier Ala 24 G. W. Scofield Pa 62 C L. Merriam N.Y. IfXI L. Lowndes, Jr Md 138 0. D. Conger Mich 25 C. B. Curtis Pa 63 C. Foster 0. 101 S. B. Elkins N. M. 139 G. Willard Mioh 26 J. D. Uwson N.Y. 64 W. Williams Ind 1112 S. 0. Houghton Cal 140 L. Tremain N.T. - 27 R. H. Duell N.Y. C6 M. H. Bunnell Minn 103 J. B. Chaffee C. T. 141 G. G. Hoskins N.T. 28 A. C. Harmer Pa 66 H. B. Strait, Minn IW J. W. Robinwn 142 T. C. Piatt N.T. 29 L. D. Woodwortb 0. 67 H E. Havens Mo 105 B. Lewis Tenn 143 J. G. Cannon lU 30 M. L. Ward N.J. 68 J. A. Kasson Iowa 106 J.M.Thomburgh Tenn 144 W. B. Small N. H. 31 G. S. Orth Ind 69 I. Clements III 107 H. J. Scudder N.Y. 145 J. A. Barber Wis 82 R. R. Butler Tenn 7o W. G. Donnan Iowa 108 C. O'Neill Pa 146 J. Packard Ind 83 C. R. Thomas N.C. 71 J. W. McDill Iowa 109 J. C. Freeman Ga 147 R. B. Elliott R.C. 84 H. Waldron Mich 72 W. W. Phelps N.J. 110 J. B. Rice III 148 W. Lawrence 86 J. W. Hazelton N.J. 73 C. D. MacDougall N. Y. 111 F. Corwin III 149 S. A. Cobb, Ean 86 J. C. Burrows Mich 74 H. F. Page Cal 112 W. L. Sessions N.Y. 150 J. S. Biery Pa 87 C. Albright Pa 75 S. A. Dobbins N.J. 113 W. A. Phillips 114 W. A. Wheeler Km 161 £. MeJunkin Pa 88 J. A. HubbeU Mioh 76 A. Cl«rk. Jr. N.J. N.Y. 112 HALL OF REPRESENTATIVES. that on the ^N". is a portrait of Daniel Boone, and below the words — " The spirit grows with its allotted space. The mind is narrowed in a narrow sphere." Opposite is a portrait of Capt. William Clarke, and beneath the words — "No pent-up Utica contracts our powers, But the whole boundless continent is ours." Second rioor. — The visitor has now reached the second story, or gallery floor. The corridors on tlie W., where he stands, and on the K. and E., are open to the public. That on the S. is devoted to the Press Telegraph Offices^ and^e- porter^s Retiring Room in tlie W. half, and Ladies'' Retiring Room on the E'. The latter is reached by the N. and E. cor- ridors, the entrance being at the S. end of the latter, right- hand side. The House Document Library, containing about 60,000 vols., is on the N. corridor centre, N". side. Commit- tee rooms open from the outside upon the E. and W. corri- dors. Tlie corridors are neatly but plainly finished, in stucco ornamentations, on tinted and plain background. Galleries. — The galleries entered from the W. doors are for ladies or gentlemen accompanied by ladies ; on the N. for gentlemen; on E. families of members and diplomatic representatives and ladies; and on tlie S., in centre, mem- bers of the press and ladies on either side. The entrances to all these galleries, during the sessions of Congress, are guarded by doorkeepers, whose duty it is to seat the people, and to see' that proper decorum is olxserved. The Hall of the Eepresentatives— or the "House of Kep- resentatives," occupies the centre of the main floor of the S. Extension of the Capitol. The dimensions of this superb legislative hall, the finest in the world, are : length, 139 ft. ; width, 93 ft. ; height, 36 ft. The measurement of the floor is 115 ft. by 67 ft. The form of the hall is a parallelogram, with a range of galleries on the four sides, and capable of seating about 2, 500 persons . Beneatl i these galleries, against the ISf., E., and W. walls, are cloak and retiring rooms. Under the galleries, over the back of the Speaker's chair, is the lobby. Upon the floor of the Hall are oak desks for 302 members and delegates, arranged in 7 concentric semi-circles, facing the S. The aisles diverge from the Speaker's "desk." The latter is raised about 3 ft. from the floor. In front are desks for the clerks of the House, and still in front desks for the official reporters. These are made of white marble, with a BASEMENT. 113 base of Tennessee, and are extremely beautiful. The clock marks the morning hour and limit of debate. E. of the Spealver is a circular pedestal of Vermont marble, upon which the mace or insignia of authority is placed when the House is in session. When not in use, this may be seen in the room of the Sergeant-at-Arms in the SE. end of the lobby. It con- sists of a bundle of lictor's rods, bound together by silver liga- tures, and siumounted by a silver terrestial globe, crowned by the American eagle. Against the wall on the same side is a full-length portrait of Washington, by Vanderlyn, 1834, and in the corresponding position on the W. a similar portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette, by Ary Scheffer,1822, the celebrated French artist. The latter was presented to Congress by La- fayette upon his last visit to the United States. In the W. panel of the S. wall, under the gallery, is a fresco by Bru- midi, representing Washington at Yorktown receiving the officer sent by Cornwallis to ask a two days' cessation of hos- tilities, and in place of which two hours were granted. The fresco was necessarily finished in great haste. The location is also unsuitable. Over the l!^. door is a clock, surmounted by an eagle, and supported on either side by figiu-es of an In- dian and hunter. The ceiling of the Hall is of cast iron, paneled, and highly enriched with gilt moldings, and supported on a decorated cornice. There are 45 panels, filled with glass of appropriate design, 37 with stained centre pieces, representing the coats of arms of the States. There are two outer rows of panels, that nearest the walls consisting of open work with massive pendants in the centre. The iron frame-work of the panels is beautifully painted and gilded. Between the ceiling and the roof of the building is the illuminating loft, wliich also accommodates the truss-work connecting the frame of the ceiling with the roof, in order to secure increased strength. Inside the panels are gas jets, numbering about 1,500, lighted by electricity, and which, during night sessions, shed a mel- low light upon the Hall beneath. The Hall is heated and ventilated by the same means as devised for the Senate. Basement. — The basement, reached beneath the E. or W.. staircase, is entirely without decoration. Tlie central cor- ridor, 25 ft. wide from N. to S., consists of a fine colonnade of 14 fluted marble columns on each side, with capitals. formed of acanthus, tobacco, and corn leaves. The walls are scagliola, imitating Sienna marble, the ceiling iron, and' the floor of encaustic tiles. On the 1. is the ''House" Ke- fectory. The central corridor on the left passes the bath rooms, and terminates in the E. vestibule.. The narrows 8 114 HISTORY. passage on the 1. leads to the steps to the vaults and sub- basement, in which are the Ivitchens, heating and ventilat- ing apparatus, and coal vaults. These are materially the same as beneath the Senate. Committee Kooms. — The only committee room of special interest is that on Agriculture, in the basement, on the W. side of the W. corridor S., and near the foot of the W. stair- case. This room was decorated by Brumidi in 1855, the lirst work of the kind done on the Capitol, and, with the excej)- tion of the panels, is frescoed throughout. On the ceilings are representations of the four seasons, symbolized in Flora, Ceres, Bacchus, and Boreas. On the E. wall is a fresco representing Cincinnatus called from the plow to be Dictator of Rome. On the opposite wall is a corresponding scene, rep- resenting Putnam called from the plow to join in the battles of the Revolution. On the S. is a medallion of Washington, and beneath a Harvest in the Olden Time. Opposite Jefferson^ and beneath, a Harvest Scene with Modern Improvements. This room may be seen by rapping at the door or making inquiry of one of the Capitol Police. The visitor has now seen the grander features of the Capi- tol. Those portions having no special interest have been purposely omitted, it being considered unnecessary to burden him with useless and unimportant details. Capitol Police. — The Capitol is patrolled by a special police corps, organized in 1862, and under the exclusive control of Congress. The officers and privates are invariably courteous, and will take pleasure at all times in directing or escorting strangers to various parts of the building. Architects of the Capitol.— 1793, Dr. William Thornton, of Penn., an amateur, designer of the Capitol; 1793, Stephen Hallet, France.; 1794, James Hoban, S. C; 1795, George Hadfield, England ; 1796, James Hoban, S. C. ; 1797, George Hadlield, England ; 1803, R. H. Latrobe, Md. ; 1817, Charles Bulfinch, Mass. ; 1851, Thomas U. Walter^ Penn. ; 1865, Ed- ward Clark, Penn. History^— The site of the Capitol, if not chosen, was ap- proved by Washington, in the original plans of tlie city, sub- mitted to him by L'Enfant, and in the summer of 1791 was located by the commissioners. On this occasion Mr. EUicott drew the meridian and the E. and W. lines, at the intersection of which the Capitol was to stand. This having been accom- plished, in March, 1792, the commissioners prepared adver- tisements, which were published in the principal towns and HISTORY. 115 cities of the United States, offering a premium of $500, or a medal, for a plan of a President's House and Capitol. In this matter Jefferson took an active interest. During liis resi- dence in Europe he had collected drawings of the fronts of celebrated public buildings. These were now produced for examination. He suggested, in the present instance, that the style of architecture of the Capitol should be taken from some model of antiquity, and that the President's House should be modern. In response to tlie advertisements, a number of plans were submitted, but in the selection of one for the Capitol there was a variety of opinions. A plan by Dr. Wm. Thornton, of Penn., but materially al- tered and improved by others, was approved by Washington and submitted to Stephen Hallet, a French architect, who was intrusted with its execution. On Sept. 18, 1793, the corner- stone of the edifice, SE. corner, was laid by Brother George Washington, assisted by the Worshipful Masters and Free Masons of the surrounding cities, the military, and a large number of people. The silver plate deposited in the cavity of the stone bore the following inscription : "This southeast corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States of America, in the City of Washington, was laid on the iSth day of September, 1793, in the thir- teenth year of American Independence, in the first year of the second term of the Presidency of George Washington, whose virtues in the civil administration of his country have been as conspicuous and beneficial, as his military valor and prudence have, been useful in establishing her liberties, and in the year of Masonry, 579J, by the President of the United States, in concert with the Grand Lodge of Maryland, several Lodges under its jurisdiction, and Lodge No. Z2 from Alexandria, Virginia, ''Thomas Johnson, David Stewart, and Daniel Carroll, Commissioners j Joseph Clarke, R. W. G. M. P T. ; James Hoban and Stephen Hailate, Architects ; Collin Williamson, M, Mason." After ascending from the cavazion, the Grand Master, P. T., Joseph Clarke^ delivered an oration, during which, at inter- vals, volleys were fired by the artillery. Tlie ceremony closed in prayer, Masonic chanting honors, and a national salute of 15 guns. The President wore the apron and full regalia of a Mason. The gavel used on the occasion was of ivory, and is still pre- served as a treasured relic by Lodge N'o. 9 of Georgetow^n. After the dedicatory ceremonies the entire assemblage took part in a barbecue arranged for the occasion in the E. Park. The ISr. Wing was ready for occupation in 1800. In the completed wing the Senate on the W. side. House of Repre- sentatives on E., and Supreme Court in tlie basement, first held their sessions. In 1801 the House occupied a temporary structure called the '■'Oven," erected on the site of the pres- ent S. Extension. In 1805 it returned to its first apartment in the N. Wing. In 1803 President Jefferson appointed B. H. 116 HISTORY. Latrobe Architect of the Capitol. This gentleman made rad- ical changes in the elevation and ground-plan of the building, raising the floor from the ground story to the principal order over the casement. The S. Wing was in readiness for the occupation of Congress in 1811. The central portions were still unfinished. An unsightly wooden passage connected the two wings. Diu-ing the war of 1812 worlv on the build- ing was suspended. In 1814 tlie interior of both wings was destroyed by the British, after which Congress, on Sept. 19, 1814, met temporarily in the structure known as Blodgett's Hotel, situated on the E-st. front of the square now occupied by the General Post Office. The session of Congress com- mencing Dec. 18, 1815, assembled in a building on the SE. corner of A and 1st sts. ISTE., erected by the citizens of Washington for the piu-pose, and was occupied till the res- toration of the S. Wing of the original Capitol. In 1815, after an obstinate discussion, for a time threatening the most serious consequences to the harmony of the Union, Congress determined to restore the Capitol. The work of res- toration was commenced by Mr. Latrobe, who resigned in 1817. President Monroe appointed Charles Bulfinch, of Bos- ton, as his successor. That architect commenced the central portions of the building, including the Rotunda and Library, in 1818, which were completed in 1827. In 1818 a temporary building was erected near the Capitol for the use of commit- tees of Congress. The plans of Latrobe, with a few slight modifications, were carried out, and the entire structure, with teiTaces and grounds, was completed in 13 years, at a cost, in- cluding alterations, repairs, &c., and improvement of grounds tol851, when tlie Extensions were added, of $2,690,459 21. In Sept., 1850, Congress passed an act authorizing the extension of the Capitol. Thomas U. Walter, the architect of Girard College, at Philadelphia, in June, 1851, submitted a plan of extension to President Fillmore. This was accepted, and Mr. Walter was designated to carry it into execution. The corner- stone of the S. extension was laid on July 4, 1851. The fol- lowhig is a copy of the record deposited beneath the corner- stone : "On the morning of the first day of the seventy-sixth year of the Independence of the United States of America, in the City of Washington, being the 4th day of July, 1851, this stone, designed as the corner-stone of the Extension of the Capitol, according to a plan approved by the President, in pursuance of an act of Congress, was t«id by MILLARD FILLMORE, President of the United States, asisted by the Grand Master of the Masonic Lodges, in the presence of many members of Congress; of officers of the Executive and Judiciary departments. National, State, and District; of officers of the Army and Navy; the corporate au- thorities of this and neighboring cities ; many associations, civil and military and HISTORY. 117 Masonic; officers of the Smithsonian Institution and National Institute; professors of colleges and teachers of schools of the District of Columbia, with their students and pupils, and a vast concourse of people from places near and remote, including a few surviving gentlemen who witnessed the laying of the corner-ston* ©f tbe Capitol by President Washington, on the eighteenth day of September, •eT«ntc«i hundred and ninety-three. " If, therefore, it shall be hereafter the will of Go4 that this structure (hall fall from its base, that its foundation be up-turned, and this deposit brought to the eye of men, be it known that, on this day, the Union of the United States of America stands firm ; that their Constitution still exists unimpaired, and with all its original usefulness and glory, growing every day stronger and stronger in the affections of the great body of the American people, and attracting more and more the admira- tion of the world. And all here assembled, whether belonging to public life or to private life, with hearts devoutly thankful to Almighty God for the preservation of the liberty and happiness; of the country, unite in sincere and fervent prayers that this deposit, and the walls and arches, the domes and towers, the columns and ee- tablaturcs, now to be erected over it, may endure forever! '* God save the United States of America ! Daniel Webster, *■*■ S*crttarji of State of the United, ftatei"^ Daniel Webster, the orator of the day, concluded the cere- monies in an eloquent address. In 1855 Congress authorized the removal of the Dome over the centre of the Capitol, and the construction of a new one of iron, according to the plans of Mr. Walter. The first Dome was built of wood. In the fire of 1851, which consumed the interior of the Library of the United States, this Dome was in imminent danger. Though it escaped destruction, the lesson suggested its removal, which was done in 1856. In its place the erection of the present Dome of u'on, finished in 1865, was undertaken. The inner shell of the first Dome was ornamented with panels or caissons, and modeled after that of the Pantheon of Agrippa at Rome. It was smaller in size, the Dome of the Capitol being 96 ft. in height and diameter, and 122^ ft. to the sk5dight. "The Dome of the Pantheon was 142 ft. in diameter, which was about the same as the height, one half being the height of the Dome and the circular open- ing for light 23 ft. in diameter. The outer shell of the Dome of the Capitol was higher in proportion than its original in Rome. The cu'cular aperture at the apex was also covered by a cupola, around which there was a balustrade, reached by a stairway between the inner and outer shells. The access, however, was inconvenient and dangerous. On one occasion a lady slipped and fell upon the sash, breaking the glass, but was prevented from precipitation to the pavement of the Ro- tunda below by the strength of the frame. The work on the Capitol was continued through the war of the rebellion, 1861-65. On December 12, 1863, at noon, the statue of Freedom which surmounts the Dome was placed in position. The flag of the United States was unf in-led from its crest, and was greeted by the sliouts of thousands of citi- zens and soldiers. A national salute of 35 guns was fired by 118 HISTORY OF CONGRESS. a field battery in the E. Park, and was responded to by the great guns of the chain of forts constituting the defenses of the threatened Capital of the Nation. The new Hall of the S. Extension was occupied by the House of Representatives Dec. 16, 1857, and that of the N. by the Senate Jan. 4, 1859. The Capitol to date cost : main Building, $3,000,000; Dome, $1,000,000; Extensions N. and S., $8,000,000; misceUaneous, $1,000,000. HISTORY OF COI^GRESS. The establishment of a General Union of the British Colo- nies in N. America was early suggested as necessary to the maintenance of English supremacy on the American conti- nent, as well as to secure safety at home. In 1643 a Confed- eracy of the Colonies of New England was formed, which answered admirably as a means of defense and offense in the affairs pertaining to that particular section. On February 8, 1697, William Penn presented to the Board of Commissioners in London ''A brief e and plaine scheam how the English colonies on the north parts of America, namely, Boston, Connecticut, Road Island, New York, New Jerseys, Pennsilvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Carolina, may be made more usef uU to the crown and one another's peace and safety with an universal concurrence." This was the first suggestion of a complete union of all the colonies for purposes of external defense, or to act in matters exclusively intercolonial. It was sixty-nine years after Penn made his proposition to the Lords Commissioners that the First Amer- ican Congress^ on Oct. 7, 1765, met in New York, in opposi- tion to several measures of the British Parliament, chiefly the stamp act. The First Continental Congress, Peyton Randolph, of Va., President, met at Philadelphia in Sept., 1774, all the colonies except Georgia being represented. The British king and ministry were highly incensed at these "persons, styling themselves delegates of his majesty's colonies in America, having presumed, without his majesty's consent, to assemble together at Philadelphia." A circular was sent to all the colonial governors, and every effort was made, by threat or intimidation, to frustrate the assembling of the proposed Congress of 1775. The royal disapprobation of the proceed- RATIFICATION OF CONSTITUTION. 119 ing had no effect whatever. The Congress met at the ap- pointed time and place, and Peyton Kandolph, of Va., was again chosen President. Since this gathering the American Congress, Continental or General, as it was variously styled, has had an unbroken line of succession. Sessions of the Continental Congress. — Commenced 1774, Sept. 5, Philadelphia, Penn. ; 1775, May 10, Philadelphia, Penn. ; 1776, Dec. 20, Baltimore, Md. ; 1777, March 4, Phil- adelphia, Penn.; 1777, Sept. 27, Lancaster, Penn.; 1777, Sept. 30, York, Penn. ; 1778. July 2, Philadelphia, Penn. ; 1783, June 30, Princeton, N". J. ; 1783, Nov. 26, Annapolis, Md.; 1784, Nov. 1, Trenton, N". J.; 1785, Jan. 11, :N"ew York City, I^. Y., until the adoption of the Constitution of the United States. Presidents of the Continental Congress, 1774-1788.— Pey- ton Randolph, Va., elected Sept. 5, 1774 ; Henry Middleton, S. C, Oct. 22, 1774; Peyton Randolph, Va., May 10, 1775; John Hancock, Mass., May 24, 1775; Henry Laurens, S. C, Kov. 1, 1777; John Jay, N. Y., Dec. 10, 1778; Samuel Huntingdon, Conn., Sept. 28, 1779; Thomas McKean, Del., July 10, 1781 ; John Hanson, Md., Nov. 5, 1781 ; Elias Bou- dinot, N. J., Nov. 4, 1782 ; Tliomas Mifflin, Penn., IN'ov. 3, 1783; Richard Henry Lee, Va., N'ov. 30, 1784; IS'athaniel Gorliam, Mass., June 6, 1786; Arthur St. Clair, Penn., Feb. 2, 1787; Cyrus Griffin, Va., Jan. 22, 1788. Under the Articles of Confederation^ executed at Phila- delphia July 9, 1778, Congress met annually on the first Monday in ISTovember, till the Constitution of the United States went into operation, in 1789. Eatification of the Constitution.— The Constitution of the United States of America was adopted September 17, 1787, pursuant to a resolution dated February 21, 1787, of the Con- gress assembled under the provisions of the Articles of Con- federation. The ratification, in convention, by the thirteen original States, was as follows: 1787, Dec. 7, Delaware ; 1787, Dec. 12, Pennsylvania ; 1787, Dec. 18, New Jersey ; 1788, Jan. 2, Georgia; 1788, Jan. 9, Connecticut; 1788, Feb. 6, Massa- chusetts; 1788, April 28, Maryland; 1788, May 23, South Car- olina; 1788, June 21, New Hampshire; 1788, June 26, Vir- ginia; 1788, July 26, New York; 1789, Nov. 21, North Carolina; 1790, May 29, Rhode Island. The first Congress under the Constitidion commenced March 4, 1789, held two sessions in New York City, and subsequent- ly met in Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1790. For the next ten years the national capital found a resting place on the ver}^ spot 120 PRESIDENTS OF THE SENATE. where the Continental Congress of 1776 had given to the world that great instrument of American freedom the Declaration of Independence. The next step was to plant itself upon the broad waters of the Potomac. In June, 1800, the executive branch of the Government was transferred from Philadelphia to the Permanent Seat of Government and future Capital of the Eepublic establish- ed, by the act of 1790. The 36th Congi-ess, 2d Session, the first which met in the City of Washington, assembled here on Nov. 17, 1800, the third Mondaj^ of JSTov., but failed of a quorum of tlie Senate till Nov. 21, on which day the Presi- dent of the United States and House of Representatives were notified of the organization of tliat body. On the next day the President of the United States, John Adams, in person, delivered an appropriate address to the two Houses of Congress assembled in the Senate Chamber of the Capitol. Tlie Constitution requires that ''''Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by law appoint a different day." Article I section 1 of the Constitution provides that all legislative powers therein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate is composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six years ; and each Senator has one vote. The Senate is divided equally into three classes, so that one thii-d may be chosen every second year, the senato- rial term of a class always beginning with a new Congress. The Senate has advisory as well as legislative powers. Pres- ent number 74. Presidents of the Senate. — {Vice Presidents of the United States.) — 1789, 1-4 Congress, John Adams, Mass. ; 1797, 5-6, Thomas Jefterson, Va. ; 1801, 7-8, Aaron Burr, N. Y. ; 1805, 9-12, George Clinton, N. Y. ; 1813, 13-14, Elbridge Gerry, Mass. ; 1817, 15-18, D. D. Tompkins, N. Y. ; 1825, 19-22, J. C. Calhoun, S. C. ; 1833, 23-24, Martin Van Buren, N. Y. ; 1837, 25-26, R. M. Johnson, Ky. ; 1841, 27, John Tyler, Va. ; 1843, 28, vacant; 1845, 29-30', G. M. Dallas, Penn.; 1849, 31, Millard Fillmore, N. Y. ; 1851, 32, vacant; 1853, 33-34, W. 11. King, 1 mo., Ala, ; 1853, 33-34, vacant; 1857, 35-36, John C. Breckinridge, Ky. ; 1861, 37-38, H. Hamlin, Me. ; 1865, 39-40, A. Johnson, Tenn. ; 1867, 40, vacant; 1869, 41-42, Schuyler Colfax, Ind. ; 1873, 43, Henry Wilson, Mass. The House of Representatives is composed of members chosen every second year by the people of the several States, and are apportioned according to their respective population. president's house. 121 Representation, 292 members, 10 delegates, viz : Alabama, 8; Arkansas, 4; California, 4 ; Connecticut 4 ; Delaware,!; Florida, 2 ; Georgia, 9 ; Illinois, 19 ; Indiana, 13 ; Iowa, 9 ; Kansas, 3 ; Kentucky 10 ; Louisiana, 6 ; Maine, 5 ; Maryland, G ; Massachusetts, 11 ; Michigan, 9 ; Minnesota, 3 ; Mississip- pi, 6 ; Missouri, 13 ; ISTebraska, 1 ; I^evada, 1 ; New Hamp- sliire 3; New Jersey, 7; New York, 33; North Carolina, 8; Oliio, 20; Oregon, 1; Pennsylvania, 27; Rhode Island, 2; Soutli Carolina, 5; Tennessee, 10; Texas, 6; Vermont, 3; Virginia, 9 ; West Virginia, 3 ; Wisconsin, 8 ; and one dele- gate from each of the Territories of Arizona, Colomda, Dako- ta, District of Columbia, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Delegates maj'' propose mea- sures relating to tlieir own Territory, but have no vote. Speakers of the House of Representatives. — 1789, 1st Con- gi*ess, F. A. Muhlenberg, Penn.; 1791, 2, Jonatlian Trum- bull, Conn.; 1793, 3, F.' A. Muhlenberg, Penn.; 1795, 4-5, Jonathan Dayton, N. J. ; 1799, 6, Tlieodore Sedgwick, Mass. ; 1801, 7-9, Nathaniel Macon, N. C. ; 1807, lO-ll, Joseph B. Varnum, Mass.; 1811, 12-13, Henry Clay, Ky. ; 1813, 13, Langdon Cheves, S. C. ; 1815, 14-16, Henry Clay, Ky. ; 1819, IG, John W. Taylor, N. Y. ; 1821, 17, Philip B. Barbour, Va. ; 1823, 18, Henry Claj^ Ky. ; 1825, 19, John W. Taylor, N. Y.; 1827, 20-23, Andrew Stevenson, Va.; 1835, 24, John Bell., Tenn. ; 1837, 25-2G, James K. Polk, Tenn. ; 1841, 27, R. M. T. Hunter, Va. ; 27, Jolm White, Ky. ; 1843, 28, John W. Jones, Va. ; 1845, 29, J. W. Davis, Ind.; 1847, 30, R. C. Winthrop, Mass. ; 1849, 31, Howell Cobb, Ga, ; 1851, 32-33, Linn Bovd, Kv. ; 1855, 34, N. P. Banks, Mass. ; 1857, 35 James L.* Orr, S. C. ; 1859, 36, W. Pennington, N. J. ; 1861, 37, Galusha A. Grow, Penn. ; 1863, 38-40, Schuyler Colfax, Ind. ; 1869, 41-43, J. G. Blaine, Me. PRESIDENT'S HOUSE. On the E. portion of the W. plateau of the city, 1^ m. from the Capitol, stands the President's House, so designated in the early official plans and documents relating to the city, but since styled the Executive Mansion, and popularly the '^ White House.'' Tlie Pennsylvania-av. street cars, running E., pass iu front. 122 president's house. G-rounds,— The oflacial residence of the President of the United States is situated in the centre, near the IST. limit of Eeservation No. 1 of the city, known as the President's Grounds, and, revised measurement, comprising 80| a. The grounds immediately connected with the building consist of about 20a. OntlieE., about 450ft. distant, is the Treasury De- partment, and the same distance on the W. are those of War, Navy, and State, the latter now building. On either side, between these buildings and the President's House, is Exe- cutive av. In front a broad av., connecting 15th and 17th sts. W., separates the JST. Parli from Lafayette Square, in which is tlie Equestrian Statue of General Jackson. Two gateways, PBESIDENT S HOUSE — NORTH FEONT. connected by a semi-circular drive and footwalk, constitute the entrances to the N. Park, and lead to the N. portico of the building. This portion of the grounds is laid out in walks and parterres, with a fountain in the centre. On the E. and W. the walks leave the grounds by granite steps, and lead to the executive offices. In 1841, on the E. of the N. Park was a rustic gateway of freestone, on either side of which stood a large weeping willow. The wife of one of the Presidents, upon being congratulated upon her elevation, replied: "I don't know that there is much cause for congratulation ; the President of the United States generally comes in at the iron gate (N.) and goes out at the weeping willows." On the E. is the bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson, holding in his 1. hand the scroll of the Declaration of Independence^ and in the r. a pen, just having finished signing the document. On the base, r. side, is an inscription, '-Presented by Uriah Phillips president's house. 123 Levy, of the United States Navy, to his fellow-citizens, 1833." On the 1. "P. T. David D'Angers, sculptor, 1833. Fondre a Paris par Honors Conon et ses deux fils." Captain Levy was an ardent admirer of tlie subject, and the purchaser of Mon- ticello, the home of Jefferson. It first stood in the Kotunda of the Capitol, from whence it was removed to tlie site of the fountain N. of the President's House, and in 1873 to its pres- ent position. The grounds S. of the President's House are divided into two parts by tlie semi-circular extension of Ex- ecutive av. That part within the enclosure is private^ and is adorned witli lawns, walks, trees, flowers, and a fountain. Tile Conservatories adjoining lie on tlie W. From a stand at tlie flag-staff in front of the S. portico, on every Saturday afternoon during the summer, the Marine Band discourses music for the enjoyment of the President's family and the public. The same ban(J plays on Wednesdays, during the season, in the E. Park of the Capitol. The grounds S. of Executive av. are sometimes designated by the meaningless title of " White Lot:' On the W. are the President's Stables. In the centre, running S., is a broad avenue, which connects with the drive on the Mall. Description, — The President's House (E. Room open to vis- itors every day^ except Sunday^ from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m.) faces N". and S., and is 170 ft. front by 86 ft. deep, two stories high, broken by pilasters of the order, and crowned with a balus- trade. The entire structure is built of freestone, painted white. On the IST. front projects a gravid portico^ supported on 8 Ionic columns, 2 on either side and 4 in front, and 4 corresponding pilasters in the rear. The outer intercolumni- ation affords a shelter for carriages, from which steps ascend to a broad platform in front of the main door. The centre is for pedestrians. The S. front is adorned with a lofty semi- circular colonnade of 6 columns, of the same style as the N"., resting on a rustic basement, and reached by 2 flights of steps. On the W. are the Conservatories. The general style is a modification of Lienster House, Dublin, the residence of the Duke of Lienster. The main door on the jST. opens into a spacious vestibule or entrance hall, 40 ft. front by 50 ft. deep. A sash screen, removed on public occasions, di- vides the entrance hall into two unequal parts, securing greater privacy for the suite of parlors on the S. The en- trance hall is frescoed overhead. The medallions on either side of the beautiful crystal chandelier are canvas. On the walls of the hall and corridor, within the screen, are portraits of Presidents John Adams, Van Buren, Tyler, Polk, Fill- more, and Pierce, by Healy, purchased under the act of 1857. 124 The Washington is by Stuart. During the invasion of the British one of the colored servants of President Madison cut tliis picture from tlie frame, and in tlie fliglit of tlie Presi- dent's houseliold carried it to Tennallytown, tlius saving it from destruction. The portrait of Lincoln, by Cogswell, was purchased in 1869. The small door on the r. opens into the Waiting Room, and tlie corresponding door on the 1. into a passage at the foot of the public stairway to the Ante Room. This passage is also used for the Marine Band, when performing at receptions. Across the passage is the East^ orighially designed for the Banqueting Eoom, and still so used since 1837 — a beautiful apartment, 80 ft. by 40 ft., and 22 ft. high. The style of decoration is pure Oreek, done in 1873. The ceiling is divided into three panels, the centre varied in pattern, and all painted in oil. The walls are raised paper, gilded, and painted a, drab gray. The wood- work throughout, including dado, columns, pilasters, gir- ders, cornice, and carved mantel-pieces, are in white and gold. There are four mirrors on the side walls, and two at either end. The furniture and hangings of the windows are in keeping. The rest of the first floor is private. The centre door within the screen opens into the Oval^ or Blue-Room^ 40 by 30 ft., a brilliant apartment, beautifully finished in blue and gold. The chandelier is crystal, fitted with a reflector. On the mantel are a pair of French vases of superior design and workmansliip. In this room the Pres- ident receives diplomatic ministers accredited to the United States and presented for the first time. Tiie President and wife also receive the people here on public occasions. On theE., through a door, is the Green Room^ opening into E. Room, and on the W. the Red Rooin, opening into the State Dining Room, 40 by 30 ft., with a dining table for 36 covers, and suitable table ornaments. The Green and Red Rooms are 30 by 20 ft., and tastefully furnished. The Red Room is also the family parlor. On the mantel-piece is a fine gilt clock and pair of French vases, one with a representa- tion of the residence of Franklin at Passy, and the other showing the environs of Passy. At the W. end of the corri- dor are the Billiard Room and large Conservator^/. In the NW. corner, across the corridor, are' the private dining room, butler's pantry, and private stairs. On the second floor, the E. part of the building is occu- pied by the Executive Office and Ante Room, the latter reached by t!ie public staircase through the door on the r. The PreS' idenVs Office, or Cabinet Room, is a fine apartment on the S. side, opposite the S. door of the passage, at the head of the public stairway, and looks out upon the S. portico. Adjoin- president's house. 125 ing is the library, used also as a family sitting room, and entered by a private door. The private portions of the sec- ond floor are on the W. side, shut oif from the E., and con- sist of seven sleeping apartments. In the basement are the servants' quarters, kitchens, store- rooms, and vaults for fuel. For formalities and receptions^ see General Information — Etiquette. History. — The President's House, or President's ' ' Palace, ' ' as it is occasionally styled in the earlier documents, vi^as tlie first of the public buildings erected after the act of 1790. On March 14, 1792, the Commissioners of the city advertised for plans of a President's House and Capitol. On July 16 fol- lowing these plans were examined at Georgetown. Tlie first premium of $500 was awarded to James Hoban, of Charleston, S. C, for the plan of a President's House. No selection was made at that time for the Capitol. On Oct. 13, the same year, the Commissioners, accompanied by the Freemasons, archi- tects, and the inhabitants of Washington and Georgetown, marched in procession to the President's House, and tliere, with appropriate and solemn ceremonies, laid the corner- stone of that structure. PRESIDENT'S HOUSE— SOUTH FRONT. The work was conducted under the direction of Mr. Hoban, and was prosecuted under the same difficulties which sur- rounded the Capitol. Mr. Weld, an English traveler, writ- ing in 1795, alludes to the building as the finest in the coun- 126 president's house. try, and much extolled by the people ; stating that persons found fault with it as being too large and too splendid for the residence of any person in a republican country ; and to use his own words, "certainly it is a ridiculous habitation for a man who receives a salary that amounts to no more than £5,625 per annum, and in a country where the ex- penses of living are far greater than they are even in London." Tlie first President to occupy the building was John Ad- ams, who took possession in ISTov., 1800, after tlie removal of the public offices to the permanent Seat of Government. Previous to that time the Executive of the United States was without a home owned by the nation. In N'ew York and Philadelphia rented houses were occupied. Tlie building up to 1814 had cost $333,207. Mrs. Adams, in a letter to her daughter, Nov. 21, 1800, thus alludes to some of the early inconveniences attending a residence in this commodious dwelling : "The house is upon a grand and superb scale, requiring about thirty servants to attend and keep the apartments in proper order and perform the ordinary business of the liouse and stables-^an establishment very well proportioned to the President's salary. The ligliting of the apartments from the kitchen to parlor and chambers is a tax indeed; and the fires we are obliged to keep to secure us from daily agues is another very cheering comfort. To assist us in this great castle, and render less attendance necessary, bells are wholly wanting — not one single one being hung through the whole house, and promises are all you can obtain. Tliis is so great an inconveniQUce, that I know not what to do or how to do. * * * If they will put up some bells, and let me have wood enough to keep fires, I design to be pleased. Sur- rounded with forests^ can you believe that wood is not to be had, because people cannot be hired to cut and cord k;." The President's House was destroyed by the British in 1814. After the evacuation the President occupied a fine residence on the corner of ISTew York av. and 18th st. NW., known as the "Octagon," and now used by the hydrographic oflice of the Navy Department. In 1815 Congress authorized the restoration of the President's House, which was done hf Hoban, the original arcliitect. It was not again ready, how- ever, till after 1818. In 1833 the S. portico, in 1826 tlie East Room, and in 1829 the N. portico were finished. Since that time the interior of the structure has been subject to frequent renovations and repairs. It is entirely unsuitable, however, for the purposes to which it is now applied : executive offices and private residence. Congress has now under considera- president's house. 127 tion a proposition to erect a suitable and exclusively private mansion in the suburbs of the capital for the residence of the President's household, and the conversion of the President's building into executive offices. The total appropriations for the erection and maintenance of the President's House from 1800 to date amounts to $1,500,000. Presidents of the United States.— 1^ George Washington, Va., 1789-1797 ; 2, John Adams, Mass., 1797-1801 ; 3, Thomas Jefferson, Va., 1801-1809 ; 4, James Madison, Va., 1809-1817 ; 5, James Monroe, Va., 1817-1825; 6, John Quincy Adams, Ma^s., 1825-1829; 7, Andrew Jackson, Tenn., 1829-1837; 8, Martin Van Buren, N". Y., 1837-1841 ; 9, William Henry Harrison, Ohio, 1841, 1 mo.; 10, John Tyler, Va., 1841- 1845; 11, James K. Polk, Tenn., 1845-1849; 12, Zachary Tavlor, La., 1849-1850; 13, Millard Fillmore, N. Y., 1850- 18o3; 14, Franklin Pierce, N. H., 1853-1857; 15, James Buchanan, Penn., 1857-1861; IG, Abraham Lincoln, 111., 1861-1865; 17, Andrew Johnson, Tenn., 1865-1869; 18, Ulysses S. Grant, 111., 1869-187-. The Executive.^The executive poioer^ under the Constitu- tion of the United States, is vested in a President elected for 4 years, and a Vice President chosen for the same term. The President is chosen by electors in each State, equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives of such State. The electors are voted for by the people of the State. ISTo per- son except a natural-born citizen of the United States, having attained to the age of 35 years, is eligible to the office. The Vice President, who is elected in the same manner, succeeds in event of the removal, death, resignation, or incapacity of the President. The third in the line of succession is fixed by Congress. The executive has no powers except in conjunc- tion' with the legislative branch. The inauguration of a President of the United States takes place on the 4th day of March after his election ; or if the regular day comes on Sun- da j^, then the day following. No formal ceremony is required* save to take the oath prescribed by the Constitution. Usage has imposed upon the Ciiief Justice of the United States the solemn duty of administering the oath. Thomas Jefferson was the first President inaugurated in Washington. The first inaugural address dclivered'oitside the Senate Chamber was by President Monroe. Previous to the adoption of the Con* stitution the executive power was vested in Congress. On March 10, 1873, the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections were instructed to report on the best mode of electing the President and Vice President, and providing a tribunal to decide contested questions connected therewith. 128 DEPARTMENT OF STATE. DEPAKTMEIS^T OF STATE. The Department of State, {open daily from 9^ a. m. to 2^^. wi., except Thursdays^ devoted exclusively to the diplomatic corps^ and Saturdays^ during sessions of Congress^ to mem- bers^) ill I^overaber, 1866, was removed from the old NE. executive building, whicli was talvcn down to make room for the N. Aving of tlie Treasury Department, to a building owned by the Washington Orphan Asylum, at the SE. corner of S and 14th sts. NW. It may be reached by street cars from Kew York av., opposite the NE. corner of the Treasury De- partment. In the department are the originals of all the laws of the United States and the archives relating to the diplomatic in- tercourse with foreign nations, including treaties, from the foundation of the Government. There are also other docu- ments of historic value, principally the original drafts of the old Revolution documents and the Federal Constitution, Washington's Commission as Commander-in-Chief of the American troops during the Revolution, and the Andre pa- pers. The day before the occupation of the city by the Brit- ish, John Graham, Stephen Pleasanton, and Josiah King, clerks in the department, carried these, with many other valuable documents, to a place of safety across the Potomac. The treaties and other records are preserved in the room of the Keeper of the Rolls. Until 1873 the more interesting trea- ties were shown to the public, but the valuable seals of some of them having been stolen by a subordinate of the depart- ment, they have since been placed away for' greater security. State, "War, and Navy Department — On the "VV. of the President's House, on 17th st., S. of the present Navy De- partment, is now being erected the S. AVing of a magniticent structure, when completed to be occupied by the State, War, and Navy Departmsnts. The building was designed by A. B. Mullett, Supervising Architect of the Treasury Depart- ment, and was commenced in 1871, under authority of an act of Congress passed in March of that year. The spacious edifice will measure 253 ft. from E. to W. by 471 ft. from N. to S., or, including projections of pavilions and steps, 342 ft. by 567 ft. The greatest height, from the terrace level over all, will be 128 ft. The four fapades will be of equal importance, and their masses are appropriately and harmoniously broken by pavilions and projecting porticos. The basement will be 2 stories high, over which, in the centre pavilions of the JS". and S. fronts, wUl be 4 stories and 1 in DEPARTMENT OP STATE. 129 the roof, and in the E. and W. centre paviUons 5 stories and 1 in the roof. The order is the Roman Doric, carefully and originally treated. All superfluity of ornamentation will be avoided. The whole will be covered with a Mansard roof, wholly constructed of iron and covered with slate ; its detail STATE, WAR, AND NAVY DEPARTMENT. will be very rich and graceful and the sky-line very pleasing. The wliole construction will be absolutely fire-proof — floors of iron and brick and all interior finish of iron. There will be four private entrances for carriages : 2 each in the E. and W. elevations, passing through the building into the interior courts. The stone used is granite; that "of the basement coming from the coast of Maine,, and the superstructure from Richmond, Va. The largest stones are those used for the platforms of the porticos, and weighing 20 tons each. The building will enclose two hollow squares, a wing connecting the two sides forming the separation, thus allowing a direct light and ventilation for every room in the building. The plan is the same size as that of the Treasury, and occupies the same relative i)Osition to .the President's House on the W. The building will have about 150 rooms, some very large and capable of subdivision. Will cost about $5,000,000. Secretaries of State,-^17S9, Thomas Jefi"erson, Va. ; 1794, Edmund Randolph, Va. ; 1795, Timothy Pickering, Mass.; 1800, John Marshall, Va. ; 1801, James Madison, Va. ; 1809,, Robert Smith, Md. ; 1811, James Monroe, Va.; 1817, John Q. Adams, Mass. ; 1825, Henry Clay, Ey. ; 1829, Martin Vau; 9 130 DEPARTMENT OF STATE. Buren, N". Y. ; 1831, Edward Livingston, La. ; 1833, Louis McLane, Del. : 1834, John Forsyth, Ga. ; 1841, Daniel Web- ster, Mass. ; 1843, Hugh S. L^gard, S. C. ; 1843, A. P. Up- shur, Va. ; 1844, John Nelson, Md. ; 1844, J. C. Calhoun, S. C; 1845, James Buchanan, Penn.; 1849, J. M. Claj^ton, Del. ; 1850, Daniel Webster, Mass. ; 1852, Edward Everett, Mass. ; 1853, W. L. Marcy, IST. Y. ; 1857, Lewis Cass, Mich.; 1860, Jer. S. Blacl^, Penn.; 1861, W. H. Seward, N. Y. ; 1869, E. B. Washburne, BL; 1869, Hamilton Fish, N. Y. History. — Before the adoption of the Constitution of the United States the "Department of Foreign Aflfairs" was under the direction of an officer styled "Secretary to the United States of America for the Department of Foreign Affairs," who was required to "reside where Congress or a committee of the States should sit," and held his office dur- ing the pleasure of Congress. On July 27, 1789, after the adoption of the Constitution, the office was created an execu- tive department, to be known as the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the head as the "Secretary for tlie Department of Foreign Affairs." On September 15, 1789, the name was changedto Department of State, and the chief officer desig- nated Secretary of State. Tlie Secretary is ex oifficio a mem- ber of the Cabinet of the President of the United States, and carries out the instructions of tlie President, "agreeable to the Constitution," in all matters relating to diplomatic intercourse with foreign nations. Under this general pro- vision he is speciallj^ charged with tlie negotiation of all treaties with foreign Powers, and conducts all official corre- spondence with the diplomatic representatives of foreign governments resident in the United States, and with the diplomatic officers and consuls of the United States abroad, and grants passports to citizens of the United States leaving the country. He is the custodian of the seal of the United States, being governed in its use by the orders of the Presi- dent. He also prepares and attests the commissions granted to all officers confirmed by the Senate, and superintends the publication of all acts and resolutions of Congress, and for- eign and Indian treaties, and preserves the originals of the same. The organization of the Department of State consists of a chief clerk, first and second diplomatic, first and second con- sular, law, accounts, statistical, passport and pardons, and Commissioner's bureaus. There is also a translator. The domestic records comj)rise the miscellaneous correspondence not connected with the diplomatic and consular service. TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 131 TEEASURY DEPARTMENT, The Treasury Department {open to the public dailij^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to 2 p. m.) lies E. of the President's House, on the line of 15th St., and may be reached from the E. or W. by the Pennsylvania-av. line of street cars. Description of the Building— The general plan of the building measures 468 ft. from :N'. to S.. and 264 ft. from E. to W., or, inclusive of porticos and steps, 582 ft. by 300 ft. Tlie order is pure Grecian Ionic, the columns and pilasters running through three stories, above which is an attic, and below two stories in a basement, the lower one of rustic work. The sky-line of the entire building is surmounted by a stone balustrade. The building has fom* fronts. The W., which faces the city, consists of a colonnade 336 ft. long and 30 Ionic columns, flanked on either side by a recessed portico. The colonnade and corresponding portion are of Vii-ginia freestone. The rest of the entire structure is granite, from Dix island, on tlie coast of Maine. The E. fronts facing the President's House, is broken by a grand central portico, consistiug of 8 monolithic pillars front, and 2 in the recess in the centre, and the same in the recesses on either side. This portico is reached by a broad fliglit of steps. At either end, on the same line, are two small porticos, corresponding with those on the W. side. The N. and S. fronts are the same, consisting of a central portico with 8 columns front, and 2 in the recess. Steps descend to a broad tessellated platform, bounded on either side by a balustrade. The platform on the IST. front is below the level of the avenue. A beautiful fountain adds to the attractions of this front. On the S. the same platform stands a few feet above the level, which gives a very impos- ing effect- The shafts of all the columns in the extension are monolithic, 31J ft. high, 4 ft. in diameter, and weigh 33 tons. Tlie pilasters are also single blocks of the same height, and weigh 6 tons. The cap-stones of the blockings, against which the steps abut, measure each 18 ft. X 17 ft. x20 in., and weigh 43 tons. The sills, piers, and cornice are of very fine design and workmanship. On the E., N., and S., on either side of the steps and platforms, are beautiful parterres, in summer filled with flowers and ornamental shrubs- The building has 4 principal entrances on a line with the order, and 3 in the basement on the W. front. The interior arrange- inent of the plan consists of 2 hollow squares, separated by a wing 57 ft. wide, and, exclusive of the main building, 120 ft. 132 TREASURY DEPARTMENT. deep, projecting W. These squares measure each 138 ft. by 123 ft. The old portion of the present building, erected part- ly on the same site after the destruction of its predecessor, the S. E. executive building, in March, 1833, was designed by Kobert Mills, commenced in 1836, and ready for occupan- cy in 1841. It was of a T sliape, the colonnade fronting E., and a wing projecting W. The colonnade is after the style of the Temple of Minerva Pallas at Athens. In order to secure a uniformity of fronts, it is proposed to take down the colon- nade on the W. and replace it with a fapade corresponding with that on the E. This would necessitate the acquisition of a portion of the square opposite. In 1855 the extension was designed by Walter, and begun by Young, continued by Rogers, and finished by Mullett. The W. entrance is reached by a double flight of steps, into a vestibule formed of 6 Doric columns, supporting groined arches. In tlie cen- tre is the main corridor, dividing the building into two parts, and leading to the E. vestibule and entrance. On the r. and TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 1. are corridors to the wings. A double stairway to the base- ment and the upper stories springs from this vestibule. There are also stairways in each angle and opposite the E. entrance. The vestibules of the N. and W. entrances are chastely de- signed, supported on iron columns. The corridors of the extension are broken by iron pilasters, and the capitals, cor- nice, and ceilings are ornamented with emblematic designs. The entrance on the S. front opens directly into the S. corri- dor. The buildino: contains 195 rooms, in addition to those in TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 133 the sub-basement devoted to heating apparatus, shops, and store-rooms, and the attic, occupied by the Bm-eau of Engrav- ing and Printing. Cost, $6,00,000. The Secretary's room is on the second floor, W. corridor, a little S. of the central corridor, name over the door. The ob- jects of special interest in the building are the Cash Room and the Vaults. The business entrance to the Cash Room is on the first floor, :N^. corridor, reached from the W. door, turning to the r., or from tlie vestibule of the N". entrance. The public should view tlie room from the balcony, entered by a door on the S. side of the :Nr. corridor on the second floor. The par- ticular features of the room are the walls, wliich are of highly polished marbles of various varieties. List of marbles: Low- er Story— STYLOBATE, hase^ black, Vermont ; mouldings^ Bardiglio, Italian: stiles^ dove, Vermont; panels^ Sienna, Italian; dies, Tennessee. Above stylobate, pilasters and panel beads, wliite veined ; stiles, Sienna, Italian ; panels, Bardiglio, Italian ; cornice, white-veined, Itahaii. Upper Story — stylobate same as lower. Above stylobate as in lower story, except the panels, which are Sarrangolum mar- ble from the Pyrenees. The vaults, in which the current funds of the Government are kept, may be seen on a written permit from the Treasurer of tlie United States, whose office is in the NE, angle of the building, first floor. This permit should be delivered to tlie Casliier, who occupies the room entered by the first door W. of tlie entrance to the General Cash Koom. The vaults are of steel and chilled iron, about 20 by 15 ft. Another of the same capacity is overhead. The amount usually in the vault is about $1 0,000,000, including gold coin. The money is kept in packages or bags in the wooden cases. N'ear the door of the vault is an elevator, used for conveying money between the vaults above and the express office immediately below. As much as $5,000,000 have been shipped to the different sub- treasuries in a single day. The vault in which the national bank bonds are kept is on the same floor, near by. It may be seen in the same manner as that just mentioned, the permit being delivered to the Chief of the Division of National Banks, whose office is in the NW. angle of the building. In the basement are two reserve vaults, not open to visitors at aU. On the r. side of the W. corridor, after leaving the Cash Room, the operation of counting the currency may be seen through any of the doorways. None but employees are per- mitted to enter. The counting is done entirely by lady clerks. The facility and accm-acy with which their nimble fingers accomplish the work are not only marvelous, but extremely creditable to their skill. It may also be said, with 134 TREASURY DEPARTMENT. respect to this class of employees of the Government, that they possess many qualifications of a very superior character. In the rooms of the Redemption Division^ in the N. corri- dor of the basement, the currency unfit for circulation, and received from all parts of the country, is counted and can- celled previous to being burned. The routine observed from the receipt of the money from the express company till its final destruction is extremely interesting. The cancelling is done by a machine run by means of a turbine wheel. In or- der to witness the operation, it will be necessary to obtain a permit from the Treasurer, the same as for a visit to the vaults. The Bu7^eaus of the Treasury Department proper are Ap- pointment, Warrant, Independent Treasmy, Customs, Rev- enue Marine, ISTavigation, Internal Revenue, Stationery, Captured and Abandoned Property, Special Agent, Super- vising Architect, Marine Hospital, Supervising Inspector General of Steamboats, Statistics, Mint, Mail Records and Files, Loans, Currency, Engraving and Printing, Light- House Board, Comptrollers, Conimissioner of Customs, Auditors, Treasurer's OtBce, Register's Office, Comptroller of the Currency, and Commissioner of Internal Revenue. The service outside of the Department consists of the Inde- pendent Treasury, Mints, Assay Offices, Depositories, Cus- toms, Internal Revenue, Life-saving Station, Light House, Marine Hospital, Revenue Marine, Special Agents and Com- missioners, Steamboat Inspection, and Coast Survey. The Bureau of Engravi7ig and Printing is in the attic, at the head of the 1. flight of steps leading up from the W. en- trance. No persons are admitted, except on the permit of the Secretary of the Treasury, and this is only granted in special cases to prominent financiers or officials of foreign governments. In these rooms are presses and other machin- ery for the final printing on United States bonds and other securities and notes, fractional currency, and internal reve- nue stamps. The preliminary printing^ as the backs, is done outside. The engraving for the final printing is also done in the bureau. About 500 men and women are employed. A 100-horse-power engine runs the machinery. The paper is counted as issued, and no employee is permitted to leave till all the sheets are returned to the officer in charge of their custody. Photograpli Office. — Opposite the S. entrance is the build- ing occupied by the Photographer of the Treasury Depart- ment. Herey«c similes of accounts for verification by agents sent throughout the country or abroad, and plans and eleva- tions of public buildings, are made by means of photography. This work is carried on on a large scale. TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 135 Coast Survey. — This important oflBce occupies a private building, erected, liowever, for its use, in 1871, on ISTew Jer- sey av., SE. of the Capitol, between B and C sts., W. side. The object of the service is the survey of the coasts of the United States on tide water. Its operations commenced in 1807, but its permanent organization was not elfected till 183 J. In the building are preserved the original records and charts, topographical and hydrographic, from the beginning. The Standards of Weights and Measures are also kept here, and are under the control of the Superintendent of the Coast Sur- vey. From these the standards are furnished to the States. The balance for heavy weights is a fine specimen of workman- ship, and took the premium at the World's Fair at London. There is also a set of French weights and measures, presented to the United States. These interesting objects are not on general exhibition. Gentlemen of science, or others having a special purpose in \aew, may see them on application to the Superintendent. Secretaries of the Treasury. — 1789, Alexander Hamilton, ]Sr. Y.; 1795, Oliver Wolcott,' Jr., Conn.; 1801, Samuel Dex- ter, Mass. ; 1801, Albert Gallatin, Penn. ; 1814, G. W. Camp- bell, Tenn. ; 1814, A. J. Dallas, Penn. ; 1816, W. H. Craw- ford, Ga.; 1825, Kichard Rusli, Penn.; 1829, S. D. Ingham, Penn. ; 1831, Louis McLane, Del. ; 1833, W. J. Duane, Penn.; 1833, Roger B. Taney, Md.; 1834, Levi Woodbury, K". H. ; 1841, Thomas Ewing, Ohio ; 1841, W. Forward, Penn. ; 1843, J. C. Spencer, I^. Y. ; 1844, G. M. Bibb, Ky. ; 1845, R. J. Walker, Miss.; 1849, W. M. Meredith, Penn.; 1850, Thomas Corwin, Ohio ; 1853, James Guthrie, Ky. ; 1857, Howell Cobb, Ga. ; 18G0, P. F. Thomas, Md. ; 1861, J. A. Dix, N". Y. ; 1861, S. P. Chase, Ohio ; 1864, W. P. Fessenden, Me. ; 1865, H. McCuUoch, Ind. ; 1869, G. S. Boutwell, Mass. ; 1873, W. A. Richardson, Mass. The ''Department of the Treasury" was organized under act of Congress of September 2, 1789, with a Secretary of the Treasury as the chief officer, who is also ex officio a member of the President's Cabinet. It was the duty of the Secretary to manage the business pertaining to the revenue and the support of the public credit, to make estimates of revenues and expenditures, to collect the revenue, to decide the form of keeping and stating accounts and making returns, to grant warrants for moneys authorized by law, to execute such ser- vices relative to the sale of public lands as were required of him by law, to communicate information to Congress, and generally to perform all services relative to the finances. In 1800 the Secretary was required to submit, at the commence- 136 WAR DEPARTMENT. merit of every session, a report on the finances of the Gov- ernment, with estimates of revenue and expenditures. Under the act of 1789 it was the duty of the Treasurer of the United States to receive and keep the moneys of the United States and to disburse the same upon warrants drawn by the Secre- tary of the Treasury, countersigned by the Comptroller, and recorded by the Register. WAR DEPARTMEKT. The War Department {open every day^ Sunday excepted^ from 9 a. m. to 'dp. m.) lies W. of the President's House, and fronts on Pennsylvania av. In former days it was known as the NW. Executive Building. It will be taken down to give place to the new department now being erected. The Sec- retary's office is at the E. end of the corridor on the second floor. Here may be seen a gallery of portraits of the Secre- taries of War, by various artists, among whom are Sully, Healy, Weir, Huntingdon, Brackett, Young, and Ulke. The portrait of Callioun is an original, by Sully, and is very su- perior. It was taken from sittings. Tlie rest are copies. The Headquarters of the General of the Army are on the first WAR DEPARTMENT. floor, on the r., inside of the E. entrance. There are many objects of interest, including rare manuscripts, in the depart- ment ; but not in a condition to be seen. It is intended to WAR DEPARTMENT. 137 set apart a room for their exhibition in the new building. The Arsenal and Medical and Ordnance Museums, the latter in Winder's building, will be found elsewhere. In rented build- ings are the Signal Office and Flag Room. The latter occupies the first floor of a small building Xo. 616 W. side of 17th St., opposite the War Department, {open from 9 a. m, to 3 p. m. daily, except Sunday. In one room are the United States and State Hags taken from the national forces and recovered upon tlie capture of Richmond. In the back room are the captured Confederate flags. They represent every State. Some are associated with interesting historic incidents, others are curious and novel. Signal Office. — {Open every day^ except Sunday., from 9 a, m. to 3 p. m.) The Chief Sii^nal Officer of the Army, under whose direction the national weather observations are made, occupies two contiguous brick buildings on the N". side of G- St., W. of the War Department. The stranger in the city, upon reaching the head of the street, cannot fail to notice them by a varietj^ of anemometers of divers sizes, and an- emoscopes or vanes projecting above the roof. A number of converging electric wires may be seen entering the build- ing, some communicating with self-registering instruments or connecting the telegraphic department of the office with the dilTerent stations in all parts of the country through the lines of the general telegrapliic companies. Tlie entrance for visitors is by the door ^o. 1719. They ascend to the instrument room in the fourth story. The chief interest centres in the Instrument Room., wliere may be examined the apparatus employed in the various meteoro- logical observations. These instruments are of the mog; ap- proved patterns, including the barometer, to show tlie atmos- plieric pressure and to indicate the passage of storms ; the thermometer, mercurial and spirit, for indicating the tem- perature of the air ; the li5^gi'ometer, to show the liumidity of the air; one maximum and one minimum thermometer, to indicate the highest and lowest temperatiu'e; the anem- ometer, for obtaining the velocity of the wind; the wind vano, or anemoscope, for indicating the direction of the wind; and the rain gauge, for noting the rain-fall. The roof of the building is devoted to the instruments and apparatus requiring open exposure to the weatlier, such as rahi-gauges, wind-vanes, and anemometers. A shelter also X^rojects from a window on the N., designed with special reference to tlie comparison of thermometers and other in- struments in an equal temperature. In addition to these instruments of common use, there is a complete set of self- 138 WAR DEPARTMENT. reeording and photographic meteorological instruments, ope- rated by means of clock-work and electric batteries. There are also two cases containing a "panorama of the clouds," illustrating the different kind of clouds, showing the trans- formation of each type of clouds into its derivative. It also shows meteoric effects, especially the localization of clouds about the crest of peaks or on the summits of loftier moun- tain l-anges. There are also other instruments of general use, though not part of meterological science. Among these are a pentagraph, for transferring and reducing isobfCrometric and isothermal curves from paper to zinc; a' self-registering instrument for showing the rise and fall of rivers, and a terrestrial globe. In addition to the report of the meteoric condition of the United States, the office also receives the height of the vari- ous navigable rivers. The data thus collected is published throughout the country in the newspapers and at 4,491 post offices, in synopses and probabilities and weather maps. Cau- tionary signals are displayed at sea and lake ports for the ben- efit of vessels. A line of telegraphic wires connects the life- saving stations, by means of which cautionary signals are dis- played along the coast, thus warning small craft in time to seek shelter on the approach of a storm. In 1873 home re- ports were received from 78 stations, from Maine to Texas, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific ; also from 11 stations in Canada and 3 in the West Indies. All observations are made synchronously at the different stations at the exact hours of 7.35 a. m., 4.35 p. m., and 11.35 p. m., Washington time. All reports are received and results distributed, except to post offices, over the lines of the prin- cipaji^telegraphic companies. The instruction of the army in military signaling and tele- graphy, and for supplying it with the necessary apparatus, previously conducted on an experimental basis, since 1870 has been prosecuted with a degree of success which promises to materially simplify the difficulty of moving large bodies of troops or fleets of vessels, and to constitute an essential ele- ment of tactical operations, whether on the march or in bat- tle. Signal schools of instruction have been established. The successful and responsible organization of a military signal corps has led to a further extension of the service to a miiform course of instruction to apply to the army and navy and marines. On February 9, 1870, these satisfactory results in the orig- inal duty contemplated for tlie signal corps were supplement- ed by diverting the practiced skill of its officers and men into a still wider field of operations. WAR DEPARTMENT. 139 To meet the additional duty, the labor of the Signal Bureau was distributed under two distinct heads. First, the Dimsion of Signals Proper^ to embrace the system of military signals and telegraphy, and to have charge of the instruction of offi- cers and men of any branch of the service designated for that duty. Second, the Dwision of Telegrams and Reports for the Benefit of Commerce. The organization of tliis new and novel service, in accordance with general orders, was immediately commenced by Col. Albert J. Myer, Brevet Brigadier G-eneral and Cliief Signal Officer of the Army. The stations are divided into two classes: First, stations of observation and report, and to which all reports of observa- tions elsewhere made are forwai'ded. Second, stations of re- port alone, or those at wliich observations elsewhere made are reported. On N'ov. 1, 1870, the preliminary arrangements having been perfected at 7.35 a. m., the first systematized synchronous me- teoric reports ever taken in the United States were read from the instruments by tlie observer sergeants of the signal ser- vice at 24 stations, and placed upon the telegraphic wires for transmission. A further extension of the utility of the ser- vice w^as made in Oct., 1871, after a series of satisfactory ex- periments, by the display of cautionary signals at ports on the Atlantic and the Gulf coast and the northern lalvcs. The sphere of usefulness of tliis important service is annually extended. Secretaries of War. — 1789, Henry Knox, Mass. ; 1795, Timotliy Pickering, Mass. ; 1796, James McHenry, Md. ; 1800, Samuel Dexter, Mass. ; 1801, Roger Griswold, Conn. ; 1801, Henry Dearborn, Mass. ; 1809, William Eustis, Mass. ; 1813, John Armstrong, N". Y. ; 1814, James Monroe, Va. ; 1815, W. H. Crawford, Ga. ; 1817, J. C. Calhoun, S. C; 1825, James Barbour, Va. ; 1828, P. B. Porter, IS". Y. ; 1829, J. H. Eaton, Tenn. ; 1831, Lewis Cass, Mich. ; 1837, Joel R. Poin- sett, S. C. ; 1841, John Bell, Tenn. ; 1841, J. C. Spencer, N. Y. ; 1844, W. Wilkins, Penn. ; 1845, W. L. Marcy, jST. Y. ; 1849, G. W. Crawford, Ga. ; 1850, Gen.. Winfield Scott, ad tVi., Army; 1850, C. M. Conrad, La. ; 1853, Jefferson Davis, Miss.; 1857, J. B. Floyd, Va. ; 1860, J. Holt, Ky. ; 1861, Simon Cameron, Penn.; 1862, E. M. Stanton, Ohio; 1867, Gen. U. S. Grant, ad in.., Army ; 1868, Adj. Gen. L. Thomas, ad in.. Army; 1868, J. M. Schofield, 111.; 1869, J. A. Raw- lins, 111.; 1869, Gen. W.T. Sherman, j9. t., Army; 1869, W. W. Belknap, lo. Prior to 1789, under an ordinance for ascertaining the pow- ers and duties of the Secretary of War, that officer was cliarged 140 NAVY DEPARTMENT. with the direct management of the military affairs of Con- gress, required to report to Congress tlie condition of the army and military stores and supplies, and to keep returns ; to make all military estimates ; to direct the operations of troops in the service, subject to the orders of Congress or the committees of the States ; to appoint and remove at pleasure all persons under him, being responsible to Congress for their conduct. Tlie office was created an executive department by the act of Congress August 7, 1789, to be known as the De- partment of War, and the chief officer as Secretary for the Department of War. He was required to execute the orders of the President of tlie United States, "agreeably to the Constitution," in all matters respecting military or naval af- fairs, to the granting of lands to persons entitled to the same for military services rendered to the United States, and rela- tive to Indian affairs. September 29, 1789, the military es- tablishment of 1787 was adapted to the Constitution. The early powers of the Secretary of War, by subsequent enact- ment, have been restricted to the exercise, under the direc- tion of tlie President, of jurisdiction ov^er the military service only. The Secretary of War is ex officio a member of the Cabinet. • NAVY DEPAKTMEI^T. This department {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to ^ p. m.) lies W. of the President's House, and^vas for- merly designated the S W. E xecutive Building. This structure will shortly be taken down, to make space for the new depart- ment now being erected. The original building faced S. A wing erected in 18G4 now projects instead. The Secretary'' s office is at the S. end of the corridor on the second Hoor. The AdmiraPs office is at his residence, 1710 II st. NW. Tiie Na- val Observatory, Navy-yard, and Marine Barracks will be described under their appropriate heads. The Hydroyrapliic office^ NE. corner of 18th st. and New York av.NVV., occu- pies a rented building called the "Octagon," the residence of the President of the United States tiirthe restoration of the President's House after the occupation of tlie city in 1814. The Ilydrographic office was established in 1866, and is a branch of the Bureau of Navigation. Its objects are the col- lection of hydrographic information, preparation of sailing directions, the collection of charts, the engraving and print- NAVY DEPARTMENT. 141 ing of new ones, and the re\ision of old ; also the care of all instruments except chronometers and compasses. Nautical Almanac Office — This branch of the Bureau of Navigation occupies a rented building, No. 807 22d st. NW. Was started at Cambridge, Mass., under an act of Congress, 1849. In 18GG it was removed to Washington. The object is the computation of astronomical tables for the use of the Naval Observatory and Xavy. A set of tables is also printed for the merchant service, giving longitude of Washington and Greenwich. Under the act of 1850 the meridian of the Xa- val Observatory was adopted as the American meridian for astronomical and that of Greenwicli for nautical purposes. The almanac is prepared three years in advance. There is a fine astronomical library connected with tiie office. Secretaries of the Navy. — 1789, Henry "Knox, Ma«s. ; 1794, Timotliy Pickering. Penh.; 179G, James McHenry,Md. ; 1798, Benjamin Stoddert, Md. ; 1802, Robert Smith, Md.; 1805, Jacob Crowninshield, [Mass. ; 1809, Paul Hamilton, S. C; 1813, William Jones, Penn.; 1814, B. W. Crowninshield, Mass. ; 1818, Smith Thompson, X. Y. ; 1823, S. L. Southard, X. J. ; 1829, Jolm Branch, X. C. ; 1831, Levi Woodbury, X. H. ; 1834, Mahlon Dickerson, X. J. ; 1838, J. K. Paulding, X. Y.; 1841. G. E . Badger, X. 0. ; 1841, A. P. Upshur, Va. ; 1844,. T. W. Gilmer, Ya. ; 1844, J. Y. Mason, Va. ; 1845, George* Bancroft, Mass. ; 1840, John Y. ]Mason, Va. ; 1849, W. B. Preston, Va. ; 1850, W. A. Graham, X. C. ; 1852, J. P. Ken- nedy, Md. ; 1853, J. C. Dobbin, X. C. ; 1857, Isaac Toucey, Conn. ; 1801, Gideon W^elles, Conn.; 1869, A.E. Boric, Penn.; 18G9, G. M. Robeson, X. J. The naval service, previously under the direction of the Secretary of War, in April, 1798, was assigned to an execu- tive department created for the purpose, and designated the Department of the Xa\y, the chief officer of which was to be called the Secretary of the Xavy. His duties were to execute the orders of the President of the United States in all matters connected witli the naval establishment of the United States. During the same year the ^larine Corps was organized, as an adjunct to the naval establishment. In 1862 the department was reorganized by the division of its duties into eight bureaus, viz, Ordnance, Equipment and Recruiting, Yards and Docks, Xavigation, Medicine and Sur- gery, Provisions and Clothing, Steam Engineering, and Con- struction and Repair. The Secretary of the Xavy is ex officio a member of the Cabinet of the President of the United States. 142 DEPARTMENT OP THE INTERIOR. DEPARTIVIENT OF THE INTERIOK. This important department {open every day^ except Smi- day. from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) occupies rooms on the N". cor- ridor, main floor, of the vast structure known as the Patent Office. TlieSecretar}'" of the Interior is charged witii the administration of affairs relating to patents, pubUc lands, pensions, Indians, census, education, and the beneficiary asylums in the District of Columbia belonging to the Gov- ernment. He is invested witli the powers, prior to the act of 1873, exercised by the Secretary of State over the Territories of the United States, and also has supervisory control over the architect of the Capitol. The office of the Secretary is on the N. corridor, near the ISTE. corner of the building. In the Secretary's office are photographs of the Secretaries of the Interior. In the Chief Clerk's room, adjoining on the E., are portraits of Thomas Ewing and Caleb B. Smith, for- mer Secretaries, by Stanley. For description of the building, see Patent Office. Indian Office. — There are frequently delegations of Indians at the National Capital, brought here in connection with negotiations or business under treaties. The councils are held in the office of the Secretary of tlie Interior or Commis- sioner, in the N. corridor. On these occasions tlie red sons of tlie forest meet the representatives of the " Great Father,'* and negotiations are conducted in great form and ceremony, only lacking the wild surroundings of the savage country. Bureau of Education. — (Open every day, except Simday, from 9 a. m, to. 3}?. m.) — The Bureau of Education occupies a rented building on the NE. corner of G and 8th sts. ISTW., opposite the E. part of the N. facade of the Patent Office. There is a line library of educational works, and other objects of interest in the building. The fathers of the Republic recognized education as among the leading elements of prosperity and success. It was not, however, till long after the Constitution was established that the Government gave the subject a national recognition. In response to the growing sentiment in favor of public educa- tion, in 1832 Congress passed an act giving, in connection with a division of the proceeds of land sales, 12^ per cent, to certain States for educational purposes. This was vetoed by Jackson. In 1837 Congress authorized the deposit with the different States, in proportion to their representation, of mil- lions of the surplus funds in the Treasury for safe keeping DEPARTMENT OP THE INTERIOR. 143 and repayment when required. The income of this in a large number of the States was set apart for school purposes. Subsequently the acts admitting Oregon and Minnesota and other new States added to the 16th the 36th section of land in each township for school purposes. In 1862 followed the grants for colleges of agriculture and the mechanic arts. Taken in connection with previous acts of liberality for the same purpose, the. total of land grants in the interest of education amounted to 78,576,794 acres. If ex- tended to the eleven Territories when admitted to the Union, the aggregate will reach the magnificent endowment of 79,566,791 acres, or 124,323 square miles. This area of terri- tory is greater than that of the whole of the British Isles, and over half the area of Imperial Germany or France. Or, valued at the Government price of $1 25 per acre, makes a donation of $99,458,492 50. All the nations in Christendom put to- gether have not done so much for the education and future happiness of their people. The idea of using the public do- main for educational purposes is not modern. In 1823 it was a subject of inquiry in the House of Kepresentatives, the proposition being to set apart a portion of this income to be distributed for the promotion of education in the several States. In 1824 a resolution was submitted in the same House to the effect that all money received from these sales ought to be appropriated exclusively for the support of com- mon schools and the construction of roads and canals. In 1826 Mr. Dickinson in the Senate reported a similar resolu- tion, but without success. Out of the aid later afforded sprung the common-scliool system of the interior l^W. On March 2, 1867, Congress created a Department of Edu- cation, for the purpose of collecting such statistics and facts as show the condition and progress of education in the several States and Territories, and of diffusing such information re- specting the organization and management of schools and school systems and methods of teaching as may aid the people of the United States in the establishment and maintenance of cfiicient schools, and of otherwise* promoting the cause of education throughout the country. The management of the department was intrusted to a Commissioner appointed bj^ the Pi-esident and confirmed by the Senate. The Commissioner was required to report annually to Con- gress the results of his investigations and labors, together with a statement of such facts and recommendations as would in his judgment subserve the purposes for which the depart- ment was established. The next year Congress reduced the department to a bureau, to be called the '•'Office of Educa- tion," under the directions of the Secretary of the Interior. 144 DEPARTMENT OP THE INTERIOR. Survey of the Territories. — Office ISTW. corner of Pennsyl- vania av. and lltli st. ISTW., second floor, entrance outside, on lltli St. {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to ^ p. m.) Here will be found a complete and interesting collec- tion of pliotographs of the Avonders of the unknown West, by W. H. Jackson, and taken during the various expeditions con- ducted under the command and scientific direction of Dr. F. V. Hayden and business management of Captain James Ste- venson, his associate. The collection includes the Yellow- stone region, Utah. Wyoming, and Colorado, and 1,000 neg- atives illustrative of Indians and Indian life. Also, sketches by W. H. Holmes, and maps by J. T. Gardner. The United States geological surveys of the Territories, Dr. F. V. Hayden in charge, inaugurated in 18G7, under the Department of the Interior, have been continued from year to year by annual appropriations, and have constituted not only a most inter- esting and valuable but important national undertaking. These surveys have covered N^ebraska, Kansas, Colorado, N"ew Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah. The Great Geyser basin and otlier wonders of tlie Yellowstone region, and tlie sublime mountain area of Colorado, were first brouglit within the range of geographical science by tliese expeditions. The publications of these surveys are received with satisfac- tion by scientific men and societies in America and Europe, and embrace tlie following : 8vo : Reprint 1st, 2d, and 3d An- nual Reports ; 4th, Wyoniing, 1870 ; 5th, Montana, 1871 ; 6th, Montana, 1872, and Final Report of Nebraska. Miscellane- ous: 1, Elevations; 2, Meteorology; 3, Handbook of Orni- thology — Coues; 4, Catalogue of Photographs — Jackson; Flora of Colorado — Porter fy Coidter. 4to : Extinct Vertebrate Fauna, vol. 1 — Leidy; Extinct Cretaceous Fauna, vol. 2 — Cope; Extinct Fauiia of W5^oming, vol. 3 — Cope; Extinct Fauna of Colomdo, vol. 4 — Co^je; Synopsis of Acrididne, vol. 5 — Thomas; Fossil Flora of the West, vol. 6 — Newberry; Fos- sil Flora — Cretaceous, vol. 7 — Lesquereux; Fossil Flora — Ter- tiarj^, vol. 8 — Lesquereux; Fossil Invertebrata, vol. 9 — Meek; Sections, Profiles, &c., vol. 10 — Hayden. Other volumes will appear from time to time. These volumes contain a vast amount of scientific material and practical information fresh from the vast regions hitherto appropriately termed the un- known West. It is proposed next year to continue these surveys, by tak- ing a belt immediately W. of that covered in 1873, and also Ijing within Colorado. Secretaries of the Interior. — 1849, Thomas Ewing, Ohio ; 1850, Thos. M. T. McKennan, Penn. ; 1850, A. H. II. Stuart, Va. ; 1853, Robert McClelland, Mich. ; 1857, J. Thompson, PATENT OFFTCE. 145 Mss.; 18G1, C. B. Smith, Ind. ; 1863, J. P. Usher, Inrl. ; 18G5, James Harlan, lo. ; 1866, O. H. Brownhig, His. ; 1869, J. D. Cox, Ohio ; 1871, Columbus Delano, Oliio. The act of Mar. 3, 1849, created a home department, to be called the Department of the Interior, the head of which was to be called the Secretary of the Interior, to be appointed by the President with the ad\1ce and consent of the Senate. This officer was to hold by the same tenure and receive the same salary as the secretaries of the other executive departments. Tlie various branches of the public service under the admin- istration of the department have been given. The Secretary of the Interior is ex officio a member of the Cabinet of the President. PATENT OFFICE. The Patent Office occupies two squares, extending from 7th to 9th sts. W. and from F to G sts. N., and is about equi- distant frorii the Capitol and the President's House. It may be reached from either by the Metropolitan or F-st. liorse rail- u-ay, which may be taken on 17th st. just beyond the Presi- PATENT OFFICE. dent's House or the SE. extension of the Capitol. Tl)e stranger should be certain to take a car for tlie Capitol on 10 146 PATENT OFFICE, 17th St. Other cars of the same line run to Georgetown. The 7th-st. horse cars pass it on the E. The main entrance is on F St., and fronts 8th st. facing S. Description, — This immense pile, situated on the resen'a- tion set apart in the old plan of the city for the National Church or Mausoleum, is pure Grecian Doric, of massive pro- portions, and measures 410 ft. from E, to W. and 275 ft. from N. to S., with an elevation of 75 ft., surmounted by an aero- teria. The original structure, commenced in 1837 and finished in 1842, was 270 ft. front on F st. and 70 ft. deep, and was built of freestone from the Government quarries at Aquia Creek. It was designed by W. P. Elliott (Elliott & Town, engineers) and executed by Robert Mills. The E. Wing was authorized in 1849, and was commenced by Robert Mills, who was succeeded in 1851 by Edward Clark, assistant to the arch- itect of the Capitol, who completed the building in 1864. It consists of two wings, on the E. and W., and an intervening building on the JST., corresponding with the old structure on the S., the whole forming on an interior quadrangle 265 ft. by 135 ft. The E. Wing was occupied by the Secretary of the Interior in 1853. The new portions of the building are of Maryland marble on the exterior and granite on the quad- rangle. The first building is painted white to harmonize with the extension. The edifice rests on a sub-base of gran- ite, above which is a basement of the material of the super- structure, after which rises the order, pierced with two stories of windows, the whole surmounted by an acroteria to cor- respond with the earlier portion of the stiiicture, of appro- priate simplicity and dimensions. The exterior is entirely witliout display. The absence of ornament about tlie win- dows will be observed. A depression in the configuration of the site of the building brings the sub-basement into view on 9th St. On 7th st. tlie level is on a line with the basement. Between the streets and the building on the S., E., and W. are small lawns and evergreens. The edifice has 4 fronts. In the centre, facing 8th st. W., is an imposing portico, approached by a lofty flight of granite steps which abut against propor- tionate blockings of the same material. The portico rests on a solid substruction of masonry, and is composed of two rows of 8 Doric columns, fluted, 6 ft. in diameter and 32 ft. high, and raised in sections and flanked by immense pilasters. It is modeled after the Parthenon, or Temple of Minerva, at Athens, and is of the same dimensions. A careful study of its proportions must impress the beholder with its grandeur. On the E. is a portico of a single row of 6 columns, and also reached from the street by a grand flight of steps. On the PATENT orncE. 147 N. is a portico of 8 columns in a single row. The steps here do not ascend to the order, but to the base of the line of piers upon Avhich the portico stands. From this a door enters the basement. On the W. the portico corresponds with that on the E., mth the absence of the steps to the order, in this case the ascent being by a double flight to the basement. In the E. Wing there are 4 doors entering the basement, 2 of which are on the ]N'. and S. From the main portico a door opens into a spacious en- trance hall or vestibule, with an arched ceiling groined on 8 Doric columns and 10 pilasters. On the r. and 1. runs a cor- ridor, which extends entirely around the main floor of the building, and upon whicli open the various otSces of the De- partment of the Interior. In the SE. angle is that of the Commissioner of Patents. Here will be found a set of en- gravings of the Commissioners, including a portrait of Dr. William Thornton., of Penn., designer of tlie original plan of the Capitol, and Superintendent of Patents in the State Department, 1803-1827. There is also a very valuable por- trait of Robert Fulton^ of Penn., inventor of the steamboat, and painted by himself. Fulton studied under Benjamin West, of Penn., president of tlie Koyal Academy of Fine Arts, London. There are also 8 artist proof engravings of celebrated inventors fi'om original paintings in the collection of and presented by B. Woodcroft, of the Great Seal Patent Office, London. The rooms of the Secretary of the Interior, tlie Indian, Pension, and Census Offices", are on the X. cor- ridor, the Oflice of Public Lands in the SW. angle, and the Libi-ary on the S. coiTidor, room 77, near and on tlie W. of the entrance hall. The visitor can make the entire circuit of the building by this corridor. (See Department of the Interior.) In each angle of the building are granite steps to the basement, where are ofllces and storage vaults. The building contains about 191 rooms, and cost $2,700,000. At the end of the entrance hall a double flight of steps, ascend- ing part way, unite and lead to a platform, from which a sash door opens into the Model Rooms of the Patent Office. Beneath these steps a double flight also descends into the basement. Model Rooms.— The model rooms of the Patent Office, sec- ond floor, {open every day^ except Sunday., from 9 a.m. to 3 p. w.,) which contain the model of every patent issued by tiie United States since 1836, consist of a magnificent suit of four halls, ranged on the four sides of the building, and around a spacious court. The models are grouped uiider 145 classes, and again subdivided into various smaller divisions, for con- 148 PATENT OFFICE. yenience of reference, indicating" its contents. Each case is provided with a card MODEL ROOM — SOUTH HALL. aS'. Hall^ (entrance.) — This is a superb apartment, 242 ft. long by 63 ft. wide and 30 ft. high. The prospect is broken by 36 doric coluDfins in quadruple rows, with their entablature, 20 ft. high, and corresponding pilasters, which support a se- ries of groined arches of 10 ft. spring, artistically adjusted to secure both solidity and eft'ect. In the centre is a raised arch 40 ft. high, of beautiful construction, and pierced by an aper- ture of 13 ft. in diameter. This part of the ceiling is admi- rably adapted to harmonize the range of arches on either side with the main design. The entire complicated structure of the room is of solid masonry. The general style of decora- tion is Pompeiian, with apjpropriate adaptation. The iron stairway opposite the door leads to a storage room over the S. portico, used for documents. Near the entrance door are a number of relics of historic value and interest. On the r. is the printing-press of Franklin, at which he worked in London in 1728. The case, nearly opposite, (No. 24,) contains a num- ber of Washington relics, including a set of china and cande- labra, presented to him by officers of the Society of the Cin- cinnati; one plate to Martha Washington from Gen. Lafayette, 1781 ; the uniform of Washington, worn when he resigned PATENT OJjTICE. 149 his commission in 1783; a tea-board presented him, and his sword, secretary, cane, compass, and sleeping-tent. Among other relics in the same case is the poat worn by Jackson at the battle of New Orleans ; Baron de Kalb's war saddle ; a sword presented to Commodore Biddle by the Viceroy of Pern ; sabres from Ali Paclia, Bey of Egypt, to the officers of the U. S. ship Concord, 1832 ; a coat of Gen. Paez, associ- ate of Simon Bolivar, and a cimeter. The case (No. 23) next on the W. contains the original of the Declaration of Inde- pendence^ Washington's commission as commander-in-chief, dated at Philadelphia, June 19, 1775, treasure chest, furni- ture, part of a set, tents and tent poles, camp chest, andirons, curtains worked by Martha Washington, and two chairs. In the same case are two guns of antique pattern, presented to President Jefterson by the Emperor of Morocco, a model pat- ented by Abraham Lincoln in 1847, for an improved method of lifting vessels over shoals ; also a pair of gloves which be- longed to President Lincoln. In the S. hall are 57 cases con- taining models of artificial limbs, beer and wine, bleaching and dyeing, boots and shoes, caoutchouc, chemical miscella- neous, clasps and buckles, clay, coffin, cutlery, dental, draft- ing, electricity, fuel, gas, gunpowder, harness, horology, hose and belting, ice, leather, manures, measuring-instruments, oils, fats and glue, optics, paint, plating, preserving food, signals, stills, sugar, surgery, tanning, trunks. This hall was originally intended for an exhibition of home manufactures. In 1842 it was set apart for the valuable collections in natm-al history brought back by the expedition of Commodore, after- wards Rear Admiral, Charles Wilkes. These were subse- quently transferred to the National Museum in the Smithson- ian building. Later the plants, herbarium, and crania were transferred to the Botanical Garden and Agricultural and Medical Museums respectively. In the hall were also a number of interesting objects possessing historical associations, con- tributed by the various executive departments, or belonging to the National Institute. E. Hall— On the 1. the S. hall opens into the E. hall, 271 ft. long and 63J ft. wide. The groined arches of the ceiling rest upon 28 marble piers and a requisite number of pilasters. It contains 130 cases, containing models of apparel, beds, boats, book-binding, builders' hardware, carding, cloth, cord- age, crinoline and corsets, dryers and kilns, educational, felt- ing and hats, fine arts, fire-arms, fisliing, furniture, games and toys, governors, jewelry, kitchen utensils, knitting and net- ting, lamps and gas-fitting, laundry, locks and latches, music, ordnance, paper-making, paper manufactures, photography, printing, projectiles, safes, sewing machines, ships, (2 classes,) 150 PATENT OFFICE. silk, spinning, stationery, steam, (3 classes,) stoves and fur- naces, toilet, umbrellas and fans, valves, weaving. N. Hall, reached from the E. hall, is 266 ft. long by 59| wide. The vast room is covered by a paneled ceiling com- posed of iron girders, and entirely without support in the liall. The number of cases here are 88, containing models of aera- tion and bottling, baths and closets, bee hives, bolts, nuts, and rivets, brakes and gins, casting, dairy, files, garden and orchard, grinding and polishing, hardware manufacture, har- rows, harvesters, horse shoes, metallurgy, metal working, (7 classes,) mills, nails, needles and pins, ores, plows, pneumat- ics, pumps, railways, (4 classes,) saws, seeders and planters, sheet metal, stabling, tubing and wire, water distribution, water wheels, wire-working, wood-screws, wood-working, (4 classes.) W. Hall is 271 ft. long, 64 ft. wide, and is the same in gen- eral design as the N". It contains models of bridges, brushes and brooms, butchering, carpentry, carriages and wagons, excavators, fences, glass, hoisting, hydraulic engineering, journals and bearings, masonry, mechanical powers, paving, presses, roofing, stone, lime and cement, threshing, tobacco. History. — The Patent Office of the United States, whei-e models of all inventions patented since the fire of 1836 are carefully preserved for exliibition,^ is an institution without an equal in the world, and speaks, though silently, more for the liigh character, and thoughtful, reflecting, energetic, and practical bias of the American mind than could be expressed in volumes of written history or description. We are able here to trace, in practical detail, the progress of mechanical arts in the United States, at least since 1836, and but for the unfortunate and accidental destruction of the early models, this same interesting investigation could be carried back to the beginning of the Government. The first legislation in Congress on tlie subject of inventions was the act of 1790 to promote the progress of useful arts, which authorized any person to petition the heads of any of the executive depart- ments for a patent for any new invention. The patents were recorded in the office of the Secretary of State. The rapid increase in the number of inventions early led Congress into special provisions for the accommodation of the Patent Office. lu 1810 the erection or purchase of a suitable building for the use of the General Post Office and keeper of the patents and arrangement of the models was authoiized. Under this authority a structure known as Blodgett',>^ Hotel, situate on E st., between 7th and 8th sts. w., now the site of the General Post Office, was secured. Up to 1820 all appli- GENERAL POST OFFICE. 151 cations for patents were examined by a clerk in the office of tlie Secretary of State. In that year Dr. Thornton, appoint- ed by ISli'. Jefferson to issue patents, took upon himself tlie title of Superintendent of the Patent Office. The most im- portant measure, however, was the act of July 4, 183G, by which the Patent Office was created a separate bureau of the Government, and its chief officer received the title of Com- missioner of Patents. In Dec, 1836, the building was completely consumed by fire, and among the losses were the models accumulated dur- ing a period of nearly half a century. This was an irre- parable calamity. After the fire the business of the bureau was transacted in the City Hall, and remained there until it was removed to its present massive and imposing building. The first patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins on July 3i, 1790, "for making pot or pearl ashes," and. the second to Joseph Stacey Sampson, August 6, 1790, "for manufacturing candles." jS'o residence is given. In 1823 the number of models was 1,819. Up to 1836. a period of forty-six years, 10,301 patents were issued, and from July 4, 1836, to July 4, 1873, 140,000, ap- proximately an annual average of 224 against 3,783. The number of patents granted for 1873 was 13,590* On Jan. 1, 1873, the patent fund, from excess of fees over expenditures amounted to $794,111 42. The annual receipts amount to about $700,000, and expenditures $660,000. A considerable sum out of the patent fund went to the erection of the building. geio:kal POST office. The General Post Office (open every day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) stands opposite the Patent Office, on F St., and covers the square between 7th and 8th sts. W. and E and F sts. N. It may be reached by the F-st. horse cars from the E. and W., and those on 7th st. from the N. and S. parts of the city. Description. — The edifice occupied by the General Post Office, taking its general style from the columns, is Corinth- ian, and is the most richly finished public building at the capital. The E-st. portion was commenced in 1839, and finished by Robert ]Mills, architect, and constructed of marble from New York quarries. In 1842 Congress purchased the 152 GENERAL POST OFFICE. IST. half of the square to F st., and in 1855 the extension of the builclino- over that sp^ce was executed by Captain M. C. Meigs, United States Engineers, superintendent, and Edward Clark, assistant, from designs by T. U. Walter, architect of the Capitol, and was built out of Maryland marble. As thus completed, the building measures 30*0 ft. N. and S., and 204 ft. E. and W., and has two stories, resting on a rustic base- ment, below which are vaults. In the centre is a court 194 ft. long by 95 ft. wide. The fajades are of white marble. The court is faced with gTanite. Above the basement rise the various features of the order, including monolithic col- umns and pilasters, with beautifully-worked capitals, the whole extending through two stories, upon which rest the architrave, frieze, and cornice', crowned by a paneled acro- teria. The main front is on E st. Tlie S. or main entrance is in the basement, reached by marble steps, and is formed of two Doric columns, one on either side, and opens into a vestibule, on the r. and 1. of which are corridors, leading to marble staircases to the upper stories. Over this entrance are four attached columns of the Corinthian order. The E. front is broken by u central projection of six columns, the outer ones being coupled ; and on either side, towards the extremities oi this front, is a smaller projection of four at- tached columns, coupled. Beneath the central projection is GENERAL POST Ofi'JCE. a vestibule, supported on four Doi-ic columns and four corner piers. The ceiling, walls, and floor are finished in white marble, and on either side is a niche. The W. front is the same as tlie E. A carriageway here opens into the court, where the mails are received and despatched. Th keystone GENERAL POST OFFICE. 153 of the arch of this entrance is intended to represent Fidelity. On either side are figures in hasso relievo^ sj^mbolizing Steam and Electricity. The W. front presents a recessed portico, consisting of 8 coupled columns resting on an arcade of rustic piers corres- ponding with the basement. There are entrances to the general office on the r. and 1. of the central arcade, and from which passages or steps lead to the corridors on the same floor or above. The corridors are on three sides only. The build- ing cost ^1,700,000. The Postmaster GeneraVs office is on the floor above the basement, S. side of S. corridor. Here may be seen a set of photographs of the Postmasters General. The Dead Letter office Is on the X. side, entered from the N". end of the E. corridor tln*ough a passage or anteroom. To gain admission it will be necessary to procure a permit from the chief clerk of the Finance office, on the same floor and in the SW. angle. The building contains 81 rooms. The stau-ways are in the angles of the building. City Post Office. — The City Post Office occupies the cen- tral portions of the IsT. front. The Letter Delivery and Stamp department is entered through the 3 arched doorways under the N. portico. The ceiling, which is of iron and bricl^, is supported on granite piers. The doors on the r. and 1., out- side, before entering, lead, in addition to the corridors and stairways, to the Chief Clerk's and Money Order and Eegis- tered Letter offices respectively. (See General Information.) History.— Before the erection of the present edifice the General Post Office occupied a building which stood on the S. half of the square, known as Blodgett's Union Public Hotel. It was 120 ft. long, 50 ft. wide, and 3 stories high; designed by James Hoban, and built of brick, ornamented with freestone. It was commenced in 1793. The structure, however, was nevei- completed by its projector. The plan was to erect it out of the proceeds of a lottery. The owner of the prize ticket w^as an orphan child, who Avas without the means of carrying on the work. The theatre of the national metropolis held performances in it for a time. A number of Irish and other emigrants also occupied the basement free of rent. In 1810 it was purchased by the Government. After the burningof the Capitol, Congress held one session in it as the only suitable building in the city. It was also occupied by the General and City^Post Offices, Patent Office, and Li- brary of Congress. The latter was removed to the Capitol in 1818, The building and contents were entirely destroyed 154 DEPARTMENT OP JUSTICE. by fire on Dec. 15, 1836. Private buildings were subsequently occupied till the completion of the present structure. Postmasters General. — 1789, Samuel Osgood, Mass. ; 1791, Timothy Pickering, Mass. ; 1795, Joseph Habersham, Ga. ; 1802, Gideon Granger, Conn. ; 1814, K. J. Meigs, Ohio ; 1823, John McLean, Ohio; 1829, W. T. Barry, Ky. ; 1835, Amos Kendall, Ky. ; 1840, J. M. Niles, Conn. ; 1841, Francis Gran- ger, N. Y. ; 1841, C. A. Wickliffe, Ky. ; 1845, Cave Johnson, Tenn. ; 1849, Jacob Collamer, Vt. ; 1850, N. K. Hall, N. Y. ; 1852, S. D. Hubbard, Conn. ; 1853, James Campbell, Penn.; 1857, A. V. Brown, Tenn. ; 1859, J. Holt, Ky. ; 1861, Hora- tio King, Me. ; 1861, Montgomery Blair, Md. ; 1864, W. Den- nison, Ohio; 1866, A. W. Kandall, Wis.; 1869, J. A. J. Cresswell, Md. On Sept. 22, 1789, Congress passed an act for the temporary establishment of the Post Office. The powers and salary were the same asunder the resolutions and ordinances passed by the Congress of the Confederation. The Postmaster General was made subject to the direction of the President in all mat- ters pertaining to his office. In 1792 a '' General Post Office " was permanently established, under immediate dh-ection of a Postmaster General, who was authorized to appoint an as- sistant and deputy postmasters at all places where found necessary, and to provide for carrying the mail of the United States "by stage-carriages or horses." From this primitive beginning the operations of the General Post Office have ex- panded to a degree fully up to the requirements of the increased population and intelligence of the people. The Postmaster General is ex officio a member of the Cabi- net of the President. Previous to 1829 he was not so recog- nized. The precedent was established by President Jackson, who invited Postmaster General Barry to a seat in the Cabinet. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. The Department of Justice {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. m. tod p. m.) occupies rented accommodations on the upper floors of a fine building on Pennsylvania av. be- tween 15 and 15^ sts., and opposite the Treasury Depai-tment, erected by the Freedmen's Savings and Trust Company. The entrance is at the W. end. The Attorney GeneraVs Office BEPARTMEN-r OF JtJSTlCE. 155 is near the top of the first flight of stairs. Here may be seen a number of fine portraits of the Attorneys Greneral of the United States. Under the Attorney General are the oflicers of the District and Circuit Courts of the United States, the Reform School, Metropolitan Police, and Jail of the District of Columbia, and tlie law oflicers of the difterent depart- ments. Attorneys General. — 1789, Edmund Randolph, Va. ; 1794, William Bradford, Penn. ; 1795, diaries Lee, Va. ; 1801, Levi Lincoln, Mass. ; 1805, Robert Smith, Md. ; 1805, John Brecli- enridge, Kv. ; 1807, Caesar A. Rodney, Del. ; 1811, William Pinknev, Md.; 1814, Richard Rush, Penn.; 1817, William Wirt, Va. ; 1829, J. M. Berrien, Ga. ; 1831, Roger B. Taney, Md. ; 1833, B. F. Butler, ]S'. Y. ; 1838, Fehx Grundy, Teun. ; 1840, H. D. Gilpin, Penn.; 1841, J. J. Crittenden, Ky. ; 1841, H. S. Legare, S. C. ; 1843, John Nelson, Md. ; 1845, John Y. Mason, Va. ; 1846, Nathan Clifford, Me.; 1848, Isaac Toucey, Conn. ; 1849, Reverdy Johnson, Md. ; 1850, J. J. Crittenden, Ky. ; 1853, Caleb Gushing, Mass.; 1857, Jer. S. Black, Penn.: 1860, E. M. Stanton, Penn.; 1861, Ed- ward Bates, Mo.; 1864, James Speed, Ky. ; 1866, H. F. Stanbery, Ohio; 1868, W. M. Evarts, N. Y. ; 1869, E. C. Hoar, Mass.; 1870, A. T. Ackerman, Ga.; 1872, G. H. Wil- liams, Oregon. The Executive Department of the Government of the United States, known as the Department of Justice, of wliich the Attorney General is the head, was created by act of Con- gress approved June 22, 1870. The oflice of Solicitor Gen- eral was also created to assist the Attorney General and act during his absence. All prosecutions on behalf of the Gov- ernment are conducted by the department. The Attorney General reports annually to Congi-ess tlie business of his department, and any other matters appertaining thereto that he deems proper, including statistics of crime under the laws of the United States, and as far as practicable, under the laws of the several States. The Attorney General is also required to give his advice and opinion upon all questions of law, when asked for by the President of the United States, or when requested by the heads of one of the Executive De- partments. He is also, ex officio., a member of the Cabinet of the President. Not only is the Department constantly employed in in- vestigating the qualities of foreign agricultural products, with a view to their introduction into the United States, but in collecting a vast amount of foreign and domestic scientific and practical information of value to the agriculturist. 156 DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE. DEPAKTMENT OF AGKICULTURE. The Department of Agriculture {open daily^ except Sunday^ from 9 a, m. to 3 p. m.) occupies that portion of tlie Mall lying E. of 14tli St., and between the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Institution. The building commands a view of the business quarter of the city, and in turn itself makes a fine appearance from 13th st. W., which it faces. Grounds. — The grounds in the immediate vicinity of the building are beautifully laid out. On the N. front is a con- creted surface the entire length of the building, and 50 ft. wide, which makes a spacious cari-iageway to the main en- trance, and is also used by pedestrians. A terrace wall about 4 ft. high, ornamented with stone balusters and pedi- ments with plant vases, i-uns the length and parallel with the front of the building, and at a distance of about 100 yds. At each extremity of the wall is a small iron pavilion of suitable design. The terrace divides what are known as the Upper and Lower Gardens. The former is laid out in beds, with intervening walks, and is devoted to flowers, vases, and rustic statuary. The lower, and all the grounds lying in front of the building line, with the exception of the flower garden, has been laid out as an arhoretum., with walks and drives, and a well-selected collection of the hardier trees and shrubs. The flower garden contains no shade trees, which afi'ords an unbroken view of the building. The trees and plants in the arboretum are planted on strictly botanical rules, the order and tribe of plants being grouped. The effect, however, by careful arrangement of the blending types is peculiarly atttactive, and has not the formal appear- ance of a scientific classification. Plant Houses.— On the W. of the department building are the plant houses. The main structure is 320 ft. long and 30 ft. wide E. and W., with a Aving 150 ft. long projecting to the rear or S. of the centre of the main building. The centre pavilion is 60 ft. long, 32 ft. wide, and 30 ft. high, and is de- voted to palms and the larger tropical plants, such as ban- anas, pine apples, &c. The pavilions at the extremity; of the wings are 30 ft. square, 26 ft. high, and are the orangery and for other semi-tropical fruits. These terminal pavilions are joined to the centre by connecting ranges 100 ft. long, 25 ft. wide, and 17 ft. high, and are occupied by the miscellaneous collection of plants of practical use, such as medical plants and those furnishing textile fibres, useful gums, sugars, and DEPARTxMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 157 dyes. The S. projecting wing is the grapery, and contains the fine collection of foreign grapes. The roots are planted in borders on the ontsicie, and the stems are conducted into the grapery throngh apertnres in the brick wall. The dark varieties are on one side and the light on the other. There are 100 varieties in all. The plant houses are heated by means of hot water, circu- lated through 5,000 ft. of 4-in. pipe, and supplied by two boilers. The boilers are arranged with a cut-ofi', so that they may be operated separately or togetiier. These houses are not only pleasing in their architectural effect, but are substantially constructed, having foundation walls of red sandstone, witli bluestone bases and caps. The doors and windows of the centre and wings are designed in moresque arches. Brackets uphold the cornice from which the cupola roof rises. The main entrance projects from the main building, and has three arched openings. The frame of the structure is of iron and wood substantially built. The roof ia covered with American glass of double thickness, and curved expressly for the purpose. The cost of these struc- tures was $75,000. In the rear of the front line of the de- partment building and plant houses are the experimental grounds, covering about 10 a., those lying in the rear of the plant houses being set apart for experimental gardening, and those in the rear of the building, and occupying the SE. angle of the enclosure, for the experimental orchards and stables and yard. The object of these grounds is for testing varieties of small fruits, seeds, and for the propagation and culture of hardy plants. Building. — The building erected for the special use of the Department of Agriculture was completed and occupied in 1868. It is of the renaissance style of architecture, 170 ft. long by 61 ft. deep, with a finished basement, three full stories and mansard roof. The front presents a centre build- ing, with main entrance, and is flanked by two wings. The edifice is constructed of pressed brick, with brownstone bases, belts, cornices and trimmings. The designs were prepared by Adolf Cluss, architect, and the work of erecting, fitting up, and furnishing the building was done by contract, under the superintendence of the architect, at a cost of $140,420, which also included the scientific apparatus for the laboratory. The main entrance is on the N. front. The doors are of oak and ash woods, and open into a vestibule 20 ft. square and 10 ft. high. The floor of the vestibule is laid in encaustic tiles of chaste design. The walls are finished in panels, in encaustic paint, and the ceilings are decorated in fresco, 158 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. representing an arbor of vine foliage, held by American eagles with spread wings. Ornamentation in arabesque patterns jningle with four medallions, illustrating, through a carefully- wrought landscape, light and shade and human figures, the four seasons, the four divisions of the day, and the four ages of man. From the vestibule divides a wide corridor. Opening on this corridor are the offices, 20 ft. square, library in the W. wing, and reception room. All these rooms are more or less decorated. The Chief Clerk's room is a fine specimen of the applica- tion of wood to plastered walls, known as "American wood DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE. 159 hanging." In the Commissioner's room the panels, in bird's- eye maple, are bordered by friezes in mahogany and blistered walnut, alternating with paneled pilasters in mahogany and satin wood, all parted by curly maple, relieved by a tracing of gilt. The private office of the Commissioner has a more subdued and appropriate finish, the friezes being of bh-ch, borders of black walnut, and panels of mountain ash. The clerks' rooms are finished in encaustic oil paint, plain, with frescoed ceilings. The librarj^ at the W. terminus of the corridor is fitted up with mahogany cases. The suite of rooms at the E. terminus of the corridor is devoted to tlie uses of the laboratory, where analyses are made of soils, fer- tilizers, and agricultural productions, and the results recorded for future use. Museum.— Opposite the vestibule a double flight of stairs of wrought and cast iron, lighted by a large stained-glass window, leads to the second floor, and into the Museum of Agriculture, This hall occupies the central or the main build- ing, and is 102 ft. in length, 52 ft. in width, and 27 ft. in height. A covered stuccoed cornice extends around the hall, broken at regular intervals by brackets, in which are wrought busts of Indians. The cove is ornamented bj^ flowers and f ruics, witli medallion shields bearing the arms of the United States and the 37 States of the Union in their ciu'onological order. The ceiling is (li\dded into 15 panels, embellished with rosettes. A soft color, harmonizing with the ornamentation of the hall, is employed genei-aliy on the walls. For the ac- commodation and secmity of the agricultural collection^ the hall has been supplied with dust-proof walnut frames, sur- mounted by architraves, friezes, and cornices, and carved volutes, witli intermediate vases and busts. The Museum (which will be explained by an attendant) shows tlie agricultural productions of the United States, and manufactures therefrom, also liow the former are atfected by climate, insects, birds and animals — injurious or beneficial. It is divided into general, State, and economic. The general division illustrates the history of agricultural products. The fruits and vegetables are modeled in plaster of Paris, and colored in oil, to represent nature. The sillv case is particu- larly interesting, showing every varietj'- of silk-producing insect, native or foreign, domestic or wild, and the produc- tion of silk, from the Q:gg; to its highest state of fabrication. The State and economic divisions, when completed, will show in a single case the mineral and agricultural produc- tions, and economic substances manufactured therefi-om of eacJi State. 160 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. The principal object of the Musenm is utility, to include all the products of agriculture, and bearing upon the increase of knowledge in that important branch of industry. The cab- inet of wlieats embraces specimens of that principal cereal from every part of the globe. The collection is grouped as follows, by cases, commencing on the N". of the W. door : 1st and 2d cases, birds and animals beneficial or injurous to agriculture. The beneficial of the former are designated by a perch with a white* end, and the injurious by one%vith a partly black end. By the side of each is a box containing the contents of the stomach, showing in what manner bene- ficial or injurious ; 3d, domestic poultry, type specimens ; 4th, birds that can be introduced into the United States with bene- fit ; 5th, miscellaneous vegetables from California and the trop- ics, and corns ; 6th, native grains ; 7th, E. case of S. range for- eign grains ; 8th, flour, starches, sugars, and vegetable drugs, dyes, &c. ; 9th, paper and paper materials ; lOth, silk, in every stage, from the laying of the egg to the finest manu- facture of the Jacquard loom ; 11th, animal and vegetable fibre, including wools, and China grass; 12th, vegetable fibre, including cotton, flax, hemp, &c. The line of cases in the centre of the hall contain principally models of American fruits: those at the E. end specimens of woods. The table opposite the head of the main stairway is of red wood, the top consisting of a single piece, sawed from one of the great trees of California, and measures 12 ft. long and 7| ft. wide. The Museum was arranged by Townend Glover, the entom- ologist of the department. The Entomological Collection in the room W. of the Museum comprises a great variety of the N". American and foreign in- sects known to agricultural entomologists. The American insects are represented in engravings on copper, by Mr. Glover, showing every stage of their transformation, witli references to note-books by the same gentleman, giving their natural history and directions for destroying them. "There is also a very interesting collection of insect injury and arch- itecture. The Taxidermist and Model rooms of the Museum are on the 3d floor adjoining the Herbarium. The Herbarium is on the 3d floor E., and reached by the stairwaj'' at the E. door of the Museum. It contains 200 nat- ural orders and 25,000 species of plants. The first collection was transferred from the Smithsonian Institution, and com- prised the specimens brought home by the Wilkes expedition. The purpose is to make the collection as complete as possible in American plants. The specimens gathered by the various United States exploring expeditions are all deposited here. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 161 The rest of the 3d floor is devoted to various purposes, prin- cipally the assorting and putting up of seeds. An elevator brings this floor in convenient access from the basement. PLANT HOUSE — CENTKAL PAVILION. History.— While the earliest efforts of the founders of the republic were turned with a fostering care towards com- merce and manufactures, little or nothing was actually done in the interests of agriculture. Washington and some of his immediate successors manifested a regard for this ieaa- ing industry, and it was then urged that it should be placed under the protection of the government. Congress, how- ever, opposed any such measure. * „ , , - ^.^ The claims of agriculture were first successfully brought to the consideration of Congi-ess by Henry L. Ellsworth, of Conn. In 1836 Mr. Ellsworth was appointed Commissioner of Patents, the first person holding that oflace under the act of July 4, 1836. Shortly after assuming the duties of his office he turned his attention to the necessities which then appeared of encouraging improvements in agricultural impie- meiits, and the '' establishment of a regular system for the selection and distribution of grain and seeds of the choicest varieties for agricultural purposes." Under the administra- tion of the second Adams, instructions from the State Depart- ment to consuls of the United States required those officers to forward rare plants and seeds to the department for distri- bution. At the same time a botanical garden was established 11 162 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, at Washington as a place for the custody of all plants so received. Dming the first two years of his Commissionership, with- out any legal authority, Mr. Ellswortli received and distrib- uted the seeds and plants which reached him through the Department of State. In his first annual report, 1838, he urged upon Congress the establishment at the National Capi- tal of a depository "of new and valuable varieties of seeds and plants for distribution to every part of the United States,'* and recommended that the duty be placed under the Patent Office. Congress was indifferent. On Marcli 3, 1839, a bill was passed appropriating $1,000 out of the Patent Office fund "for the purpose of collecting and distributing seeds, prose- cuting agricultural investigations, and procuring agricultural statistics." This gave rise to the agricultural division of the Patent Office. The Department of Agriculture was established by act of Congress dated May 15, 1862, "to acquire and dift'use among the people of the United States useful information on sub- jects connected with agriculture in the most general and com- prehensive sense of that word, and to procure, propagate, and distribute among the people new and valuable seeds and plants." The chief executive officer was to be known as the Commissioner of Agriculture, to be appointed by tlie Presi- dent and confirmed by the Senate. The Department, before occupying its present abode, had rooms in the basement of the Patent Office. There are now annually distributed about 1,200,000 pack- ages of seeds, and 25,000 bulbs, vines, cuttings, and plants. Tlie publications of the Department consist of an annual report of about 700 pages octavo, containing much useful ag- ricultural information, for general distribution, and monthly reports of about 48 pages octavo, on the condition of tlie crops. Of tlie annual report from 225,000 to 275,000 are printed and bound, and of the monthly reports about 28,000 copies, dis- tributed as follows: to newspapers, 5,000; to correspond- ents, 8,000 ; to agricultural societies, members of Congress, foreign exchanges, &c., 15,000. The Department receives a large number of newspapers, including those of the leading cities of the United States, by subscription, and all the agri- cultural papers, and many of the daily and weekly papers of the rural districts, by exchange. There are two Assistant Attorneys General and the office of Solicitor of the Treasury. The details to other depart- ments are, of the Interior, Assistant Attorney General; Treasury, Solicitor of Internal Revenue ; State, Examiner of Claims ; and Navy, Naval Solicitor. NATAL OBSERVATORY. 163 NAVAL OBSEKVATORY. The United States N'aval Observatory is one of the leading astronomical establishments in the world. It is open every day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. The watchman will show visitors through the building. Night visits are very- much restricted in consequence of the interference with the astronomical work. The street cars on Pennsylvania av. run within 10 min. walk. Visitors should alight at 24th st. W. The Observatory is at the foot of that street. Site. — The Observatory occupies a commanding site on the N". bank of the Potomac, 96 ft. above tide, aiid originally known as Peters' Hill, after its proj^rietor. The beautiful grounds comprise 19 a. within the walls, and constitute what is designated Reservation No. 4 on the original plat of the city. There are many interesting historiccd associations con- nected with the site. In 1755 a portion of Braddock's army camped here on the march from Alexandria to the fatal field on the banks of the Monongahela. On the Potomac bank is a rock upon which the troops were landed, and known as Braddock's rock. In 1792 it was proposed to erect a fort and barracks on the N. portions of the reservation. It was a favorite project with Washington to establish a national university here, and the grounds were named University Square from this fact. In 1813-'14 part of the American army encamped on the hill, and advanced to Bladensburg for the defense of the city against the English. Description. — The central building is 50 ft. sq., consisting of a basement and 2 stories, with a crowning parapet and balustrade, and is surmounted by a revolving dome, 23 ft. in diameter and 7 ft. above the roof. The dome is provided with a slip, and revolves on 6 24-lb. shot in a groove. On the E. and W. are wings, each 26J ft. long, 21 ft. wide, and 18 ft. high. At the end of the former is the residence of the superintendent, and the latter an observing-room, 40 ft. by 28^ ft. The projection on the S. is 21 ft. long, terminating in the great dome. There are 4 rooms on each floor of the central structure, separated by passages which cross each other at right angles. At their intersection is the foundation of the great pier, imbedded 17 ft. in the earth. It is of brick, and conical, 12 ft. in diameter at the base and 28 ft. high, and narrows towards the top, where it is capped witli a stone, upon which rests the pedestal of the equatorial. The walls are built with a special view of guarding against unequal temperatures. A tablet over the main entrance bears the 164 NAVAL OBSERVATORY. inscription, "Founded A. D. 1842 : John Tyler, President of the United States ; Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy." Instruments, &c,— In the dome of the main building is the equatorial; W. wing the transit circle and the library, 16,000 vols., relating to astronomy, some very rare; E. wing the mural circle and transit instrument, both obsolete, but used to bring up back work, and chronometer room, in which all the chronometers not in use in the navy are kept and rated. In the Superintendent's room is a clock connected by electric wires with the clocks in the Navy and Treasury Department^ and weather Signal Office. Opposite tl)e door of the same room is a switch-board to put the clocks, chronographs, and instru- ments in communication with each oilier. In the S. projec- tion is the prime vertical transit, and bej^ond, the instrument- maker's shop and room of the observer in charge of the great equatorial. This great equatorial was manufactured by Alvin Clark & Sons, Ca'mbridgeport, Mass. It has an object-glass 27J in. in diameter, witli a 26-in. aperture and a focus of 32J ft. It is equatorially mounted, tlie general plan being that devised by Frannhofer, witli modifications by Mr. Clark, and specially designed for the instrument. It is also accom- modated with clock movement, and fitted witli micrometers, spectroscopes, and 'otlier auxiliary apparatus. The tube is of sheet steel, rolled in Pittsburg. For viewing faint objects the telescope gives a degree of liglit greater than that of any other refracting telescope, it being the largest refractor in the world. The great equatorial is placed in an iron dome 41 ft. in diam- eter and 40 ft. in lieight, erected expressly for its accommo- dation. The superstructure rests on a stone foundation. The roof is supplied with a slip, revolves on conical wheels, and is easily moved horizontally in either direction by means of suitable gearing. The instrument rests upon a double pier of masonry erected in the center of the dome, the foundation being imbedded 17 ft. in the earth. The portion of the pier above the floor of the dome is of brick, arched, and has a cap consisting of a solid block of red sandstone, 4 ft. long by 2 ft. wide and high. On top of this is an iron support weighing 1,100 lbs., to re- ceive tlie axis upon wliich the telescope is mounted. The instrument is run by water, the power being supplied by means of a reaction water-wheel. TJie instrument cost $00,000. Superintendents of the Naval Observatory. — Bureau of Charts— 18S0, Lieut. L. M. Goldsborough; 1833, Lieut. Cliarles Wilkes; 183G, Lieut. Hitchcock; 1838, Lieut. J. M. GiUiss. Superintendents. — 1844, Commander M. F. Maury; 1861, Capt. J. M. Gilliss; 1865, Rear Admiral C. H. Davis; 1867, Rear Admiral B. F. Sands. NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 165 History. — In 1810 the first step towards the foimdini^ of an ohservatory was a memorial from William Lambert oi Va., proposins: the establishment of a first meridian for the United States. It was not, however, till March, 1821, that the joint resolution aslved for was passed ; and Mr. Lambert, who had originated the movement in 1810, and for eleven years had persistently pressed the important measure, was appointed to ascertain the longitude of the Capitol from Greenwicli. In his report, January, 1822, he gives as the mean results by the difl'erent methods employed, longitude of tlie Capitol W. from Greenwich, 70^55^ 3U'^54; longitude of the Capitol W. from Paris, 79° 15^ 41^^09 ; longitude of the President's House W. from Greenwich, 7G° 57^ 5^^53. Several futile efforts were again made on behalf of an ob- servatory. In 1830, a bureau for the care of the instruments and charts of the Navy was established, and placed nnder Lieut. (Rear Admiral) L. M. Goldsborough, by whom the first astronomical instrument, a 30 in. transit, was erected at Washington, for the use of tlie N'av}^. This was in the resi- dence No. 1732 G street, W. of the War Department, previ- ously occupied by William Wirt, Attorney General of the United States, and now by the National Soldiers' and Sail- ors' Orphans' Home. In 1833, Lieut. (Eear Admiral) Wilkes was placed in charge of the depot, wliicli was removed to Capitol Hill, and located on tlie site proposed by F. R. Hassler in 181G ; about 1000 ft. N., 5=* W. from the dome of the Capitol, Here it remained till 1842. Lieut. Wilkes, at his own expense, erected a small observatory^, mounting a 5-f t. transit borrowed from the Coast Survey. The fii-st series of observations was not commenced till after the departure of the Wilkes Exploring Expedition, and then owing to " the importance of corresponding moon cul- minations, occultations, atid eclipses, in determining difler- ences of longitude " between the observatory and 'the sta- tions which that expedition might occupy abroad. Previ- ously the principal use of the transit was the determination of time. The observations required during the absence of the exploring expedition, and in connection therewith, de- monstrated the necessity of more elaborate arrangements, and led the Commissioners of the Navy, in Dec. 1841, to recommend an appropriation for a "permanent depot." Strange to say, the Naval Committees of Congress were still indifferent, but finallj^ passed the bill during the last hours of the session of 1841-'42. In 1838 it was suggested to Presi- dent Van Buren by Mr. Adams that the Smitiison bequests — news havins: been received of the success of Mr. Rush's visit — 166 ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. should be devoted to the foundation and maintenance of an Observatory. In 1842 a bill was introduced to that effect. The Jirst meridian for the United States was at first located at the Capitol. On Sept. 28, 1850, Congi-ess gave an official sanction to our reckoning by providing that after that date the meridian of the Observatory at Washington should be adopted and used as the American meridian for all astronom- ical purposes, and that of the meridian of Greenwich for all nautical purposes. Long, of the Observatory 77° 3^ 5^^8 W. of Greenwich, lat. 38° 53^ 38^^8 N. ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. The Ai-my Medical Museum (open every day, except Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) stands on the E. side of 10th st. W., about midway between E and F sts. N. It is a plain brick structure, painted dark brown, 3 stories high, 71 ft. front, and 109 ft. deep. Tlie building was originally a church, and then a theatre, known as Ford's Theatre, and w^as the scene of the tragedy of April 14, 1865— the assassination of President Lincoln. The building was immediately closed by the Gov- ernment, and in April, 1866, Congress purchased it for $100,- 000, for the purpose to which it is now applied. The interior was taken out, remodeled, and made fire-proof, under direc- tion of Surgeon General Barnes. There is now no trace of the exact scene of the assassination. Its location was on the r., about the centre of what is now the second floor. The as- sassin took his last drink in the restaurant, which occupied the first floor of the S. wing, now the Chemical Laboratory. The President was conveyed to the house No. 516, opposite, and died in the back room of the fii-st floor. On the N. side, in the rear of the building, is a small wing, occupied by the Museum workshops, and in front, on the S. side, is another wing, used by the Chemical Laboratory and the officers on duty. The main entrance is in the S. portion of tlie front, and the Museum is in the third story, at the top of the stairway. The first floor is occupied by the record and pension division of the Surgeon General's Office, contain- ing the papers belonging to the military hospitals and monthly sick reports of tlie army during the rebellion, 1861-65, and are still received from the various posts of the regular army. The hospital records number over 16,000 vols. The payment of pensions is based upon information received from these rec- ords. The alphabetical registers contain about 300,000 names ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. 167 of the dead of the army. The Chemical Laboratory in the S. wing is cliarged with the examination of alleged adulterations of medicines and hospital supplies, and other investigations of a similar nature whicli come before the Sm-geon General. The second floor contains the surgical records. In the S. wing, on this floor, are the ofiices of the Surgeon General and sur- geon in charge. Here are portraits of Surgeon General Lovel, John Hunter, (a copy from Sir Joshua Reynolds,) pliilosophi- cal writer on surgery. Dr. Morton, author of Crania Ameri- cana., and Dr. Pliysic, an original by Rembrandt Peale. Museum. — The Museum on the third floor is well liglited hi front and rear and by a large central skylight, wliich also lights tlie floors below tln-ough oblong openings. The attend- ant in the room will answer questions and point out objects of special interest. The specimens, arranged in cases and otherwise, number 16,000, and are divided into six sections, viz: I. Surgical Section, embracing specimens of the effects of missives of every variety on all parts of the body, extremely interest- ing ; the stages of repair ; morbid conditions, calculi, tumors, &c. ; plaster casts representing mutilations resulting from injuries and surgical operations; examples of missiles ex- tracted from wounds ; preparations exliibiting the etiects of injuries peculiar to Indian hostilities. In this section are the bones of tlie amputated portions of the legs of eight generals, and a portion of the vertebrae of the neck of Booth, the assassin. II. Medical Section., consisting of specimens illustrating the morbid conditions of the internal organs in fever, clironic dysenterj^, and otlier camp diseases ; tlie mor- bid anatomy of the diseases of civil life; and pathological pieces relating to the diseases of women and cliildren, mal- formations, and monstrosities. HI. Microscopical Section^ including thin sections of diseased tissues or organs, suitably mounted for microscopical study, and a variety of prepara- tions exliibiting the minute anatomy of normal structures. An interesting branch of this section is the success attained in photo-micography, the process by which the most delicate microscopical preparations can be photographed to a magni- fying power of 4,500 diameters. IV. Anatomical Section., embracing skeletons, separated crania, and other prepara- tions of the anatomj'' of the human frame. The collection of human crania, with a view to ethnological study, and espe- cially relating to the aboriginal race of the United States, is very complete, numbering about 1,000 specimens. V. Section of Comparative Anatomy., embracing over 1,000 specimens of skeletons oi bufialo, deer, bear, and other American mammals, 168 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. with birds, reptiles, and fishes. VI. Miscellaneous Section^ including models of hospitals, barracks, ambulances, and medicine wagons, a collection of surgical instruments, arti- ficial limbs, and other articles of interest. The object of the Museum is not to gratify public cm-iosity, but was founded and is carried on in the interests of science. It is the finest collection of the kind in the world, and is resorted to by sur- gical and medical students and writers from all parts of the United States and abroad. The original design of the Museum was the collection of specimens illustrative of military surgery and camp diseases for the education of medical men for mili- tary service. The Medical and Surgical History of the War was compiled fi-om the records of the museum. GOVtEKNMENT PRDfTING OFFICE. The Government Printing Office and Bindery {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 8 a. m. to 5. p. m.) occupies an L-shaped brick building, on the SW. corner of H and North Capitol sts. The Office may be reached by the Columbia Horse Railway. Visitors should alight and enter by the door nearest N. Capitol st. There is also a public entrance on the latter st. It will be necessary for strangers to state to the watchman at either door that they desire to visit the build- ing. The building measures 300 ft. on H St., and 175 ft. on N. Capitol St., and is 60 ft. deep and four stories high. The building, without the addition of an extension of CO ft. on the W. end, and an L of 113 ft. on the E. end, made in 1871, was purchased in 1860 by the Superintendent of Public Printing, an office then created under authority of an act of Congress. It had previously belonged to Cornelius Wendell, and was then used as a printing office, under the contract system. The object of the purchase was the execution of the printing and binding authorized by the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives, the Executive and Judicial Departments, and the Court of Claims. Connected with the main building are a paper warehouse, machine shops, boiler and coal houses, wagon shed and stable. On the first floor are the press, wetting, drying, and engine rooms. The presses include a variety of patterns, and are adapted to every species of work. There are 52 in all, from the immense Bullock press to the small Gordon. On the second floor are the composing-ix)om, with 300 stands, the GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 169 proof-reading rooms, the electro and stereotype founderj^, and the offices of the Congressional Piinter. On the tJdrdjloor is^he bindery, including embossing, numbering, paging, rul- ing, stamping, stitching, marbling, and all other branches. The process of marbling is particularly interesting. On the fourth Jioor are the stitching and folding rooms and the Con- gressional Record office, with a capacity of working 100 men. The Record, containing the proceedings and debates of Con- gress, now printed at the Public Printing Office, is issued every day at 6 A. M. during the session of Congress. All bills and reports, without regard to length, are delivered in print to Congress the day following their presentation. The Public Printing Office is the largest establishment of the kind in the world. The capacitj' for work is practically without limit. Upwards of 120,000 pages of documentary composition and 1,000,000 volumes of tliat class of work have been turned out in a single year. The finest works printed here are the Medical and Surgical History of the War ; the reports of the Paris Exposition ; Astronomical Observations of the Naval Observatory; the Census of 1870; the Case of the United States before the Tribunal of Arbitration at Gen- eva, in English, French, and Poituguese ; prof essional papers of the Bureau of Engineers, Wai- Department ; the Darien and Tehuantepec Sliip-canal Expeditions; Haj^len's Final Sm-veys ; Clarence King's Surveys of tho 40th Parallel ; the Coast Survey Reports ; and general Catalogues of the Libra- ries of the United States and the Surgeon General's Office. Public Printers. — Superintendents^ 1853, J. T. Towers, D. C. ; 1854, A. G. ,Seaman, Penn. ; 1858, G. W. Bowman, Penn. ; 18G0, John Heart, Penn.; 1861, J. D. Defrees, Ind. ; 1866, C. Wendell, X. Y. Congressional Printers— IHQT , J. D. Defrees, Ind. ; 1869, A. M. Clapp, N. Y. The office is divided into the Composing Department, H. T. Brian, Foreman of Printing; Electro and Stereotyping, Maurice Joyce ; Bindery, J. H. Roberts. In 1852 the old contract system of public printing was abolished, and the office of Superintendent of Public Print- ing for each House of Congress was created. The work, though still executed by contract, w^as then done under the direction of those officers. In 1860 Congress took the public printing in their own hands, and in 1867 the office of Super- intendent of Public Printing was abolished, and instead the Senate of the United States was authorized to elect some competent person, a practical printer, to take charge of the Government Printins; Office. 170 winder's building. WINDEK'S BUILDING. This structure {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) is situated on the N W. corner of F and 17th sts., opposite the Navy Department. It was originally erected for a hotel, and was purchased by the Government for the accommodation of public offices. The first floor is occupied principally by the Chief Engineer of the Army. Tlie last room, No. 2, on the corridor leading to the r. after entering is the Battle Record Room^ in which the reports of the battles of the late war are filed and indexed. On the r. of the S. corridor, No. 13, is a j^Ze room for the papers belonging to the Adjutant General's Office. Tlie second floor, E. front, is devoted to the Judge Advocate General of the Army., and the S. to the Orndance Office. The floors above are assigned to the Second Auditor of the Treasury Department. Ordnance Museum. — {Opeii every day^ except Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.)— This interesting military collection is on the second floor, and may be reached by ascending the steps opposite the main door, and keeping tlie corridors to the r., passing through the door marked '' Ordnance Office " to door No. 49 on the r. at the farther end of the corridor; crossing this room and the connecting hall we enter the Museum, which occupies a detached building. The collection occupies two fine halls. The most conspicuous object on entering are the captured Confederate flags. They are all more or less associated with tlie battles of the late ciyil strife. The other objects of interest are United States Army infantry and cav- alry uniforms and accoutrements complete; section of an oak, which stood inside the Confederate entrenchments near Spottsylvania C. H., and was cut down by musket balls in the attempt to recapture the works carried by 2d Corps A, P., May 12, 1864; Jefferson Davis' rifle, a French piece, taken at the time of his capture in 1865 ; artillery, cavalry, and infantry accoutrements used in the U. S. Army from the earliest date; cheveaux-de-frise from front of Petersburg, Va. ; models and drawings of arsenals ; fuses for exploding shells and cannon ; shells picked up on the battle-fields ; cart- ridge bags for field, siege, and sea-coast artillery, the largest containing 100 lbs. ; projectiles of various sizes, both spherical and rifled, the largest being 20 in. in diameter, and weighing 1,000 lbs.; portable cavalry forge and tools complete; Gat- ling guns of various sizes, including the "Camel" gun mounted on tripod, and of which large numbers are in use in Egypt ; a Billinghurst and Kequia battery ; a Union or CITY HALL. 171 " coflfee-mill " gun ; a steel Whitworth gun, one of a battery from loyal Americans in Europe to the United States in 1861 ; the carriage of a 4 R). cannon, formerly the property of the city of Vicksburg, fired at a passing steamer several days before any guns were fired at United States forts or troops at Charleston or Pensacola — the gun is at West Point ; breech loaders captured at Richmond ; confederate projectiles ; models complete, showing mountings of guns in casemate and barbette, also mortars; a gun mounted on a saddle; models of field and siege aitillery, caissons, forges, and bat- tery wagons used in the U, S. Army; life-size models of horse artillery equipments, ordnance rockets, and fireworks. On tlie second jioor is the Museum of small arms, in which can be traced their history from the beginning, and practically illustrating tlie stages of advancement. American breech-load- ing and repeating fii-e-arms, from the first invented in the Uni- ted States, about 1831 . Patterns of arms manufactured by con- tract during the war, called •' contract arms. * ' Models of latest breecli-loaders. A muzzle-loader which fires two cartridges from one barrel. A set of rifles, from flintlocks to most ap- proved patterns. Muskets, rifles, and carbines, breech and muzzle-loading, captured from the confederates. Materials used in tlie composition of powder. Suit of armor of 1610. Cifii-ass and helmet from the battle-field of Sedan, the former partly pierced by a bullet, and the latter showing a severe sabre cut. Also horse pistol, flintlock, bayonets and swords from the same field ; cavalry equipments. Bavarian cuirasses, foreign cavalry equipments, patterns of foreign arms, case of Indian war clubs, swivels, arquebuses, case of pistols and re- volvers, Japanese two-handed sword, worn by Kondo, a pro- vincial oflicer of Japan, upon his visit to the United States in 1871, who being convinced of the uselessness of the ancient custom of wearing two swords, presented it to Arinori Mori, charge d'affaires, who, in tm-n, presented it to the museum ; three wall pieces manufactured during the earliest use of gun- powder ; two racks of pistols, some of early date ; case of artil- lery and cavalry sabres of difterent styles and dates ; case of captured confederate sabres ; cases representing the various periods of the manufacture of small-arm cartridges ; rack of old patterns of swords. CITY HALL. The City Hall, until 1871, occupied jointly by the munici- pal government of Washington and the United States Com-ts 172 ARSENAL. for the District of Columbia, in 1873, by purchase, became the sole property of the United States, and is now entirely devoc ..d to judicial purposes. The structure stands on the S. line of Judiciary Square, fronting 4^ st. W., and at the intersection of Louisiana and Indiana avs. In the open space in front is a marble column surmounted by a statue of Lincoln by Lot Flannery, a self-taught sculptor. It was erected out of the contributions of a number of patriotic citizens. Tlie building was commenced in 1820, from plans by George Hadfield, the architect of the Capitol. The E. wing was finished in 1826, and the W. in 1849. It is two stories, 47 ft. higli, and con- sists of a recessed centre 150 ft. long, with two projecting wings, each 50 ft. front and 166 ft. deep. The entire frontage is 250 ft. The structure is built of freestone painted white. In tlie centre of the main building, and in each wing, are re- cessed porticos, formed of Doric columns. Between the wmgs is a paved space. AESENAL. The arsenal {open from sunrise to swwse^) occupies a tract ol 45 a. at the extreme S. point of the city. It is accessible by the 9th-st. line of the Metropolitan horse railway^ the terminus of which is near tlie gate, at the foot of 4^ st. W. The tract originally comprised 28| a., and included the point of land at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, extend- ing from the former stream to the mouth of James Creek, and N. to T st. S. In 1857 it was extended, by the purchase of the adjoining land on the j^., (16 a.,) between the Potomac and the James Creek Canal, to P. st. S. Tlie grounds are laid out in walks and drives, and entered through a gateway consisting of iron gates swung on.32 and 24-pdr. cannon. The guard room is on the 1., and on the r. is a 15-in. Rodman gun, and below a pendulum house, in which is a pendulum balance for testing the force of gun- powder. The Chief of Ordnance resides at the end of the main drive, in the large building on the 1., and opposite are officers' quarters. The old quarters and shops are at the S. extremity of the grounds, about | m., where there is also a grove of oaks, hickory, and American beech. The distance from the commanding officer's quarters to Pennsylvania av. is 2 m. In front of the old quarters are a number of captured cannon and mortars, among which are two Blakcly guns, one inscribed, "Presented to the sovereign State of South Caro- lina, by one of her citizens residing abroad, in commemora- ARSENAL. 173 tion of the 20 of Dec, I860;" a brass gun with a ball in the nrjgpzle, shot there in the battle of Gettysburg ; guns surren- renderecl by the Britisli by the Convention of Saratoga, Oct. 17, 1777 ; French guns taken at the battle of Niagara, July 25, 1814; a 64 pounder captured at Vera Cruz, March 29, 1847 ; and guns captured from Cornwallis at Yorktown, Oct. 19, 1781 : also a number of small guns and mortars, some of date 1756. In 1826 the United States Penitentiary, designed by Bullfinch, was commenced on the present N. portion of these grounds. It was completed in 1829. The body of Booth, the assassin of President Lincoln, was landed at the small wharf at the lower end of the grounds, and was buried in one of the lower cells of the penitentiary. The other con- spirators were buried in the same building. When the peni- tentiary was torn down, these bodies were taken up and reinterred in one of the storehouses. They have all since been removed. In 1865 the body of Wirz, the keeper of the Andersonville prison, was also brought here, after the execu- tion at the Old Capitol. It is now buried in Mt. Olivet ceme- tery. Tlie grounds afford a delightful stroll or drive, with the broad Potomac on the W. and the James Creek Canal on theE. In the arsenal buildings are stored guns of various sizes, shot and shell, artillery implements and equipments, cavalry and infantry accoutrements, and small arms. There are also officers' quarters, barracks, hospitals, bakeries, stables, and machine, carpenter, blacksmith, and painters' shops, lumber storehouses, and two magazines for fixed ammunition and small-arm cartridges. Tiie principal magazines are on the Anacostia. A detachment and three officers of the ordnance corps are on duty. In 1803 a military station was established on the Arsenal grounds. In 1807 shops were erected. In 1812 powder was stored here. In 1813 it became a regular depot of supplies. In 1814 it was destroyed by tlie British. A number of the latter were killed by the explosion of powder secreted in a ^well near the quarters. In 1815 it was rebuilt under Col. George Bomford. In 1816 buildings were erected by the Ordnance Department. The station was under command of M. Villard, a French officer, who came to the United States with Lafayette. During the rebellion, 1801-'65, the Arsenal was the depot of ordnance supplies for the Army of the Potomac. Large quantities of ammunition and gun car- riages were made here. In 1864 twenty-one girls were killed in an explosion of one of the laboratories. Since the war the grounds have been beautified. 174 NAVT-YAR1>. N^AVY-YAKD. The Navy- Yard {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 7 a. m. to sunset^) is situated on the Anacostia, | m. SE. of the Capitol, 8th st. E. terminating at the entrance. It may be reached from tlie W. portions of the city in the red cars of the Pennsylvania av. st. railway. The officer of the marine guard at the gate will pass visitors. The present grounds comprise about 27 a., and are entered by a stone gateway, in Doric style, over which are small cannon-and-ball embellish- ments, and in the centre a well-executed eagle, resting on an anchor. Inside, on the r., is the guard-room, and opposite the officers' room. An avenue runs S. from the entrance to the building occupied by the Commandant's and other offices of the j^ard. The Executive officer's room is on the second floor, and from whom a permit may be obtained, which will admit the bearer to any part of the yard, in the workshops, and on board any monitors in the stream. Immediately within the entrance, on either side of the avenue, are two large guns, captured in 1804, by Commodore Decatur from two Tripolitan gunboats. The buildings on the 1. and r. are the officers' quarters : those of the Com- mandant being on the 1. On the 1. of the main avenue are the storehouses, copper-works, &c. ; and on the r. the foundry, machine, and other shops. S. of the Commandant's building are a number of cannon and projectiles : among the former two of 1686 and 1767 date, captured at Norfolk, Va., 1862; several Austrian and French guns, and two Austrian howit- zers, rifled, captured on the steamer Columbia in 1862. On the river bank are two ship-houses E. and W. Near the E. is the boat-house, from which a boat may be taken to the monitors, if any, in the stream. More to the W. lies the receiving-ship, the W. ship-house, and a water battery. The large building crowning the hill on the opposite side of the river is the National Asylum for the Insane. The view down the river is very fine. In the W. part of the yard is the Ord- nance-shop and Laboratory. The avenue leading back to- wards the main entrance passes near the Museum, {open from 9 a. m. to 4 j9. m.) On either side of the door are a number of projectiles of the largest size. Among these a 20-in. shot, weighing 1,048 lbs. The gun is on the Kip-raps, Hampton Roads. Here may be seen a number of relics and other ob- jects of interest : among whidii, on the first floor^ are a Span- ish gun, cast about 1490, brought to America by Cortez, and used in the conquest of Mexico ; a Spanish gun captured by Commodore Stockton in California in 1847 ; an old-style re- NAVY-YARD. 175 NAVY-YARD. peater; a small mortar, captured from Lord Cornwallis; a section of the sternpost of the Kearsarg-e, showing a shell, which did not explode, fired into it by the Alabama ; confed- erate torpedoes, tal\:en out of southern harbors; submarine rockets; models of projectiles, and a very interesting col- lection of those wliich had been fired. On the second floor are principally small arms ; models of cannon ; a model of the ordnance dock, Brooklyn ; brass swivels, one very old, said to have belonged to Cortez; a telescope rifle; two blunder- busses, and cases of rifles and pistols. The walls and ceil- ings are artistically decorated with pikes, cutlasses, sabres, and pistols. History. — On Oct. 30, 1799, the selection of a site for the Kav3^-Yard was brought to tlie attention of the commission- ers, and led to considerable correspondence with Naval Agent William Marbury. The ground best suiced for tliat purpose lay on the Anacostia, a sliort distance above its confluence with the Potomac, on land owned by Messrs. Carroll and Prout. On Dec. 3, 1799, the Secretary of the Navy gave orders to lay the ground out. Tlie yard, however, was not formally established till the passage of the act of March, 1804. In those early days it was unrivalled. Such famous vessels as the Wasp, Argus, the brig Viper, the Essex, the schoon- ers Shark and Grampus, the sloop of war St. Louis, 24 guns, and frigates Columbia, Potomac, and Brandywine, 44 guns each, were built here. In 1837 it was proposed to establish a 176 MARINE BARRACKS. naval school at the yard. Of late years the yard has lost its prominence for naval construction, owins: to the greater fa- cilities presented by more recently-established stations, and the tilling up of the channel. In 1816 a ship of the line could . anchor here. The yard is now one of the most important for, the manufacture of naval supplies. MAKIlSrE BAERACKS. A short distance N. of the N'avy-Yard gate, on the E. side \ of 8th St. E., between G and I sts. S., are the Marine Barracks. The Pennsylvania av. cars (red) for the Navy- Yard pass thej u*on gate, wliicli is the general entrance. Visitors are adi ted from 9 a. m, till sundown, but can be passed before ' time by the officer of the day. The barracks have a f roni of 700 feet. The centre building, used for officers' quai is two stories high, and the wings are one story, with modations for 200 men. The offices of the general staJ opposite, on 9tli st. E. On the N". of the square a e the_ ters of the Brigadier General and Commandant of the Corps, and opposite, on tlie S., is the armory and hosj In the former are some interesting Marine Corps flags, bears the inscription '' From Tripoli to the Halls of the tezumas" by land and sea; also, a Corean flag capti battle. The most interesting occasion for a visit would be time of general inspection on any Monday, weather pel ting, at 10 a. m., when the Marines and their excellent " may be seen in full parade. Every day at 8 a. m. in si and 9 a. m. in winter, tliere is guard mount, the band- forming. The barracks were burnt by the British in " but were immediately rebuilt. Recruits are sent here fc struction before being detailed for service on the vessels < Navy. The Marine Corps was organized in 1798 as an adjunc the naval establishment, then placed under an indepenc administration. The corps has participated, with glc its officers and men, in all the brilliant achievements ' have characterized the operations of the Navy of the Ui States whenever called upon to vindicate the honor of tl tion. On land the corps has borne itself nobly; and: freatly superior numbers and overcoming grave obst as invariably returned with fresh laurels. In the Trij and Mexican wars, in their participation in the attack on 1 MAGAZINES. 177 Fisher, in their desperate conflict on tlie coast of Corea against overwhelming numbers of tlie barbarous enemy, and in re- peated retaliatory landings on the shores of Asiatic countries and islands of the Pacific, their discipline and bravery have won for them a bright page in the nation's history, 'i'he headquarters of the corps are appropriately^ at the National Capital, being established at the Marine Barracks. The com- mandant or superior officer liolds the rank of brigadier gen- eral ; there are also 1 colonel, 2 lieutenant colonels, 4 majors, 20 captains, and an increased number of lieutenants. The numerical strength of the corps by law is 2,500 men. MAGAZINES. The Army and Navy Magazines, to which there is no ad- mittance, occup3' about 6 a. in the S. part of reservation No. 13, or Hospital Square, situated in the extreme E. part of the city on the Anacostia. They consist of four brick buildings, the two for the Army on the N., and those for the Navy on the S., with a capacity of 2,000 bbls. each. The grounds are tastefully laid out. A sergeant and private and a small detach- ment of marines are on duty. The w^hai-f at the foot of the grounds is used exclusively for the discharge or shipment of powder. In 1873 the Bellville farm, of 90 a., on Oxen creek, with a frontage on the Potomac nearly opposite Alexandria, was purchased for the Naval Magazine, which will be remov- ed from its present location. The large quantities of powder usually stored in these magazines occasions great uneasiness to the inhabitants of the adjacent parts of the city. Frequent measures have been taken to liave the magazines removed. That of the Navy will be transferred to its new site as soon as the buildings are ready for use. The Army magazines will doubtless speedily follow. 12 SECTION I Y. PLACES OF GENERAL INTEREST. SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. •^Aif^^^HE Smithsonian Institution {open daily ^ except fwV ^ /Sw.wt^ay, from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m.) occupies a fine 1^ u\ ?5 gj^p g_ q£ Pennsylvania av., and ma}^ be conveniently readied by 10th st. W.. the centre of the N. front of the building facing that street. Grounds. — The whole area of what are now desig- nated the Smithsonian Grounds — that is, from 7th to 12th st. and between B sts. N. and S., covers 52J acres. The Smith- sonian grounds proper, and which were set apart for the In- stitution in 1846, consist of 20 a., situated in the SW. corner of the larger reservation. At first the charge of the Smith- sonian grounds proper was under the Institution. About 15 years ago, hoAvever, Congress resumed their supervision. They were then thrown into the extensive and beautiful res- ervation which now surrounds the Institution building. The gi'ounds were designed and partially laid out by the distinguished horticulturist and landscape gardener, AndrcAV Jackson Downing, whose death occurred while in the prose- cution of his plans. They are an-anged with lawns, groves, di-ives, and footways, and are planted with 150 species of trees and shrubs, chiefly American. In the E. portion of the grounds, N. of the E. wing of the building, is a vase of ex- quisite beauty, designed by Calvert Vaux, of Newburg, N. Y., executed' by Robert Launitz, sculptor, of New York, and erected by the American Pomological Society to the memory of Downing. The funds were supplied by friends of the deceased. The principal design of the monument con- sists of a large vase of antique pattern, worked in Italian marble, and resting on a pedestal of tlie same material. The vase is 4 ft. high and 3 ft. in diame4:er at the upper rim. The body is ornamented with arabesque. Acanthus leaves sur- i round the lower part. The handles rest on the heads of satyrs, gods of groves and woods, and the pedestal on a canned base SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 179 surrounded with a cornioe. On each side is a deep panel, reUeved by carved mouldings. In each is an appropriate in- scription. That facing the N. reads, "This vase was erected by his friends in memory of Andrew Jaclvson Downing, who died July 28, 1852, aged tliirty-seven years. He was born and lived and died on the Hudson river." On the base of the pedestal are the words, "This memorial was erected under a resolution passed at Pliiladelphia, in September, 18o2, by the American Pomological Society, of which Mr. Downing was one of the original founders. Marshall P. AVilder, President." The whole monument, with the granite plinth, is 9 J ft. high, and cost $1,600. Description. — The style of architecture of the Smithsonian Building, designed by James Renwick, Jr., of N. Y., is ISTor- man, and chronological!}^ belongs to the end of the 12th cen- tm-y, representing the rounded at the time of merging into the Gothic. It is the fh-st unecclesiastical structure of that period ever built in the United States. The building compares f avor- SMITHSONIAN INSTITTTTION. ably with the best examples of the styles, variously called the Norman, the Lombard, the Romanesque, and the Byzantine. The semi-circnlar arch still is used throughout in doors, win- dows, and other openings. The windows are without elabo- rately traceried heads. The weather mouldings consist of corbel courses with bold projections. It has towers of various 180 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. sizes and shapes. Tlie main entrance from tlie TsT., slieltcred by a carria^^e porcli, is between two towers of beautifully symmetrical proportions and unequal height. The general design consists of a main centre buildiug, two stories Inghand two wings of a single story, connected by intervening ranges, each having a cloister on the l!^. with open stone screen. In the centre of the N. side of the main building are two towers, the higher one 145 ft. On the S. is a single massive tower 37 ft. square, including the buttress, and 91 ft. high. On the NE. corner is a double campanile 17 ft. square and 117 ft. to the top of its hnial. At the S\V. corner is an octagonal tower finished with open work in tlie npper portions. At the SW. and NW. corners are two smaller towers. There are 9 tow- ers in all, including the small ones at each wing. The extreme length of the building from E . to W., includ- ing the porch of the E. wing, is 447 ft. The breadth of the centre of the main building and towers, including carriage porch, is 160 ft. The E. whig is 82 by 52 ft., and 42-^ ft. high to the top of its battlement. The W. wing, inclusive of its projecting apsis, is 84 by 40 ft., and 38 ft. high. Each con- necting range, inclusive of cloister, is 60 by 49 ft. The main building is 205 by 57 ft, and to the top of the corbel courses 58 ft. high. The material used is a variety of freestone found in the new red sandstone formation, about 23 m. distant from Washing- ton, in the vicinity of the Point wliere Seneca creek empties into the Potomac river. It is the same, though brought from a different locality, as that used in the construction of Trinitj'' church of New York city. The building thi-ougliout is con- structed in the most durable manner. The foundation walls vary from 12 to 8 ft. at the base to 5 ft. at the top. The walls of the main building, above the water table, are 2 J ft. for the first story, and 2 ft. for the second, exclusive of "buttresses, corbel com-ses, and other exterior projections, and exclusive of the interior lining of brick. The walls of the wings are 2 ft. thick. Groined arches are turned under the central, the campanile, and octagonal tow^ers, and towers of the W. wing. The copings, cornices, battlements, window jambs, mullions, sills, and all stone work, is held by iron clamps leaded. The face of the building is finished in ashlar, laid in courses 10 to 15 in. in height, and with an average bed of 9 in. The whole of the centre building is fireproof, and the two wings and ranges practically so. The roofs are of slate laid on iron. The hmithsonian Institution proper has two chief lines of action : I. To stimulate the preparation of original works in general and special science: to publish and to distribute them judiciously and promptly to all the scientific centres of the SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 181 world, through a system of international exchanges, noAv the most complete on the globe. The Institution also distributes abroad, free of expense, the publications of scientific and historical societies when sent to tliem. It has ten agents of its own, and is in correspondence with 2,400 institutions abi-oad. The publications of the Smithsonian are the " Con- tributions to Knowledge," ''Miscellaneous," and "Annual Reports" — the latter to Congress. II. Meteorological investigations. These have been pros- ecuted over a quarter of a century, and reports are now re- ceived from over 600 stations, in all parts of the Western Hemisphere. The observations relate solely to the general laws of climatology of tlie continent. The Institution has also patronized and aided the cause of science and explora- tion, both in the efforts of the Government and private indi- viduals. It lias also co-operated witli the otlier departments of tlie Government. Its valuable library has been incorpo- rated with that of Congress. The extensive herbarium, on condition of approving the botanist in charge, has been transferred to the Department of Agriculture, and all the crania and otlier osteological specimens to the Army Medical Museum. In return, from the latter it receives from tlie officers of the armj^ all collections made in ethnologj^ and in special branches of natural history. National Museum, — {Open everyday., except Sunday., from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m.)-r-Thh national collection is in the charge of the Smithsonian Institution, though it is supported by the United States. Its origin was under the act establishing that Institution, and its head is the Secretarj^ Professor Josepli Henrj", though the active supervision has been assigned by him to Prof.' Spencer F. Baird, Assistant Secretary. With the limited means at command, it was found imprac- ticable to expect an extensive general museum. The elForts of the manager of that offslioot of the Institution, tlierefore, were directed to the accumulation of material from the Amer- ican continent. The act of organization contributed, as the foundation of the museum, the collections of specimens brought back by the United States exploring expedition to the Southern Hemisphere, under Captain (Rear Admiral) Charles Wilkes, originally deposited in the Patent Office. It was trans- ferred to the Institution in 1858. Since that time the collec- tion has been increased by the type specimens from upwards of fifty subsequent expeditions of the General Government, and contributions resulting fi-om the operations of the Insti- tution, besides a large number of donations from individuals. The articles represent all parts of the globe and every branch 182 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. of natural history. The collection of the larger North Amer- ican and European mammals, both skins and skeletons, is the most complete in the United States. In ethnological speci- mens of this continent it surpasses anything in the world. In other respects it ranks favorably with the collections of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences and the Cambridge Museum. The collections of the Museum are undergoing rearrange- ment, occasioned by the fitting up of the hall on the second floor. The arrangement contemplated is the exclusive use of the lower main hall for the zoological department. The Gothic hall containing ethnological specimens to economical geol- ogy, and the W. hall to' mineralogy and geology. The latter is now finally arranged. In the space on either side of the entrance, at the foot of the stairways, will be placed a large and valuable collection of plaster casts of the food fishes of the United States, made under the direction of Prof. S. F. Baird, United States Fish Commissioner. The second floor, now being fitted with cases, will contain the extraordinarily large ethnological collection relating to the native tribes of North America, ancient and modern, and the rich store of specimens of the same character, from the Feejee, Samoan, Viti, and Sandwich Islands, at the time of the visit of the Wilkes exploring expedition. Main Hall.— This hall is 200 ft. long, 50 ft. wide, and 25 ft. high. The ceiling is supported on' two rows of columns. Around the hall, against the railings of the galleries, are the heads, complete or skeleton, of various larger animals. That at tlie W. end is of a buffalo, an excellent specimen. Opposite the entrance is the Register^ in which visitors are requested to record their names. Near by, on the r., is a specimen of the great auk killed on the island of Eldey, near Iceland, in 1834, believed to be extinct, not having been seen alive since 1844. Owing to its short wings, it was incapable of flight. But two other specimens of the bird, and but one other of the Qgs^^ is in the United States. Commencing on the 1. of the main entrance, the first case contains carniverous animals, the next two birds of foreign countries, two of birds of North America, and one of foreign countries. The table cases between contain shells, and the wall cases slveletons and alcoholic specimens. The table cases in the centj-e of the room are filled with a fine collec- tion of birds' nests and eggs. In the lower part of the first are specimens of ostrich eggs, and a cast of the egg of the giant fossil bird of Madagascar. The end wall cases are empty, but will, in the rearrangement of the museum, be SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 183 filled with zoological specimens. In the S. range of cases the fu'st two contain birds of North America, tlie next three of foreign countries, and the last seals, fish, and alligators. The table cases between are devoted to shells, and tliose against the wall to alcoholic specimens. The cases in the galleries of the E. part of the Hall contain skeletons of birds. In the W. half of the Hall, resuming the S. range of cases, the first contains mammals, including a musk ox, female chimpanzee, and a cast of a gorilla's head, the next two mammals, and the rest corals. The table cases between ex- hibit ethnological and those against the wall ethnological and alcoholic specimens. In one of the recesses in the S. range, in a large jar, is a specimen of the devil Jish from California. When expanded, it measures 8 ft. in diameter. Its shape is that of a star with eight points. In another recess on the same side are exhibi- tions of beaver cuttings. On the r., entering tlie main N". door, the first case contains mammals, embracing the deer and antelope families. Here are excellent specimens of the Bocky Mountain sheep and goat. Tlie next embraces birds of North America, and the remaining four on the same side birds of foreigh countries. The table cases between contain ethnological and the wall alcoholic specimens. The first table case in the centre of the W. portion of the Hall is devoted to shells above and shells of turtles below. In the second are ethnological specimens relating to the American Indians. On the E. end of this case is the head of a Peruvian chief, compressed by an unknown method, very rare. In the gallery cases are birds and ethnological specimens. Against the W. wall, is a case of fish casts and three of birds. We here enter the Gothic Hall. — This Hall receives its name from the style of architecture used, and contains ethnological specimens and relics, and other articles of historic interest. The portrait of Gruizot, the French historian and statesman, over the W. door, was painted by Healy, in Paris, for certain American residents, who presented it to the National Institute. The portrait over the E. door represents General Washington, painted by the elder Peale. The painting was shipped to Europe and captured by a French privateer, taken to France, where it was purchased and returned to the United States, and ultimately came into the possession of the National Institute. In the N. range are the collections representing the Ameri- 184 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. can Indians and Esquimaux of Greenland. In tlie wall case on the W. is the suit and rifle used by Dr. Kane in his Arctic exploration ; also the shot gun and rifle used by Captain Hall, and rifle of Esquimaux Joe. On the S. are tlie collections relating to China, Japan, Mus- cat, and Siam. In the E. table case are a number of relics and other ob- jects of historical interest. Among these is a fine collection of medals awarded to military and naval officers of tlie Revo- lution and subsequent wars ; copies of ro3^al seals of gold and silver, presented by William Blackmore, of London ; a few odd specimens of the Denon and American medals destroyed in the fire at the Library of the United States ; locks of hair of Presidents of the United States; the razor of Captain Cook, the navigator; one of the bolts to which Columbus was chained ; part of the machinery of the first steamboat built by James Ramsey, of Shepherdstown, Va., 1786; Chi- nese paper money, Japanese manuscript, an interesting specimen of handwriting in Greek, arranged in book form ; and treaties witli Turkey, Sweden, Spain, Austria, Prussia, France, Russia, and England, and the seal of the United States. Among the treaties is the first between France and the United States, 1778, and Bonaparte, 1st Consul, 1803. In the same case below is an assortment of old arms from the Malayan Peninsula and China; also arms of historical inter- est. On the W. table case is a collection illustrating the pre-his- toric period in Europe, embracing man of the drift, reindeer, lake dwelling, and shell lieap period, down to that of chipped and polished stone implements. Among the interesting fea- tures of this period are specimens relating to the lake-dwell- mg period in Switzerland, and breccia of the reindeer period in England ; also, a model of Stonehenge, in that country ; also, bones from Patagonia, and Indian implements. In the same case below are a number of relics of the Franklin, Fro- bisher, Kane, and Hall North Polar expeditions. At the end of the hall is an original tablet containing a high order of Mexican hieroglj^phics. Beyond the Gothic is the "West Hall, a fine, well lighted apartment, and assigned to the mineralogical cabinet of the National Museum, divided into four sections : I. General Mineralogical Collection^ occupying the S. and the S. end of the E. "walls. This embraces 300 species of minerals from all parts of the world, and contains many very beautiful specimens. II. General LitJiological Collection^ occupying the entire SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 185 W. wall, and composed mainly of specimens brought back by the various Government exploring expeditious within the United States and W. of the Mississippi river, and also sev- eral European series. III. Ore Collection^ on the N. end of the E. wall, and em- bracing ores from a large number of lodes in the Western States and Territories. It is proposed to obtain for this col- lection a specimen of every worked lode W. of the Mississippi, which would then be valuable as a means of comparing ores. IV. Metallurgical Collection^ in the center of the E. wall, embraces ores, slags, raw and commercial products, present- ing the various interests of this character in the United States and foreign countries. Against the N. wall, E. side, is a case containing an inter- esting collection of geyserites from the National Park on the Yellowstone, gathered by the Hayden Exploring Expedi- tion. It is the best and most valuable series of the kind in existence. At the S. end of the hall, the table case contains the Polaris Collection, made by Dr. Emil Bessels during the United States North Polar Expedition, 1870-73. All the specimens were gathered above 80^ IST. latitude. The ham- mer and piece of powder canister belonged to Capt. Parry's Expedition in 1821. He lost his ships on Fury Beach. The next table case on the I!*^. contains stalactites and a very fine specimen of sulphur from Sicily. The third table contains minerals from difterent foreign countries. In the centre of the hall is a large group of mineral speci- mens, including the Irivin-ainsa Meteorite, from Tucson, Ari- zona, weighing' 1,400 lbs. It is of ring shape, and measures 49 in. in exterior diameter, and 27 in. iii opening. The thickest part is 17 in. wide. A large mass of native copper from On- tonagon, Lake Superior, in early days used b}^ the Indians as a sacrificial altar, and estimated to Aveigh over 3,000 lbs. The Couch Meteorite, found by Lieut. D. ^N". Couch, United States Army, in Coahuila, Northern Mexico, and weighing 250 lbs. It was used as an anvil. The rest of the same gi-oup is made up of coals, fossil woods from the Rocky Mountains, cinnabar from California, and stalactites and other interesting specimens from different parts. A card explaining the system of labelling will be found in the hall. The arrangement of the collection was made by Dr. F. M. Endlich, of Penn., mineralogist of the Institution. Returning to the main hall, opposite the main N. entrance, is the S. Vestibule, which contains a number of foreign anti- quities. In the centre is the marble Sarcophagus, brought 186 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. to the United States on the frigate Constitution by Commo- dore Jesse D. Elliott, in 1839, from Beirut, Sj^'ia. It was originally the repository of the remains of the Koman Em- peror Alexander Severus. The Sarcophagus was intended for the tomb of General Andrew Jackson, and for that pur- pose it was otfered in 1845 by Commodore Elliott, but the General replied: "I cannot consent that my mortal body shall be laid in a repository prepai-ed for an emperor or a king; my republican feelings and principles forbid it; the simplicity of our system of government forbids it. Every monument erected to perpetuate the memory of our heroes and statesmen ought to bear evidence of the economy and sim- plicity of our republican institutions, and the plainness of our republican citizens, who are the sovereigns of our glorious Union, and whose virtue is to perpetuate it." The small marble tablet is from the temple erected by Mlltiades on the plains of Marathon, in honor of his victory over the Persians, 490 B. C. In the collection of idols from Central America, the largest, carved in black basalt, and that with a Sphinx-like head-dress, are from the isltmd of Momotombita, in Lake Manaqua. One of the others was used by the Indians of the Pueblo of Sub- tiava, and two are from the island of Zapatero, in Lake Nicaraugua, once the site of the greatest of all the temples oi of the aboriginal people. There are also a cast of an ancient carved stone at Palenque Chiapas, Mexico, the hieroglyphics of which have not yet been fully read, and a plank and speci- men of bark from the giant redwood tree of California. The plank is 12 ft. long and 6| ft. wide. Leaving the main hall by the N. door, the double flight of steps lead to the Ethnological Hall„ on the second floor, being fitted up with walnut cases for the display of the Ethnologi- cal collections of the museum. This hall is of the same di- mensions as that on tlie first floor. In the centre is a; cast of the extinct megatherium, found at Buenos Ayres, the largest type of the sloth family of the pre-historic age. It is sur- rounded by an iron railing Avith cappings of the existing types of the same family. On the E. is a cast of a glypto- don, now extinct, the largest representative of the armadillo family. In a corresponding position on the W. is the cast of a giant turtle found in the Himalaya mountains. In the hall, temporarily, are specimens of the extinct Irish elk, a skeleton, and a cast of the animal restored, a buffalo and two skeletons, a moose and one skeleton, a tapir and two skeletons, a gnu, deer, and reindeer, and skeletons of a camel and Rocky- mountain sheep. Also other animals, and varieties of sharks, sword and torpedo fish, and walrus. Also two kyacks. SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 187 Secretaries of the Smithsonion Institution. — 1846, Joseph Henry. History. — The original fund which led to the foundation of the Smithsonian Institution was the bequest of James Smithsoii. of England, amounting to $515,169. Tlie founder belonged to one of the best families of England. He was the son of Hugh, first Duke of ISTorthumberland, and Eliza- beth, heiress of Hungerfords of Audley and niece of Charles the Proud, Duke of Somerset. He was a native of London, was educated at Oxford, and took an honorary degree there in 1786. At the university he was known as James Lewis Macie, and a few years after leaving took that of Smlthson, the family name of the Northumberlands. His life was mostly spent on the continent of Europe, where he died at Genoa in 1828. He was particularly known to the scientific world as a skillful cliemi.-it, mineralogist, and geologist, on each of which subjects he contributed valuable papers. He was never married, and hence devoted his entire life to the cultivation of his taste for knowledge. He held a high ap- preciation of mental endowments, usefully applied, and claimed that though in his veins coursed the best blood of England his name would outlive that of his ancestors, who possessed inlierited titles and honors only. It is stated that at one time he contemplated leaving his money to the Royal Society of London, but owing to a "disagreement vested it in his nephew, Henry James Hungerford, for life, after which it was to go to the United States of America "Hofound^ at Washington^ under the name of the Smithsonian Institution., an establishment for the increase and diffusion of hioivledge among men.'''' The Government of the United States, by act of Congress of July 1, 1836, accepted the bequest. In the same yeai- Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania, who had been Minister of the United States at the court of King George I IV, from 1817 to 1825, w^as designated Commissioner to as- sert and prosecute the claim of tlie United States to the legacy. * Having obtained the available amount of the be- quest he brought it to the United States. It was deposited in the Treasury of the United States and invested. The permanent Smithson find in the Treasury of the United States, including the original bequest, residuary legacy, and savings, and" bearing 6 per cent, interest, paya- ble semi-annually in coin, is §650,000. In addition to this, out of the savings, $450,000 were expended in the erection of a building. The expenses of the Institution are paid out of the income from the permanent fund, and the National ]ila- seum by appropriations by Congress. 188 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. The Institution was legally constituted by act of Congress dated August 10, 1846. The administration of affairs was intrusted to a Board of Regents, wlio elected a Secretary, charged witli the management of the business under their direction. Tlie corner-stone of the building was laid May 1, 1847. President Polli and his Cabinet and a large number of citi- zens and strangers were present on tlie occasion. The cere- mony was conducted by the fraternity of Masons, the Grand Master in charge wearing the apron presented by the Grand Lodge of France to Wasliington through Lafayette. Tlie gavel employed was that used by Washington upon tlie lay- ing of tlie corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States. The orator of the day was the Hon. George M. Dallas, of Pennsylvania. The building was not entirely completed till 1856, and at a cost of $450,000. Tlie first use of the main hall on the ground floor was for an exhibition given by the Mechanics' Institute of Washing- ton in 1856. The next year the building was regalarly occu- pied, by the transfer to it of the Government collections in the Patent Office, as provided by the act of organization, and which previously had belonged to the National Institute for the Promotion of Science, founded in 1842. On the 24th of Jan., 1865, the Institution suliered a serious calamity, in the destruction of all the flammable material of the upper portion of the main building and towers by fire. The losses were of a character, in many instances, which could not be replaced, and included the official, scientific, and miscellaneous corre- spondence, record-books, and manuscripts in the Secretary's office, apparatus, 7:)er5onaZ effects of Sinithson, tools and instru- ments, all duplicate copies of Smithsonian reports on hand for distribution, and the wood-cuts of illustrations used in the Smithsonian publications ; also all of a gallery of Indian por- traits, and other private property. The operations of the Institution, however, were not impaired, and the destroyed parts of the building were restored in their present fire-proof condition. There was a long controversy as to the policy of the Institution. The Government party favored a national library, to contain all the trashy productions of the day. This the scientific party warded off, and devoted themselves to works in keeping with the spirit of the bequest. A general museum was also to be formed. This was probably a less practicable enterprise than the former. Capital and income combined were not sufficient to make anything worthy of the name. The foundation of a gallery of art also on the means of the Institution was an absurdity. A few plaster casts and pictures, without any claims to the notice of an in- CORCORAN GALLERY OP ART. 189 telligent student or admirer of art, were accumulated, and fortunately for the reputation of the Institution, were de- stroyed in the fire of 1865. In 1866, by act of Congress, the library of the Institution, comprising a large and valuable collection of scientific works and transactions of societies in all parts of the world, was transferred to the Library of the United States. The free lectures, originally contemplated prior to 1865, were patronized with more or less ardor, but their novelty soon languished. After 1865 they Avere finally abandoned, and assistance rendered to an association of citizens. With the progress of time the Smithsonian Institution has become a kind of central head with reference to communi- cation with the scientific institutions and societies of other countries. CORCOKAI^ GALLERY OF AET. This interesting and instructive place of resort — open daily ^ except Sunday^ from 10 a. m. to ^p.m.from Oct. to April., and from 10 a. m. to 6 j9. m. during the rest of the year — stands on the XE. corner of Pennsylvania av. and 17th st., opposite the War Deparment. The building was commenced in 1859. From 1861 to 1869 it was occupied by the Quartermaster General of the United States Army, for which compensation was allowed. It is in tlie renaissance style, and has a frontage of 104 ft. on Pennsylvania av., and 124J ft. on 17th st. The exterior is constructed of brick, with facings, trimmings, and ornaments of Belleville freestone. The front on Pennsylvania av. is divided into a central pavilion, with a curtain on either side, and flanked by two other pavilions, one on either corner, and divided into two stories. The central pavilion has ver- miculated quoins in the corner, and these inclose the grand entrance door Axith a carved jamb and arch, overtopped witli fierce tigers' heads, in relievo. The anticom of the first story is simple in design and detail, and at the same time corre- sponds with the massiveness of the quoins at the corners of the building. The second story of the central pavilion consists of an arched recess. The span between the import and the sufiit of the arch is filled with decorations, and contains the mono- gi-am of the founder, surrounded with carved wreaths and enscroUments. Just beneath this there is a palladium win- 190 CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. dow, with fluted pilasters and columns and capitals, exprei ing American foliage, exqiiisitively carved. In the arch two wreaths, encirchng various implements of painting ai sculpture. The central pavilion is flanked on either side by two flut cohuuns, with capitals representing the broad leaves anS fruit of the cornstalk. These support an entablature, o| which are trophies, representing the Arts, on the frieze the central pavilion ; and on this are inscribed the wore ''Dedicated to Art." The cornice over this has a pedimenl in the tympanum of which is a bass relief, representing tl Genius of Painting, surrounded by figures emblematical the sister arts. The entire structure is surrounded by an imposing Mai sard roof, slated, and carried 10 ft. higher than the ordinal roof of tlie building. The architects were James Renwic" Jr., and E . T. Auchmuty, of N. Y. The cost of the buildh was $600,000. The entrance is on Pennsylvania av., and opens into a ve tibule 25 ft. by 28 ft., from which lead the broad stairs to tl second story. These stairs are of freestone, 10 ft. wide, each side are passages 8 J ft. wide, and leading to the sculj ture hall. The stairs and lialls are lighted by two courts. The vestibule to the sculpture hall is 19 ft. wide by 28_ long, witli two spacious bay windows at the ends, sculpture hall itself is 96J ft. long by 25 ft. wide, and amply lighted by 10 windows. The janitor's apartments are on the r. of the main vest bule, and just behind them, and connecting with the mnin sculptui-e hall, are two rooms, one 19 ft. by 43| ft., the otl'er 19 ft. square. These rooms can be used for a school of do- sign, which it is proposed to establish. "On the 1. of the vestibule is the trustees' room, 25 ft. by 33 ft., and adjoining is the library, 20 ft. by 65 ft. These gal- leries are connected by spacious arched doors. The picture galleries are on the second floor. The mahi stairs open into a hall 28 ft. wide by 42| ft. long, on eitlier side of which are small galleries. The grand picture gallery, entered at the head of the stairs, is 45 ft. wide by 96 ft. long. There are three small galleries fronting on Pennsylvania a v., the centre one, being' an octagon, is 25 ft. The other two are 25 ft. by 32 ft. In the rear of these, and extending along the sides of the building, are two galleries, 19| ft. by 43J ft. All these galleries are lighted by sky-lights, and are so" ar- ranged that the quantity can be regulated as desired. These galleries are connected with each other by lofty arched doors, thus affording a continuous passage around the floor. The CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. 191 cornices and ceilings of the various galleries are enriched with panel ornaments and moldings representing American foliage. The floors are laid on brick arches, which rest on iron girders. The building was formally conveyed by the donor, W. W. Corcoran, Esq., of Washington, to a board of trustees in 1869, who were incorporated in 1870. The basis of tlie collection of paintings and statuary is the rare and valuable private gallery of Mr. Corcoran, which cost upwards of $100,000. The collections comprise — lu Statuary^ Powers' Greek Slave, in the octagon room, second floor, fitted up with reference to the special exhibition of this very superior work of art. In the same room are busts of celebrated men, and other objects of interest. In Bronzes^ on the first floor, two thirds of all the bronzes produced by Barye, numbering about 70 pieces. In Antiquities^ reproductions of vases, cups, dishes, &c., discovered in an excavation made at Hiklersheim on the site of a former Roman camp. Of the Paintings^ in the grand hall on the second floor, of the private collection of Mr. Corcoran, donated to the gallery, ma}^ be mentioned, ''The Adoration of the Shepherds," by Mengs, from the collection of Joseph Bonaparte ; '' The Flag- ellation of Christ," attributed to Van Dyke ; an unknown Flemish picture, ''Ora et Labora," dated 1619; ''The Vil- lage Doctor," by Vennemen ; "The Happy and Unhappy Families," by Brackaleer; a small Madonna and child, sup- posed to be by Murillo ; a beautiful representation of a storm, castle on a promontory, fishermen puzzled over their nets, bj' Joseph Vernet ; copy of Bega's " Cliild and Xurse ; " a paint- ing by George Morland, representing a countryman coming- home at sunset; "Shakspeare and His Friends," hy Facd ; "Mercy's Dream," by Huntingdon; "The Hudson in Au- tumn," by Dougiitj^; "The Departure and the Return," by Cole, verj" superior ; "The Amazon," by Leutze ; " Milton," (playing the organ to Cromwell and his family,) by Leutze ; " The Huguenot's Daughter," by Washington ; " ]Moonrise at Madeira," by Hildebran(]t, painted for Mr. Corcoran through the instrumentality of Baron v. Humboldt ; a " Winter Scene," by Gignoux ; portraits of Washington, after Gilbert Stuart, and Lafayette, by Sully ; Lasteyrie, by Rembrandt Peale ; Thomas Sully, the artist, by himself; Baron Humboldt, by Madame Richards, and Henry Clay, by Inman. Among the paintings added by purchase are, "The Death of Ccesar," by Jerome; "Comte de Wirtemberg Weeping over the Body of his Son," by Ary Shefl'er, (the original;) "Spring" and "Twilight, landscapes, by Japy, (Louis;) 192 WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. *'La piiit qui parle," by Vely; "Spring Flowers," by Jean- nin; "Lost Dogs," by Von Thoren ; "Two Flowers," by Conder ; " Sunset," by Breton ; " Eft'ectof Snow," by Breton; "The Drought in Egypt," by Portael, which won the prize gold medal in the competition of 1873 at the Crystal Palace. Opposite the main door of the picture gallery is a fine life- size portrait of Mr. Corcoran at 69 years of age, founder of the Institution, painted by Cliarles Elliott in 1867. Mr. Corcoran was born in Georgetown, in 1798, and re- ceived his education there. He began business as an auction- eer and commission merchant. In 1837 he became a banker in Washington. In 1840 he became associated with George W. Riggs, and retired from business in 1804. Mr. Corcoran still enjoys excellent health. Among the interesting objects ordered are plaster copies of about two-thirds of the Elgin marbles in the British Museum ; a collection of porcelain and Fayance manufacture ; copies of the Baptistry Gates at Florence ; and antiques being cast in plaster in Paris and Rome. WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. This long-neglected tribute to the life and character of George Washington, occupies a conspicuous site on a small plateau near the banks of the Potomac, W. of the Mall, where the Tiber formerly emptied into the main stream, and S. of the President's House. The Monument Grounds^ or Park^ as originally designated, have an area of 45 a. An avenue 69 ft wicle connects Uxecu- f tive av. with the Drive which, leaving the lake on the 1., fol-l lows the line of the river bank, winds around the Monument, ' and communicates Avith the grounds of the Department of Agriculture at 14th st. W. A short distance W. of the Mon- ument may be seen the stone which marks the centre of the District of Columbia. On the hillside to the S. are the Gov- ernment Propagating Garden and Nursery. The Design. — The design of the Monument, prepared by Robert Mills, comprehends an appropriate National testimo- nial to the services of the great citizen in whose honor it was founded, and at the same time symbolizes the Republic estab- lished by his patriotism and discretion. It embraces the idea of a grand circular colonnaded building, 250 ft. in diameter, WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 193 WASHINGTON MONUMENT. and 100 ft. high, from which springs an obelisk shaft 70 ft. at the base and 500 ft. lii.o-h. The vast rotunda, forming the grand base of the monument, is surrounded by 30 columns of massive proportions, be- ing 12 ft. in diameter and 45 ft. high, elevated upon a lofty base or stylobate of 20 ft. elevation and 300 ft. square, surmounted by an entablature 20 ft. high, and crowned by a massive balus- trade 15 ft. in height. The terrace outside of the colonnade is 25 ft. wide, and the pronaos or walk within the colonnade, including the col- umn space, 25 ft. The walks inclosing the cella, or gallery within, are fretted with 30 massive pilasters 10 ft. wide, 45 ft. high, and 7^ ft. projection, answer- ing to the columns in front, surmounted by their appropriate architrave. The deep recesses formed by the projection of the pilasters provide suitable niches for the reception of statues. A tetrastyle portico, (four columns in front,) in triple rows of the same proportions and order with the columns of the colonnade, distinguishes the entrance to the monument, and serves as a pedestal for the triumplial car and statue of tlie illustrious chief. The steps to tliis portico are flanked by massive blockings, surmounted by appropriate figures and trophies. Over eacli column, in the great frieze of the entablatures, around the entire building, are sculptured escutcheons, (coats of arms of each State iii the Union,) surrounded by bronze civic wreaths, banded together by festoons of oak leaves, &c., all of which spring (eacli way) from the centre of the portico, where the coat of arms of the United States is emblazoned. The statues surrounding the rotunda outside, under the colonnade, are all elevated upon pedestals, and will be those of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Ascending the portico outside to the terrace level a lofty vomitoria, (doorway,) 30 ft. high, leads into tlie cella. (rotunda gallery,) 50 ft. wide. 500 ft. iii circumference, and 68 ft. liigh. with a colossal pillar in the centre 70 ft. in diameter, aroiuid which tlie gallery sweeps. This pillar forms the foundation of the obelisk column above. Both sides of the gallery are divided into spaces by pilas- 13 194 WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. ters, elevated on a continned zocle or base 5 ft. hii^li, forming an order, with its entablature, 40 ft., crowned by a vaulted ceilino; 20 ft., divided by radiatina; archevanlts corresponding with the relative positions of the opposing pilasters, and in- closing deep sunken coffers enriched with paintings. The spaces between the pilasters are sunk into niches for the reception of the statues of the fathers of the Revolution, contemporary with Washington ; over which are large tablets to receive the national paintings commemorative of the bat- tles and other scenes of that memorable period. Opposite to the entrance of this gallery, at the extremity of the great cir- cular wall, is the grand niche for the reception of the statue of the ''Father of his Country," elevated on its appropriate pedestal, and designated as principal in the group by its co- lossal proportions. This spacious gallery and rotunda, which properly may be denominated the ''national Pantheon," is lighted in 4 grand divisions from above. Entering the centre pier through an arched way, jon pass into a spacious circular area, and ascend with an easy grade, by a railway, to the grand terrace, 75 ft. above the base of the monument. This terrace is 700 ft. in circumference, 180 ft. wide, inclosed by a colonnade balustrade 15 ft. high, with its ba.!. howitzers. • The Aqueduct and Great Falls of the Potomac— One of the most interesting excursions is the drive by the Aqueduct to the Great Falls of tlie Potomac. Table of distances from the Navy-yard to the Great Falls: From the Xavy-vard to the E. front of the Capitol, 1.78 m; to Rock-Creek Bridge, (N'o. 6,) 4.65; College-Pond Bridge, (No. 5,) 5.68; Foundry Branch, 5.94; Pipe Vault Dist. Res., 6.57; Influent Gate House, 7.03; Waste Weir, (N"o. 3,) 7.44; Gate House Rec. Res., 8.89 ; Wooden Bridge Rec. Res., 9.19 ; Brooks' Road, 9.74; Cabin John Bridge, (No. 4,) 12.33; Mountain-Spring Bridge, (No. 3,) 13.59; Culvert No. 12, 14.27; Road at Radcliff's, 15.37; Junction Road, 16.65; Bridge No. 2, 17.13 ; Bridge No. 1, 17.32 ; Overfall No. 1, 18 ; Waste Weir No. 1, 18.23 ; Great Falls Gate House, 18.59. Entering Georgetown from Pennsylvania av. the Aque- duct maybe reached by Bridge and Fayette sts., and new road to the Distributing Reservoir^ a distance of 2 m. The water surface of this reservoir is 33 a. ; capacity, 150,000,000 galls, at depth of 11 ft., and 300.000,000 gall, at 24 ft ; eleva- tion, 144 ft. above mean tide at the Navy-yard. From this ])oint the water is carried by iron mains into the cit}'. (See Water Supply, p. 46.) The Aqueduct terminates here, the intUient gate-house standing on the NW. corner. A 7-ft. Auxiliary Conduit connects the influent and affluent gate-houses on the N., which may be used independeiitl.y of tiie reservoir. The Aqueduct consists of a cylindrical con- duit, of 9 ft. internal diameter, constructed of stone and brick, laid in hydraulic cement, and covered b,y an em])ank- ment or tunneled through the hills, and is carried across the streams by means of magnificent bridges, and has a fall of 9 in. to the in. Tlie capacity of the conduit, full, is 80,000,000 galls, every 24 hrs. The pi'esent mains can carr}^ oil" 30,000,- 000 galls.;" the consumption, however, is but 17,000,000. From tlie Distributing Reservoir is a beautiful drive, 2 m. on the embankment of the Aqueduct, to the Rcceivinc/ Reser- voir. The scenery on all sides is romantic in the extreme. On the 1. is the Potomac and the Little Falls. 'J'he Receiv- ing Reservoir, a natural basin, formed by an embanlvment 65 ft. high, across PoMxler-Mill Creek, retains the water within the encircling arms of the surrounding hills. It has a sin- face area of 52 a., a greatest depth of 53 ft., and drains 40,000 218 AQUEDUCT AND GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. a. of the adjacent country. The Sluice Tower is in th€ end. A conduit extends around the S. side, connectingii Aqueduct, without passing through the Keceiving Eesei Tlie capacity is 103,000,000 galls. The NW. boundary ( District crosses the Reservoir just beyond tlie Sluice 'T< The height of water in the Reservoir is controlled by a nel cut in solid rock. The Aqueduct enters through a ti 800 ft. in length, and pierced through solid rock. Passing the Receiving Reservoir, and resuming the^i bankment, a drive of 3 m., through a picturesque com brings us to the famous Cabin-John Bridge. This m; cent structure springs the chasm of Cabin- John Creek height of 101 ft. The bridge is erected of immense bloclj granite, with Seneca parapets and coping, and leaps thi vine in a single arch of 220 ft., with 57| ft. rise froi springing line. The bridge is 20 ft. wide, and its e^ length 482 ft. It cost $237,000. This magnificent woi art is unequalled in the history of bridge building. It largest stone arch in the world ; the second being that Grovesner Bridge, with a span of 200 ft., which cross river Dee. The next in size is at Viell Briode, acrosii AUier, in France, the span being 183 ft. One mile above^ Mou7itain-Spring Brook^ crossed by a beautiful elliptical of masonry, 75 ft. span. The bridge is 200 ft. long, $76,000. From this point the aqueduct is conducted tl the mountain by means of 2 tunnels. About 3| m. from the Great Falls a road leads arounc hills. Before reaching the falls the scenery becomes exc ingly picturesque. The river is divided into two channel Cupid's Bower and Bear islands, the latter the upper, the falls the river again forms into two channels, by C( and Great Falls islands, the former the upper, and cor ing the Maryland and Virginia channels. Across the fc is a dam of solid masonry, with gate-house and gates, dam, should there be occasion, will be extended to thej ginia side. The Government owns the water-right, hai*" a. of ground. The dam is faced with massive guards of The total water supply of the river is 1,196,019,511 24 hrs. At this point the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal ried over the Aqueduct. At the Great Falls the Potomac breaks through the tain in a channel narrowing to 100 yds. in width, and ed on the Virginia side by perpendicular rocks 70 ft. The water falls over a series of cascades, making a del of 80 ft. in 1 J m., the greatest single pitch being 40 ft. distance of 4 m. it widens, and its agitated waters quiet^ an mibroken current. About 10 m. below, at the Little . AQUEDUCT AND GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 219 aboat 3 m. above Georgetown, the stream makes a descent of 37 ft. in a series of cascades. Keleasecl from the moimtains, after passing Georgetown, the river widens into the lake-like stream which we have seen in front of Washington. The best view of the Falls is from tlie Virginia side, the ledges and rngged bonlders appearing to better advantage. Mingling witli the wild aspect of natnre is the cedar, oak, willow, birch, and jessamine. Wild cherries and strawber- ries in season are found in great abundance. The most ven- omous reptiles abound. The scene in winter is enchanting, great masses of ice piled up on eitlier side, and the rocks and trees frosted with spraj^, forming a charming surrounding for the boilino- torrent in the channel. THE GEE4T FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. Experimental surveys for the supply of the city with water were made by Major L'Enfant, under the direction of Presi- dent Washington. In 1850 surveys were made by Col. Hughes from the Great Falls and Rock creek. The first ground on the Wasliington Aqueduct was broken by President Piei-ce on Nov. 8, 1853, in the presence of a large assemblage of oflScials 220 COLUMBIAN UNIVERSITY. and civilians. The length of pipe line is 18 m. ; numbc culverts, 26 m. ; tunnels 12, the longest 1,438 ft., total, ' ft. ; bridges 6, viz, cut stone 4, and iron trusses 2. In Gee town is a high-service reservoir 120 ft. in diameter. The' was commenced by Capt. M. C. Meigs, U. S. Corps of gineers, and cost $3,500,000. The aqueduct is the thii rank in the United States. Kalorama lies NW. of Washington on the r., after lea^ the P-st. bridge across Rock creek. On the brow of the !" about 5 min. walk, is a small brick vault belonging tol Kalorama estate, in which are the remains of Henry Baldi of Pennsylvania, an associate justice of the Supreme C^ of the United States, died 1844 ; Abraham Baldwin, a sei from Georgia, died 1807; and George Bomford, Coloa€ the U. S. Ordnance Corps, died 1848 ; the body of Com! dore Decatur was also placed here. Meridian Hill lies outside the Boundary, N". of the Presi- dent's House. It was formerly the residence of Commodore Porter. It is now the site of a village of the same name. Columbian University, N". of the city, 5 min. walk from t\ end of 14th st. W., on the 1., reached by horse cars^ waaj" corporated as a college in 1821, and went into operatic 1822. In 1873 it was created a University. There is preparatory scliool. The Medical Department was orgai in 1824, and the following j^ear lectures were comment The medical building in the city, on H st., near 14th W., the gift of W. W. Corcoran. The Law Department was; tablished in 1826. It is one of the finest in the country, building is on 5th st. W., between D and E sts. N. The versity is under the government of a board of trustees overseers, the President of tlie United States and the Justice of the Supreme Court being honorary members of 1 board. The regular course of American universities, cal and scientific, is taught. Tlie number in all the dei ments averages 300 students, from all parts of the Un! States. The property of the institution consists of 40 a^ ground, a college edifice, a preparatory school, and residei for the president and instructors ; total value, $400,000. Corcoran has pledged the Trinidad farm, 150 a., on the boundary, valued at $250,000, if $100,000 additional be ra $50,000 of the amount has been collected. Wayland Seminary, for the education of colored miniate , — - - - - - - - rphe stands SW. of Columbian College. building is beii 221 erected by the Baptist Home Missionary Society. When com- pleted it will aftbrd fine accommodations for the purposes in view. Howard University {open to visitors every day^ except Sun- day) occupies a conspicuous site on the r. of the 7th-st. road, a short distance N. of the city. It was incorporated in 1867, for tlie education of youth, without reference to sex or color, though the pupils are almost exclusively of the black race. The University Buildi7ig^ facing tlie city, is the most promi- nent, it is 4 stories high, and contains philosophical, lecture and recitation rooms, library, museum, and offices. On the NE. is Miner Hall,, so named after Miss Miner, a lady who taught colored cliildren during the days of slavery in the Dis- trict. This lad)^ accumulated about $5,000 before her death, which she invested in ground in tlie city of Washington. This has since realized about $40,000, and now constitutes,^ fund in the hands of a board of trustees, the interest of whicli at present is paid over to the Normal Department of the University. In Mner Hall are the ladies' dormitory and university dining-rooms. At each end are residences for professors. The Normal Building stands IST. of Miner Hall, and is used for the normal classes and chapel services. To the ]Sr. of the main building is Clarke Hall^ named after David Clarke, of Hartford, Conn., a gentlemen of large be- nevolence, and a liberal friend to the University. These halls have accommodations for 300 students. Tliere are also residences for instructors. The grounds comprise 35 a. The value of property is about $600,000. About 1,000 ft. S. of the main building is the Medical Department and Freed- men's Hospital. The latter is rented and supported by the War Department. In the N^E. part of the grounds is the Government Spring, which supplies the Capitol building and grounds. Soldiers' Home, (grounds operi everyday, except Sunday,) lies about 3 m. N. of the Capitol. It is one of the most attractive drives around the city. It may be reached by pedestrians from the "toll-gate" on the 7th-st. road, which point is ac- cessible by the 7th-st. and Silver Spring horse cars- the latter being a continuation of the former, tliough a separate line. When in possession of the City of Mexico, the place having been taken by storm, $300,000, in lieu of pillage money, A^ere levied by General Scott. Some of this went'to liospitals for troops in Mexico, and extra issues of clothing. The balance, $118,791, was placed in the Treasury of the United States, and through the efforts of General Scott was, in 1851, assigned 222 GRAVE OF MAJOR l'ENFANT. by Congress to the foimdingof a Military Asylum, subseqi ly more appropriately designated the Soldiers' Home, fund was increased by turning into it all forfeitures, pages, and fines adjudged against soldiers, and a tax of cents, now 12 cents, a month on each private soldier of regular army. The Home was for the benefit of the re< and volunteers who served in Mexico, and now for the pr: of the regular army, they alone contributing for its suppc Pensioners surrender their pensions while at the Home, original site consisted of the Riggs tract, about 200 a., homestead. It has since been extended by purchj eluding Hare wood, the seat of W. W. Corcoran. The now possesses about 500 a., aiTd is charmingly laid oi drives, of which there are 7 m., lakes, lawns, gardens, meadows. The buildings are also very fine. The main used as a dormitory, is of marble, Norman in design, measures 200 ft. front. In the rear is a wing of 60 ft., us for a mess room. On the lawn are a flag-staff and caunc On the E. of the main building is an aclditional dormitoi the stables, conservatory, and' fruit garden. On the W. the Riggs homestead, now tlie hospital, and near by, on line running N. and S., are the quarters of the governor ai ofiicers of the institution. S. of. this is the surgeon's r* dence. SE. of the main building is a beautiful Seneca st< chapel, finished in 1871, and gardener's lodge, and S. is pedestal upon which a heroic statue, 10 ft. high, of Genei Scott, the father of the institution, by Launt Thompson, be erected early in the present year. From this point be had one of the finest views of the capital. In the distanc S. is the new hospital, a commodious brick structure, and buildings close by are used by the farmer. The Home first opened in 1851. and has accommodations for 400 inmate Tlie soldiers keep the roads in order and perform police There are representatives of the war of 1812, the Mexic and the Indian wars, and Rebellion. The Home was favorite summer residence of Presidents Pierce, Buchanai and Lincoln, Secretaries Floyd, Jeff. Davis, Stanton, Schofield have also resided here during the summer mc Grave of Major Peter Charles L' Enfant, the designer of plan of Washington, at Green Hill, the country seat George W. Riggs, on the early manor of Chillam d now Prince George's county, Maryland, is about 7 m. of Washington. The grave is in tlie garden, near the he in which was the burial-ground of the Digges family, previous proprietors of the estate. The remains of the latt have been removed. The grave is without a marked stoi ROCK-CREEK CHURCH. 223 Major L'Enfant was bom in France about 1755. He was a subordinate officer in the French service. In 1778 he was made a captain of engineers in the Continental array. His gallantry and ability, displayed especially at Savannah, at- tracted the attention of Washington. In 1783 he was pro- moted to major. In March, 179L, he was ordered to George- town to join Mr. Ellicott, tlie chief surveyor, with instructions ''to draw the site of the federal town and buildings." Xot sharing in the practical views of the commissioners, who desired copies of his plan for circulation, as an inducement to purcliasers of lots, a controvei-sj^ sprung up, which was aggravated bj^ some high-handed measures, chiefly an attempt to demolish the residence of Mr. Carroll, one of tlie commis- sioners, which interfered with the execution of his plan on the ground. These resulted in his dismissal, after a brief service of one year. In 17vj4 he was employtMl on Fort Mif- flin, below Philadelphia. It is said he Masotfei-ed, in 1812, a professorship of engineers at West Point. The last days of his life were spentaround Washington. He found a home on the farm of Mr. Digges, and died in the summer of 1825, at the advanced age of 70 years. His remains still moulder beiieath the sod where tlie kind hand of charitj^ laid them. Eock-Oreek Ohuroli and Cemetery.— (C/mrc/i services^ Fjns- copal,, every Sabbath at 11 a. ?«., and Cemetery open every day^ cxcrpt Sunday.) — The cemetery lies contiguous to the Sol- diiM's' Home on the X., and is easy of access from the horse cars on the 7th-st. road. It comprises about one-half of the glebe, 100 a., the gift of John Bradford, about 1719. The church, which lies on the W., properly St. Punl's Episcopal Cliurch, Ilock-creek Parish, was erected in 1719, rebuilt in 1775, and remodeled in 18G8. The bricks were imported from England. The main walls are the same as erected in 1719. The bible used is an Oxford edition of 1727. Immediately around the church are a numl^er of old graves, marked by rude; stones, and over them stands a venerable oak, the out- spreading branches of which cover an area of 126 ft. in diam- eter. Tlte oldest monuments are E. of the church, of the Gramphin family, 1775. In this cemetery is tlie grave of Pe- ter Force, with a fine monument. National Military Cemetery, [open from sunrise to sunset,) lies X. of and adjoins the Soldiers' Home, aiid E. of Kock- Creek Cemetery. It was established in 18G1, and contains 5,424 interments : known 5145, unknown 279, and Confeder- ates 271. There are a fine keeper's lodge and conservatory. Adjoining, on the X., is the Cemetery of the Soldiers' Home. 224 BLADENSBURG. Glenwood Cemetery, [open every day^ except Sunday^)' m. N. of the Capitol, is situated at the head of Lincohi avj and may be reached from the Columbia st.-railway at N. Caj tol St., distance 1 m., or froin the Soldiers' Home 1^ m. Tl cemeterj^ was incorporated in 1854, and contains 90 a. grounds are beautifully laid out in drives and walks, public vault is a line structure. Joseph Harbaugh, a descent ant of contractor eiliployed by the city commissioners, 17J and Amos Kendall, Postmaster General 1835 '40, are buric here. Outside the gateway are Prospect Hill Cemetery., 17 a* incorporated in 1860, and St. Mary''s (Roman Catholic Chi Burying Ground., 3 a. Bladensbnrg, a post-village of Prince George's co., lies 6 m. NE. of Washington, on the Baltimore railroad! on the Baltimore turnpike. The Anacostia flows by thatj lage. It was founded about 1750, and named after M Blanden, one of the I^ords' Commissioners of Trade Plantations. Before the Revolution it was a place of commercial and agricultural importance. In those dayf| Anacostia admitted of successful navigation to the Over the stream was the bridge, and W. the field of the! astrous battle of August 24, 1814, which opened Washin| to the enemy, and gave the name of Bladensburg a pi history. On the hill stood the artillery, and on the ground was the spot bravely defended by Commodore ney and his gallant soldiers and marines. About 1 m. from the vilhxge, on the turnpike on tl crossing a small stream and ravine, and enclosed by two ' that on" the E. concealing it from the turnpike, is a secli spot, rendered notorious as the "duelling ground." District line runs through the valley, thus enabling i)ai from the District and Virginia to pass into Maryland, most painful of all duels fought here was that between ' modores Decatur, the hero of the Algerine war, and Bs in 1820. "I hope," said Barron, ''that we shall be friends in the next world than in this." "Sir," said tur, coolly, "I have never been your enemy." When were writhing in agony, Barron gasped, "Would to God had known this yesterday." Decatur's wound was mc Many other duels were fought here, but not of late The duel between Henry Clay and John Randolph of Re oke, in 1826, took place on the Virginia shore of the Potoi river, near Washington. Near Bladensburg, a short distance from the turnpike,' stood the family mansion of George Calvert, the lineal des-j cendant of the Baron of Baltimore. DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM. 225 Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and National Deaf- Mute Ooilega, {open evenj day, except Sunday,) NE. i.i the city, entrance to grounds at N. end of 7tli st. E., is con- veniently accessible from tlie Columbia horse railroad. The gromids of the institution comprise the estate known as " Ken- dall Green," previously the property and home of Amos Ken- dall, Postmaster General of the United States 1835-'40. The first portion occupied comprised bat a few acres and a small building, presented to the institution by Mr. Kendall. Sub- sequently, 25 acres were j^urchased, and in 1872 the entire estate of 100 acres. The grounds and buildings were vested in the United States as trustee. The institution was incorporated in the year 1857, and has since been sustained by Congress as the institution where Government beneficiaries, viz, deaf-mute children of the Dis- trict of Columbia, and of the army and navy, should receive free education. A collegiate department was organized in 1864 by Congress, and is named the N'ational Deaf-Mute Col- lege. Both are open to both sexes. The main central building, dedicated in 1871, was the gift of the Government. It is a fine specimen of the pointed Gothic architecture of the 14th century. It is 216 by 76 ft., and is faced on all sides with Connecticut brown-stone, in- terspersed with courses of white Ohio sandstone, and cov- ered with roofs of red and blue slate, laid in patterns and com-ses. The main entrance is under a recessed porch, formed by three pointed arches of alternate brown and white sandstone blocks, supported by double sets of dwarf columns of highly polished Scotch granite, with brown-stone bases and carved white sandstone capitals. This porch is paved with white and black marble tiles, and surmounted by an angular pedi- ment containing a carved half-relief figure of the Ameri- can eagle, with the stars and stripes on the shield over its breast. From this porch leads a small vestibule at either end into the main hall, or chapel, a room 56 ft. square and 38 ft. high, with a paneled ceiling of light and dark colored w^ood, with massive brackets, cornice, and panel mouldings, the walls be- ing frescoed in delicate tints in plain panels. The walls, to about 8 ft. from the floor, are protected by a paneled w^ain- scot, painted in strong party colors, with the pulpit, platform, and front, and folding-doors to match. The room is lighted by ten large stained-glass windows. Adjoining on the E., and separated from the chapel by eight sliding doors 15 ft. high and 27 ft. wide, is the lecture room. Over the sliding doors is a solid white sandstone arch 15 226 MOUNT OLIVET CEMETERY. of 27 ft. span, sprino-iiio- from liington,4. Seat of established, 120, 235,230, 237. spring, 221. Government Printing Office, 168; Public Printers, 169; History, 169. Governor's Office, 207. Governors list of, 241. Graceland Cemetery, 227. Green, General, statue of, 107. Halls— Masonic Temple, 198; Odd Fellows', 198; Lincoln, 199; Wil- lards', 199. Hamilton, statue of, 107. Hancock. John, statue of, 96. Harbor, improvement of, 51. Potomac river. 48; Harbor, 49; Potomacchannel,49; Anacostia channel, 49; of Georgetown, 49; Main channel, 49. Heating and Ventilating Senate, 103; House, 114; Herpetology, 13. Historic Relics, 148, 187. Historical Paintings— Rotunda, 70; Declaration of Independence, 71 ; Surrender of Burgoyne, 71 ; Surrender of Cornwaflis. 72; Resignation of General Wash- ington, 73; Baptism of Poca- hontas, 74; I>iscovery of the Mississippi River, 75; Landing of Columbus, 75; Embarkation of the Pilgrims, 75. Historical Retrospect, 55^ Holmead Cemetery, 205. Home for the Aged, 205. Home, Soldier.^', 221. Hospitals, (see Asylums,) 202; Hotels, vii. House of Representatives, 120; Hall of, 112; Speakers of, 121. Howard University, 2J1. Hunter, John, portrait, 167. Hydrographic Office, 140. Ichthyology, 13. II Penserof^'o, statue, 107. Indian Office, 142. Warrior, bronze, 109. Indifma av , 28. Initial stone of D. C, 229, 230. Insane Asylum, 227. Interior Department, 142; Bureaus. 142; Secretary's Office, 142; In- Interior Department — dian Office, 142; Bureau of ucation,142. Survey of the' ritories, 144; Secretaries, The Department, 145. (See< ent Office.) Secretaries, list of, 144. Jackson, statue of, 34. Jail, 206. Jefferson School, 201. statues of, 109, 122. Jones' Point, 230. Judiciary, The, 89. Square, 37. Justice, Department of, 154; Att ney General's Office, 154; traits, 155; Attorneys Genet 155; The Department, 155; reaus, 155. Justice and History, statuary, K street, 31. Kalorama, 220. Kearney, General, statue of, Kentucky av., 25, 28. Kosciusko, bust of, 107. La Salle, relievo, 70. Ladies' Retiring Room, Senate, House, 112. Lafayette Square, 34. portrait of, 113. Landing of Columbus, painting. Landing of the Pilgrims, relievo,! Latitude, 2. ]jaw Library, 80 ; Description of. Legislative Hall, 207. L'Enfant, Plan of Washington, U origin of plan, 19. grave of, 222. Librarians of the United States, Libraries, United States, 79; Cc gressional, (see United Statt 79; Smithsonian, 81 ; Force,; Jefferson, 84; Document, H.] 112; Odd Fellow.s', 199; Youi Men's Christian Associat'n,19 George town College, 213. Library of the United Stat Library Halls, 79 ; propose* building, 79; Volumes, 80; ^ parison of libraries, foreij home, 80; Collection of 80; Smithsonian Libra Force Library, 81 ; Rules < Document Libraries, 82; ' 83; Librarians, 83; Hist Jefferson Library, 84; rights, 80; Law Library, I Lincoln, painting of, 124. Assassination of, 166. Bust of, 107. Square, 38. Statue of, 107. proposed, 38. INDEX. :49 Lincoln Hall, 199; Free Reading Room, 199 ; Library, 199. Livingston, Statue of, 107. Lobbies, Senate, 94; House, 109. Lodgings, vii. Long Bridge, 52. Longitude, 2. Louise Home, 203. Louisiana av., 28. Lovel, Surg. General, portrait, 167. M-street Bridge, 53. Mace, 109, 113. Macomb, General, grave of, 206. Mails, the,xii. Maine av., 28. Mall, the, 19. Magazines, 177. Marble room, 94. Marine barracks, 176. Markets, 209; Centre, 209; Eastern, 209; Western, 209; Northern, 209. Maryland av., 25, 27. Masonic Temple, 198. Mason's Island, 214. I Massachusetts av., 23, 27. I Mayors of Washington, 241. ' Meridian, first U. S., 166. j -— Hill, 220. I Missouri av., 28. j Monument, W^ashington Nat'l, 192. Morton, Dr , painting, 167. I Mount Olivet Cemetery, 226. Mount Vernon, 230; the Vault, 230; I the Mansion, 230; Ladies' As- ciation, 231. I Place, 37. ' Mountain Spring Bridge, 218. I Museum, Agricultural, 159; Army I Medical, 167; Ordnance, 170; Naval, 174; National, 181; Cor- coran Gallery of Art, 191. Nautical Almanac, 141. Naval Hospital. 202. Observatory, 163; Site, 163; De- scription, 163; Instrument.'*. 164; Superintendents, 104; History, 165. Navy Department, 149; Secretary's office. 140; Admiral's office, 140; Hydrographic office, 140 ; Nau- tical Almanac, 141; Secretaries, 141 ; the Department, 141. - Secretaries, list of, 141. Yard, 174; captured cannon. 174; Buildings, 174; Museum, 174 ; History, 175. Bridge. .53. J*Jeale, Archbishop, grave of, 212. New Hampshire av., 28. New Jersey av., 25, 28, New York av., 25, 27. Newspaper offices, 199; National Newspaper offices — Republican, 200; Chronicle, 200 ; Evening Star, 200. North Carolina av., 25, 28. Oak Hill Cemetery, 211. Observatory, Naval, 163. Octagon, The, 126, 140. Odd-Fellows' Hall, 198; Library, 199. Official Reporters' room. Senate, 92; House, 109. Ohio av., 28. Ordnance office, 170; Museum, 170. Ornamental gardening, 39. Ornithology, 12. P-street Bridge, 53. Paintings, Historical, Rotunda, 70; Perry's Victory on L. Erie, 92; Peale's Washington, 94; Storm- ing of Chepultepec, 90; Grand Canon of the Yellowstone, 107; Gen. Sco+t, 109; Westward Ho, 109; John Adams, 123; Van Bu- ren, 123; Tyler, 123; Polk, 123; Fillmore, 123; Pierce, 123; Washington, 124; Lincoln, 124; Portraits of Secretaries of War, 136 ; Portraits of Attorneys Gen- eral, 155; Lovel, 107; Hunter, 167; Morton, 107; Physic, 167; Corcoran Gallery, 191 ; Wash- ington before Yorktown, 231. Parking, 32. Parks, (see Reservations and Sq'rs.) Patent Office, 145; Description of, 146; Model Rooms, 147; His- toric Relics, 148; Models, 149; History, 1.50. Peace, statue, 66. Penitentiary, 173. Pennsylvania av., 25, 26. Penn, W., conference with Indians, relievo, 70. Perry's Victory on Lake Erie, paint- ing, 92. Physic, Dr., portrait, 107. Pierce, portrait, 123. Places of Historical Interest, 210. Plan of Washington, 16; Origin of, 19; Execution of, 17. Plant Houses, 157. Pneumatic Tube, 10,3. Pocahontas saving life of Smith, re- lievo, 70. Police, Metropolitan, 208; Capitol, 114. Political Divisions D. C, 7. Polk, portrait, 123. Population, District, 9. Wasliington, 4. Postage, rates of, xiii. Postmasters General, list of, 154, Post Office, City, xii, 153. Senate, 93. 250 INDEX. Post Office, General, 151; Descrip- tion, 151; Postmaster General's Office, 153; City Post Office, 153; History of building, 153; Post- masters General, 154; The De- partment; 154. Potomac, Falls of, 217, 218. the drive to, 217. River, 48. Presidents, list of, 127. President's House, 121; Grounds, 122; Conservatories, 123; Sta- bles, 123; Description, Exterior, 123; Interior, 123 ; History, 125; Presidents, 127; The Execu- tive, 127. President's Room, Capitol, 95. Progress of Civilization, statuary, 66. Propogating Garden, 41. Prospect Hill Cemetery, 224. Providence General Hospital, 203. Public Printers, list of, 169. Quarters, 30, 32. Railroads, viii, 54. Raleigh, relievo, 70. Rates of Postage, xiii. Rawlins Square, 37. statue of, proposed, 46. Reading Room, Free, 199. Reception Room, Senate, 93. Refectory, Senate, 92; House, 113. Reform School, 227. Relievos— Fame and Peace, 66; Co- lumbus, Cabot, Raleigh, and La Salle, 70; Landing .of the Pil- grims, 70; Pocahontas saving the life of Captain Smith, 70; William Penn in conference with the Indians, 70; Daniel Boone in conflict with the In- dians, 70 ; Allegories, in oil, 93 ; Fidelity, Steam, and Electri- city, 153. Reporters' Gallery, Senate, 99; House, 112. Reporters' Rooms, Senate, 97; House, 112. Representation in Congress, 120. Representatives, Hall of, 112; Old Hall, 105. Speakers of House of, 121. Republican, The, 200. Reservations, 21. Reservoir— see Aqueduct; 217. High Service, 212. Resignation of Washington, paint- ing, 73. Restaurants, viii. Retrospect, 20. Revolution, allegory, 76. Rhode Island av., 28. Rock Creek, 15. Bridge, 63, 214. Rock Creek Church and Get 223. Rotunda, 69 ; Statuary, 70 ; Re^ 70; Historical paintings,.' Canopy, 70; Allegory, 7fl' cent of the Dome, 77. School, Reform, 227. Franklin, 201 ; Seaton, 2aiJ1 lacli, 201; Jefferson, 201. T' Colored, 201; Sumner, 201. History of, 201. Scott Square, 35. Winfield, painting, 109. Statue of, 36. Seaton Sifhool, 201. Seminary, Wayland, 220. Senate, 120. Chamber, 99. Presidents of, 120. Sergeant-at-Arms, Senate, Room ol 93 ; House, 109. Settlement of America, statue ( Sewers, 32; Georgetown, 32; ^ Run, 32-34; Intermediat tion,33; B st. intereeptinf Tiber basin, 33. Sherman, Roger, statue of, 107. Signal Office, 137; Instrumet room, 137. Sixteenth St., 31. Scott Statue, 36. Smithsonian Inst'n, 178; Grc 178; Downing Vase, 178| scription of building, 17 jects, 180; National Museui Main Hall, 182; Gothic Hs West Hall, 184 ; South Vest 185: Ethnological Hall, 186i retaries, 187; History, 187.1 Soil, 16. ^ Soldiers' Home, 221. Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan ] 202. South Carolina av., 28. Speakers House Represent 120- Gallery of, 109. Room, 109. Squares — Lafayette, 34; Sc( Farragut, 36; Sixteenth! (Scott Statue,) 3t) ; Frankli Judiciary, 37; Rawlins, 37J Vernon Place, 37 ; Circus t| Armory, 38; Lincoln, 38 ;j ton Place, 38. St. Ann's Infant Asylum, 204. St. John's Hospital, 204. St. Joseph's Male Orphan A{ 204. St. Vincent's Female Orpha lum,204. , Stables, President's, 123. Staircases, Senate, E., 92; INDEX. 251 Staircases- private, 94; House, E., 109; W.. lOO; private, lO'J. Stanton, grave of, 212. Stanton Place, 38. Star, The Evening, 200. State, Department of, 128 ; Archives, 128; State, War, and Navy De- partment, 128; Secretaries, 129 ; History, 130; Bureaus, 130. Secretaries of, 129. State, War, and Navy Department, 129. Statistics, District, 10 ; Vital, 10; In- dustry and Wealtla, 10. Washington, 5. Statuary — Genius of America, 65; Discovery of America, 06 ; First Settlem't of America, 66; Peace, 06 ; War, 06; Progress of Civili- zation in the United States, 66; Chief Justices, 87; Justice and History, 91; Franklin, 92; Han- cock, 96; Benton. 97; Gen. Green, 107; Roger Williams, 107; Jona- than Trumbull, 107; Roger Sher- man, 107 ; George Clinton, 107; Edward Livingston, 107; Rich- ard Stockton, 107; General Kear- ney, 107; General Washington, 107 ; Abraham Lincoln, 107 ; Kos- ciusko, 107 ; Crawford, the Sculp- tor, 107; Alexander Hamilton, 107 ; Abraham Lincoln, 107 ; II Penseroso, 107; Jefferson, 109; Corcoran Gallery, 191. Statuary Hall, 105. Statues, 46; Greenough's Washing- Ington, 59 ; Jefferson, 122; Jack- son, 34; Mills's Washington, 39; Scott, 36; Lincoln, propose), 38; Farragut, proposed, 36; Raw- lins, proposed, 37; Lincoln, 172, Steamers, ix. Stockton, statue of, 107. Street Cars, ix. Street Railways, 54. Streets, 30. renomenclature, .31. Sub-basement, Senate, 103; House, 114. Sumner School, 201. Superintendents Naval Observato- ry, 164. Supreme Court of the United States, 87; Chamber, 87; Busts of Chief Justices, 87 ; Sessions of, 88; the Chamber when occupied by the Senate, 88; Chief Justices, 89; Associates, 89 ; The Judiciary, 89. Surratt, Mrs., grave of, 226. Surrender of Burgoyne, paint'g, 71. Surrender of Cornwallis, painting. 72. Telegraph, 54. Offices, xiii. Official, Senate, 103; House, 109. Press, Senate, 99; House, 112. Tennessee av., 25, 28. Territorial buildings, 207. Territories, Survey of the, 144. Theatres, xiv. Tiber, 16. Time, difference of, xix. Topography, District, 11. Washington. 15. Treasury Department, description, 131 ; Secretary's room, 133 ; Cash room, 133; Vaults, 133; Count- ing the currency. 133 ; Bureaus, 134; Photograph office, 134; Coast Survey, 135; Secretaries, 135; History, 135. Secretaries of the, 135. Triangles, 39. Trumbull, Jonathan, statue of, 107.. Tyler, John, portrait, 123. Undercroft, The, 104. University, Columbian, 220; How- ard, 221. Uniontown, 230. Van Buren, portrait of, 123. Van Ness mansion, 210; Ware- house, 210. Vault or Undercroft, 104. Senate, 103; House, 114. Vehicles for hire, xii. Vermont av., 25, 27. Vestibule, Senate, 91 ; House, 109. Vice Presidents U. S., list of, 120. Vice President's room, 94. View, panoramic, of Washington, 77. Views of Washington, 15. Virginia av., 28. Wallach School, 201. War Department, 136; Secretary's office, 136; Gallery of portraits, 136 ; Headquarters of the Army, 136; Flag room, 137; Signal office, 137; Instrument room, 137; the service, 1.38; Secreta- ries, 139; the Department, 139. Secretaries of, gallery of, 136. Secretaries of, list of, 138. Statue of, 66. Washington Asylum, 202. Defenses of, 232. Distances from, xix. Fort, 230. Washington city a virgin Capital, 1 ; Geographical location, 2; Se- lection of site, 2; Distances, 3; Area, 3; Government, 4; Finan- ces, 4; Population, 4; Statistics, 5 ; Foreign Capitals, 5. ■ 252 INDEX. Washington city, History of, 234; Commissioners, 235; Mayors, 241 ; Governors, 241. Orphan Asylum, 203, Washington, Geo., portraits, Peale's, 94; Vanderlyn,113; Stuart, 124; Peale, 183, 231. Washington, Geo., commission of, 128. Washington, Geo., statue of, Green- ough, 59; Mills, 39; Houdon's copy of, 107; early statue pro- posed, 18. Tomb of, 230. Martha, grave of, 230. Washington National Monument, 192; Grounds, 192; Design, 192; Description, 195; Lapidarium, 196 ; History, 196. Water supply, 46; Early schemes, Water supply — 47; Aqueduct, 217; Ex] tal surveys, 218. Way land Seminary, 220. Westward Ho, 109. Wharves, 50. Georgetown, 214. Whipple, Fort, 216. White House-see Prest's Houa Williams, Roger, statue of, IC Winder's Building, 170. Wirt, Wm., residence of, 210; of, 206. Wirz, execution of, 173; grat 226. Yellowstone, Grand CaSon of, ing, 107. Young Men's Christian Ass'n Zoological Society, 227. Zoology, District, 12. m 100 89 JM I I IE D .01 %„ '" ^ . <-^ ♦^TTT** o»^ 't) • ^rt^ \^ .^•^A.^^ % O. ^» / 0^""'"- ** \r^'f^ry] V >"*"% '- *o • ' *<^ ... ^