Class Book. CQPYRIGHT DEPOSIT •School Hoasi )\ <3E^aEB^BaClBD[IIQ\ID[Z3^ T7'«amaiQ , [r~ic= i Capitol, i President's Hi I Department of State. Department 5 War Depai 6 Navy Department. 7 Interior Department I Post Office. 9 Dcparti Department ot" Agriculture Observatory. ail. Yard. 14 Marine Ba iS City Hall. 16 jail. Asylum. QDQODbi □DDaanibci' ' -n n 71 1 i'~i: .f. i.smciiii v-f^i.J KJtCKKK bJNCES. IS Centre Market. 19 Smithsonian Institution. 10 Washington Monument. 11 Statue of Washington. 11 Greenough v a Wtinlngion, 2] Statute ot Jackson. 14 Corcoran Gallery of Art. ;c Botanical Garden. ;t> Marines. 1- Navtl Hospital, ;S Statue of Seoti :■) Medical Museum. jo Govern meni Printing Qft» p Winder's Butldlog- tl Congn jODSigegfepppia. iacaaDiJ^QGQSmPsaQDssiBdBHj^ mi iniii 11 ir ij^^rH — ' — J = - -inffliriin inEwwnrir yj: VIRGINIA MARY I. AX D M V leim's Illustrated Hand -Book. Washington and its Environs; )ESCRIPTIVE AND HISTORICAL HAND-BOOK CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. BY DeB. RANDOLPH KEIM, Washington Correspondent, IfTHOR OF "8HERIDAN's TROOPERS ON THE BORDERS," AND "SKETCHES OF SAN DOMINGO." REVISED ANNUALLY. SIXTH EDITION.—Corrected to Januarv^^.: > ,4" • ■ 7* &> WASHINGTON CITY: i .f "- — ~ — ^ FOR THE COMPILER. xM 1875. j-„„ f« »m hi iJoneress, in the year 1875, Entered according to Act 01 w'V 1 "^ BY PeB. RANDOLPH KEIM, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. NOTICE.-The compiler cautions all persons against mfr «££«« f ™J right of any of his publications, whether in maps, diagrams, ^rations, wft originals, or in the material, or arrangement. Any such infringement will be ng« ously prosecuted under the copyright L w. M'GIIX * WITHEROW, PRINTERS AND 8TERE0TYPER3, WA6HINGT0N. P. C. CONTENTS. [See Alphabetical Index at the end of the Hand-book.] 'REFACE rENERAx Information Hotels, vii-rLodgings, 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 Washington, 1— District of Columbia, 5. Section II. \ 'escription of the City.. Avenues, Squares, Statues, &c. Section III. iublic Buildings and Grounds Historical Retrospect, 65— Capitol, 56— History of Congress, I 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, 154-1 Department of Agriculture, 156— Naval Observatory,' 163- Army Medical Musuem, 166— Government Printing Office 168-Winder's Building, 170-City Hall, 171-Arsenal, 172- Navy-Yard, 174— Marine Barracks, 176— Magazines, 177. Section IV. laces of General Interest 17 Smithsonian Institution, 178— Corcoran Gallery of Art, 189— Washington National Monument, 192~>Armory, 196-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) Page. V vu 15 55 IV CONTENTS. Section V. The Environs of Washington 211 Section VI. History of Washington 234 Index 244 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. PEEFAOE. The necessity of a reliable and complete Descriptive and Historical Hand-book to the Capital of the United Stat.es has long been felt. Warden's Geographical and Statistical Description of the District of Columbia, pub- lished in Paris in 1S1G, 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. Respecting 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 officers (v) V1 PREFACE. of the Government ; and while desiring to recognize their kindness, finds it difficult to make distinctions by individuals : he therefore thanks them all. 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 Kepublic 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. K. K. Washington, D. C, 1874. GENERAL INFORMATION. (HOSE who are influenced by a desire to visit the National Capital, when most attractive in point of beauty of nature and art, and without reference to the fashionable and congressional season, should arrive in May or June, or October or November. The hottest months are July and August. The winters, on the other hand, are generally mild and beautiful. The health of the city at all seasons is unexceptionable. For official and social seasons see Etiquette. Hotels. — The National 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 the 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. W., $5; Ebbitt, F st., corner of 14th st. W., $4 00; Willards\ Pennsylvania av., corner of 14th st. VY., $4 50; Metropolitan, Pennsylvania av., between 6th and 7th sts. W., 84; Imperial, E st. N., between 13th and 14th sts. W., $4; and National, Pennsylvania av., corner of 6th st. W., $4. The hotels on the European plan are the St. James, 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; restaurant attached; and St. Marc, Pennsylvania 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 the hotels, and in different parts of the city. The large transient population of the city has cre- ated an unusual demand for this style of accommodations, and every grade, from elegant suites down to unpretending single apartments, may be found. The rates for rooms (vii) 7111 GENERAL INFORMATION. would range from $25 for single rooms to $100 and upwards a month for suites. Persons rema can also be supplied with quarters. a month for suites. Persons remaining less than a month Boarding, — Many houses in which lodgings can be secured also provide daily board, ranging from $25 to $35 a month for each person. The hotels also accommodate outside boarders at $45 a month for each person. Sestanrants. — 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 their meals nearest where they may happen to be at the hour of dining. The charges at restaurants are about the 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 the North. Cuisine excellent. Eailroads. — (See Table of Distances.) — Persons departing from Washington have a choice of several routes. North, East, and West. — Baltimore and Ohio Railroad — Depot NE. corner of New Jersey av. and C st. W., may be reached by the blue cars on Pennsylvania av. and the 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 9th st., and within one square on Pennsylvania av. Ticket Offices, 13th and 6th sts. and Pennsylvania av. and Depot. South and Southwest. — Southern trains leave from the Baltimore and Potomac Depot. Travellers may also leave Washington by the Potomac Ferry Company, at the foot of 7th st. W., and take trains at the corner of King and Union sts., Alexandria, for Richmond and New Orleans. Transfer coaches convey passengers from the Baltimore and Ohio Depot to the Baltimore and Potomac Depot and Poto- mac Ferry. Alexandria. — Local trains on the Alexandria and Wash- ington Railroad leave from the Baltimore and Potomac Depot about every hour during the day. Sleeping Cars are attached 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 Al- exandria Ferry steamers ply hourly each way between Washington and Alexandria during the day. Wharf foot of 7th st., Washington, and King St., Alexandria. Fare, single trip 15 cents, round trip 25 cents. Mount Vernon. — The steamer for Mount Vernon leaves the 7th-st. wharf daily, except Sunday, 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 Company — Steam- ers leave daily, at 7 A. M., from the 7th-st. wharf, for Quan- tico, connecting with trains for Richmond 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 navigation, leaving Mondays, 7 P. M., Tuesdays, 9 P. M., and Fridays, 12 mid- night, from the 7th-st. wharf. New York. — The Washington and New 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 Norfolk. — Steamers of the Washington, Norfolk, and Boston Line leave the 7th-st. wharf Mon- days and Thursdays, 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 by 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 day, 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, War Department, President's House, and Treasury. At the intersection of 15th st. W. thej^ connect with the cars on the 1-Wi Street and Columbia Railways. Exchange tick- ets given for the former. At the S. end of the Treasury they again enter Pennsylvania av., which they follow the entire length of the business quarter of the city, passing the Centre Market and Botanical Garden. At 9th st. W. they X GENERAL INFORMATION. intercept the Metropolitan line 1ST. and S. ; and at 7th 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 the 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 Capitol or Navy Yard, every 5 rnin. during the day. At the top of the hill a branch carries pas- sengers to the E. 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 N. Market, Mount Vernon Place, Patent and Post Offices, and Odd- Fellows' Hall. At Massachusetts av. they intersect the Co- lumbia Railway, 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 1S64, 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 14th st. ; thence to F st., inter- secting the 14th st. and Columbia Railways at New York av. ; connecting with the cars on the 9th st. branch N. and S., on which exchange tickets are given, passing the Patent and Post Offices, and intersecting the 7th 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 Baltimore and Ohio 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 that at H and 17th sts. NW. ; thence to Con- necticut av. ; thence to P st. at the Circle, intersecting the GENERAL INFORMATION. XI Connecticut av. and Park Railway ; thence along P st., cross- ing Rock Creek over a fine bridge, entering West St., George- town ; thence to High ; thence to Fayette, where it passes the Convent of the Visitation ; thence to 2d ; thence to High ; thence to Dunbarton ; thence to Montgomery ; thence to West, where 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- coln 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 Boundary ; thence, passing Mount Vernon Place, the Patent Office and Masonic and Lincoln Halls, toB st. At New York av. they intersect the Columbia Railway. 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 6th st. they pass the Baltimore and Potomac Depot to Mis- souri av. ; thence to 4| st. ; thence to the Arsenal gate. Silver Springs Branch, of Metropolitan road starts at the jST. terminus of the 7th st. line, and follows the 7th st. road a distance of 1 J m., passing the Scheutzen Park and Howard University, and terminates at present at the road to the Soldiers' Home and Rock Creek Church. Columbia Railway, incorporated 1870, cars every 10 min. during the day, start on New York av. at loth 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 II st. W. ; thence to the boundary, passing the Government Printing Office. At the terminus the Baltimore turnpike and Benning's Bridge road commence. Connecticut Avenue and Park Railway, 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.— Rates 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. |Pertrip,75 cts. Per trip, $112. For one or two passengers, four- ( Per hour, $1 50. Per hour, $2 25. seated vehicle drawn by two •< Per trip, ex- Per trip, exceed- horses, within the city. ( ceed'glm.,$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- Poil »,_„_ «, An r>„„u„, n ®o oc seated vehicle, drawn by two J^o U r, $1 50. P ei \ h ? ur > $ 2 25 - horses, from Washington to or ^"fe^ 6 ^" P i e n r *?fe e3 g e S?" from Georgetown. 1 m< ' * 2 00 - ln S 1 m -> W 00. And for each additional passenger, 50 cts. One mile or less, one half these rates. One-horse 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 by 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 Delivery, 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 New York, Philadelphia, Bos- ton, &c, due 6.30 A. M., 6 P. M. ; close 7 A. M. 8 p. M. Western— due 6.05, 11.30 a. m., 2, 7p.m.; close 6 A. m., 6.45 p. M. South— due 7.20 a. m., 5, 7.25 p.m. ; close 6 a.m., 5.30, 9.20 p.m. Baltimore, Md.— due 6.05 a. m., 2, 6, 9 p. m. ; close 7, 10 A.M., 12 M., 8 P.M. Georgetown — due 11.45 a. m., 4.45, 8, 10 p. m. ; close 8 A.M., 2, 7 P.M. Alexandria — due 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 Kates of Postage. — Domestic. — Letters to any part of the United States, 3 cents for each ^ ounce or fraction thereof. Letters within any city, 2 cents where free delivery ; other offices, 1 cent. Registered Letters, 8 cents registration fee, in addition to the regular postage. At least one full rate must be paid on letters to secure their transmission. Printed hooks, package limited to 4 lbs., except books printed by or- der of Congress, 2 cents for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof. 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.— The Mo- ney-Order and Registered-Letter Departments are open from 8 A. M. to 4 P. M. No business is transacted in either of these departments on Sunday. Entrance to Money-Order and Registry Departments, from F st., door E. of delivery. Telegraph Offices. — Automatic. — Principal office, Saint Marc Hotel, Perm. av. Franklin. — Principal office, 609 Penn. av. Western Union. — Principal office, Penn. av. and 14th st. W. Branch Offices will be found in all the principal hotels, or near by, and in the Capitol. Churches. — The following list of places of religious worship is merely designed for the use of visitors in the city, and therefore embraces only the representative churches of each 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, H and 8th sts. NW. Shi- loh, (Old School,) Mass. av., bet. 9th and 10th sts. W. Catholic, Roman. — St. Aloysius, I and IS". 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 1ST st. NW. Congregational. — First, 10th and G sts. NW. Fpiscopal, Protestant. — Ascension, Hst., bet. 9th and 10th NW. Epiphany, 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, (Ritualistic.) 23d st., S. of Circle, NW. Trinity, 3d and C sts. NW. Episcopal, Methodist.— Foundry, G and 14th sts. NW. Hamline, cor. 9th and P sts. NW. McKendree, Mass. av., near 9th st. NW. Metropolitan, 4J 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. K and S sts. W. Hick- site, I st., bet. 18th and 19th WW. Meetings, 11 o'clock A. M. German Eeformed.— First, 6th and N sts. NW, Ger- man service, a. m. ; English, P. M. Hebrew. — Washington Hebrew Congregation, 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. XW. St. Paul's, H and 11th sts NW. Me- morial, X and 14th sts. N. Methodist Protestant.— 9th st., bet. E and F NW. Presbyterian.— First, 4£ st. W., near the City Hall. Fourth, 9th, bet. G and H sts. NW. New- York Avenue, New-York av., bet. 13th and 14th NW. Unitarian.— D and 6th sts. NW. Universalist. — Masonic Hall, F and 9th sts. WW. Colored Churches. — Baptist, First, I and 19th sts. NW. Catholic, 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. W., 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 afford recreation for those who prefer this character of entertainment. Etiquette, Ceremonies, and Formalities.— The population of Washington is divided into two classes : official and unoffi- 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 Navy and families. The second includes resi- dents in the capital not in official 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 first Monday in De- cember of each year, and, with a recess during the Christmas holidays, lasts till March 4 in the odd years and until June or July 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. President ; to members of the Cabinet, Mr. Secretary, Mr. Postmaster Gen- eral, Mr. Attorney General ; Mr. Chief Justice, Mr. Vice Presi- dent, Mr. Senator, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Justice, for associates of the Supreme Court, and Mr. , for Representatives. The latter frequently have titles, as Judge, &c. 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 would be better than those now in vogue : For the Secretary of State, The Premier; other members 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 announced 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 the letters E. S. V. P., though it is proper to recog- nize them 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 Ms 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, full 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 their cards, and call the 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. XV11 These visits, however, are only made by those warranted by their acquaintance to call upon them. Diplomatic representatives of foreign governments, upon their first arrival at the 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 consists of an address by the Minister, and a reply by the President. The President's levees are announced through the press. ISTo further invitation is necessary, and all strangers at the Capital are at liberty to call. The hours are usually from 8 to 10 p.m. Music by the Marine Band. IsTo dress is pre- scribed, though it is eminently proper to appear in the even- ing dress dictated by good society. Enter by the 1ST. door, where the ushers 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 thence into the East-Room. The afternoon receptions at the President's House are al- ways held by the wife 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. ]STo invitations. Visitors in the city are at liberty to attend. The 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 Year's day the President receives in the following XV111 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 Columbia and suite ; judges of the courts of the Dis- trict of Columbia and of the United States Court of Claims ; officers of the army and navy ; Assistant Secretaries of depart- ments ; Solicitor General ; associations and the public. Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court. — La- dies receive on Monday. Return visits. First call must be made upon them. Speaker's receptions are announced in the newspapers. General of the Army. — Reception of lady, Mondays. Expect the first call. The General's receptions are by card, unless otherwise announced in the newspapers. Admiral of the Navy. — 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 first call must be made upon them. Senators and Representatives. — Ladies receive on Thursdays. Calls must be first made upon them. Governor of the District. — Afternoon receptions of ladies announced in the newspapers. Open to all. Evening by card. First 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 marked on their cards. Social precedence.— 1, The President; 2, the Chief Justice ; 3, the Vice President ; 4, the Speaker ; 5, the Gen- eral of the Army ; 6, the Admiral of the Navy ; 7, the Cabi- net, Secretary of State, Treasury, War, Navy, Postmaster General, Secretary 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 into 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 Washington. Capitals of States or Territories are in capital letters. MILES. Albany, N. Y 374 Albuquerque, N.M..215G Alexandria, Va 7 Annapolis, Md 42 Atlanta, Ga 721 Augusta. Me 631 Austin, Texas 1781 Baltimore, Md 40 Boise Citt, Idaho. ..2667 Boston, Mass 458 Brownsville, Tex... 1946 Buffalo. N.Y 446 Cairo, Illinois. 977 Carson City, Nev...2950 Charleston, S. C 587 Cheyenne. Wy. T.-1850 Chicago, 111 842 Cincinnati, Ohio.... 611 Columbia, S. C 519 Columbus, Ohio 535 Concord, N. H 503 Deer LoDGE.Mon.T.2700 Denver, Col. T 1950 Desmoines. Iowa 1162 Detroit, Mich 692 Dover, Del. 159 Duluth, Minn 1437 Erie, Pa 466 Fort Abercrombie,1507 Fort Benton, M.T..3130 Fort Berthold, D.T.2186 Fort Bliss, Tex .... 2523 Fort Boise, Idaho.,2669 MILES. Fort Bridger, Wy.T.2349 Fort Dodge, Kan. ..1586 Fort Fetterman 1984 Fort Gibson,Ch.Na.l387 Fort Hays. Kan 1525 Fort Klamath, Ore.3320 Fort Laramie, W.T.1900 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 Harrisburg, Pa 125 Hartford, Conn 342 Indianapolis, Ind... 715 Jackson, Miss 1082 Jefferson City, Mo.1077 Kansas City, Mo. ...1234 Lansing, Mich 742 Leavenworth, Kan. 1260 Little Rock, Ark... 1115 Louisville, Ky 720 Madison, Wis 974 Memphis, Tenn 934 Milledgeville, rta.. 698 Milwaukee, Wis 927 Mobile, Ala 1082 Montgomery, Ala... 896 Montpelier, Vt 556 Nashville, Tenn.... 775 New Haven, Conn.. 307 miles. New Orleans, La.. ..1250 New York, N. Y 229 Norfolk, Va 233 Olympia, Wash. T...3982 Omaha, Neb 1298 Pensaoola, Fla 1050 Philadelphia, Pa.... 139 Pittsburg, Pa 374 Portland, Ore... .....3952 Providence, R. 1 419 Raleigh, N. C 313 Richmond, Va. ........ 130 Sacramento, Cal 3072 Saint Louis, Mo 952 Saint Paul, Minn. .1285 Salem, Ore 3834 Salt Lake City U.T.24G4 San Francisco. Cal. 3155 San Juan Is., W. T.4047 Santa Fe, N. Mex...2093 Savannah, Ga 691 Tahlequah, Ind. T..130O Sitka, Alaska.., 4535 Springfield, 111 928 Tallahassee, Fla 953 Topeka, Kan 1302 Trenton, N.J 170 Tucson, Ar. T 2628 Vancouver, W. T...3970 Virginia Citv, M.T.2687 Wheeling, W. Va.... 401 Wilmington, Del.... Ill Yankton, D. T 1449 Foreign Distances, air-Line, from Washington, to miles. Belize 1410 Berlin 3840 Buenos Ayres 4870 Calcutta 8580 Callao 3168 Caracas 1830 Cape Good Hope....7380 Cape Horn 6450 Chuquisaca 3670 Constantinople 4870 Georgetown, Br. G.2230 Havana 1250 MILES. Honolulu 4650 Jerusalem 5490 Lima 3180 Lisbon *. 3180 London 3300 Mexico 1680 Nicaragua. 1740 Panama 1840 Paris 3480 Pekin 7680 Rio de Janeiro 4300 MILES. Rome.. 4080 San Domingo 1300 San Juan 1380 San Salvador 1650 Santiago, Chili 4700 Spanishtown, Jam..l2J0 St. Petersburg 4290 Sydney, Aus 9150 Tehauntepec. 1620 Vera Cruz 1560 Vienna 4110 XX general information. Differences of Time. Table showing the mean time at 39 places^ in the United States and Foreign Countries, uhen it is mean noon at Washington, D C, United States of America. * Signifies forenoon and f afternoon, servatories of all places marked (o.) Time computed from the ob- h. Albany, N.Y.... ....... (o) f Alexandria, Egypt. f 7 Astoria, Oregon * 8 Augusta, Maine f Baltimore, Md j Berlin, Prussia (o) f 6 Boston, Mass f Cambridge, Mass... (o) f Canton, China * Charleston, S. C * 11 Chicago, 111 * 11 Cincinnati, Ohio.... * 11 Detroit, Michigan.. * 11 Greenwich, Eng.... (o) f 5 Honolulu, S.I * 6 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 52 57 23 52 1 45 1 46 23 58 23 42 41 18 48 30 17 41 30 13 36 2 8 11 36 44 28 12 49 16 59 41 56 11 2 12 h. Louisville, Ky f H Melbourne, Aus'lia * 2 Memphis, Tenn * II Mexico, Mex * 10 Milwaukee, Wi3 * 11 Mobile, Alabama... * 11 Montreal, C.E t 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) j 5 Salt Lake, Utah * 9 San Francisco, Cal. * 8 St. Louis, Mo * 11 Vienna, Austria (o) f 6 Washington, D. C... (o) m. s. 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 OF COLUMBIA. WASHINGTON. I HE Seat of Government of the United States of America has been appropriately called "the Virgin Capital." A territory under the exclusive jurisdiction of Congress had early received the atten- tion of the legislators of the new Republic; indeed, before the clamor of war had fairly ceased, or the royal standard of England had left its shores. The posses- sion of such a territory was an important feature in the de- bates upon the framing of the Constitution ; and it was pre- cisely forty-eight days after the last act of ratification, that the Federal City of the American Republic was by solemn en- actment of the young Congress of the Thirteen Free and Inde- pendent States located on the beautiful eastern shore of the broad Potomac. It might be added, that not only is Washing- ton the only virgin capital in the world, but its foundation was simultaneous with the inauguration of the permanent form of government of the nation. Of being synchronous it lacked less than two years. The idea and the execution were essentially American. It was founded as the Capital of the Republic. Ife sprang out of the virgin soil, and its growth and magnificence were to be measured by the progress and taste of the 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 imperial 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, a 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 atone capable of an 2 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. exhibition of extravagance such as this. The genius of Le Brim 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 luxurious and dissolute court. 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 forum, 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 Csesars. 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 City 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, 106 J m. (statute) above the mouth of the Potomac River, by ship channel, from abreast the red buoy off Point Lookout to Arsenal or Geenleaf's Point, and 185^ m. from the buoy 1£ m. NE. of Cape Henry light, mouth of Chesa- peake Bay. The distance by air line to the mouth of the Potomac River is 69 m., and to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay 143 in. The distance from the Capitol by air line to the sea-coast, just below Cape Henlopen, the nearest point, is 105 m. ; and to the Chesapeake Bay, available for vessels of war, Patuxent River, 53 m. ; Annapolis 3S£ m., and Herring Bay 39 m. The city, the site of which was selected bj r President Wash- ington, was founded under the same provisions of constitu- tional authority and State and National legislation which led to the establishment of the Federal Territory^ or District of Columbia. The only direct reference to the location of the .public buildings within the limits of the Territory already accepted w T as 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 TParis. Latitude 38° 52 / 20 N". AREA. 3 When the city was located, the northern limit of the United States was lat. 46° 1ST. and the southern 31° N., placing Washington but 23 min. or geographical miles south of the centre from N. 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 Newberne, North 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 ; Philadelphia, Penn., 139 ; New York, N. Y., 229 ; Bos- ton, Mass., 458 ; Portland, Me., 567 ; mouth of the St. Croix .River, the N. E. boundary on New Brunswick, 750; House'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 Michigan, 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 British 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 Mississippi 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, 5S7; 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., S. 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 9£ 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 earlier 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 1ST., 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 than 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. K., 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. 1ST. ; thence it follows an irregular ]ST. course to a point midway between 11th and the prolonga- tion of 10th st. W. and north of W st. N. ; thence it runs S. till it joins the "VV. line of the northern end of 9th st. W., about V st. 1ST. ; and following 9th st. W. to U st. 1ST., it pur- sues the latter street a few feet ; thence in a due SW. line to the angle formed by the intersection of H st. N., 15th st. E., and the ISTE. limit of Maryland avenue, where the Bal- timore Turnpike and Benning'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 due E. and W. line till it strikes the Anacostia ; thence by the right bank of the Ana- costia and the left bank of the Potomac to the place of be- ginning. The city lies 4 m. along the Potomac and about 3J m. along the Anacostia. Government.— The old municipal form was abolished by the act of Congress, 1871, and the jurisdiction of the city was vested in the Governor and Legislature of the Territory, incorporated for municipal purposes not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States. This form was abolished by act of Congress, June 20, 1874. {See Dis- trict of Columbia.) Finances. — (See District of Columbia.) Population, — The population of the city, 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 that it was very small may be judged from the fact that the total for Washington and Georgetown and the Coimtv was but 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 other 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; dwellings, ISTo., 19,545; persons to each, 5.59. Persons in each class of occupations, 41,188 : agriculture, 284; personal and professional services, 26,109: male, 15,596 ; female, 10,513 ; trade and transport- ation, 5,296 ; manufactures, mechanical, and mining indus- tries, 9,499. Foreign 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. 3*8° 52' 20" IS". On Potomac River, 106^ m. from its mouth. Area 6,111 a., and 14 m. in cir- cuit. Population, 1870, 109,199. London.— Lat. (St. Paul's) 51° 30 / 48" N". 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" N". On the Spree River. Area 6,800 a., and 10 in. in circuit. Population 820,000. St. Petersburg. — Lat. 59° 56 / N. On the Neva River, near its mouth. Area 6 m. in length and 5 in. 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 July 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 COLUMBIA. Geographical Situation — 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 entirely within the borders of the State of 6 GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. Maryland, and bounded on the NW., 1ST., and partly oil the 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. of the centre of the District, as first 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 of a first line, which was run at an angle of 45° W. of N. or NW., 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 NE., 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 wilh 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 N. point of the District, as originally laid out, is I of a m. due W. of Silver Spring, Md. ; the E. point 2f m. S. of E. of Benning's Bridge, on the Anacostia ; the S. or initial point at the N. cape of Hunting Creek, called Jones' Point, 1 m. E. of S. of the centre of Alexandria, Va. ; and the W. point near the source 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- rocedecl. 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 N. 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. Ellicott, "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 4 ' Ver- GOVERNMENT. 7 ginia" or "Maryland," according to the State on whose possessions the line faced. On the third side was the year, 1792. And on the fourth the position of the magnetic needle at the time and place. Some of these stones are still standing ; and more, probably, might be brought to light 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 the initial corner-stone of the Federal Territory. 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., which lay on the W. bank of the Potomac, in Vir- ginia, was retroceded to that State, which reduced the area to 64 sq. m., its present extent. The length of the Potomac boundary is 12^ m. Since the retrocession, particularly dur- ing the 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 from 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' Virginia shore. Political Divisions. — The District is divided into the cities of Washington and Georgetown and the County of Wash- ington. Government.— The Congress 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 first referred to a Committee for the District of Columbia for con- sideration and report. 8 GOVERNMENT. The act of Congress approved February 21, 1871, created all that part of the territory of the 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 Governor, 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 by the President and confirmed by the Senate, to hold office two years, and a House of Delegates of 22 members, elected by the people, and to meet annually. There was a Board of Public Works for improvements, a Board of Health, charged with the sanitary care of the District, and a Delegate in Con- gress. On January 22, 1872, a memorial was presented to Con- gress, declaring that the Board of Public Works had usurped authority in making improvements, and was submitted on February 6, 1872, setting forth a great increase of the debt of the District of Columbia, and asking that this be prevented. An investigation was ordered. This committee made two reports. The majority admitted that mistakes had been made, but not for corrupt purposes. The minority declared that the grievances complained of were sustained. Two years later another appeal was made to Congress. A joint resolu- tion, passed by the House of Representatives February 2, and Senate February 11, 1874, created a Joint Select Committee, of three Senators and live Representatives, to inquire into the affairs of the District of Columbia. The principal charges of the memorialists, headed by W. W. Corcoran, were that un- lawful contracts had been made for public improvements in the District of Columbia ; that unlawful assessments of taxes had been levied; that false measurements had been made; and that the debt had been unnecessarily increased. The committee, after an investigation consuming over three months, unanimously arrived at the conclusion that the then existing form of government of the District of Columbia was a failure; that it was too cumbrous and expensive; that it was wanting in sufficient safeguards against maladministra- tion and the creation of indebtedness. The act of June 20, 1874, based upon the recommendations of the committee, abolished the territorial form, alone retaining the Board of Health, and provided a provisional government of three Com- missioners until a permanent one was devised by Congress. This is now being done. A notorious act, growing out of the troubles between the memorialists and the government of the District of Columbia, led to another investigation, on a joint resolution of Congress, POPULATION. 9 May 5, 1874, to inquire whether any officers in the employ- ment of the United States or of the District of Columbia were engaged in a conspiracy to defeat or hinder the investigations ordered by Congress into the affairs of the District, and par- ticularly the circumstances connected with the robbery of the safe in the office of the United States attorney for the District of Columbia. The committee reported that they were satisfied that one of the objects of the burglary was to falsely implicate certain individuals among the memorialists, but were unable to determine who were the conspirators, and directed that the evidence be turned over to the Secre- tary of the Treasury and Attorney General for their informa- tion. Criminal prosecutions were ordered. Upon a trial of the case the jury failed to agree, and the government entered a nolle pros. The 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 levy for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1874 : Assessed valuation of real estate in the District of Colum- bia, $96,433,072, viz : Washington, $80,539,782 ; Georgetown, $6,272,010 ; County of Washington, $9,621,280. Total actual valuation, $200,000,000. Kevenue : Taxes, $1,888,252 06; other sources, $200,000 ; total, $2,088,252 06. Bate of tax on $100 : Washington, $2 00; Georgetown, $2 00; County, $1 58. 1 The act of Congress of 1874, abolisMng the territorial gov- ernment established in 1871, also embraced provisions for a thorough examination of the financial condition of the Dis- trict of Columbia and accounts of the Board of Public Works. This work has been carefully performed by a Board of Audit and reported to Congress. The bonded debt existing Nov. 1, 1873, was as follows : District of Columbia, $5,522,350; late Corporation of Wash- ington, $4,127,584 22 ; late Corporation of Georgetown, $252,- 316 96 : total, $9,902,251 18. Congress limits the amount of debt that may be incurred by the District to $10,000,000. Population. — The population of the District, inclusive of the County of Alexandria up to 1840, and exclusive after, during each decade since its occupation by the Government, was, 1800, 14,093 ; 1810, 24,023 ; 1S20, 33,039 ; 1830, 39,834 ; 1840, 43,712; 1850, 51,687; 1860, 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, 16,254 ; native of District of Columbia, 52,340 ; of other States, 63,106. Of foreign 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 growth. This will be further 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. Yital Statistics. -The District is situated in one of the health- iest regions in the country. Notwithstanding 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 other sections. The 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 the District is 1.53. The aggregate number of deaths in 1870 was 2,015 : males, 1,065 ; females, 950 ; ag- gregate population, 131,700. Of the deaths, 929 died under the age of 5 years. The principal diseases are pulmonary and fevers, in particular localities. The 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 ; county, $49,975 ; city, $1,531,- 594 ; 1860, total $260,218 ; 1870, public debt, not national, $2,596,545. Agriculture: Acres improved, 8,266; woodland, 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 1ST. belt of the jST. 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 vicinity, 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 N"W., and the Anacostia, from the NE., unite their currents about the centre of the original bounds of the District, from 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 their 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 Rock 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 Mr. Robinson, in his Catalogue : Flint, on the shores of the Eastern Branch 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 the auspices of the Washington Botan- ical Society, and entitled Florida Columbiana, presents 22 classes and 288 varieties, following the 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, wild 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 Notes on Virginia, speaks of 100 vari- eties of birds, most of which doubtless were found in the CLIMATE. 13 District. The wild turkey was found in great numbers. The canvas-hack duck, which in early days resorted to the 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 snipe, rail, blackbirds, and reed-birds. The country generally abounds in quail. The hunting of feathered game is restricted by law. The autumn months generally constitute the season. The car- dinal grosbeak, mocking-bird, sparrow, linnet, yellow-bird, thrush, sand-piper, king-fisher, and heron are also met with. The number of species of all kinds is stated at 236. Ichthyology — The Potomac, within the District, is stocked with fish in great numbers, some of which are of the finest varieties. Those best known are the sturgeon, (weight from 40 to 150 lbs.,) rock fish, (from 1 to 75 lbs.,) shad, bass, gar, eel, (three varieties,) carp, herring, pike, perch, (four varie- ties,) catfish, mullet, (three varieties,) and smelt. The shad of the Potomac are of excellent quality. In the season they are A r ery abundant, and may be seen caught on the Virginia shore opposite the city ; also large quantities of herring are caught below the city. The laws of Maryland, as early as 1768, provided for the protection of the fish. Subsequent acts placed a heavy penalty upon the destruction of young fish by weirs and clams, and to prevent beating with cords or poles at certain seasons of the year. A species of shark also ascends to the city. Eerpetology, — 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, water, green snakes, and vipers. Climate, — The following meteorological summary, pre- pared at the office of the 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, N"W. October — M. temp. 55°.S ; max. 82; min. 33.5; rain, 4.S3; wind, NW. November — M. temp. 42°.2 ; max. 65 ; min. 14 ; rain, 2.75 ; wind, N~W. 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°. 1; 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. 53°. 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 the 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 17S0 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. w \ X'ldent's House, irtment of State R,JKITE;R.b 18 sur» Department. M; "H »-j Department. \ t Department. fior Department. 24 tral Post Office. z$ j*rtrr.ent of Justice. 26 _^?irtment of Agriculture. 27 y!5?* irvaiory. 28 #' {nal. 29 / Yard. jo ne Barracks. 51 If Hall. }2 1NCES. Centre Market. Smithsonian Institution. Washington Monument. Statue of Washington. Greenough's Washington. Statute of Jackson. Corcoran Gallery of Art. Botanical Garden. Magazines. Naval Hospital. Statue of Scott. Medical Museum. Government Printing Oftu Winder's Building. Armory. Congressional Cemetery. fffik-. ID! laagilEieagQ joiaaBEEPaaagamifK HBFKKliKCES. 18 Centre Market. Smithsonian Institution. Washington Monument. fVVashir KKIM's BAND BOOB Waihington and its EwiroDJ, VIRGINIA M A It V LAN D SECTION II. DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY. AVENUES, SQUARES, 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 the 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 he will thus be able to form a perfect idea of the city and the location of the principal public buildings. Topography. — The site of Washington covers an undulat- ing tract, which 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- shaped 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 afford 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 ampitheatre, in the centre of which stands the city. The mean altitude of the city is about 40 ft. above the or- lo 16 PLAN OF THE CITY. dinary low tide in the Potomac opposite. The more impor- tant elevations, according to levels taken by Brev. Lieut. Col. George W. Hughes, Corps of Topographical Engineers, in 1850, are as follows : Foundation of St. John's Church, NE. corner of 16th and II sts. NW., opposite Lafayette Square and the Presi- dent's House, 65.50 ft. Corner of I and 19th sts. NW., 82.10 ft. East base of Capitol, 89.50 ft. Base of Naval Observatory, 96.20 ft. Corner of jST and 11th sts. W., (highest point in the city,) 103.70 ft. The soil upon which 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. The Tiber — so named more than a century before Wash- ington 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 branches, the principal one in the 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 the Botanical Garden. Originally its course continued along the Mall and emptied into the Potomac immediately W. of the Washington Mon- ument. Subsequently it was diverted into the Washington Canal at 3d st. W., which followed the line of B st. N. along the N. borders of the Mall. The filling of the canal led to further changes. The Tiber and its tributaries have since been utilized by diverting them 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 heav t y brick arches, upon which buildings have been erected and avenues, streets, and parks laid out. In primitive days the banks of the Tiber were lined with forests, and shad and her- ring in their season were caught in its waters, under the verj r 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, w T ho had served in the Continental Army with sufficient distinction to attract the PROPOSED EMBELLISHMENTS. 10. attention of Washington. In the work he was gi eatly as- sisted by the advice of Thomas Jefferson, who, when diplo- matic representative of the United States at foreign courts, had, with an intuitive vision of the wants of the future, 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. The plan adopted combines the artistic beauty and grace of Versailles and the practical advantages of Babylon, revived by William Penn in Philadelphia. In the 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 IS". 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. Eveiy 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, an cf formed the basis on which the whole plan was executed. All these lines were run by a transit instrument, and the acute angles were deter- mined by actual measurement, leaving nothing to the uncer- tainty of -the compass. The avenues and streets were then laid down. Proposed Embellishments.— The ideas of the projectors not only contemplated a Federal City capable of great expan- sion, but also took in its creditable embellishment. Although the want of means and the general apathy of the 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 nearly three 2 18 PROPOSED EMBELLISHMENTS, quarters of a century 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 mouth of the Tiber, where the unfinished 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 Washington, 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 avenues 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 places within the United States and on the continent. This column would have answered the purpose of the celebrated Niph on- Bass or Bridge of Japan, situated in the Soto-Siro, or outside of the castle "In Yedclo. 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 8th 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 the first rise of the Navy, 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 other tributes of a grateful country 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, five grand Fountains 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 11th sts. 1!E. ; 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. t at the intersection of I st., between 20th and 21st sts. NW, It was proposed to supply these fountains from the spring* and streams within the limits of the city. Between the Capi- tol and the Botanical Garden it was intended to construct s ORIGIN OF THE PLAN. 19 Q)*and Cascade^ to be fed from the Tiber. Between Pennsyl- vania and Maryland a vs., 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 which 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 Washington, 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 the proposed bridge across the Anacostia, the pavement on each side was to pass under archways, with shops. On the S. of the President's Park 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, ISTo 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 I/Notre 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 the 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 clu Potager in 1ST. and S. Capitol sts. ; and the Allees 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 Keine to the SW., respectively, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New York avs. IV. of the President's House. The missing avenue in the plan of Washington, the continuation of Vermont 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 Eetrospect. — 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 great people in the future, the crude ideas entertained by subsequent statesmen respecting the political status of the Federal Territory and city were ad- verse 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 sense symbolic 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 tie voted to the uses of the nation for the purposes of the Government. These notions, it would seem, were a revival of a practice in Ger- many centuries ago. On the left bank of the Rhine, imme- diately below the ancient village of Ehense, 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 Republic 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 public 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. Lng situated on thern, 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. angles. 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 15th st. W., and between B sts. N. 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 authorhy of Congress, in 1872, squares No. 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. 1ST., 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 Market Square, between the point of intersection of Pennsylvania and Louisiana avs. on the 1ST. 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 granted 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 purposes. 10. Eeservation 1ST. of Pennsylvania av., between 3d and 4J sts. W., in 1822, was granted by Congress 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 vicinity. Total area, 6 a. r. 31 p. 11. Eeservation 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. Eeservation N. of Pennsylvania av., between 2-a and 3d sts. W. Total area, 1 a. 1 r. 4 p. Disposed of same as reservations Nos. 10 and 11. 13. Hospital 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 Magazine, 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. Capitol 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 r deducting those disposed of, correction of errors, and modifi- cations, is 513 acres. 24 AVENUES. Ill 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 designating feature . Avenues, — The avenues and streets nave an aggregate length of 264 m. — avenues 65 m., street.- 199 m. — and are of greater width than those of any other city in the world. With the alleys and open spaces at intersections they cover 2,554 a., or about two thirds of the area of the entire city. The 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, United States, 29.8 per cent. ; New York, United States, 35.3 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. Nov. 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 'hi. ; 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 of business and pleasure and on the avenues and streets occupied by the better class of residences. The cobblestone^ in streets less traveled, mostly south of Penn- sylvania ay. The McAdam is but little used within the city, owing to the dust, but is extensively employed on the high- ways 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 first plan, but undesignated, were named after States subsequently ad- mitted, though not in the order of their admission. There are now 21 avs., nineteen varying from 120 to 160 ft. wide, and two S5 ft, wide, radiating from principal centres or con- necting different parts of the city. FrOEl THE CAPITOL. — Delaware av,, 160 ft. wide, N. 15° 44' E. to Boundary AVENUES. 25 New Jersey av., 160 ft. wide, N. 15° 44' W. to Boundary. Maryland av., 160 ft. wide, N. 62° 25' E. to Boundary. Pennsylvania av., 160 ft. wide, S. 62° 27' E. to Anacostia. These same avs. are continued beyond the point of inter- section, and form the corresponding radiation on the S. and W. Maryland av.-, W. of Capitol, N. 70° 22' E. The inter- mediate broad streets intersecting at right-angles are 1ST., 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. QQ W. to Rock 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 Square, E . of the Capitol — Tennessee av., 120 ft. wide, N. 32° 25' E. to Boundary. North CAROLiNAav., 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 corporation, 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 roadway 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 4J 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 thoroughfares of the city was systematically under- taken. A plan of grades was adopted, to which all avenues and streets were made 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. Pennsylvania av. is not only the principal, but 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 War and Treasury Departments, and President's House. From 17th to 15th sts. the avenue pre- president's hotjse, 1870. se.nts a particularly fine prospect, passing between the North Park of the President's Grounds, in front of which is a side- walk 34J 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 Navy 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 Jefferson, from the Capitol to the Pres- ident's House it was laid out in three roadways. A row of Lombardy poplars was planted between the 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 strip," 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 \ m. It begins at the NW. 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 P-street Circle; Vermont av. at 14th and M sts. NW., forming the Fourteenth- street Circle; New Yorkav. at 8th and Ksts. NW., at Mount Vernon Place; New Jersey av. at 1st and G sts. N VV. ; Del- aware av., between E and F sts. NE. ; Maryland av. and 5th and C sts. NE. at Stanton Place; 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 Anacostia. This avenue is the most' beautiful in the city, gradually 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 respectively 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. Maryland Avenue, 160 ft. wide, extends NE. across 28 DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. the city from Long 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 runsNE., near and parallel to the Anacostia, striking it for a short distance W. of the ISTavy Yard, and ter- minates at the Hospital Grounds. South Carolina Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at Res- ervation No. 17, S. of the Capitol, runs NE., and terminates in Massachusetts av. Virginia Avenue, 120 ft. wide, begins near the mouth of Rock 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 the Boundary. New Hampshire Avenue starts at the Potomac, be- tween E and F sts. N. ; is 120 ft. wide, and runs NE., crossing Virginia av., 23d and P-street 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, 100 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. wide, begin at the E. line of the Mall at 6th st. W. : run respectively 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 city, 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 I 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 which are swung iron gates. The avenue encloses a portion of the Pres- ident's Grounds on the E. and W., and on the opposite sides are the Treasury Department E., and the War and Navy De- partment and the edifice now building for the joint use of the State, War, and Navy Departments W. A granite stair- case, 20 ft. wide, with 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. 1ST., the two wings of the av. 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. N., where 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. — Leaving 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, affording a superb view of the expansive bosom of the river N., till lost behind the hill crowned by the Naval 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 green-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-'65, are now occupied for blacksmith-shops, tools, and storage by the Eng, in charge of Public Buildings and Grounds. The Drive enters 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 with majestic oaks, which were cut down about that year, under 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. Crossing 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 the District Militia located on the S. portion, and takes a winding course to Cth st. W. This portion of the roadway is 1,300 ft. long, and will cross the track of the Baltimore and Potomac Bail- road at 6th 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 6th st. the Drive continues through the reserva- tion to 4J 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 the 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 IS", to S. and E. to W., crossing at right angles. The streets running 1ST. 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 and by the word N". oris., according as they are situated 1ST. 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. N. 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 W., SE. and SW. N". and S. Capitol sts., running on a N". 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 1ST. 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 ending in the block. The same rule is adopted for lettered streets and avenues. Principal Streets.— E. Capitol Street, 160 ft. wide, ex- tending m front of the Central Portico of the Capitol E. to the Anacostia, was originally designed to be the chief street of the capital. N". and S. Capitol Streets, each 130 ft. wide, and re- ceive their designation from the direction they take with respect to the Capitol as the centre. These streets lie on the first meridian or longitude for the United States, as laid clown by Ellicott, 1791, K Street 1ST., the longest unbroken lettered street, is 148 ft. wide, and extends from Bock Creek to the Anacostia. It is one of the most beautiful thoroughfares of the city, and on much of its length is bounded on either side by fine residences. 16th Street W. is 160 ft. wide, and extends from Lafay- ette Square, opposite the N". Portico of the President's House, due jST. to the Boundary. It presents a line prospect. Boundary Street follows on the line of the city limits, from the intersection of Maryland av., loth, and H sts. JSTE., 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. Benomenclature — 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 embarrassing and a source of great inconvenience to residents. The proposed renomenclature contemplates for streets running N. and S. a system of consecutive numbers, beginning at 28th st. W., which would be 1st st., and termi- nating atolst st. E., which would be 60th st., the additional street necessary to make up that aggregate being 4§ st. W. or 21st st. First sts. W. and E. at the Capitol would be 29th and 30th sts. respectively. ]ST. 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 the 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 Soirtliofthe Capitol — Anderson, Bainbridge, Chaun- 32 SEWERS. cey, Decatur, Ellsworth, Farragut, Grant, Harrison, Jackson, Knox, Lawrence, Marion, Nash or Nicholson, Overton, Per- ry, Quitman, Rodgers, Scott, Taylor, Union, Yan 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. The 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, buttonwood, 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 Southivest Quarter, formerly known as "the Island," from its separation from the rest of the city by the Washington Canal, now rilled, 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, with 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 by 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 purpose 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 II to 16th W. ; along 16th to I st. N". ; along I to 15th W. along' lotli to Vermont av. ; along Vermont av. to 14th W. along 14th to Boundary; along Boundary to Rock Creek along Rock Creek to beginning. 3d. The intermediate sec- tion, beginning at the intersection of Rock Creek and K st. NW. ; thence along K to 21st IsTW. ; thence along 21st to I st. NW.; thence along I to 19th KW. to G st. W.; thence along G to the Potomac River ; along Potomac River and Rock Creek to the beginning. 4th. The intercepting section, be- ginning at the intersection of Potomac River and G st. NW. thence along G to 19th W.; thence along 19th to I st. NW. along I to 17th ; along 17th to H st. 1ST. ; along H to 16th W. along 16th to I st. 1ST. ; along I to 15th W. ; along loth to Ver- mont av. ; along Vermont av. to 14th W. ; along 14th to N" st. N". ; along 1ST 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. W. ; along 14th to In st. ]N~. ; along N" to Vermont av. ; along Vermont av. to O st. 1ST. ; along 6 to 7th W. ; along 7th to B st. In". ; along B to 6th W. ; along 6th to B st. S. ; along B to Potomac River ; along Potomac River to the Anacostia; along the Anacostia to C st. Jn"E.; along C to 15th E. ; along 15th to Boundary; along Boundary to beginning. » The sewerage of the citjr formerly drained into the canal, which 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 filth and disease was filled in 1872. The B-street Intercepting Sewer, 1 m. in length and 12 ft. in diameter, was constructed in place of the canal. The main branch empties into the Potomac at the foot of 1 7th st. W, One of the largest sewers in the world is the Tiber- creek Sewer, so named from the stream which flows through it. It is a brick arch 24 to 30 ft. span, 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. K. at its junc- tion with 1ST. Capitol st., which it follows to K st. N. The portion from H to K st. is now under construction. The destination of this sewer is the Boundary t reached along K 3 34 SQUARES. st. N. to 1st st. E. ; thence by the latter. When completed, it will be 2 ra. in length. Branch sewers of 9 ft. each are being built out from 3d st. NW. and F st. NE. From the Tiber arch a large sewer extends SE. The Slash-run Sewer, % in. long-, 10 ft. span, named after the natural watercourses which 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- mentary to the Tiber-basin system. Small tile and pipe sew- ers convey the sewerage of streets and dwellings into the general system. There are about 10 m. of main sewerage, including 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 parallelogram of 7 a., IS", of the President's House, and between loj and 16| sts., frequently popularly known as Madison and Jackson sts., respectively, from the early residence of those distinguished gentlemen upon them. The broad av. extending to"the N. is 16th st., the high ground at its terminus being Meridian Hill. From the President's Grounds on the 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 shrubbery, 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, "stands on the 1ST. side. The building is approached at either end by circular walks, screened by rows of evergreens upon each side and in front flower beds. Two bronze Vases 7 ft. high, weighing 1,800 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 Navy Yard. They were cast with the permission of Mr. Robe- son, Secretary of the Navy, and reflect great credit upon t he- workshops of the Government. In thecentre of this square is Clark Mills's equestrian statue of General Andrew 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 1S48 Congress granted to the Association the brass guns and mortars captured by the General at Pensacola. In 1S50 an additional number of brass guns and national trophies, sufficient to complete the j SQUARES. 35 statue, were 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 EQUESTRIAN STATTJE. 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, the 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, 1853, the anniversary of the battle of New Orleans, in which General Jackson routed the British forces under Sir John Packenham. From the £T. 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 st. N"., is Scott Square, and in the corresponding loca- 36 SQUARES. tion on Connecticut av. is Farragwt 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 drinking 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 Ehode Island avs. and N" 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., situated in one of the most interesting portions of the city. In this square, erected in 1874, stands the Colossal Bronze Equestrian Statue of Brevet Lieutenant General Winfield Scott, ordered by Congress in 1867. This magnificent work of art 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 the 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 flushed 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 Robert 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 skiHful artists nine months, and has cost $20,000. The statue is considered one of the 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 stands 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 ft>s. Total weight of pedestal, 320 tons 697 lbs. The entire pedestal, when quarried, weighed 400 tons 621 lbs. These are the largest stones ever successfully quarried in this country, and among the largest, if not quite so, in the world. Great difficulty was experienced in their removal to the seacoast, whence they were transported to the National Capital by sea. The site for this statue is Mr 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. N"., comprises 4 a., and was purchased by the Government in 1829 in order to secure control of a fine spring, the waters of which, as early as 1832, were conveyed in pipes to the President's House and Executive offices. This water is still used for drinking purposes at the President's House, it being considered better than that from the Potomac. The spring lies 1ST. 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 drinking fountains. The square is planted with a pleasing variety of ornamental trees and shrubs. Judiciary Square, on the original plan of t«he city, was designated reservation JSTo. 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 4J 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. Eawlins Square, on New York av., SW. of the Pres- ident's Grounds, between 18th and 19th sts. W., containing about 1^ 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 then filled 8 ft. to grade. In 1874 was erected there the heroic sized bronze statue of Byngadier General John A. Rawlins, of Illinois, Adjutant General and chief of staff to General IT. S. Grant, 1864-'65, and Secretary of War, 1869. It was ordered by Congress in 1872, executed by J. Bailey, of Pennsylvania, 1873, cast by Kobert Wood & Co., of Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania, cost $10,000, measures 8 ft. in height, and weighs 1,400 lbs. The Virginia granite pedestal, 12 ft. high, cost $2,500. Mount Vernon Place, at the intersection of Massachu- <8© OUtCLfBSL 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 4J 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 J a., N. of the Mall, at the intersection of Ohio and Louisiana avs. Lincoln Square lies 1 m. directly 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 Q\ 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 United 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 J-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. 39 WASHINGTON EQUESTRIAN STATUE. Circles, — The space at the intersections of the more im- portant avenues forms what are termed circles. Washington Circle, 23d st. W., at the intersection of Pennsylvania and New Hampshire avs., con- tains the Equestrian Statue of GeneralGeorge Washington, by Clark Mills, ordered by Con- gress in 1853, cost $50,- 000, and was cast out of guns donated by Con- gress. It represents Washington at the crisis of the Battle of Prince- ton, the horse shrinking before Ji_ the storm of shot and the din of 1 I conflict, while the rider preserves i that equanimity of bearing native | to his great character. HiUg The Fourteenth- |§jl| street Circle, at the §r intersection of Massa- chusetts and Vermont ave., is chastely laid out in walks, and planted with ever- greens, shrubs, and flowers. In the centre is a rustic fountain, with a Scotch terra-cotta foundation-bowl and rustic stone centre-piece, and in different 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 yet without particular improvement. P-street Circle, at the intersection of Connecticut, Mas- sachusetts, and New Hampshire avs., is laid out in walks 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. 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. Each year new cages are placed in the trees, for the accommodation of their increased numbers. These useful birds are fed reg- ularly eveiy 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 Washington 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 be 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 planting of the public parks were both crude 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 was 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 acl clition 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 Grounds 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 fish-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. Office, Engineer in Charge. — In 1871 a system of improvememts was inaugurated by Major O. E. Babcock, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A., in charge of Public Buildings, Grounds, and Works. Congress annually appropriates from $100,000 to $300,000, to be expended under the Engineer's office, for salaries ; BOTANICAL GARDEN. 41 the improvement and care of the public grounds not otherwise specially assigned ; repairs and refurnishing the President's House, green-houses, and for fuel ; light- ing the Capitol, President's House, and public grounds; and construction and re- pairs of all bridges on the Potomae and Anacastia, and repairing and extension of Government water-pipes. ) Propagating Garden. — The Government Propagating Gar- den, originally on Missouri av„, between 3d and 4J sts. W., is beautifully situated on the banks of the Potomac, S. of the Washington Monument. The garden covers 8 a. The forc- ing houses are supplied with apparatus for the propagation and growth of plants of the rarest species and varieties. In 1872, from 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 other hot-house annuals and shrubs propagated at these gardens, were distributed to members of Congress, and others notified by circular letter that such stock was ready. A Nursery is connected with the garden, in which trees and shrubs are grown for the supply of the public parks. Copyright, 1874 : DeB. R. Keim. BOTANICAL GARDEN ANB> GREBN-HOU8B. Botanical Garden.— Open daily. 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. W., 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, with iron gates. No 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, and is laid out in walks, lawns, and flower-beds. ]ST. of the Main Conservatory is a large fountain, with 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, with a granite basin. During the summer the hardiest plants, in boxes, are ranged on either side of the main walk, and contribute materially to the beauty of the garden. The Main Conservatory, 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, which answers the double pur- pose of being a chimney also. Around this column winds an iron, spiral staircase, which leads to a cupola surrounded by a balustrade. From this point the finest view of the W. front of the 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. The latter fea- ture contemplates the appointment of a Professor of Botany by the colleges of the capital to hold lectures here. All the conservatories 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 Onice, 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- ing protection and lying towards the 1ST. pole, are placed 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 want of the inhabitants. The fruit is used for food, the' leaves for shelter, the wood for fuel, and the sap for spirituous liquor. It matures in 10 years and then fruits for centuries, 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 ISTew 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 elkhorn 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 ISTew Holland. The principal specimens are the tree fern of ISTew Zealand ; the aloe and the Caffre bread tree from the Cape of Good Hope ; the India rubber, the passion flower, the caladium, of Brazil; Norfolk 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 coffee 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 lovely lily of Cuba ; the historic papyrus antiquorum, or paper plant, of Egypt; the tallow and leechee trees of China ; the guava, a delightful fruit of the AVest Indies ; the vanilla of Mexico, the species which furnishes the aromatic bean ; the black pepper from the East Indies ; the sugar cane, the cheramoyer, 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 adansonia 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 luxuriant 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 North 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. — The 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 urged 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. The 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- nsean classification and the more fashionable arrangrnent 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 flue oaks, button woods, 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 office 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 5 ft. Lighting of the City.— The lighting of the city is entirely by private companies. The first of these was incorporated in L848. In that year Congress made an appropriation of $2,000 46 STATUES. for paying the Washington Gas Company for lighting 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 first 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 a vs. and sts. Statues, — The statues in the public parks contribute greatly to the adornment of the capital. The principal are Green- oughts Washington, in marble, in the E. Park of the Capitol, and those of Jefferson, E. of the President's House ; Jackson. in Lafayette Square ; and Washington, in Washington Circle, in bronze; the Equestrian Statue of General Scott,'m bronze, is situated on 16th 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 found in connection with the grounds in which they are placed. Statues of Admiral Farragut and General Rawlings have been ordered by Congress. In 1792 Jefferson urged the commissioners of the city to employ one Cerachi, an 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 Jefferson 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 ml, to a Distributing Reservoir, 2 m. from Rock Creek and 4 J m. from the Capitol. The daily supply is 30 million galls, and consumption 17 million galls., or 127 galls, to each per- son — the largest of any city 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 country to a small stream known as Foundry Branch. WATER SUPPLY. 47 Near this point they strike the road along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which they follow through Bridge and Aque- duct sts., Georgetown, to Rock Creek, a distance of 2 m. On the way the 30 and 12-in. mains cross College Pond, over an arch of 120 ft, span, composed of two 30-in. pipes. The 36-in. main is laid in the bottom of the creek. At Rock Creek two of the three mains are joined, so that the water is conveyed through two 48-in. pipes, which form an arch of 200 ft. span across that stream. These arches also sustain a roadway for a horse railway and general traffic between the cities of Washington and Georgetown. At the E. end of the bridge the three mains are resumed, and following Pennsylvania av. E., the 36-in main, laid by the District, enters L st. N., following it to New Jersey av.; thence by that avenue, in a 30-in. main, to Massachusetts av. and B st. N.; thence, in a 20-in. main, to 11th st. E., where it terminates; the 30-in. main, laid by the United States from Rock Creek, leaves Pennsylvania av. at the Washington Circle, following K st., Massachusetts and New Jersey avs. to B st. N., and thence is continued in a 20-in. main through B st. N. to 11th st. E. A branch from this main supplies the Botanical Garden, Smithsonian and Arsenal Grounds. The 12-in. main, laid by the United States from Rock Creek, follows the line of Penn- sylvania av. and 8th st. E., thence to the Navy Yard wharf, on the way passing around the Capitol Grounds by A st. N. and 1st st. E. Distance, 4f m.; or 6f m. from the reservoir. These mains supply all the public buildings and fountains, besides the daily consumption of the city. The branch pipes for the latter are laid at the expense of the District. By law the water-rates are regulated to cover the expense of laying new pipes and keeping old ones in repair, but cannot be a source of revenue. The total length of Distributing Pipes, Nov., 1873, was 132.69 m., of which 16.89 were laid by the Washington Aque- duct, 10.41 m. by the late corporation of Georgetown, and 105.3 in. by the City of Washington. The pipes are supplied with stop-valves and attachments. There are also upwards of 500 fire-plugs ; also drinking fountains, hydrants, taps, and water-services, water-meters, &c. A tax of -| of 1 cent, per square foot is assessed upon all property which binds or touches upon any street in which a main water-pipe has been laid. There is also an annual fire- plug tax on all buildings situated within 500 ft. of any main pipe, the owners or occupants of which do not pay an annual water-rate or tax. The annual revenues are about $150,000. In founding the capital, it was proposed to utilize the springs within the city, and the Tiber, which entered from 48 THE HARBOR. the 1ST. The elevation of the source of the latter was 236§ ft. above tide. Its water was to be carried to the Capitol. After also supplying the E. part of the city, the excess was to be conducted to the W. front of the Capitol, and form the proposed Cascade^ to have a fall of 20 ft. and width of 50 ft. into a reservoir below. Thence the water was to be distributed into three falls across the W. Park, the Botanical Garden, and the Mall. In 1832 one of the earliest efforts in this direc- tion was to convey the water of Smith's Spring, 2J miles 1ST. of the Capitol and 30 ft. above its base, in pipes to the reser- voir in the E. Park, and from thence into the building. The surplus was conducted under the building, and feeds the foun- tain in the W. Terrace. In 1836 Congress purchased this spring and 1 acre of land adjoining, and enclosed it. In 1837 a scant supply was carried in pipes from the reservoir in the E. Park along the 1ST. side of Pennsylvania av. to the Treas- ury Department, and subsequently to the General Post Office. In 1832 the spring in what is now Franklin Square supplied the President's House and "public offices." It does the same now, though the Aqueduct water has also been introduced. At the same time a new spring at K and 13th sts. jSTW". was opened, and carried a supply of 60 gallons a minute to the ■vicinity of F and 13th sts. NW. Also pipes were laid from a spring on New Jersey av., S. of the Capitol, and from an- other just W. of the Navy Yard, which supplied the SE. sec- tion of city near the Anacostia. Over half a century elapsed before the Aqueduct was built. Fountains, — In the public parks and squares are a number «of fountains, some of which, though not elaborate in design, contribute greatly to the beauty of the city. The largest is in the Botanical Garden. There are also fine ones 1ST. and E. of the President's House and 1ST. of the Treasury Depart- ment. The latter consists of an immense granite urn, in a basin of the same material, with side outlets formed of lions' heads. In Mount Vernon Place is another, with a bronze centre-piece. There are many of smaller dimensions. The first public fountain was erected in 1810, by the corporation and voluntary subscription, and bore the inscription, "By the Mayoralty. Kobert Brent, Esq." The Harbor, — In front of Washington the Potomac, re- leased from the hills above Georgetown, expands into a broad lake-like river. The Potomac River rises in the Alleghany Mountains, and after a course of 400 m. empties into the Chesapeake Bay. At its confluence with the bay it is 7£ m. wide, and in front THE HARBOR. 49 of Washington 1J m., with 18 ft. of water. The Anacostia at its mouth is nearly as wide as the main stream, and is fully as deep. Salt water reaches to within 50 m. of the city. The average tide at the Navy Yard is 3 ft. The Harboi of Washington consists of a channel extending from Greenleaf 's or Arsenal Point, the upper point at the junction of the Anacostia and Potomac, to the foot of 17th st. W., a distance of f m., and also a small channel in the Anacostia. The Potomac Channel has an average width of 400 ft. up to Maryland av. or Long Bridge, between the depths of 6 ft. at mean low water, and narrows to 250 ft. at the Arsenal wharf. The greatest depth to the lower wharves at 6th st. SW. is 11 ft., and to Maryland av. 8 ft. Above Long Bridge this channel gradually shoals, and is lost in the fiats oiF 17th st. The Anacostia Channel has an average width of 350 ft., between the depths of 6 ft. on either side, and narrows to 250 ft. The greatest depth to the Navy Yard is 14 ft., and 1 m. above is but 6 ft. The Harbor of Georgetown consists of a depression in the bed of the Potomac, lying between the town front on the left bank and a small portion of the right or Virginia bank and Analostan Island, near the same bank. This harbor has an average width of 800 ft., with an average depth of 25 ft. at mean low water. The depth over the bar in the main chan- nel of the Potomac just below this harbor is but 10 ft. at mean low water. This depth has been increased to 15 ft. by dredging. The 'Main Channel, starting at the harbor of Georgetown, runs between Analostan Island andEasby's Point, the S. end of 27th st. W., along the bank of the river to the W. cud of Long Bridge, and thence to Geisborough, or the lower point of the mouth of the Anacostia. Off this it joins the channel of the Anacostia and that from the Potomac fmont of Wash- ington. Here the three unite, and form the broad channel, which extends down the main river. The length of the main channel from the canal aqueduct at Georgetown to deep water at Geisborough Point is 4| m. The depth at mean high water at the shoalest place in the Potomac below Wash- ington is 22 ft. Between the main channel of the Potomac and the shore lying between 17th and 27th sts. W. lies an expansive marsh of about 1,000 a., known as the flats, and mostly covered with a rank growth of water-grass. One third is clear at low water, and the remainder is covered from 1 to 4 ft. It is stated by the engineers who have made a survey 4 50 COMMERCE. that these deposits increase yearly as the shores above are cleared of forest. Wharves.— The wharves of the city, along the banks of the Potomac, at the loot of 17th St., are used by wood and sand craft ; and 7th st. W., by steamboats and schooners. Those on the Anacostia, W. of the Navy-yard, are used for wood, lumber, coal, stone, sand, and other articles brought to the Washington market. The 17th st. wharves are among the oldest, and were known as early as 1806 as Van Ness wharves, after General Van Hess, their owner. At this point ;a F iso was the entrance to the old Washington Canal, The Hindus of the Van Hess warehouse are still to be seen near by, (Hanal, — For the convenience of the wood, coal, and sand- Tboi&s, and other small craft, James Creek, which enters the .Anacostia immediately E. of the Arsenal, lias been dredged to a depth of 8 ft. at low-water mark, and widened to 60 ft. .as far as Virginia av. at its intersection with S. Capitol st. It is the design ultimately to abandon the present wharves at the Joot of 17th st, W, The old Washington Canal, which connected the Anacostia at the foot of 2d st, E. with the Po- tomac at the foot of 17th st. W., commenced in 1791 and fin- ished in 1837, has been filled from 3d to 17th sts. W., and a •covered sewer built in its place. Commerce. — In addition to its central location, consid- ered with reference to the bounds of the United States in 1790, the site for the Federal City on the Potomac River also had the advantage of easy water communication with the Chesapeake Bay and the Ocean. Its location was also farther inland than could have been secured on tide water on any other navigable stream on the Atlantic seaboard. In those early days such recommendations were paramount. The pro- ject of improving the navigation of the Potomac and the con- struction of a canal, to connect with the head-waters of the Ohio promised an increase of these facilities, Alexandria, 7 m. below, already enjoyed a considerable commerce with the cities and towns on the Chesapeake, along the Atlantic coast, and the ports of foreign lands. Georgetown, just above, also had a local trade of some importance. The introduction of steam on the Potomac took place shortly after its satisfac- tory application as a motive power in navigation. The Wash- ington, Alexandria, and Baltimore Steam-packet Company was succeeded by the Washington, Alexandria, and George- town Steam-packet Company, incorporated in 1829. The facilities of travel on the river and bay, and to points N. by sea, have at different times since been largely augmented. HARBOR IMPROVEMENT. 51 Merchant vessels belonging to the customs district of George- town, which includes Washington— 1872, sail 78, 2,081 tons ; steam 25, 5,084^ tons ; unrigged 309, 18,490J : total 412, 25,- 656 tons. There is an extensive home trade on the Potomac Kiver and Chesapeake Bay, and by Sea, with the cities on the Atlantic seaboard. Direct foreign trade, however, is small, all imported goods being received through other ports. In 1872 but one foreign vessel arrived. The dutiable imports amounted to but $1,804, and domestic exports $2,416. Harbor Improvement.— In 1872 a board of officers was ap- pointed, under an act of Congress, with a view to the im- provement of the channel of the river and the water fronts of Washington and Georgetown for commercial purposes, and the reclamation of the poisonous marsh opposite the city. The board reported three plans, that most favored proposing but one channel, of sufficient width and depth for all purposes , a direct continuation of the river at Georgetown, to run along the right bank of the river as far down as Gravelly Point, and thence directly toward Geisborough Point on the left bank, joining the deep channel of the river at that point, following nearly the present main channel of the river, and affording a frontage of 7 m. The channel, 23 ft deep, would be of suffi- cient width to enable the largest vessels to move with ease and free from danger of grounding, and also to discharge the heaviest freshets. The great freshet of about 1852 swelled the river at the old Chain Bridge, just below the Little Falls, to a height of 43 feet above mean high water ; at the Aque- duct Bridge, 10 ft. ; at the Arsenal, about 3f m. below, 4f ft.; and at Alexandria, about 3J m. still lower down, 2J ft. The width of channel adopted for the Anacostia is 600 ft., with a depth of 23 ft. at mean low water at the Navy Yard Bridge. For the transshipment of coal from the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, in front of Georgetown, it is proposed to erect suitable docks and piers, to be continued by lines of bulkhead, includ- ing piers, the whole commencing at the N"E . corner of High and Water sts., Georgetown, and extending along the entire Washington front on the Potomac and Anacostia to the outer end of the 1ST. abutment of Anacostia Bridge. With these improvements Long Bridge would be recon- structed, with spans of not less than 200 ft., and a pivot-draw, with two openings of not less than 160 ft. clear in each, the bridge to be constructed for railroad and ordi nary travel. The estimated cost of the whole work is $6,000,000 ; or less expen- sive materials, $4,000,000. Land reclaimed, 1023 a.; time to complete, 4 yrs. 52 BRIDGES. It is proposed to remove the Naval Observatory, and use the earth for filling 1 . Extension of the Oity, — Long Bridge, to the water front, to be designated Railroad Avenue; would be laid out in a road- way 200 ft. wide, with space for rail-tracks in the centre and a carriageway on either side. The irregular space between Maryland av. continued to the water, Railroad av., and the bulkhead, including streets, 44 a., with 4 piers, to be re- served for railroad freight depots and workshops. The Mall would be extended W. to proposed Potomac a v., would give an aggregate length of 2 T 1 2 m., and would form a magnifi- cent "triple avenue, sweeping away in front of the W. fa- cade of the Capitol, by the side of which would tower the Washington Monument, and along which could be erected statues and monuments to the memory of the great men of the Republic. The general system of streets and avenues would be extended over the reclaimed ground outside of the Government reservations, 454 a., with the exception of Rail- road av., now Long Bridge and Potomac av., 200 ft. wide, to run the entire length inside the bulkhead. The street, 100 ft. wide inside the bulkheads, on the Anacostia front, called by the name of that stream, would run from the Arsenal to the Navy-yard. Bridges, — There are no fine bridges across the Potomac or Anacostia connecting Washington with the opposite shore. At the beginning of the present century there were four bridges : one across the Potomac into Virginia, and three across the Anacostia ; all owned by private companies. There are now the Long Bridge across the Potomac, which is also used for a railway, and the Navy Yard and Benning's, or the Upper Bridge, across the Anacostia. The Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Bridge also crosses the Anacostia above the Navy-yard. In 1809 a pile bridge, 1 m. long, with a draw on the E. and W. ends, was in use across the Potomac. The SW. end was destroyed in 1814, by order of the Government, during the presence of a foreign enemy. It was restored in 1816. In 1832 the Government purchased it and built a new one, which was destroyed by ice in 1836. It was restored in 1838. In 1850 it w T as proposed to build an iron or stone arched bridge, but after plans were submitted the matter dropped. The railroad portion of the present Potomac bridge was built in 1872. The entire structure consists of a way for vehicles and pedestrians and for the track of the Washington and Alexandria Railroad. Near the Washington end is a small draw over the E . channel* From this point a causeway crosses BRIDGES. 53 the marshes of the river to the Virginia channel, which is sur- mounted by a wooden structure, with a draw sufficient to ad- mit of the passage of the largest vessels. It was by this bridge that most of the vast armies of the United States marched into Virginia during the rebellion, 1861-'65. In 1814 the bridges over the Anacostia were also burned by order of the Government. In 1819 the Navy Yard Bridge, which crosses the Anacostia from the foot of 11th st. E. and terminates at Uniontown, or E. Washington, was built. It is a dilapidated wooden structure, with 'a small draw. It is proposed to erect a new bridge, with stone abutments and iron superstructure. Above is the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Bridge. The Chain Bridge across the Potomac at the Little Falls, 4 m. above Washington, connecting the District of Columbia and Virginia, was built before 1811, and was a chain suspen- sion bridge. This name has always been retained, though several structures — the last a Howe truss bridge, partly car- ried away in 1870 — have since been demolished by ice gorges and freshets, which rise to 40 ft. The present -wrought-iron truss bridge was ordered by Congress in 1872, built by Clark, Reeves & Co., Phcenixville, Penna., was erected and opened in 1874. It is 1,350 ft. long, 20 ft. wide, 26 ft. high, and has 8 spans, from 1G0 to 170 ft. each. The floor beams are 15-in. rolled iron; planking, 3-in. North Carolina Pine; stands 30 ft. over the main channel, and cost $100,000. The bridge rests on the old stone piers, raised 18 in., and is free. It is a very fine structure, and the country around is wild and ro- mantic and is well worthy of a visit. It is also visible from the aqueduct road. The other bridges within the District are Benning's, a wooden structure, J m. above the Navy Yard, and the Aque- duct of the Alexandria Canal at Georgetown. All bridges across the Potomac, except the Aqueduct Bridge tt Georgetown, are now the property of the Government, md free to the public. Communication between Washington and Georgetown across Rock Creek is maintained by three bridges. The Pennsylvania-av. Bridge is a fine iron structure, consisting of an arch of 200 feet, formed by two 48-in pipes, used to con- vey the aqueduct water into the city, and upon which rests the roadway. The M and P-st. Bridges are also superior specimens of bridge architecture. The James Creek Canal, m the SE. parts of the citj r , is spanned by iron and stone bridges. In the county stone culverts are used over natural watercourses. 54 TELEGRAPHS. Street Eailways.— Since 1862, when first incorporated, these popular modes of city conveyance have been greatly extended. Two lines cross the city E. to W. and two N. to S., and from Pennsylvania av. on 15th st., opposite the NE. angle of the Treasury 1ST., to the Boundary on 14th st. W., and another from the same point to the E . Boundary. New enterprises of this character are laid out or in course of completion. There are 45 m. of st. railway in the two cities and District, estimated on the basis of a single track. [See General Information.] Eailroads, — The capital is accessible by railway from all parts of the United States. Previous to the establishment of railways, the Government patronized the opening of wagon- roads and canals to carry all trade centering at the District into the city. A through road of communication across the Alleghenies was fostered and carried to completion. In 1828 Congress authorized the railroad company incorporated by the State of Maryland to build a road from Baltimore to Wash- ington, to enter the District and city ; Congress merely re- taining jurisdiction of the soil. This was the first effort to establish railway communication with the National Capital. A lateral branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad into Washington was authorized in 1831. By 1841 there were two trains, daily, each way, between Washington and Balti- more — time, 21 hours. The incorporation of the Washing- ton and Alexandria in 1854, and the lateral branches of the Baltimore and Potomac in 1867, together with the extensions of the Baltimore and Ohio, have connected the National Cap- ital with the railroad systems of the E., N., W., and S. [See General Information. ,] Telegraphs.— In 1843 Congress appropriated $30,000, to be expended under the Secretary of the Treasury, for testing the capacity and usefulness of the system of electro-magnetic tele- graphs invented by Samuel F. B. Morse, of New York, for the use of the Government of the United States. In 1845 the line was completed between Washington and Baltimore. In 1846 Congress ordered that the proceeds of the line be placed in the Treasury of the United States for the benefit of the Post Office Department, in the same manner as revenues from post- ages. From this beginning the present extensive system oi telegraphic communication began. The various lines are now owned by private corporations. The telegraph is now the principal means of conveying intelligence respecting the op- erations of the Government to the people of the country through the newspapers. [See General Information.] SECTION III. PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS. HISTORICAL RETROSPECT. I HE Legislative and Executive branches of the 'Government occupy buildings erected expressly for their accommodation. The co-ordinate, or Judi- cial branch, is yet without a structure of its own, though such provision for its accommodation w T as originally contemplated. The Capitol is devoted to the purposes of Congress, and affords limited facilities for the sessions and business of the Supreme Court of the United States and Court of Claims. The Executive, with its various departments, occupies a number of buildings. The public edifices used for these purposes are not only attractive in architecture, but are immense in proportions, and practically without limit in durability. They are all built of the best qualities of granite, marble, or freestone, with interior finish of brick, iron, and glass. In comparison with the buildings of other Governments, used strictly for governmental purposes, they are without an equal, and more frequently without a rival. The buildings occupied bjr the executive offices are desig- nated according to the nature of the executive business trans- acted in them. For instance, the Treasury Department con- tains the various offices under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury. There is one exception, however : the building occupied by the Department of the Interior, which is known as the Patent Office, it having been erected to serve for the display of models. The Patent Office proper is but a bureau of the Department of the Interior. The increase of the Government business and the inad- equate accommodations afforded by the public buildings, commodious as they are, has necessitated, in a number of cases, the purchase or renting of private buildings in different parts of the city. The Department of Justice occupies the upper portion of 55 00 THE CAPITOL. the Freedmen's Bank building. Winder's building, origi- nally erected for a hotel, now owned by the Government, is used by several of the bureaus of the War Department. A number of the bureaus of the other executive offices are similar] y provided for. The first edifices built for the accommodation of the exec- utive oflices were the War Office, 450 ft. SW., and the Treas- ury, on a corresponding site SE. of the President's House; the former before and the latter after 1800. Both faced S. The War Office, now the Navy Department, was later trans- ferred to the new building on the N. In 1818 Congress au- thorized the erection of two new buildings 1ST. of those then standing. These were completed during the administration of President Monroe. The four structures were then desig- nated according to their location with respect to the Presi- dent's House; that is, the NE., SE., NW., and SW. Execu- tive Buildings — respectively State, Treasury, War, and Navy Departments. The site of the first two is now occupied by the Treasury Department. The War and Navy Departments are still standing, but will shortly be removed, to make room for the new State, War, and Navy Department now build- ing. The first building, designed by George Hadlield, Archi- tect of the Capitol, formed the models for all. They were brick, originally 2 stories high, 120 to 160 ft. front, 60 ft. deep, ..." " ft, high, with a freestone basement and Ionic portico. Th'M were subsequently raised and otherwise modified. It w •.-. originally intended to have a passage between them and ! ■■'. President's House, but this was abandoned. The SE. i lilding, or Treasury Department, was destroyed by fire in March, 1833. It then occupied temporary quarters on Penn- sylvania av. In 1836 the erection of a new Treasury Depart- ment, more suitable in design and dimensions, was com- menced on the site of the old. Before the business of the Government became so great, all the offices were accom- modated in the four buildings. The Patent Bureau then oc- cupied rooms in the NE., the Attorney General's Office and 'ndian Bureau in the W., and the General Land Office in i he SE. Executive Buildings. THE CAPITOL. The Capitol of the United States (open every day, except Sunday) stands on the W. brow of the plateau which forms the E. portion of the city. It may be reached from the more populous sections by street cars. Pennsylvania av., from APPROACHES. 57 Georgetown, leads to one of the gates at the foot of the hill, below the W. entrance. From the President's House, by Pennsylvania av., the distance to the Capitol is 1J m., and the same from the most remote of the principal hotels. The street cars pass in front of or close by all the hotels. Street Cars.— The Pennsylvania-av. (marked "Capitol") Street Cars, from the W., pass around the Capitol on the S., and by a branch track from S. B st., carry visitors to the SE. angle of the S. Extension, occupied by the House of Representatives. Strangers should be careful to take a car for the Capitol. Those marked "Kavy Yard " run within a short distance of the same point. Those of the same line for the Baltimore and Ohio RE. Depot would leave them on the jS". line of the grounds, and some distance from the building. The Metropolitan, or F-st Cars, by a branch track, land pas- sengers on the plateau at the NE. angle of the 1ST. or Senate Extension. Strangers should be careful to take a car for the Capitol. The same line of cars to the E. parts of the city on E. Capitol st. also pass near the same point. Site, — The Capitol occupies very nearly the centre of the plot of the city, there being 25 sts. E., 27 sts. W., 22 sts. KT., and 21 sts. S. On a straight line, however, drawn from ISTVV. to SE., it stands about J in. towards the latter point. The great white Dome which surmounts the mighty pile, rising high in the air, is visible for miles around — indeed from every elevated point in the District. From it, as far as the eye can reach, may be seen rolling hills, broad valleys, and rivers. The E. fapade of the building looks out upon the expansive plain of Capitol Hill, with a background of beautiful elevations, those on the right being beyond the Anacostia; the JJT. across a broad intervening valley to the wooded encircling hills of the city; the S. down upon the low grounds and sparsely settled portions of the city, with the broad Potomac and Anacostia mingling their waters in the distance ; the W. overlooks the business and official quarters, the lawns and groves of the Botanical Garden, the Mall, and the President's Grounds, and the wooded summit of University Square, with the shining domes of the Observatory and Georgetown Heights beyond. Approaches. — Broad avs. and sts., 11 in number, from 130 to 160 ft. wide, radiate from the Capitol and constitute its ap- proaches as follows : E. front — to the NE. Maryland av., to the SE. Pennsylvania av., and to the E. E. Capitol St.; W. front — to the NW. Pennsylvania av., to the SW. Maryland av., and to the W. lie the Botanical Garden and Mall ; N". 58 THE GROUNDS. front— NE. Delaware av., M. New Jersey av., to the N. 1ST. Capitol st.; S. front— to the SE. New Jersey av., to the SW. Delaware av., and to the S. S. Capitol st. The G-rounds. — The grounds surrounding the Capitol, en- larged in 1872-'3, by the purchase of squares 687 and 6S8, for $684,199.15, respectively in the N. E. and S. E. angles form a parallelogram 1,800 ft. E. and W. and 1,250 ft. N. and S., containing 51 J a. The Capitol occupies the centre, and with its massive porticos, broad steps and blockings, towering dome and columns, pilasters, entablatures, with architrave, frieze, and cornice, pediment and balustrade, is one of the most imposing structures in the world. In 1874, Congress, for the first time, took steps towards a creditable improvement of these grounds. A topographical survey was made, and Fred. Law Olmstead of New York, landscape architect, authorized to furnish plans. On June 23, 1874, $200,000 were appropriated to be expended under the direction of the architect of the Capitol. Mr. Olmstead, charged with the execution of the plans, was aided by John A. Partridge, engineer in charge, and Geo. Kent Radford, consulting engineer. The general features of the improvements are the continua- tion of East Capitol st., to connet with a broad paved carriage court, (Neuchatel pavement,) 300 ft. wide in front of the cen- tral portico. On either side is an undulating space of oval shape. On that portion facing the building is a seat with blue stone plinth, and base, Seneca back and blue stone coping and cap. The seat is divided into 8 spaces by piers of blue stone and Seneca, 3 ft. 4 in. high, surmounted by bronze lamps 12 ft. high. In front is laid a patent Mosaic pavement in colors. In front of the central portico stands 6 lamp piers 13 ft. 3 in. high, blue stone base, with red sand stone band, and above, blue stone and polished Passamaquoddy (red) granite, in alternate courses, surmounted by bronze lamp posts, 12 ft. high, designed by Thomas Wisedell, of N. Y ., cast by Janes, of N. Y., 1874. In the rear, on either side of the main avenue, is a Jioioer casket, base 40 by 30 ft., of blue stone and granite, and surmounted by a bronze vase, from which rises a spray fountain. Around each casket is a pavement similar to that in front of the seat. The plans yet to be acted upon for the West Parle contem- plate a terrace 50 ft. wide, with supporting walls 10 ft. high. Opposite the central western portico an imposing double flight of steps will descend to a terraced walk, 40 ft. wide •ytuILili 60 THE GROUNDS. and 1,000 ft. long, terminating in beautiful pavilions. Op- j posite the main steps is another descent to the three main diverging foot-ways. From the various converging avenues drives and foot ap- proaches lead into the grounds through appropriate entrances, to the carriage court and porte cocheres. At the Pennsylva-; nia and Maryland avenue foot approaches, on the west, will: be large fountains. In the northeastern space is the Sumner beech* so called in consideration of the Senator's admiration. In front of the central western projection of the portico is ! an oval basin, (78,827 galls.,) which receives the water from a; white and blue marble fountain near by, erected in 1834, and fed from a covered reservoir under the carriage court at the! head of the main avenue, East Park, supplied from Smith's i Spring, 1| m. 1ST. of the Capitol, just NE. of Howard Uni- versity, and purchased in 1832. In this basin, in 1814, stood the Naval Monument to the memory of the officers who fell in the Tripolitan war, 1804, now stands in the U. S. Naval: Academy grounds at Annapolis, Md. In the E. Park is the colossal statue of George Washington, "the father of his country," by Horatio Greenough, of Mass., [ ordered by Congress, 1832, for the Rotunda of the Capitol, made in Florence, Italy, was 8 years in completion, weighs 12 tons, if erect would be 12 ft. high, and cost, including sculptor's work, freight, removals, and attendant expenses, $44,000; of this $5,000 were for transportation from the Washington navy yard to the Rotunda, about 1 m. The large size of the statue has occasioned considerable embarrassment. It was designed by Congress that it should be suitable to the interior of the Capitol. It was found entirely out of propor- tion there. Its final resting place is yet a matter of doubt. In the figure, the right hand points to heaven, and the left, advanced, holds a J Roman short sword, the handle presented. Over the right arm and lower parts of j the body falls a mantle. The seat is ornamented with acanthus leaves and garlands \ of flowers. The carvings in the back admits of a view of the back of the statue. A I small figure of Columbus rests against the left arm of the seat, and of an Indian against the right. In basso relievo on the right of the seat is represented Phaeton in | his car, drawn by fleet steeds, allegorically, the rising sun, and the crest of the arms of the United States. On the left are represented N. and S. America, as the infant Hercules strangling the serpent, and Iphiclus on the ground shrinking from the con- test. The back of the seat bears the inscription, '■'■Simulacrum istud ad magnum I Libertatis exemplum nee sine ipsa duraturum. HORATIUS GREENOUGH, Faciabat. \ (This statue is for a great example of Liberty, nor without Liberty will the exam- I pie endure. Horatio Greenough, Sculptor.) The pedestal is \z ft. high, and of, solid blocks of New England granite. The inscriptions are: S. face, "First in . Peace;" N., " First in War; " W., " First in the hearts of his Countrymen." A better effect* for the statute, and particularly softening its necessarily coarse lines, ; would be secured by elevating the pedestal to a height of at least 25 ft. In 1840 a United States frigate was despatched by Congress to bring the statue to 1 the United States. The hatches, however, were not sufficiently large to admit it j into the hold. A merchant ship, the Sea, was chartered and altered to accommo- date the unwieldly mass. In 1841 it arrived and was placed in the rotunda of the THE GROUNDS. 01 Capitol. The main door was cut away to ad- mit it, and a pier of masonry e- rected beneath the pavement to support it. Here it was out of pro- portion, and in 1842 it was re- moved to the E. -Park, where it stood for many years beneath an uncouth shel- ter of pine boards. The sta- tue, while ad- mired as a work of art, has been much criticised as a misconcep- tion of the char- acter in which Ivthe subject is held in the hearts I of his country - kmen. A foreign I writer has desig- j nated it " a sort I of domestic Ju- ppiter." I The Capitol I originally stood _ on the declivity ^== 1 j-'of the hill, and ! on the W. pre- sented a story : below the base line on the E. ! To correct this j defect and great- 1 ly enhance the I imposing ap- : pearance of the I structure, the j-semici rcuiar i range of case- I mates, utilized for fuel and storage, was constructed, the outer face forming a beauti- L fill green glacis. The terre-pUin is paved with Maryland Seneca stone, with an outer j cap of New England granite. In 1828 the terrace was connected with the building by ;the broad platform opposite the western projection, and the west door was cut through. ; In 1873 the iron railing which enclosed the grounds was removed to give place to an ( enlarged line of enclosure then purchased. The configuration of the immediate eminence upon which I the Capitol stands has been materially changed and beauti- ■ fied by the hand of art. The original slopes have been mod- j hied by terraces and slopes falling to the level of the divergent i- avenues. There is also an enlarged line of enclosure, ein- GREENQUGH S STATUE OF WASHINGTON. 62 GENERAL DESCRIPTION. bracing the acquisitions of additional ground. Outside of[ this runs a paved footwalk, with heavy granite curbing, withj handsome lamp-posts, on the line of the thoroughfare. The boundary streets are also paved and lighted. General Description.— The Capitol of the United States,! as now completed, is unquestionably the finest and largest building of the kind on the face of the earth, and does credit to the skill of the architects and the taste of the nation In durability of structure and costliness of material it is also superior to any other. The great edifices of the Old Work are accumulations of a number of centimes. The Capitol of the United States is the stupendous work of less than a single century. The elevated seat, formed by nature anc art, upon which the Capitol stands, is 89J ft. above ordinary low tide in the Potomac, 1 mile distant, and is admirably adapted to the display of its vast proportions and architecture. The entire length of the building is 751 ft., and the greatest depth, the breadth of the wings, 324 ft., including the porticos! and steps. The ground-plan covers about 3 J acres. The struc-j ture in detail consists of a main building and two extensions, with connecting corridors. The main or central building is 352 ft. in length, and, exclusive of the W. projection, 121i ft. deep, with an E. central colonnaded portico 160 ft. wide, consisting of rows of monolithic Corinthian columns, 24 in number and 30 ft. high, exclusive of pedestals. The portico is elevated on a rustic basement, surmounted by an enrichec entablature and pediment, the latter 80 ft. broad. Over this rises an attic story, surmounted by the Dome, 135 ft. in diam- eter. In the rear and on either side of this main portico the edifice, rests on a basement to correspond with that of the portico. Above this rises the order, two stories in height, with pilasters, an entablature, frieze, and surmounting bal ustrade, carried out in the same architectural design. It is proposed, at some future day, to take down this portico, and extend the front of the central building E., to bring it at least on a line with the E. front of the two extensions, so as to perfect the architectural group. Between the origina" building and each of the extensions, which lie at the IS", and S. ends of the building, is a connecting corridor of 44 ft. in length and 56 ft. depth, with four fluted columns on eithei front. Each extension has a front of 143 ft. facing the E. and W., and depth of 239 ft. along the N. and S. facades. The latter is exclusive of the porticos and steps on the E ., which correspond with the main building. The facades of each extension are embellished with porti- cos ©n three sides, those on the E. consisting of 22 fluted THE DOME. 63 monolithic column?, in two rows, 1ST. and S., and 10 on the W. ends, the columns facing' the 1ST. and S. respectively con- stituting the N. and S. fronts of the building. The porticos of the N\ and S. facades are 124 ft. front. The TV. front of the main building presents a central pro- jection of 83 ft. by 160 ft. front, with a recessed colonnade 100 ft. in extent, consisting of 10 coupled columns, elevated on a rustic basement, as the E. front, and rising, with its en- tablature and balustrade, to the roof, surmounted by a pan- eled screen or attic. The rest of the W. front is the same as the E. There are no steps on the "W. front of the main building, it being entered from the tipper terrace. The exten- sions stand on a foundation of granite, raised about 4 ft. on all sides ; the basement or ground floor is reached by granite steps. On the E. facade are three broad flights of steps, which lead to the commencement of the order. Beneath the basement is a sub-basement, visible only and accessible on the outside from the casematecl terrace on the W. The material employed in the central building first erected is freestone, from the Government quarries at Aquia Creek, about 40 m. below the city, purchased by the Commissioners in 1791. This is painted, in order to conform in general ap- pearance with the wings, which are built of white marble, from Lee, Massachusetts. The marble columns of the exten- sions are from the quarries at Cockeysville, Maryland, about 20 m. 1ST. of Baltimore. The appropriations made by Congress from 1800 to date for the erection, repair, and preservation of the Capitol amount to 813,000,000. The Dome. — Out of the centre of the main building rises the great Dome of the Capitol, designed by Walter, and which replaced a smaller one removed in 1856. It is of the follow- ing dimensions : Exterior Height — above the base line of the E. facade of the Capitol to the top of the lantern, 288 ft.; above the W. gate of the park, 360 ft.; above the balustrade of the building, 218 ft.; statue of Freedom on the apex, 19| ft. Total height from base line to crest of statue of Freedom, 307£ ft. Total height above low tide in the Potomac, 397 ft. Diameter, 135£ ft. The Dome rests on an octagonal base or stylobate, 93 ft. above the basement floor, and as it leaves the top line of the building consists of a peristyle, 124 ft. in diameter, of 36 iron TOted columns, 27 ft. high, and weighing 6 tons each. Above this is a balustrade. From the entablature of the peristyle to the attic is 44 ft. Above the balustrade begins the domi- cal covering. The apex is surmounted by a lantern, 15 ft. in 64 THE DOME. diameter and 50 ft. high, surrounded by a peristyle, and crowned by the bronze Statue of Freedom. Just below the lantern is a balustrade around the crowning platform. The outer domical shell is pierced with glazed openings for the admission of light. In the lantern is a reflecting lamp, lighted by electricity, and used only when either or both Houses of Congress are sitting at night. This light is visible from all parts of the city. The Statue of Freedom, by Crawford, 1865, which sur- mounts the lantern of the Dome, rep- resents the figure of a female, the r. hand resting on the hilt of a sheathed sword; the 1. on a shield, and holding a wreath. The crest of the helmet con- sists of an eagle's beak, embellished with plumes of feathers. This head- gear was not the conception of the artist, but an after-suggestion. The original model represented a simple head-band, encircled with stars. The drapery of the figure is both chaste and striking. Over an inner garb is a fur- red robe, tastefully adjusted over the 1. shoulder and falling over the 1. arm ; at the waist it is gathered in loose folds, and held by a brooch, bearing the let- ters U. S. The attitude of the statue exhibits in a sticking degree the beauty of feminine grace with decision. The statue is 19J ft. high, and the weight of bronze 14,985 lbs., or 6 tons (2,240 ft>s.) and 1,545 lbs. It was cast at Clark Mills' foundry at Bladensburg, 5 m. NE. of Washington, and cost $23,796. The statue stands on a bronze capping for the Dome, representing a globe, with an encircling zone, upon which are the words "JE Phiribus Unum." The weight of iron used in the Dome is 8,009,200 Sbs., or 3,575 tons (2,240) 1,200 lbs. The Dome stands upon a substruction of masonry, which forms the foundation of the outside walls, and also upon 40 interior columns, which sup- port heavy arches, upon which rests the pavement of the Rotunda. The casting and erecting of the iron work of the immense structure was done by Janes, Beebe & Co., New York. There are two smaller domes and a number of lan- terns and skylights. The roofoi the entire building is cov- ered with copper. STATUE OF FREEDOM. PORTICOS. 65 The following are the dimensions of the three greatest domes of Europe : St. Peter's, Korae, from the pavement to the base of the lantern, 405 ft. ; to the top of the cross outside, 458 ft. ; ex- terior diameter of the cupola, 195J ft. ; interior, 139 ft. St. Paul's, London, England, to the top of the cross, 404 ft. ; diameter, 112 ft. Hotel cles Invalides, Paris, France, over the Tomb of Napoleon, 323 ft. It will be seen that the Dome of the Capitol of the United United States ranks fifth in height and fourth in diameter. The dome of the Cathedral of St. Isaac, at St. Petersburg, the National Church of Russia, is 383 ft. in height, and is also a magnificent structure, built of iron and bronze. Porticos, — The E. facade of the Capitol is broken by three grand porticos, reached by broad flights of steps, and from which open the three principal doorways. Beneath each of these porticos are massive vaulted carriageways to the base- ment entrances, the centre one of which opens into the Crypt. The main Portico^ 160 ft. in length, consists of 24 monolithic columns, 30 ft. high. On the tympanum of the pediment is an allegorical group in alto relievo, by Persico, an Italian, representing the Genius of America. The principal figure, representing America, is of semi-colossal size, and standing on a broad unadorned plinth, holding in her hand a poised shield, with U. S. A. emblazoned in the centre of a ray of glory. The shield, which is oval, represents an ornamented altar, in the centre of which is, a wreath of oak leaves, in basso relievo, encircling July 4, 1776. In the rear of the figure rests a broad spear, and at her feet an eagle, with partly-spread wings. The head of the figure is crowned with a star, and inclines towards the figure of '' Hope, " who is addressing her. The right arm of •' Hope " is raised, and the left rests on the stock of an anchor, the hand grasping part of the drapery. The Genius of America, in reply to Hope, who is recounting the glory of the nation, points to the figure on the other side, which represents Justice, with eyes uplifted, and holding in the right hand a partly-unrolled scroll, on which is inscribed " Constitution of the United States," and in the left the scales. Justice has neither bandage nor- sword, representing that American justice judges intelligently. The emblematic char- acter of the group suggests that, however Hope may flatter, all prosperity should be founded in public right and the pres- ervation of the Constitution. The execution of the work is excellent, but cannot be entirely appreciated from its raised position. All the figures are cut in sandstone, and 7% ft. in height. The sculptor at first contemplated giving more 06 PORTICOS. nudity to the group, but being persuaded that it was coii« traiy to the sentiment of the people of the United States, went to the other extreme. The ascent to this portico is by an im- posing flight of freestone steps, flanked on either side by mas- sive buttresses* On the S. buttress stands a semi-colossal group of statuary by Persico, an Italian, 1846, representing the Discovery of America*, in a figure of Columbus, holding aloft a 0mall globe, on the top of which is inscribed America, At his. side crouches an astonished and awe-stricken Indian maiden. The group consumed 5 years in execution, and cost $24,000. It is said that the armor is true to a rivet, hav- ing been copied from a suit in the palace of the descendants of the discoverer at Genoa. The corresponding group on the N". buttress, by Greenough,"1842, represents the First Set- tlement of America, consisting of five figures : a hunter rescu- ing a woman and child from the murderous Indian, while by the side is a faithful dog* The work consumed about 12 years in execution, and cost $24,000. It is of Servazza mar- ble. Persico was first designated to make this group. In the niches on the r. and 1. of the great Bronze Door, opening into the Rotunda, are the colossal statues of Peace and War, both by Persico, 1832. Peace is represented by the Goddess Ceres, a gentle maiden, with loose flowing robes and sandals. In her r. hand she bears fruit, and her 1. an olive branch. War is represented by Mars, a stern warrior, attired in Roman toga, belt, and tunic, with helmet and sandals. The tunic bears the symbols of his victims. The statues are of the finest quality of Cararra marble, each 9 ft. in height, were o years in execution, and cost $12,000 apiece. Both are fine specimens of art. Over the Bronze Door is a basso relievo by Capellano, 1827, representing Fame and Peace in the act of placing a laurel wreath upon the brow of Washington. In panels on either side are bundles of radiating arrows, with surroundings of leaves. The E. Portico of the North or Senate Extension is reached by a broad flight of 46 marble steps, broken by 4 landings, and flanked by massive cheek-blocks, carrying out the design of the central Portico. This portico measures 143 ft., and is adorned by a double row of monolithic Corinthian columns, 22 in all, 30 ft. high, exclusive of base, and is surmounted by a pediment of 72 ft. span. The group of figures on the Tympanum, by Thomas Crawford, symbolizes the Progress of Civilization in the United States. The centre figure repre- sents America, with the rising sun in the background. On , her r. are figures of War and Commerce, Youth and Educa- I tion, Mechanics and Agriculture. On her 1. the Pioneer, the Hunter, and the Aboriginal Race. The latter is represented MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 67 by an Indian and squaw, with an infant in her arms, seated by a filled grave, typical of the decadence of the red race. This group, ordered in 1862, was cut by Italians, out of Amer- ican marble from Massachusetts, and cost $45,950. The E. Portico of the South or "House" Extension, in archi- tectural design, dimensions, and material, is the same as that of the 1ST. Extension. The portico is without statuary or sculptured embellishment; yet, with its beautiful marble columns supporting the entablature and surmounting pedi- ment, it is grand in its nude proportions. The W. facade, the central projection and extensions, and the N". and S. faces of the building, are decorated with col- onnades, of beautiful proportions, and surmounted by balus- trades, all in harmony with the porticos on the E. Main Bronze Door. — The great Bronze Door, designed and modeled in Home, in 1858, by Randolph Rogers, and cast in bronze in Munich in 1860 by F. v. Miller, fills the main door- way, from the grand Portico into the Rotunda. The leaves or valves of the door, which is double, stand in a superbly en- riched casing, also of bronze, and, opened, fold back into suit- ably fitted jambs. The entire height is 19 ft; width, 9 ft.; weighs 20,000 lbs, and cost $28,- 000. Each leaf is divided into 8 panels, in addition to the transom-panel under the arch. Each of these contains a com- plete scene, in alto relievo. The back of the door is finished with a simple star in the centre of each panel, corresponding with the front. A plain molding re- lieves the blank space of each. The great Bronze Door is a credit to the magnificence and magnitude of the Capi- tol. In 1862, contrary to the views of Mr, Walter, Architect of the Capitol, it Was placed in the S. doorway of the old Hall of Representatives, now the Hall of Statuary. MAIN EEONZE DOOR, In 1871 it was removed, and has since (See pages 68, 69.) properly constituted the main door to the Capitol. In the event of the projection of this portico to the east line of the Exten- sions, the Bronze Door, it is suggested by the architect, should form the inner or vestibule door, where the architecture should be in harmony with its design. A C 15 13 11 9 O O 16 14 12 10 B D IV 2 1 VI C O III 4 3 VII O II 6 5 VIII O I S 7 IX O 68 MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 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 of 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 the range of geographical exploration inaugurated by him. The first 8 figures are associated in pairs wheiVthe 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 1492-150J. z. Pedro Gonzales de 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 VIII, 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; meantime the discovery was accomplished under the auspices of Spain. 9. Juan Perez de Marchena, 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 court of Henry VII, and first Adelentado of Hispaniola. It is said that the likenesf is of the sculptor. 1 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, oneof 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. MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 69 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 court 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 woids were: " In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum. ,t "Into thy hands, v 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 voyages 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 three most celebrated bronze doors of Europe are in Florence, in the Church of the Baptistry of St. John. The centre one, by Lorenzo Ghiberti, X4zo-'5o, con- sumed 30 years in execution, and illustrates scenes in the Old Tastament. Michael Angelo declared this gate worthy to be the portal of Paradise. The others are by Andrea Pisano, 1330, and Ghiberti, 1400- '20. The latter illustrates scenes in the New Testament. Rotunda. — 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 96 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 portions of these panels. The wreaths over the panels encircle busts of Columbus, 1. of W. door; Cahot, 1. of E. door; Raleigh, r. of W. door; and La Salle, r. of E. door, four names most conspicuously identified witli the history of the early discovery and exploration of the N". American continent, executed by Capellano and Caucici, Italians, both pupils of Canova, ordered in 1827, and cost, with the frieze and wreath-work, 69,500. Over the four entrance? are historical subjects in alto relievo, ordered in 1826, cost each $3,500. E. Door. — Landing of the Pilgrims, 1620 : Caucici, a pupil of Canova. W. Door. — Pocahontas Saving the Life of Cap- tain Smith : Capellano, 1821, a pupil of Canova. JV. Door.— 70 • ROTUNDA. William Penn Holding a Conference with the Indians, 1682 : Gavelot, 1827. S. Boor. — Daniel Boone in Conflict with the Indians, 1773 : Caucici. All these are wretched caricatures. It is designed to ornament the frieze, 300 ft. in length, with sculpture, representing the history of the United States, and make other improvements in this part of the Capitol. In the panels between the doors of the Rotunda are historical paint- ings, four illustrating the discovery and settlement of North America, and four the leading events in the struggle for in- dependence. The Declaration op 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 the artist consulted Jefferson and Adams, both of whom were present. The style of dress, the furniture, and the hall 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., Rutleclge 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 the 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, of Va.; 2, William Whipple, and 3, 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.; 11, Lewis Morris, and 12, William Floyd, of N. Y.; 13, Arthur Middleton, and 14, Thomas Heyward, of S. C; 15, Charles Carroll, of Md.; l5, 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.; 23, Stephen Hopkins, and 24, William Ellery, of R. I.; 25, George Clymer, of Penn.; 26, William Hooper, and 27, Joseph Hewes, of N. C; 28, James Wilson, of Penn.; 29, Francis Hopkirison, 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 Rutiedge, 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 $8,000. The painting in the pan- el on the 1. of the W. door represents the surrender of the ROTUNDA. 71 BECTIONAL VIEW OF THE DOME. (From " Washington Inside and Outside.") 72 ROTUNDA. British Gen. Burgoyne to the American Gen. Gates at Sara- toga. The scene portrayed represents Burgoyne, attended by Gen. Phillips 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 iNT. In the background will be observed the British army at the confluence of Fish Creek and X. 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 3, 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); 13, 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 iS, 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 scene in the contest between the Colonies and the mother country, the surrender of the army of Lord Cornwallis to the Americans at York- town, Virginia. The event is associated with an incident which should be $3orne in mind in order to comprehend what might seem out of keeping. About 18 months before the surrender, Gen. . Lincoln, in command of the American forces at Charleston, S.C., had been obliged to capitulate to the British. 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 sanae as he had granted to Gen. Lincoln. Gen. Wash- ington, itHae Commander-in-Chief, and to whom the honor of receiving ftlie surrender was due, appointed Gen. Lincoln to ^iipemxtej&d 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 from the opposite side of the road, with Gen. Rochambeau 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 River and the Chesapeake Bay are also brought in, and afford a general idea of the topographical sur- roundings. It may be added, with respect to the French offi- cers, that their portraits were obtained from Paris, in 1787, and were taken from life, at the residence of Mr. Jefferson, 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 Cu.stine, 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 ChastelJux j 11, Baron Viomeuil; 12, Count de Barre and Count de Grasse, Admirals in the French N^vy; 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, of S. C. ; 33, Col. Wal- ter Stuart, of Penn., and 34, Col. Nicholas Fish, of N. Y. Resignation of General Washington, Dec. 23, 1783 : Trumbull. Ordered 1817, cost 88,000. The painting on the I. of the ~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 shecl tears. It was Dec. 23, 1783, in the State House at Annapolis, Maryland. The patriot commander was surrounded by his officers, in the presence of the Congress of the infant Republic, and was now about to restore to Con- gress his commission, and with it the authority with winch 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 the con- flict, expressing his obligations to the army, and committing the future to the protection of Almighty God, he closed with the words: "Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action, and bidding an affec- tionate farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life." It maybe men- tioned, as a coincidence, that the President of Congress was, in 1775, the first 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; a, Charles Thompson, of Penn.; 3, Elbridge 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, of S. C, all members of Congress; 17, James Madison, of Va., spectator; 18, William Ellery, of R. l.'j 19, Jeremiah Townley Chase, of Md. ; 20, S. Hardy, of Va. ; and 21, Charles Morris, of Penn., members of Congress j 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 first 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 Rolf e, her future husband, stands by her side. The relatives of the 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; 3, John and Ann Laydon, first married 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; 11, Nantequas, brother to Pocahontas; 12, Opechaucanough; 13, Opachisco, uncle to Pocahontas; 14, Richard Whiffin. Discovery of .the Mississippi Kiver 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 through swamp and forest from distant Florida. The paint- ing, however, does not verify history. The discoverers had endured great privations, and, ragged and worn, took to the river in canoes, in hopes of escape from their sufferings. 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 cf 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 liis work, and the picture was abandoned. Landing 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 king 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 the 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. Embarkation of the Pilgrims from Delft-Haven, in Holland, July 21, 1620, O. S. : Weir. Ordered 1836, cost $10,000. Kepresents the Puritan 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. : 1, 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; 11, Mrs. Carver and child; 12, William Robinson, pastor of the congrega- tion; 1 j, 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 6o£ 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 the original States of the American Union. These figures form a crown and sup- port a band, upon which are the appropriate words E Pluri- bus 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 the W. i. 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 1 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 viewed 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 first 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 which 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 view 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, which leads to the platform immediately beneath the canopy. This point affords a closer view of Brumidi's allegory, a de- scription of which 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 city 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 Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, and on the r., beyond the 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 buildings of the Arsenal, and 7 m. below, on the opposite shore, Alexandria. 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. psHiuaaoEBS] o o M. Speer Pa 12 A. H. Stephens Ga 18 H. B. Smith N. Y. 14 J. Coburn Ind 15 I. W. Scudder N. J. 16 J. B, Storm, Pa. 17 J. B. Clarke, Jr. Mo 18 A. H. Buckner Mo 19 R. B. Vance N. C. 20 A. White Ala 21 DeW. C. Giddinga Tex 22 W. S. Herndon Tex 23 J. D. C. Atkins Tenn 24 G. M. Adams Ky 25 J. Hancock Tex 28 J. M. Pendleton R. I. 27 J. W. Killinger Pa 28 D. A. Nunn Tenn 29 0. St John N. Y. 30 C. L. Cobb N. C. 31 H. Maynard Tenn 32 L. B. Gunckel 0. 33 A. H. Smith Pa 34 T. Whitehead Va 35 W. M. Rob bins N. C. 36 J. M. Leach N. C. 37 L. Q. C. Lamar Miaa 38 J. B. Beck Ky 39 C. A. Eldredge 40 W. R. Roberta 41 P. Cook 42 W. J. O'Brien 43 W. S. Holman 44 S. Archer 45 C. Pelham 46 D. M. De Witt 47 J. R. Lofland 48 T. J. Creamer 49 J. R. Eden 50 G. Barrere 51 J. Q. Smith 52 D. W. Goooh 53 S. Hooper 54 E. D. Standefartf 55 H, P. Bell 56 H. R. Harris 67 A. Comingo 58 J. M. Glover 59 M. J. Durham 60 A. Mitchell 61 W. E. Niblack 62 L. T. Neal 63 R. Hamilton 64 M. I. Southard 65 F. Wood 66 R. P. Bland 67 J. Wilson 68 E. R. Hoar 69 S. W. Kellogg 70 C. C. Sheats 71 8. P. Hersey, 72 E. K. Wilson 73 M. W. Field 74 J. Berry 75 J. MoNulta 76 A. M. Waddeil Wis N. Y. Ga Md Jnd Md Ala N. Y. Del N. Y. Ill 111 0. Ga Ga Mo Mo £? Wis Ind N.J. 0. N. Y. Mo Iowa Masa 1 106 Conn J 107 Ala; 108 Me. ! 109 Md i 110 Mich I 111 O.I 112 111- 113 N. C. 1 114 T. S. Aahe N. C. [ J. H. Sloaa Ala T.T.Crittenden Mo, J. Y. Browa Ky. W. B. Read Ky R. M. Knapp HI J. T. Hams Ta I J. C. Robinson 111 E. Perry N. Y. | Hiester Clymer Pa C. N. Lamison 0. F. Hereford W. V. E. Wells Mo H. L. Pierce Masa C. Hays Ala J. H. Piatt, Jr Ya J. R. Hawley Conn J. M. Hagans W. Va Mich H. W. Barry Mias J H. Blount Ga H. B. Banning O C. W. MUliken. Ky C. W. Kendall N'ev S. S. Marshall 111 R. Q. Mills Tex J. A. Magee Pa P. M. B. Young Ga R. A. Hatcher Mo E.Crossland Ky W.C.Whitthorne Tenn J.O.Whitehouse N. Y. W. R. Morrison 111 F. Morey La C. B. Farwell 111 W. H. Stone Mo C. N. Potter N. Y. H. J. Jewett 0. 115 J. A. Smith v« 116 W. Townseud Pa 117 L. K. Baas N. Y. 118 A. F. Pike N. H. 119 I. R. Sherwood 0. 120 W. H. Barnum Conn 121 A. Hodees Ark. 122 W. Wiltshire Ark 123 C. Y. Thomis Va 124 M. K. Armstrong Dak 126 W. S. Moore t»i 127 IN. f. Chipman D. C. 128 W.E.Arthur Ky 129 J. H. Caldwell Ala 130 S. J. Randall Pa 131 J. W. Nesmith Ore 132 A. Sloan Ga 133 8. K. Wolfe Ind 134 J. D. Young Ky 135 J. K. Luttrell Cal 136 J. M. Bright Tenn 137 L. Todd Pa 138 E. Huiter Va 139 J. 3. Davis W.V 140 R. T. Bowen Va 141 A. R. Howe Miss 142 J. Hailcy Id.T. 143 L. A. Sheldon La 144 F. G. Bromberg Ala 145 R. C. McCormick Ar.T. 140 W. R. Steele Wg.T. 147 0. B. McFadden Wa.T. 148 G. Q. Cannan U. T. 149 JJ.MaginB.is. M. T. 150 F, Clark. N. Y. 151 J. B. Sener Va West Side, 1 0. P. Snyder Ark 2 C. Clayton Cal 3 A. S. Wallace S. C. 4 H.H. Starkweather Conn 5 J. Cessna Pa 6 Q. W. Hazelton Wis 7 A. Crocker Mass 8 P. S. Crooke N. Y. 9 8. L, Woodford N. Y. 10 J. Monroe, 0. 11 D. B. Mellish N. Y. 12 J. S. Neeley Pa 13 W. B. Williams Mich 14 W. H. Ray 111 15 N. B. Bradley Mich 16 J. N. Tyner Ind 17 W. P. Sprague 18 W. P. Frye Me 19 I. C. Parker Mo 20 t. D. Shoemaker Pa 21 G. L. Fort 111 22 S. Ross Pa 23 L. P. Poland Vt 24 G. W. ScoflelS Pa 25 C. B. Curtis Pa 26 J. D. Lawson N. Y. 27 R. H. Duell N. Y. 28 A. C. Harmer Pa 29 L. D. Woodworth 0. 30 M. L. Ward N. J. 31 G. S. Orth Ind 32 R. R. Butler Tenn S3 C. R. Thomas N. C. 84 H. Waldron Mich 35 J. W. Hazelton N. J. 86 J. C. Burrows Mich 87 C. Albright Pa 88 J. A. Eubbell Mich 39 G. W. Hendee Vt 40 J. M. Wilson Ind 41 G. W. McCrary Iowa 42 H. L. Dawes Mass 43 B. T. Eames R, I. 44 G. F. Hoar Mass 45 H. S. Bundy, 0. 46 J. Niles Miss 47 P. Sawyer Wis 48 C. G. Williams Wis 49 E. 0. Stanard Mo 50 H. 0. Pratt Iowa 51 D. Wilber N. Y, 52 J. H. Burleigh Me 53 W. E. Lansing N. Y. 54 W. J, Albert Md 55 H. L. Richmond Pa 66 J. B. Packer Pa 57 J. T. Averill Minn 58 C. W. Willard Vt 59 B. W. Harris Mass fiO H. H. Hathorn N. Y. 61 W. A. Smith N. C. 62 C. L. Merriam N. Y. 63 C. Foster 0. 64 W. Williams Ind 65 M. H. Dunnell Minn 60 H. B. Strait, Minn 67 H E. Harens Mo 68 J. A. Kasson Iowa 69 I. Clements. Ill 70 W. G. Donnan Iowa 71 J. W. MsDill Iowa 72 W. W. Phelps N. J. 73 C. D. MacDouga'il N. Y. 74 H. F. Page Cal 75 S. A. Dobbins N. J. 76 A. Clark, Jr. N, J. W. Longhridge W. Crutchfield D. P. Lowe H. B. Sayler J.D. Strawbridge J. D. Ward W. D. Kelley J. M. Rusk M. C. Hunter E. H. Roberts L. Myers H. C." Burchard S. A. Hurlburt J. S. Martin J. B. Hawley G. C. McKee A. J. Ransier R.E„Whiteley, JV R. Lynch J. S. Smart J. H. Rainey J. T. Walls B. F. Butler L. Lowndes, Jr S. B. Elkins S. 0. Houghton J. B. Chaffee J. W. Robinson B. Lewis J.M.Thornburgh Tenn H. J. Scudder N. Y. C. O'Neill J. C. Freeman J. B. Rice F. Corwin W. h. Sessions W, A. Phillips W. A. Wheeler Iowa i 115 Tenn; 116 Kan 1 117 Ind 118 Pa 111 Pa Wis Ind N. Y. Pa 111 111 127 111 1 128 111 129 Miss ; 130 S. C. 131 Ga.,132 Miss 1 133 N. Y. j 134 S. C. 135 Fla 136 Mass 137 Md 138 N. M. Cal C. T. Tenn Pa Ga 111 m N. Y. Kan N. Y. E. Hale Ma R. S. Ha!e N. Y. J. A. Ga'rfield O. R. C. Parsons 0. C. B. Darrall La W. J. Hynes Ark G. L. Smith La R. H. Cain S. C. J. P. C. Shanks Ind W. J. Purman Fla J. H. Sypher La A. S. McDill Wis J. Orr Iowa I. B. Hyde Mo J. Buflinton Mass T. J. Caaon Ind L. Danford 0. A. W. Taylor Pa H. H. Harrison Tenn L. Crounse Neb W. H. H. Stowell Va J. M. S. Williams Mass J. T. Rapier Ala 0. D. Conger Mich G. Willard Mich L. Tremain N. Y. G. G. Hoakina N. Y. T. C. Piatt N. Y. J. G. Cannon III W. B. Small N. H. J. A. Barber Wis J. Packard Ind R. B. Elliott P. C. W. Lawrence S. A. Cobb, Kan J. S. Biery Pa E. MoJ untie Pa 112 HALL OF REPRESENTATIVES. that on the K. 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 Ploor, — The visitor has now reached the second story, or gallery floor. The corridors on the W., where he stands, and on the 1ST. and E., are open to the public. That on the S. is devoted to the Press Telegraph Offices, and Re- porters Retiring Room in the W. half, and Ladies'' Retiring Room on the E. The latter is reached by the 1ST. 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 1ST. corridor centre, *]ST. side. Commit- tee rooms open from the outside upon the E. and W. corri- dors. The 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 JST. for gentlemen; on E. families of members and diplomatic representatives and ladies; and on the 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 observed. The Hall of the Kepresentatives— or the "House of rep- 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, 3G 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 . Beneath these galleries, against the JST., 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 Speaker 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 surmounted 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 Sclieffer,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 1ST. door is a clock,, surmounted by an eagle, and supported on either side by figures- 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, which 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. The 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 narrow 8 114 HISTORY. passage on the 1. leads to the steps to the vaults and sub- basement, in which are the kitchens, heating' and ventilat- ing apparatus, and coal vaults. These are materially the' same as beneath the Senate, Committee Booms.— 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 first work of the kind clone on the Capitol, and, with the excep- 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 Modem 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 1 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 Hadfield, England ; 1803, R. H. Latrobe, Md. ; 1817, Charles BuTiinch, Mass. ; 1851, Thomas U. Walter, Penn. ; 1865 T Ed- ward Clark, Penn. History.— The site of the Capitol, if not chosen, was ap- proved by Washington, in the original plans of the city, sub- mitted to him by L'Enfant, and in the summer of 1791 was located by the commissioners. On this occasion Mr. Ellicott 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 his 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 the 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 18th 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, 5793, by the President of the United States, in concert with the Grand Lodge of Maryland, several Lodges under its jurisdiction, and Lodge No. 22 from Alexandria, Virginia. "Thomas Johnson, David Stewart, and Daniel Carroll, Commissioners; Joseph Clarke, R. W. G. M. P. T. ; James Hoban and Stephen Hallate, Architects j 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. The 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 No. 9 of Georgetown. After the dedicatory ceremonies the entire assemblage took part in a barbecue arranged for the occasion in the E. Park. The 1ST. 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 the 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 R. 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 ordei 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. During the war of 1812 work on the build- ing was suspended. In 1814 the 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. NE., erected by the citizens of Washington for the purpose, 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 Bultinch, 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 terraces and grounds, was completed in 13 years, at a cost, in- cluding alterations, repairs, &c, and improvement of grounds to 1851, when the 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- lowing 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 laid by MILLARD FILLMORE, President of the United States, assisted*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-stone of the Capitol by President Washington, on the eighteenth day of September, seventeen hundred and ninety-three. " If, therefore, it shall be hereafter the will of God that this structure shall 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 en- tablatures, now to be erected over it, may endure forever! " God save the United States of America ! Daniel Webster, '•'•Secretary of State of the United States.*'' Daniel Webster, the orator of the day, concluded the cere- monies in an eloquent address. In 1855 Congress authorized the removal o£ 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 iron, 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 J ft. to the skylight. "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 circular 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 unfurled from its crest, and was greeted by the shouts 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 Eepresentatives 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; miscellaneous, $1,000,000. HISTORY OF CONGRESS. 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 U 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 ull 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 mg had no effect whatever. The Congress met at the ap- pointed time and place, and Peyton Randolph, 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 3.), Princeton, N. J. ; 1783, Nov. 26, Annapolis, Md. ; 1784, Nov. 1, Trenton, N. J.; 1785, Jan. 11, New "York City, N. Y., until the adoption of the Constitution of the United States. Presidents of the Continental Congress. 1774-1783.— 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, Nov. 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; Eiias Bou- dinot, N. J., Nov. 4, 1782; Thomas Mifflin, Penn., Nov. 3, 1783; Richard Henry Lee, Va., Nov. 30, 1784; Nathaniel Gorham, 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 November, till the Constitution of the United States went into operation, in 1789. Eatification of the Constitntion. — 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 thhteen 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 Constitution 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 very 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 Republic establish- ed, by the act of 1790. The 6th Congress, 2d Session, the first which met in the City of Washington, assembled here on Nov. 17, 1800, the third Monday of Nov;; but failed of a quorum of the Senate till Nov. 21, on which day the Presi- dent of the United States and House of Representatives were notified of the organization of that 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. The 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 third 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 Jefferson, 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. R. 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 member." •chosen every second year by the people of the several States. and are apportioned according to their respective population. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 121 Kepresentation, 292 members, 10 delegates, viz : Alabama, 8 ; Arkansas, 4 ; California, 4 ; Connecticut 4 ; Delaware, 1 ; Florida, 2 ; Georgia, 9 ; Illinois, 19 ; Indiana, 13 ; Iowa, 9 ; Kansas, 3 ; Kentucky 10 ; Louisiana, 6 ; Maine, 5 ; Maryland, 6 ; Massachusetts, 11 ; Michigan, 9 ; Minnesota, 3 ; Mississip- pi, 6; Missouri, 13; Nebraska, 1; Nevada, 1; New Hamp- shire 3; New Jersey, 7; New York, 33; North s Carolina, 8; Ohio, 20 ; Oregon, 1 ; Pennsylvania, 27 ; Rhode Island, 2 ; South 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, Colorada, Dako- ta, District of Columbia, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Delegates may propose mea- sures relating to their own Territory, but have no vote. Speakers of the House of Representatives. — 1789, 1st Con- gress, F. A. Muhlenberg, Penn.; 1791, 2, Jonathan Trum- bull, Conn.; 1793, 3, F."A. Muhlenberg, Penn.; 1795, 4-5, Jonathan Dayton, N. J. ; 1799, 6, Theodore Sedgwick, Mass. ; 1801, 7-9, Nathaniel Macon, N. C. ; 1807, 10-il, Joseph B. Varnum, Mass.; 1811, 12-13, Henry Clay, Ky. ; 1813, 13, Langdon Cheves, S. C. ; 1815, 14-16, Henry Clay, Ky. ; 1819, 16, John W. Taylor, N. Y. ; 1821, 17, Philip B. Barbour, Va. ; 1823, 18, Henry Clay, Ky. ; 1825, 19, John W. Taylor, N. Y.; 1827, 20-23, Andrew Stevenson, Va.; 1835, 24, John Bell., Term.; 1837, 25-26, James K. Polk, Term.; 1841, 27, R. M. T. Hunter, Va. ; 27, John 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 Boyd, Ky. ; 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. 122 president's house. PRESIDENT'S HOUSE. The official residence of the President of the United States of America stands on the W. plateau of the city, 1J m. from the Capitol. In the early official plans and documents it is designated the President's House, but has been since styled the Executive Mansion, and popularly the "White House."' 1 The Pennsylvania-av. street cars pass in front. Grounds — The edifice is situated near the 1ST. limit of Res- ervation No. 1, known as the President's Grounds, revised measurement, 80f a. The private grounds consist of about 20 a. On the E., about 450 ft. distant, is the Treasury De- partment, and on the W. are the Departments of State, War, and Navy. Between these buildings and the President's House is Executive av. In front a broad a v., from 15th to 17th sts. W., separates the N. Park from Lafayette Square. Two gateways, connected by a semi-circular drive and footwalk, lead to the N. portico. This portion of the grounds is laid out in walks and parterres, with a fountain in the centre. The grounds S. are divided by the semi-circular extension of Ex- ecutive av. That part within the enclosure is private, and is adorned with lawns, walks, trees, flowers, and a fountain. On every Saturday afternoon during the summer the Marine Band plays in these grounds. To the SW. are the President's Sta- bles. The broad avenue running S. connects with the drive on the Mall. The Building.— The President's House (E. Boom open to visitors every day, except Sunday, from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m.) built of freestone painted white, is 170 ft. long by 86 ft. wide, two stories high, broken by pilasters of the order, and crowned with a balustrade. On the N. is a grand portico, supported on 8 Ionic columns, with corresponding pilasters in the rear, affording a shelter for carriages and pedestrians. The S. front is adorned with a lofty semi-circidar 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 Conservato- ries. The general style is a modification of the residence of the Duke of Lienster, Dublin. The main door on the N. opens into a spacious vestibule or entrance hall, 40 ft. front by 50 ft. deep. A sash screen divides the entrance hall into two unequal parts, The entrance hall is frescoed overhead. The medallions on either side of the beautiful crystal chandelier are canvas, by Brumidi. On the walls, within the screen, are portraits of Presidents John Adams, Van Buren, Tyler, Polk, Fillmore, and Pierce, by Healy, purchased under act of 1857. 124 president's house. The Washington is by Stuart. During the invasion of the British one of the colored servants of President Madison cut this picture from the frame, and in the flight of the Presi- dent's household carried it to Tennallytown, thus 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 the 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, originally designed for the Banqueting Room, and still so used since 1837— a beautiful apartment, 80 ft. by 40 ft., and 22 ft. high. The style of decoration is pure Greek, 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 gra} r . 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 workmanship. In this room the Pres- ident receives diplomatic ministers accredited to the United States and presented for the first time. The President and wife also receive the people here on public occasions. On the E., through a door, is the Green Room, opening into E. Room, and on the W. the Red Room, opening into the State Bining 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 Conservatory. 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 the public staircase through the door on the r. The Pres- ident's 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 mg is the library, used also as a family sitting room, and en- tered by a private door. The private portions of the second floor are on the W. side, shut off from the E., and consist 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. PRESIDENT'S HOUSE — SOUTH FRONT. History — The President's House, or U Palace," so styled in the earlier doc- uments, was the first of the public buildings erected. On March 14, 1792, the Com- missioners of the city advertised for plans for a President's House and Capitol. On July 16, 1792., these were examined at Georgetown. The first premium of $500 was awarded to James Hoban, of Charleston, S. C, for the plan of a President's House. On Oct. 13, 1792, the Commissioners, accompanied by the Freemasons, architects, and the inhabitants of Washington and Georgetown, marched in procession to the site selected for the President's House, and there, with appropriate and solemn ceremonies, laid the corner-stone of that structure. The work was conducted under the direction of Mr. Hoban, the architect, and was prosecuted under the same difficulties which surrounded the Capitol. Mr. Weld, an English traveler, writing in 1795, alludes to the building as the finest in the country, 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 expenses of living are far greater than they are even in London." The first President to occupy the building was John Adams, who took possession in Nov., 1800, after the removal of the public offices to the permanent Seat of Gov- ernment. Previous to that time the Executive of the United States was without a home owned by the nation. In New York and Philadelphia rented houses were occupied. The building up to 1814 had cost $333,207. The President's House was destroyed by the British in 1814. After the evacua- tion the President occupied a fine residence on the corner of New York av. and 18th 126 PRESIDENT S HOUSE. st. NW., known as the " Octagon," and now used by the hydrographic office of the Navy Department. In 1815 Congress authorized the restoration of the Prestdent's House, which was done by Hoban, the original architect. It was not agaca ready, however, till after 1818. In 1823 the S. portico, in 1826 the 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, how- ever, for the purposes to which it is now applied : executive offices and private res- idence. Congress has now under consideration 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 present building into execu- tive offices. The total appropriations for the erection and maintenance of the Pres- ident's House from 1800 to date amounts to $1,700,000. iSfe THE PRESIDENT'S HOUSE, (from an old print.) Presidents of the United States.— 1, G-eorge 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, Mass., 1825-1829; 7, Andrew Jackson, Tenn., 1829-1837; 8, Martin Van Buren, jST. 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 Taylor, La., 1849-1850; 13, Millard Fillmore, N". Y., 1850- 1853; 14, Franklin Pierce, N". H., 1853-1857; 15, James Buchanan, Penn., 1857-1861; 16, Abraham Lincoln, 111., 1861-1865; 17, Andrew Johnson, Tenn., 1865-1869; 18, Ulysses S. Grant, 111., 1869-187-. president's house. 127 The Executive.— -The executive power, under the Constitu- tion of the United States, is vested in a President elected f or 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. ]STo per- son except a natural-born citizen of the United States, having 1 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- day, then the day following. No formal ceremony is required, save to take the oath prescribed by the Constitution. Usage has imposed upon the Chief 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 delivered outside 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. DEPARTMENT OF STATE. The Department of State, {open daily from 9 J a. m. to 2%p. m., except Thursdays, devoted exclusively to the diplomatic corps, and Saturdays, during sessions of Congress, to mem- ber 's,) in November, 1866, was removed from the old NE. executive building, which was taken down to make room for the N. wing of the Treasury Department, to a building owned by the Washington Orphan Asylum, at the SE. corner of S and 14th sts. tw. It may be reached by street cars from New 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 ajso 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 E"avy Department — On the W. of the President's House, on 17th St., S. of the present Navy De- partment, is now being erected the S. Wing of a magnificent 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 facades 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 N. and S. fronts, will be 4 stories and 1 in DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 129 the roof, and in the E. and W. centre pavilions 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 whole 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 position 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. — 1789, Thomas Jefferson, 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, Ky. ; 1829,. Martin Van 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, Hush S. Legare\ S. C. ; 1843, A. P. Up-: slmr, Va. ; 1844, John Nelson, Md. ; 1844, J. C. Calhoun, S. C; 1845, James Buchanan, Penn. ; 1849, J. M. Clayton,' Del. ; 1850, Daniel Webster, Mass. ; 1852, Edward Everett,! Mass. ; 1853, TV. L. Marcy, N. Y. ; 1857, Lewis Cass, Mich.;; 18G0, Jer. S. Black, Penn. ; 18(31, W. H. Seward, 1ST. Y. ] 1869, E. B. Washburne, 111. ; 1869, Hamilton Fish, 1ST. Y. i History. — Before the adoption of the Constitution of the United States the ''Department of Foreign Affairs" was! under the direction of an officer styled "Secretary to thej United States of America for the Department of Foreign i Affairs," who was required to "reside where Congress or a! committee of the States should sit," and held his office dur-j ing the pleasure of Congress. On July 27, 1789, after the! adoption of the Constitution, the office was created an execu-j tive department, to be known as the Department of Foreign! Affairs, and the head as the "Secretary for the Department; of Foreign Affairs." On September 15, 1789, the name was; changed to Department of State, and the chief officer desig- nated Secretary of State. The Secretary is ex officio a mem- ber of the Cabinet of the President of the United States, andi carries out the instructions of the President, "agreeable; to the Constitution," in all matters relating to diplomatic! intercourse with foreign nations. Under this general pro-! vision he is specially charged with the negotiation of all! treaties with foreign Powers, and conducts all official correi spondence with the diplomatic representatives of foreign) governments resident in the United States, and with thel 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 thej publication of all acts and resolutions of Congress, and forj eign and Indian treaties, and preserves the originals of thej same. The organization of the Department of State consists of 2j chief clerk, first and second diplomatic, first and second corij sular, law, accounts, statistical, passport and pardons, anq Commissioner's bureaus. There is also a translator. Tlij domestic records comprise the miscellaneous correspondence not connected with the diplomatic and consular service. TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 131 TREASURY DEPARTMENT. The Treasury Department {open to the public daily, 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 1ST. to S.. and 264 ft. from E. to W., or, inclusive of porticos and steps, 582 ft. by 300 ft. The 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 i stone balustrade. The building has four 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 Virginia freestone. The rest of the entire structure is granite, from Dix island, : )n the coast of Maine. The 1$. front, facing the President's ( House, is broken by a grand central portico, consisting of 8 ! monolithic pillars front, and 2 in the recess in the centre, l md the same in the recesses on either side. This portico is j reached by a broad flight of steps. At either end, on the same f line, are two small porticos, corresponding with those on the ; W. side. The 1ST. 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 1ST. 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- ; Lug effect. The shafts of all the columns in the extension ] ire monolithic, 31 J ft. high, 4 ft. in diameter, and weigh 33 , tons. The pilasters are also single blocks of the same height, ind weigh 6 tons. The cap-stones of the blockings, against i which the steps abut, measure each 18 ft. X 17 ft. X 20 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- I ment 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 Robert Mills, commenced in 1836, and ready for occupan- cy in 1841. It was of a T shape, the colonnade fronting E., j and a wing projecting W. The colonnade is after the style of j 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 1 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 the 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 building 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 Bureau of Engrav- ing and Printing. Cost, $6, 000,000. 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 Boom is on the first floor, N. corridor, reached from the W. door, turning to the r., or from the vestibule of the 1ST. entrance. The public should view the room from the balcony, entered by a door on the S. side of the N. corridor on the second floor. The par- ticular features of the room are the walls, which are of highly polished marbles of various varieties. List of marbles: Low- er Story — stylobate, base, black, Vermont; mouldings, Bardiglio, Italian : stiles, dove, Vermont ; panels, Sienna, Italian; dies, Tennessee. Above stybobate, pilasters and panel beads, white veined ; stiles, Sienna, Italian ; panels, Bardiglio, Italian ; cornice, white- veined, Italian. Upper Story — styeobate same as lower. Above stylobate as in lower story, except the panels, which are Sarf angolum 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 the United States, whose office is in the IsTE. angle of the building, first floor. This permit should be delivered to the Cashier, who occupies the room entered by the first door W. of the entrance to the General Cash Room. 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. Near 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 i 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 all. 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 accuracy 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 Bureaus of the Treasury Department proper are Ap- pointment, Warrant, Independent Treasury, Customs, Rev- enue Marine, Navigation, 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, Commissioner of Customs, Auditors, Treasurer's Office, 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 Engraving and Printing is in the attic, at the head of the 1. flight of steps leading up from the W. en- trance. Visitors are admitted on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9.30 to 10.30 a. m., by order of the Secretary of the Treasury, in the discretion of the Superintendent of the Bureau. 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. Photograph Office. — Opposite the S. entrance is the build- ing occupied by the Photographer of the Treasury Depart- ment. Here fac 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 office occupies a private building, erected, however, for its use, in 1871, on New 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 effected till 1833. 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 tine 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 view, may see them on application to the Superintendent. Secretaries of the Treasury. — 1789, Alexander Hamilton, N. 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, Perm. ; 1816, W. H. Craw- ford, Ga. ; 1825, Richard Rush, Penn.; 1829, S. D. Ingham, Penn. ; 1831, Louis McLane, Del. ; 1833, W. J. Duane, Penn.; 1833, Roger B. Taney, Md.; 1834, Levi Woodbury, N". H. ; 1841, Thomas Ewing, Ohio ; 1841, W. Forward, Penn. ; 1843, J. C. Spencer, N". 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. ; 1860, P. F. Thomas, Md. ; 1861, J. A. Dix, 1ST. Y. ; 1861, S. P. Chase, Ohio; 1864, W. P. Fessenden, Me.; 1865, H. McCulloch, Ind. ; 1869, G. S. Boutwell, Mass. ; 1873, W. A. Richardson, Mass.; 1874, B. H. Bristow, Ky. 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 dut}^ 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 1S00 the Secretary was required to submit, at the commence- 136 WAR DEPARTMENT. ment 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 Kegister. WAK DEPAKTMENT. The War Department {open every day* Sunday excepted, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. 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 clown 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, Ulke, and Thorpe. Portrait of Calhoun is an original, by Sully, and is very superior. It was taken from sittings. The rest are copies. The Head- quarters of the General of the Army, removed to St. Louts 1874, WAR DEPARTMENT. were 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 No. 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 flags taken from the national forces and recovered upon the 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. in.) The Chief Signal Officer of the Army, under whose direction the national weather observations are made, occupies two contiguous brick buildings on the 1ST. side of Gi- 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 variety 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 different stations in all parts of the country through the lines of the general telegraphic companies. The entrance for visitors is by the door No. 1719. They ascend to the instrument room in the fourth story. The chief interest centres in the Instrument Boom, where may be examined the apparatus employed in the various meteoro- logical observations. These instruments are of the most ap- proved patterns, including the barometer, to show the atmos- pheric pressure and to indicate the passage of storms ; the thermometer, mercurial and spirit, for indicating the tem- perature of the air ; the hygrometer, to show the humidity of the air; one maximum and one minimum thermometer, to indicate the highest and lowest temperature; the anem- ometer, for obtaining the velocity of the wind; the wind vane, 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 weather, such as rain-gauges, wind-vanes, and anemometers. A shelter also projects from a window on the N"., designed with special reference to the 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. recording 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 ranges. There are also other instruments of general use, though not part of meterological science. Among these are a pentagraph, for transferring and reducing isobarometric 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- cipal 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 uniform 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 the 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 Division 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 Division of Telegrams and Reports for the Benefit of Commerce. The organization of this new and novel service, in accordance with general orders, was immediately commenced by Col. Albert J. Myer, Brevet Brigadier General and Chief 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 forwarded. Second, stations of re- port alone, or those at which observations elsewhere made are reported. On Nov. 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 the 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 was 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 lakes. The sphere of usefulness of this important service is annually extended. Secretaries of War. — 1789, Henry Knox, Mass. ; 1795 Timothy Pickering, Mass. ; 1796, James McHenry, Md. 1800, Samuel Dexter, Mass. ; 1801, Koger Griswold, Conn. 1801, Henry Dearborn, Mass. ; 1809, William Eustis, Mass. 1813, John Armstrong, 1ST. Y. ; 1814, James Monroe, Va. 1815, W. H. Crawford, Ga. ; 1817, J. C. Calhoun, S. C. ; 1825 James Barbour, Va. ; 1828, P. B. Porter, ST. Y. ; 1829, J. H Eaton, Tenn. ; 1831, LeVis 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, jS". Y. ; 1849, G. W. Crawford, Ga. ; 1850, Gen. Winfielcl Scott, ad in., 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, p. t., Army; 1869, W. W. Belknap, Io. Prior to 1789, under an ordinance for ascertaining the pow- ers and duties of the Secretary of War, that officer was charged 140 NAVY DEPARTMENT. with the direct management of the military affairs of Con- gress, required to report to Congress the 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. The 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 the 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 the President, of jurisdiction over the military service only. The Secretary of War is ex officio a member of the Cabinet. NAVY DEPARTMENT. This department (open every day, except Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) lies W. of the President's House, and was for- merly designated the SW. Executive 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 1864 now projects instead. The Secretary' 's office is at the S. end of the corridor on the second floor. The Admiral's office is at his residence, 1710 H st. NW. The Na- val Observatory, Navy-yard, and Marine Barracks will be described under their appropriate heads. The Hydrographic office, NE. corner of 18th st. and New York av. NW\, occu- pies a rented building called the "'Octagon," the residence of the President of the United States till the restoration of the President's House after the occupation of the city in 1814. The Hydrographic 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 revision 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 1866 it was removed to Washington. The object is the computation of astronomical tables for the use of the Naval Observatory and Navy. 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 Na- val Observatory was adopted as the American meridian for astronomical and that of Greenwich for nautical purposes. The almanac is prepared three years in advance. There is a fine astronomical library connected with the office. Secretaries of the Navy. — 1789, Henry Knox, Mass. ; 1794, Timothy Pickering, Penn.; 1796, James McHenry, Mel. ; 1798, Benjamin Stoddert, Md. ; 1802, Robert Smith, Md. ; 1805, Jacob Crowninshielcl, Mass. ; 1809, Paul Hamilton, S. C. ; 1813, William Jones, Penn.; 1814, B. W. Crowninshield, Mass. ; 1818, Smith Thompson, N. Y. ; 1823, S. L. Southard, N. J. ; 1829, John Branch, N. C. ; 1831, Levi Woodbury, 1ST. H. ; 1834, Mahlon Dickerson, N. J. ; 1838, J. K. Paulding, N. Y.; 1841, G. E. Badger, N. C. ; 1841, A. P. Upshur, Va. ; 1844, T. W. Gilmer, Va. ; 1844, J. Y. Mason, Va. ; 1845, George Bancroft, Mass. ; 1846, John Y. Mason, Va. ; 1849, W. B. Preston, Va. ; 1850, W. A. Graham, N. C. ; 1852, J. P. Ken- nedy, Md. ; 1853, J. C. Dobbin, ST. C. ; 1857, Isaac Toucey, Conn. ; 1861, Gideon Welles, Conn.; 1869, A.E. Borie, Penn.; 1869, G. M. Robeson, N. 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 Navy, the chief officer of which was to be called the Secretary of the Navy. His duties were to execute the orders of the President of the United States in all matters connected with the naval establishment of the United States. During the same year the Marine 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, Navigation, Medicine and Sur- gery, Provisions and Clothing, Steam Engineering, and Con- struction and Repair. The Secretary of the Navy is ex officio a member of the Cabinet of the President of the United States. 142 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. This important department {open every day, except Sun- day, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) occupies rooms on the 1ST. cor- ridor, main floor, of the vast structure known as the Patent Office. The Secretary of the Interior is charged with the administration of affairs relating to patents, public lands, pensions, Indians, census, education, and the beneficiary asylums in the District of Columbia belonging to the Gov- ernment. He is invested with 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 NE . 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 the Interior or Commis- sioner, in the 1ST. corridor. On these occasions the red sons of the forest meet the representatives of the kt 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 Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 3p. m.) — The Bureau of Education occupies a rented building on the jSTE. corner of G and 8th sts. NW., opposite the E. part of the 1ST. fajade of the Patent Office. There is a fine 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 J 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 79,566,794 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 Representatives, 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-school system of the interior NW. 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 sj^stems and methods of teaching as may aid the people of the United States in the establishment and maintenance of efficient schools, and of otherwise promoting the cause of education throughout the country. The management of the department was intrusted to a Commissioner appointed by the President 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 NW. corner of Pennsyl- vania av. and 11th st. NW., second floor, entrance outside, on 11th st. {open every day, except Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) Here will be found a complete and interesting collec- tion of photographs of the wonders 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 1867, 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 Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah. The Great Geyser basin and other wonders of the Yellowstone region, and tiie sublime mountain area of Colorado, were first brought within the range of geographical science by these expeditions. The publications of these surveys are received with satisfac- tion bv scientific men and societies in America and Europe, and embrace a vast amount of scientific material and prac- tical information fresh from the vast regions hitherto appro- priately termed the unknown West. Secretaries of the Interior. — 1849, Thomas Ewing, Ohio; 1850, Thos. M. T. McKenna, Penna. ; 1850, A. H. H. Stuar, Va. ; 1853, Kobert McClelland, Mich.; 1857, J. Thompson, Miss.; 1881, C. B. Smith, Ind. ; 1863, J. P. Usher, Ind. ; 1865, James Harlan, Io. ; 1866, O. H. Browning, Ills. ; 1869, J. D. Cox, Ohio ; 1871, Columbus Delano, Ohio. 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 advice 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. The 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. 145 PATENT OFFICE. The Patent Office occupies two squares, extending from 7th to 9th sts. W. and from F to O sts. NV, and is about equi- distant from the capitol and the President's House. It may be reached from either by the Metropolitan or F-st. horse rail- way . The 7th-st. horse cars pass it on the E. The main en- trance is on F st., and fronts Sth st. facing south. PATENT OFFICE. Descriptiorir— This immense pile, situated on the reserva- 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 453 ft. from E. to W. and 331 ft. from N. to S., including the projections of the portico, and has an elevation of 75 ft., surmounted by an acroteria. The build- ing contains 191 rooms and cost $2,700,000. The reservation (8) upon which it stands embraces 4-§- a., and the structure itself covers 2f a. The original structure, commenced in 1837 and finished in 1842, was 270 ft. front on F st. and 70 ft. deep, or 150 ft. includiug S. portico and N. apse, 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, commenced by Robert Mills, who was succeeded in 1851 by Edward Clark, then assistant and later architect 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 N., corresponding with the old structure on the S., the whole form- ing 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 Mary- land marble on the exterior and New England granite on the quadrangle The 10 146 PATENT OFFICE. original building is painted white to harmonize with the extension. The edifice rests on a sub-base of granite, 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 correspond with the earlier portion of the structure. The exterior is entirely without display. The absence of ornament about the windows 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. the 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. On the S., facing 8th st. W., is an imposing portico, ap- proached by a lofty flight of granite steps which- abut against proportionate blockings of the same material. The portico rests on a substruction of masonry, and is composed of two rows of 8 Doric columns, fluted, 6 ft. in diameter and 32 ft. high, 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 six columns, and also reached from the street by a grand flight of steps. On the TN". is & 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 which the portico stands. From this a door enters the "basement. On the TV. the portico corresponds with that on the E., with the absence of the steps to the order, in this case the ascent being by a double flight to the basement. In the El . 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 colums and 10 pilasters. On the r. and 1. runs a cor- ridor^ which extends entirely around the main floor of the building, and upon which open the various offices 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 the original plan of the Capitol, and Superintendent of Patents in the State De- partment, 1803-1827. There is also a very valuable portrait of Robert Fulton, of Penn., one of the inventors of the steam- boat, and painted by himself. Fulton studied under Benja- min West, of Penn., president of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, London. There are also 8 artist proof engravings of celebrated inventors from 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, the Indian, Pension^ and Census Offices, are on the N". cor- ridor, the Office of Public Lands in the SW. angle, and the PATENT OFFICE. 147 Patent Office Library on the S. corridor, room 77, near and on the W. of the entrance hall. The visitor can make the entire circuit of the building by this corridor. (See Depart- ment of the Interior.) In each angle are granite steps to the basement, where are offices and storage vaults. From the S. entrance and vestibule a double flight of steps leads to the Museum of Models of the Patent Office ; beneath this to the basement. Museum of Models,— (Open every day, except Sundays and holidays, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) This interesting collection of American and foreign inventions, patented under the laws of the United States, embraces upwards of 155,000 models, accumulated since the fire of 1836, and divided into 145 general clases, and nearly 8,000 relevant subdivisions. The Museum occupies a suite of four magnifi- cent halls on the four sides of the building, second floor. Each case contains an index card. See Keim's Illustrated Guide to the Museum of Models, Patent Office, for a catalogue of models and history of the most notable inventions. C&yright, 1874, DeB. R. Ktim, SOUTH HALL MODEL MUSEUM, PATENT OFFICE. 148 PATENT OFFICE. S. 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 columns 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 effect. In the centre is a raised arch 40 ft. high, of beautiful construction, and pierced by an aper- ture of ±3 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 appropriate 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 cf 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 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 coat 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 Peru ; sabres from Ali Pacha, 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 Jefferson 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 PATENT OFFICE. 149 This hall was originally intended for an exhibition of home manufactures. In 1842 it was set apart for the valuable collections in natural history brought back by the expedition of Commodore, afterwards Rear Admiral, Charles Wilkes. These were subsequently transferred to the National Museum in the Smithsonian 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 num- her of interesting objects possessing historical associations, contributed by the vari- ous executive departments, or belonging to the National Institute, founded 1840, incorporated 1842, and expired 1858. -4U4.WCH0LS.SQ. Copyright, 1874, DeB. R. Keim. EAST HALL MODEL MUSEUM, PATENT OFFICE. E. Hall.— On the 1. the S. hall opens into the E. hall, 271 ft. long- and 63£ 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, fishing, 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,) Bilk, spinning, stationery, steam, (3 classes,) stoves and fur- naces, toilet, umbrellas and fans, valves, weaving. 150 PATENT OFFICE. Copyright, 1874: DeB. R. Keim. NORTH AND WEST HALLS MODEL MUSEUM, PATENT OFSTB. 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 hall. 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. Commissioners Of Patents.— 1836, Henry L. Ellsworth, Conn.; 1845: Edmund Burke, Vt. ; 1S49, Thomas Ewbank, N. Y. ; 1852, S. H. Hodges Vt. • 1853, R. C. Weightman, D. C, (acting;) 1853, Charles Mason', Iowa; '1857,' GENERAL POST OFFICE. 151 Samuel T. Shugeit, Penn , (acting;) 1857, Joseph Holt, Ky. ; 1859, $• T. Shugert, Penn., (acting;) 1859, William D. Bishop, Conn.; i860, Philip F. Thomas, Md. ; i860, Samuel T. Shugert, Penn., (acting;) 1861, D. P. Holloway, Ind. ; 1865, T. C. Theaker, Ohio; 1868, A. M. Stout, Ky., (acting;) 1868, S. H. Hodges, Vt., (acting;) 1868, E. Foote, N. Y ; 1869, S. S. Fisher, Ohio; 1870, Samuel L. Duncan, N. H., (acting;) 1871, Mortimer D. Leggett, Ohio; 1874, J. M. Thacher,, History.— The Patent Office of the United States, where models of all inven- tions patented since the lire of 1836 are carefully preserved for reference and exhibi- tion, is an institution without an equal in the world, and speaks more for the high character and practical basis of the American mind than could be expressed in vol- umes of written history or description. We are able here to trace, in practical detail, the progress of mechanical arts in the United States, since 1836, and but for the un- fortunate destruction of the early models, this same interesting investigation could be carried back to the beginning of the Government. The first legislation in Con- gress on the subject of inventions was the act of 1790 to promote the progress of use- ful arts, which authorized any person to petition the heads of any of the executive departments for a patent for any new invention. The patents were then 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. In 1810 the erection or pur- chase of a suitable building for the use of the General Post Office and keeper of the patents and arrangement of the models was authorized. Under this authority a structure known as Blodgett's Hotel, on the E. st side of the present site of the Gen- eral Post Office, was secured. Up to 1820 all applications for patents were exam- ined by a clerk in the office of the Secretary of State. In that year Dr. Thornton, appointed by President Jefferson to issue patents, took upon himself the title of Superintendent of the Patent Office. Under the act of July 4, 1836, the Patent Office was created a separate bureau in the Department of the Interior, and its chief officer received the title of Commissioner of Patents. On Dec. 15, 1836, the building then occupied was completely consumed by fire, and among the losses were the models accumulated during a half century, and num- bering upwards of 4,000. This was an irreparable calamity. After the fire the busi- ness of the bureau was transacted in the City Hall, now the District Court House, and remained there until it was removed to its present edifice. The first patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins on July jl, 1790, '* for making pot or pearl ashes." No residence is given. Up to J 836, 46 years, 10,301 patents were issued, and to date over 155,000. The annual number of patents granted is about 13,000. The patent fund, from excess of fees over expenditures, amounts to about $800,- 000. The annual receipts are about $700,000, and expenditures $660,000. A con- siderable sum out of the patent fund went to the erection of the building. GENERAL 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. 1ST. 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. The Building occupied by the General Post Office is Cor- inthian. 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. N". half of the square to F st., and in 1855 the extension of the building over that space was executed b} r 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 300 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 facades are of white marble. The court is faced with granite. 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. The 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 a central projection of six columns, the outer ones being coupled ; and on either side, towards the extremities of this front, is a smaller projection of four at- tached columns, coupled. Beneath the central projection is GENERAL POST OFFICE. a vestibule, supported on four Doric 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 the 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 basso relievo, symbolizing Steam and Electricity. The 1ST. 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 General's 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 1ST. side, entered from the 1ST. end of the E. corridor through 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 stairways are in the angles of the building. City Post Office. — The City Post Office occupies the cen- tral portions of the 1ST. front. The Letter Delivery and Stamp department is entered through the 3 arched doorways under the 1ST. portico. The ceiling, which is of iron and brick, 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 Regis- 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 never completed hy its projector. The plan was to erect it out of the proceeds of a lottery. The owner of the prize ticket was an orphan child, who was without the means of carrying on the work. Tha 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 burning of 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, B. 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, 1ST. Y. ; 1841, C. A. AVickliffe, 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. 1874, Marshall Jewell, Conn. 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 1 792 a ' ' General Post Office ' ' was permanently established, under immediate direction 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. to 3 p. m.) occupies rented accommodations on the upper floors of a fine building on Pennsylvania av. be- tween 15 and 15J sts., and opposite the Treasury Department, erected by the Freedmen's Savings and Trust Company. The entrance is at the W. end. The Attorney GeneraVs Office DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. 155 is near the top of the first flight of stairs. Here may be seen a number of fine portraits of the Attorneys General of the United States. Under the Attorney General are the officers of the District and Circuit Courts of the United States, the Reform School, Metropolitan Police, and Jail of the District of Columbia, and the law officers of the different depart- ments. Attorneys General. — 1789, Edmund Randolph, Va. ; 1794, William Bradford, Penn. ; 1795. Charles Lee, Va. ; 1801, Levi Lincoln, Mass. ; 1805, Robert Smith, Md. ; 1805, John Breck- 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, 1ST. Y. ; 1838, Felix Grundy, Tenn. ; 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 dishing-, Mass.; 1857, Jer. S. Black, Penn.: 1860, E. M. Stanton, Penn.; 1861, Ed- ward Bates, Mo. ; 1864, James Speed, Ky. ; 1866, Henry Stanbery, Ohio; 1868, W. M. Evarts, 1ST. 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 which the Attorney General is the head, was created by act of Con- gress approved June 22, 1870. The office of Solicitor Gen- eral was also created to assist the Attorney General and act during his absence. All prosecutions on hehalf of the Gov- ernment are conducted by the department. The Attorney General reports annually to Congress the 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. 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. 156 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. The Department of Agriculture (open daily, except Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) occupies that portion of the Mall lying E. of 14th 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 carriageway 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, runs 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, have been laid out as an arboretum, with walks and drives, and a well-selected collection of the hardier trees and shrubs. The flower garden contains no shade trees, which affords 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. The collection embraces 1,600 species of plants. In the rear of the department 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 occu- pying 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 prop- agation and culture of hardy plants. Along portion of the N. line of the grounds, commencing at the W., are artificial lakes, rivers, and swamps, for the cultivation of type varieties of water and marsh plants. The plans for the grading and laying out of the grounds were prepared and carried into 158 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. execution in 1868, by William Saunders, of Penn., Superin- tendent of Gardens and Grounds. (Also see Plant Houses.) The Department Building, designed by Aclolph Cluss, ar- chitect, and completed in 1868, is of the renaissance style, 170 ft. long by 61 ft. deep, with a finished basement, three full stories and Mansard roof. It was erected by contract, under the superintencence of the architect, is constructed of pressed brick, with brown-stone bases, belts, cornices, and trimmings, and cost, including apparatus for laboratory, $140,420. The front presents a centre building with main entrances, and is flanked by two wings. DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE— FIRST FLOOR. A. Main Entrance. — Doors, oak and ash woods. Vestibule, 20 ft. square and s6 ft. high. Floors, encaustic tiles of chaste design. Walls, paneled in encaustic paint. Ceilings, in frescoe, representing an arbor of vine foliage held by American eagles, with outspread wings. Ornamentation in arabesque, mingled with four medallions, illustrating, in landscape, light and shade and human figures, the four seasons of the year, divisions of the day, and ages of man. B. Main Staircase leading to the second floor and Museum of Agriculture. C and D. Private Stairs to the second floor and passage to cloak rooms and closets. The vestibule (A) opens into a wide corridor, from which the various offices, 20 ft. square, are entered. 1. Ante Room, finished in bird's eye maple and black walnut, in panels, and represents a fine specimen of the application of wood to walls, known as "wood- hanging. 1 ' 2. Commissioner of Agriculture, finished in panels of bird's eye maple, bor- dered by friezes in mahogany and blistered walnut, alternating with paneled pilasters in mahogany and satin wood, all parted by curley maple, and relieved by a tracing of gilt. 3. Private Office of Commissioner. The friezes are of birch, borders of black walnut, and panels of mountain ash. 4. Library. A tastefully finished apartment, supplied with mahogany cases. The collection of works, S,ooo vols., forms the most complete agricultural library in the United States, and comprises nearly all the standard works on agriculture and kindred sciences, reports of all the State boards of agriculture, and agricultural, horti- cultural, and pomological societies, and the transactions of the leading agricultural and scientific associations of England, France, Germany, and Italy. The object of DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 159 thi Library is for reference and used in the extensive correspondence of the Depart- ment. Persons interested are permitted to consult works, but not to take them from the room. Among the most interesting works is a set, 14 vols., on botany, illustrating the flora of Central Europe, published in Vienna, and presented by the Emperor of Austria. There are also portraits of a number of personages, among the number Marshall P. Wilder, of Boston, the distinguished horticulturist. 5 to 8. Clerks' Rooms, finished in encaustic oil paint, plain, with frescoed ceilings. 9. Chemist and Microcopist Room, is supplied with cases containing a collec- tion of minerals having an agricultural value. The chemist makes analyses of soils, fertilizers, and agricultural productions. The results are recorded for future refer- ence. The microscopist examines and reports upon the diseases of plants. 10. Balance Room, contains a variety of balances used in the chemical work. 11. Laboratory, supplied with chemicals and other apparatus used in chemical experiments. A private stairway leads to the basement below, in which are fur- nances, ovens, and other necessary conveniences. The equipment of the Laboratory is very complete. 12. File Room. 13 and 14. Clerk's Room, finished in encaustic paint. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, SECOND FLOOE. A. Stairs to the Botanical Museum, Taxidermists, and Modeler's Rooms. B. Stairs to clerk's rooms. 15. Museum of Agriculture. — Opposite the main entrance below, a double flight if stairs of wrought and cast iron, lighted by a large stained-glass window, leads to the second floor, and into the Museum of Agriculture. On the first landing is a plank 12 x 6^g ft- from the giant redwood tree of California. The Museum Hall occupies the main building, and is 102 ft. long, 52 ft. wide, and 27 ft. high. A coved stuccoed cornice extends around the hall, broken at regular interval! by brack- ets, in which are wrought busts of Indians. The cove is ornamented by flowers and fruits, with medallion shields bearing the arms of the United States, and the States of the Union in 1868 in their chronological order. The ceiling is divided into 15 panels, embellished with rosettes. A soft color, harmonizing with the ornamenta- tion of the hall, is employed generally on the walls. For the accommodation and security of the agriculirual collection, the hall has been supplied with dust-proof wal- nut cases of chaste design. The Museum (which will be explained by an attendant) shows the agricultural productions of the United States, and manufactures therefrom, also how the former are affected by climate, insects, birds, and animals — injurious and beneficial. It is divided into general, State, and economic. The general division illustrates the his- tory of agricultural products. The fruits and vegetables are modeled in plaster of Paris, and colored in oil, to represent nature. The State and economic divisions, when completed, will show in a single case the mineral and agricultural productions, 160 DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE. and economic substances manufactured therefrom, of each State. The principal ob~ ject of the museum is utility, to include all the products of agriculture, and bearihg upon the increase of knowledge in that important branch of industry. In the centre of the hall is a table of California redwood 7x12 ft. finished in other native woods, and presented by gentlemen in California. The vase on the table is made of Coquina or Florida shell rock from St. Augustine, Florida, taken from the foundation of the residence of the early Spanish colonial governors. Cases North Range commencing on the W. The shelf numbers count from below. The injurious birds have a perch with a partly black end, and beneficial, white. 1. Not yet erected. It is proposed, however, to place this case shortly. 2. I, American ducks; 2, American small birds, arranged to show benefit or in- jury, with contents of stomachs in small boxes; 3, American hawks and owls. 3. I, animals — domestic and farm pests; 2, American game birds; 3, gulls and aquatic birds. 4. Domestic poultry. 5. 1, Fish — prepared skins; 2 and 3, foreign game birds that can be or have been domesticated. 6. A case has been prepared for this space, and will be erected at once. 7. Foreign game birds. 8. California products and miscellaneous specimens. 9. Grains and cereals — native. 10. Grains and cereals — native. The middle and upper shelves arranged by States. 11. 1 and 2, Temporary case of botanical specimens. 12. 1, Vegetable fibres — cotton. Cases South Range commencing on the E. 12. Foreign woods, Sic. 13. 1 and 2, Foreign grains, collected at the Paris Exposition 1867; 3, miscella- neous. 14. 1, Petroleum, tobacco; 2, sugar, syrups, &c, Indian foods; 3, farinaceous products, gums, resins, &c. 15. 1, Chinese paper; 2, American and foreign paper and paper-making mate- rials; 3, Japanese paper. 16. Silk from egg to manufactured goods of highest quality. 17. I, Animal fibres, angora wool; 2, vegetable fibres, ramie and aloes; 3, vege- table fibres, miscellaneous. 18. I, Vegetable fibres, cotton; 2, flax, flax cotton, aselepias; 3, New Zealand flax, agaue fibre and miscellaneous tropical fibres. In a case against the wall is a fine specimen of the cotton plant. 19. The case designed for this space has not yet been erected. Centre of the Hall, commencing on the west. 20. I, Tropical fruits — southern apples ; 2, apples, (models.) 21. 1, Vegetables, (models;) 2, apples and pears, (models.; 22. 1, Vegetable, apples, fish, (models;) 2, pears, (models.) 23. 1, Vegetables and fruits, (models ;) 2, miscellaneous fruits and vegetables, (models,) fungi; (models and natural.) The plan of the museum was suggested and carried into operatiou by Townend Glover, entomologist of the Department. 16. Statistician. — Here the monthly and annual reports and statistical informa- tion are compiled. 17. Clerks of the Statistical Division. 18. Ladies 1 Retiring Room, iq. Clerks. 20. Cabinet of Entomology. — Tne room, 20 x 30 ft., is supplied with suitable walnut cases. The collection comprises the insects of -the United States injurious and beneficial to agriculture, arranged scientifically, for reference. In the open cases is a small collection of insects for exhibition, and specimens of insect injury DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE. 161 and architecture, both ex- ceedingly interesting. The walls are hung with a'series of about 300 plates, by Prof. Townend Glo- ver, illustrating the insects in the cabinet. 21. Entomologist's Private Room. On the third floor, E. wing, reached from A, plan of the second floor, is the Botanical Museum. It is supplied with appro- priate cases, and contains 200 natural orders and 25,000 species of plants, a space being devoted to each order. The speci- mens arc arranged on sheets and indexed. The first collection was trans- ferred from the Smithso- nian Institution, and comprised the specimens brought home by the Wilkes expedition. The specimens gathered by the various TJnited States exploring expeditions are all deposited here. The collection of plants of the United States is very com- plete. The rooms adjoining are occupied by the Tax- idermists on the W. and Modelers on the S. The former has the preparation of birds for the museum, and their care. The latter makes models of fruits for the museum. Over the third floor, W. wing, reached from B, plan of the second floor, the rooms are used for clerks. Basement — reached from B, first floor — con- tains Seed Rooms, in west- ern portion, and rest Fold- ing, Laborers' ', and Engi- neers' 1 Rooms, and accom- modations for heating ap- paratus and fuel. The seed-packing department, where upwards of 60 per- sons are employed, is of great interest. 11 Wi'iillitaM^ySrtiMiiittffiit' cost $47iO°o. The rough lump of glass was cast by Chance & Co., Birm- ingham, England. The in- strument rests upon a double pier of masonry, imbedded 17 ft. in the earth. The pier above the floor is of brick, arched, and has a cap consist- ing of a solid block of red sand- stone, 8 ft. long by 2 ft. wide and high. On top of this is an iron support weighing 1,100 lbs,, to receive the axis upon which the telescope is mount- ed. The instrument with its base weighs 6 tons. The in- strument is equatorial!^ mounted, the general plan being that devised by Fraun- hofer, modified by Messrs. Clark and Prof. S. Newcomb, and is run by a reaction water wheel. It is fitted with mi- chrometers, spectroscopes, &c. The tube is of sheet steel, rolled in Pittsburgh. There is also a chronograph con- nected with the instrument. The great equatorial is plac- ed in an iron dome 41 ft. in diameter and 40 ft. in height, erected at a cost of $14,000. The superstructure rests on a stone foundation. The roof is supplied with a slip, re- volves on conical wheels, and is easily moved horizont- ally in either direction by NAVAL OBSERVATORY, GROUND PLAN. means of suitable gearing. The instrument is the largest refractor in the world. The next in size is in the private observatory of R. S. Newall, Gateshead, England, and has 25 in. of clear aperture. XVI. Residence of the Superintendent. The rooms on the second floor of the main building are used by officers in charge of the various instruments and their assistants. The view from the platform around the dome is very fine. To the top of the staff over the dome a black can- vass ball, 2J ft. in diameter, is hoisted daily a few minutes before noon, and by means of a steel spring", governed by a magnet and operated from the chronometer-room, is dropped on the instant of mean noon. 166 ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. Superintendents of the Depot of Charts and Instruments. — 1830, Lieut. L. M. Goldsborough ; 1S3 3, Lieut. Charles Wilkes ; 1836, Lieut. Hitchcock ; 1838, Lieut. J. M. Gilliss. Of the Naval Observatory. — 1844, Commander M. F. Maury 5 1861, Capt. J. M. Gilliss; 1865, Rear Admiral C. H. Davis; 1867, Rear Admiral B. F. Sands; 1874, Rear Admiral C. H. Davis. History. — The first action of Congress towards the establishment of an observa- tory was in 1821, in the passage of a joint resolution to ascertain the longitude of the Capitol from Greenwich, first proposed by Wm. Lambert, of Va., in 1810. In 1830 a bureau, for the care of the instruments and charts of che navy, was created. A small 30-in. transit was erected at the same time. A series of observations were car- ried on in connection with the Wilkes Exploring Expedition, i838-'42. In 1842 a '•'•permanent depot' 1 '' was established. In 1850 the meridian of the Observatory at Washington was adopted as the American meridian for astronomical and that of Greenwich for all nautical purposes. Long, of Observatory, 77 3' 5''.8 W. of Greenwich ; lat., 38 53' 38".8 N. ABMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. The Army 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. 1ST. It is a plain brick structure, painted dark brown, 3 stories high, 71 ft. front, and 109 ft. deep. The building was originally a church, and then a theatre, known as Ford's Theatre, and was 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 first floor. On the jST. 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 the 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 the army during the rebellion, 1861-65, and are stir 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 charged with the examination of alleged adulterations of medicines and hospital supplies, and other investigations of a similar nature which come before the Surgeon General. The second floor contains the surgical records. In the S. wing, on this floor, are the offices of the Surgeon General and sur- geon in charge. Here are portraits of Surgeon General Lovel, John Hunter, (a copy from Sir Joshua Reynolds,) philosophi- cal writer on surgery, Dr. Morton, author of Crania Ameri- cana, and Dr. Physic, an original by Rembrandt Peale. Museum, — The Museum on the third floor is well lighted in front and rear and by a large central skylight, which also lights the floors below through 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 missiles 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 exhibiting the effects of injuries peculiar to Indian hostilities. In this section are the bones of the amputated portions of the legs of eight generals, and a portion of the vertebras of the neck of Booth, the assassin. II. Medical Section, consisting of specimens illustrating the morbid conditions of the internal organs in fever, chronic dysentery, and other camp diseases ; the mor- bid anatomy of the diseases of civil life; and pathological pieces relating to the diseases of women and children, mal- formations, and monstrosities. III. Microscopical Section, including thin sections of diseased tissues or organs, suitably mounted for microscopical study, and a variety of prepara- tions exhibiting 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 anatomy 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 of buffalo, 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 curiosity, 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 from the records of the museum. GOVERNMENT PRINTING 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 II 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 60 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-room, with 300 stands, the GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 169 proof-reading rooms, the electro and stereotype foundery, and the offices of the Congressional Printer. On the third floor is the bindery, including embossing, numbering, paging, rul- ing, stamping, stitching, marbling, and all other branches. The process of marbling is particularly interesting. On the fourth floor 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 eYery 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 capacity for work is practically without limit. Upwards of 120,000 pages of documentary composition and 1,000,000 volumes of that 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 Portuguese ; prof essional papers of the Bureau of Engineers, War Department; the Darien and Tehuantepec Ship-canal Expeditions; Hayden's Final Surveys ; Clarence King's Surveys of the 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. ; 1860, John Heart, Penn.; 1861, J. D. Defrees, Ind. ; 1866, C. Wendell, K. Y. Congressional Printers — 1867, J. D. Defrees, Ind. ; 1869, A. M. Clapp, 1ST. Y. The office is divided into the Composing Department, H. T. Brian, Foreman of Printing; Electro and Stereotyping, A. Elliott, jr., 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, was 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 Printing Office. 170 winder's building. WINDER'S BUILDING. This structure (open every day, except Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. to.) is situated on the NW. 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. The last room, No. 2, on the corridor leading to the r. after entering is the Battle Record Boom, 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 file room for the papers belonging to the Adjutant General's Office. The second floor, E. front, is devoted to the Judge Advocate General of the Army, and the S. to the Ordnance Office. The floors above are assigned to the Second Auditor of the Treasury Department. Ordnance Museum. — (Open every day, except Sunday, from 9 a. to. to 3 p. to.) — This interesting military collection is on the second floor, and may be readied by ascending the steps opposite the main door, and keeping the 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 bunding. 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 the battles of the late civil 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, 1861; 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 Requia battery ; a Union or CITY HALL. 171 "coffee-null" 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 lb. 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 Eichmond; 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 artillery, caissons, forges, and bat- tery wagons used in the U. S. Army; life-size models of horse artillery equipments, ordnance rockets, and fireworks. On the second floor is the Museum of small arms, in which can be traced their history from the beginning, and practically illustrating the stages of advancement, embracing breech and muzzle-loaders, muskets, rifles, and carbines, armor 1610, cuirass, and helmet, and other relics from the battle-field of Sedan, 1870, foreign arms and cavalry equipments, Indian war clubs, and ancient weapons and wall pieces. Japanese two-handed sword* worn by Kendo, a provincial officer, visit- ing the U. S. in 1871, presented by Armor! Mori, Charge d' Affairs, and captured Confederate arms. DISTRICT COURT-HOUSE, (FORMERLY CITY HALL.) DISTKICT COURT HOUSE. The City Hall, until 1871, occupied jointly by the munici- pal government of Washington and the United States Courts 172 ARSENAL. for the District of Columbia, in 1873, by purchase, became the sole property of the United States, and is now entirely devoted to judicial purposes. The structure stands on the S. line of Judiciary Square, fronting 4-J st. W., and at the intersection of Louisiana and Indiana a vs. 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. The building was commenced in 1820, from plans by George Hadiield, the architect of the Capitol. The E. wing was finished in 1826, and the W. in 1849. It is two stories, 47 ft. high, 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 the centre of the main building, and in each wing, are re- cessed porticos, formed of Doric columns. Between the wings is a paved space. ARSENAL. The arsenal {open from sunrise to sunset) occupies a tract of 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 the 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 1ST. to T st. S. In 1857 it was extended, by the purchase of the adjoining land on the K., (16 a.,) between the Potomac and the James Creek Canal, to P st. S. The 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 Blakely 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 muzzle, shot there in the battle of Gettysburg ; guns surren- dered bj 7 the British 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 1ST. 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 Anderson ville prison, was also brought here, after the execu- tion at the Old Capitol. It is now buried in Mt. Olivet ceme- tery. The 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. The 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 the British. A number of the latter were killed by the explosion of X->owder 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. Villarcl, a French officer, who came to the United States with Lafayette. During the rebellion, 1861-' 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 NAVY -YARD, NAVY-YARD. The Navy- Yard (open every day, except Sunday, from 7 a. m. to sunset,) is situated on the Anacostia, f m. SE. of the Capitol, 8th st. E. terminating at the entrance. It may be reached from the 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 i\, 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 yard. 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 D a. m. to 4 p. 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 Rip-raps, Hampton Roads. Here may be seen a number of relics and other ob- jects of interest : among which, 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 peater; a small mortar, captured from Lord Oornwallis; a section of the sternpost of the Kearsarge, showing a shell, which did not explode, fired into it by the Alabama ; confed- erate torpedoes, taken out of southern harbors; submarine rockets; models of projectiles, and a very interesting col- lection of those which 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 i Navy- Yard was brought to the attention of the commission- j ers, and led to considerable correspondence with Naval Agent William Marbury. The ground best suited for that purpose I lay on the Anacostia, a short distance above its confluence I with the Potomac, on land owned by Messrs. Carroll and IProut. On Dec. 3, 1799, the Secretary of the Navy gave I orders to lay the ground out. The 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 las the Wasp, Argus, the brig Viper, the Essex, the schoon- ! ers Shark and Grampus, the sloop of war St. Louis, 24 guns, jand 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, owing to the greater fa- cilities presented by more recently-established stations, and the filling 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. MARINE BARRACKS. A short distance N. of the Navy- Yard gate, on the E. side of 8th st. E., between Gr and I sts. S., are the Marine Barracks. The Pennsylvania av. cars (red) for the Navy- Yard pass the iron gate, which is the general entrance. Visitors are admit- ted from 9 a, m, till sundown, but can be passed before that time by the officer of the day. The barracks have a frontage of 700 feet. The centre building, used for officers' quarters, is two stories high, and the wings are one story, with accom- modations for 200 men. The offices of the general staff are opposite, on 9th st. E. On the N. of the square a.-e the quar- ters of the Brigadier General and Commandant of the Marine Corps, and opposite, on the S., is the armory and hospital. In the former are some interesting Marine Corps flags. One bears the inscription " From Tripoli to the Halls of the Mon- tezumas" by land and sea; also, a Corean Hag captured in battle. The most interesting occasion for a visit would be at the time of general inspection on any Monday, weather permit- ting, at 10 a. m., when the Marines and their excellent band may be seen in full parade. Every day at 8 a. m. in summer and 9 a. m. in winter, there is guard mount, the band per- forming. The barracks were burnt by the British in 1814, but wore immediately rebuilt. Recruits are sent here for in- struction before being detailed for service on the vessels of the Navy. The Marine Corps was organized in 1798 as an adjunct to the naval establishment, then placed under an independent administration. The corps has participated, with glory to its officers and men, in all the brilliant achievements which nave characterized the operations of the Navy of the United States whenever called upon to vindicate the honor of the na- tion. On land the corps has borne itself nobly; and against greatly superior numbers and overcoming grave obstacles, has invariably returned with fresh laurels. In the Tripolitan and Mexican wars, hi their participation in the attack on Fort MAGAZINES. 177 Fisher, in their desperate conflict on the coast of Corea against overwhelming numbers of the 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. The headquarters of the corps are appropriately at the National Capital, being established at the Marine Barracks. The com- mandant or superior officer holds 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 T is 2,500 men. MAGAZINES. The Army and Navy Magazines, to which there is no ad- mittance, occupy 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 wharf 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 have 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 IT. PLACES OF GENERAL INTEREST. ■SMITHSONIAN" INSTITUTION. HE Smithsonian Institution {open daily, except Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m.) occupies a fine site S. of Pennsylvania av., and may be conveniently reached 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, however, Congress resumed their supervision. They were then thrown into the extensive and beautiful res- ervation which now surrounds the Institution building. The grounds were designed and partially laid outby the distinguished horticulturist and landscape gardener, Andrew Jackson Downing, whose death occurred while in the prose- cution of his plans. They are arranged with lawns, groves, drives, 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 the same material. The vase is 4 ft. high and 3 ft. in diameter at the upper rim. The body is ornamented with arabesque. Acanthus leaves sur- round the lower part. The handles rest on the heads of satyrs, .gods of groves and woods, and the pedestal on a carved base (178 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 179 surrounded with a cornice. On each side is a deep panel, relieved 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 Jackson Downing, who died July 28, 1852, aged thirty-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 Philadelphia, in September, 1852, by the American Pomological Society, of which Mr. Downing was one of the original founders. Marshall P. Wilder, President." The whole monument, with the granite plinth, is 9A ft. high, and cost $1,600. Description. — The style of architecture of the Smithsonian Building, designed by James Kenwick, Jr., of N". Y., is Gor- man, and chronologically belongs to the end of the 12th cen- tury, representing the rounded at the time of merging into the Gothic. It is the first unecclesiastical structure of that period ever built in the United States. The building compares f avor- SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. ably with the best examples of the styles, variously called the Norman, the Lombard, the Eomanesque, and the Byzantine. The semi-circular 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. The main entrance from the 1ST., sheltered by a carriage porch, is between two towers of beautifully symmetrical proportions and unequal height. The general design consists of a main centre building, tw T o stories high and two wings of a single story, connected by intervening ranges, each having a cloister on the N. with open stone screen. In the centre of the 1ST. 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 finial. At the SW. corner is an octagonal tower finished with open work in the upper 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. wing is 82 by 52 ft., and 42 J 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 where Seneca creek empties into the Potomac river. It is the same, though brought from a different locality, as that used in the construction of Trinity church of New York city. The building throughout 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 courses, 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 towers, 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 Smithsonian 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, now the most complete on the globe. The Institution also distributes abroad, free of expense, the publications of scientific and historical societies when sent to them. It has ten agents of its own, and is in correspondence with 2,400 institutions abroad. 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 the 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 has also co-operated with the other departments of the 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 other osteological specimens to the Army Medical Museum. In return, from the latter it receives from the officers of the army all collections made in ethnology and in special branches of natural history. National Museum. — (Open everyday, except Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m.) — This 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 Secretary, Professor Joseph Henry, 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 efforts of the manager of that offshoot of the Institution, therefore, 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 1 from upwards of fifty subsequent expeditions of the General Government, and contributions resulting from 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 the 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 egg, 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 skeletons and alcoholic specimens. The table cases in the centre 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 first two contain birds of North America, the next three of foreign countries, and the last seals, fish, and alligators. The table cases between are devoted to shells, and those 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 fish 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 the main N. door, the first case contains mammals, embracing the deer and antelope families. Here are excellent specimens of the Rocky Mountain sheep and goat. The next embraces birds of North America, and the remaining four on the same side birds of foreign 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 G-othic Hall. — This Hall receives its name from the style of architecture used, and contains ethnological specimens and relics, and other articles of historic interest. It is proposed during the present year to make a general rearrangement ol the collections of the National Museum. This Hall will then be assigned to economic geology. The portrait over the W. 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 pur- chased 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 the 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 the 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 the Revo- lution and subsequent wars ; copies of royal 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 Rumsey, of Shepherdstown, Va., 1786 ; Chi- nese paper money, Japanese manuscript, an interesting specimen of handwriting in Greek, arranged in book form ; and treaties with 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. Iii 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 heap 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- ing 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 hieroglyphics. Beyond the Gothic is the West Hall, a fine, well lighted apartment, and assigned to the mineral ogical cabinet of the National Museum, divided into four sections : I. General Miner alogical 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. IL General Lithological Collection, occupying the entire SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 185 W. wall, and composed mainly of specimens brought back by the various Government exploring expeditions within the United States and W. of the Mississippi river, and also sev- eral European series. ' III. Ore Collection, on the 1ST. 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 1ST. 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. Alt the specimens were gathered above 80° N. 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 N. contains stalactites and a very tine specimen of sulphur from Sicily. The third table contains minerals from different foreign countries. In the centre of the hall is a large group of mineral speci- mens, including the Irwin-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. in opening. The thickest part is 17 in. wide. A large mass of native copper from On- tonagon, Lake Superior, in early days used by the Indians as a sacrificial altar, and estimated to weigh 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 group 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. ll. 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, Syria. It was originally the repository of the remains of the Roman Em- peror Alexander Severus. The Sarcophagus was intended for the tomb of General Andrew Jackson, and for that pur- pose it was offered in 1845 by Commodore Elliott, but the G-eneral replied : "I cannot consent that my mortal body shall be laid in a repository prepared 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 Miltiades 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 island 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 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 the 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 with cappings of the existing types of the same family. On the E. is a cast of a glj^pto- 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 Smithsonian Institution. — 1846, Joseph Henry. History, — The original fund which led to the foundation of the. Smithsonian Institution was the bequest of James Smithson, of England, amounting to $515,169. The founder belonged to one of the best families of England. He was the son of Hugh, first Duke of Northumberland, and Eliza- beth, heiress of Hungerforcls 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 Smithson, 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 chemist, 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 inherited 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 ''•to found, at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.'''' The Government of the United States, by act of Congress of July 1, 1836, accepted the bequest. In the same year Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania, who had been Minister of the United States at the court of King George P7, from 1817 to 1825, was designated Commissioner to as- sert and prosecute the claim of the 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 fund 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 Mu- 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, who elected a Secretary, charged with the management of the business under their direction. The corner-stone of the building was laid May 1, 1847. President Polk and his Cabinet and a large number of citi- zens and strangers were present on the 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 Washington through Lafayette. The gavel employed was that used by Washington upon the lay- ing of the 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. The 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 regularly 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 Rational Institute for the Promotion of Science, founded in 1842. On the 24th of Jan., 1865, the Institution suffered 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, personal effects of Smithson, 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 OF 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 were 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. CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. The Gallery is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, admission 25 c; Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, free; hours, 10 a. m. to 4 p. m.from October to April, and 10 a. m. to 6 p.m. from April to October. The building stands on the NE. corner of Pennsylvania av. and 17th st., and was com- menced in 1859. From 1861 to 1869 it was occupied by the Quartermaster General of the United States Army, for which compensation was in part allowed. It is hi the 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 with a carved jamb and arch, overtopped with fierce tigers' heads, in relievo. The anticom of the first stoiy 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 suffit of the arch is filled with decorations, and contains the mono- gram of the founder, surrounded with carved wreaths and enscrollments. Just beneath this there is a palladium win- 190 CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. dow, with fluted pilasters and columns and capitals, express- ing American foliage, exquisitively carved. In the arch are two wreaths, encircling various implements of painting- and sculpture. The central pavilion is flanked on either side by two fluted columns, with capitals representing the broad leaves and fruit of the cornstalk. These support an entablature, on which are trophies, representing the Arts, on the frieze of the central pavilion ; and on this are inscribed the words, "Dedicated to Art." The cornice over this has a pediment, in the tympanum of which is a bass relief, representing the Genius of Painting, surrounded by figures emblematical of the sister arts. The entire structure is surrounded by an imposing Man- sard roof, slated, and carried 10 ft. higher than the ordinary roof of the building. The architects were James Ren wick, Jr., and E. T. Auchmuty, of 1ST. Y. The cost of the building was $150,000. The entrance is on Pennsylvania av., and opens into a ves- tibule 25 ft. by 2S ft., from which lead the broad stairs to the second story. These stairs are of freestone, 10 ft. wide. On each side are passages 8J ft. wide, and leading to the sculp- ture hall. The stairs and halls are lighted by two courts. The vestibule to the sculpture hall is 19 ft. wide by 28 ft. long, with two spacious bay windows at the ends. The sculpture hall itself is 96J ft. long by 25 ft. wide, and is amply lighted by 10 windows. The janitor's apartments are on the r. of the main vesti- bule, and just behind them, and connecting with the main sculpture hall, are two rooms, one 19 ft. by 43 J ft., the other 19 ft. square. These rooms can be used for a school of de- 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 main stairs open into a hall 28 ft. wide by 42f ft. long, on either 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 av., the centre one, being an octagon, is 25 ft. The other two are 25 ft. bjr 32 ft. In the rear of these, and extending along the sides of the building, are two galleries, 19J 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 the collection of paintings and statuary is the rare and valuable private gallery of Mr. Corcoran, which cost upwards of $100,000. The collections comprise — In 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 Hildersheim 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, may 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, by Joseph Vernet ; copy of Bega's " Child and Nurse ; " a paint- ing by George Morland, representing a countryman coming home at sunset ; " Shakspeare and His Friends," by Faecl ; "Mercy's Dream," by Huntingdon; "The Hudson in Au- tumn," by Doughty ; "The Departure and the Return," by Cole, very 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 Hildebrandt, 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 Caesar," by Jerome; "Comte de Wirtemberg Weeping over the Bod} r of his Son," by Ary Shefifer, (the original;) "Spring" and "Twilight, landscapes, by Japy, (Louis;) 192 WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. "La puit qui paiie," by Vely ; "Spring Flowers," by Jean- nin; "Lost Dogs," by Von Thoren ; "Two Flowers," by Conder; " Sunset, "by Breton ; "Effect of 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 tine life- size portrait of Mr. Corcoran at 69 years of age, founder of the Institution, painted by Charles 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 1854. 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 wide connects Execu- tive av. with the Drive which, leaving the lake on the 1., fol- lows the line of the river bank, winds around the Monument, and communicates with 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. high. 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 triumphal car and statue of the illustrious chief. The steps to this portico are flanked by massive blockings, surmounted by appropriate figures and trophies. Over each column, in the great frieze of the entablatures, around the entire building, are sculptured escutcheons, (coats of arms of each State in the Union,) surrounded by bronze civic wreaths, banded together by festoons of oak leaves, &c> all of which spring (each 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 the celia, (rotunda gallery,) 50 ft. wide, 500 ft. in circumference, and 68 ft. high. with a colossal pillar in the centre 70 ft. in diameter, around which the 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 continued zocle or base 5 ft. high, forming an order, with its entablature, 40 ft., crowned by a vaulted ceiling 20 ft., divided by radiating archevaults 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 Kevolution, 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, you 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 base and capping. The circuit of this grand terrace is studded with small temple-formed structures, constituting the cupolas of the lanterns, lighting the pantheon gallery below. Through the base of the great circle of the balustrade are 4 apertures at the 4 cardinal points, leading outside of the bal- ustrade upon the top of the main cornice, where a gallery 6 ft. wide and 750 ft. in circumference encircles the whole, in- closed bj?" an ornamental guard, forming the crowning mem- ber on the top of the tholus of the main cornice of the grand colonnade. Within the thickness of this wall staircases de- scend to a lower gallery over the plafond of the pronaos of the colonnade, lighted from above. This gallery, which ex- tends around the colonnade, is 20 ft. wide, divided into rooms for the records of the monument, works of art, or studios for artists engaged in the service of the monument. Two other ways communicate with this gallery from below. In the centre of the grand terrace above described rises the lofty obelisk shaft of the monument, 70 ft. square at the base, and 500 ft. high, diminishing as it rises to its apex, where it is 40ft. square; at the foot of this shaft, and on each face, project 4 massive zocles 25 ft. high, supporting so many co- lossal symbolic tripods of victory 20 ft. high, surmounted by facial columns with their symbols of authority. These zocle laces are embellished with inscriptions, which are continued WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 195 around the entire base of the shaft, and occupy the surface of that part of the shaft between the tripods. On each face of the shaft, above this, is sculptured the four leading events in Washington's career in basso relievo, and above this the shaft is perfectly plain to within 50 ft. of its summit, where a sim- ple star is placed, emblematic of the glory which the name of Washington has attained. To ascend to the summit of the column, the same facilities as below are provided within the shaft by an easy-graded gal- lery, which may be traversed by a railway terminating in a circular observatory 20 ft. in diameter, around which, at the top, is a lookout gallery which opens a prospect all around the horizon. The inner space, or that under the grand gallery or rotun- da, may be appropriated to catacombs for the reception of the remains of such distinguished men as the nation may honor with interment here. In the centre of the monument is placed the tomb of Wash- ington, to receive his remains, should they be removed thither, the descent to which is by a broad flight of steps, lighted by the same light which illumines his statue. Description. — In its present state the Monument is 174 ft. high. It rests on a solid foundation of Potomac gneiss rock, 81 ft. square at the base, 8 feet below the surface, and 18 ft. above, narrowing to 60 ft. square. The base of the obelisk is 55 ft. square outside, the walls being 15 ft. thick, and 25 ft. square inside. The outer surface consists of heavy blocks of crystal marble, from Maryland, laid in regular courses of about 2 ft., and backed to the required thickness by gneiss rock, as used in the foundation. The inside of the wall is perpendicular, while the outer surface gradually recedes. At the summit, when completed, the walls will have a thickness of but 2 ft. The interior will be provided with an iron stair- case. The tablets already built in the interior walls are ar- ranged to correspond with the galleries of the proposed stairway. The Monument, as it now stands, cost $230,000, and was six years in building, when the funds ran out. The esti- mated cost of the obelisk is $550,000, and pantheon $570,000 additional. Total, $1,120,000. The Monument completed would rank with the loftiest works of ancient or modern times, viz : Tower of Babel, 680 ft. ; Washington Monument completed, 600 ft. ; Cologne Cathedral completed, 511 ft. ; Balbec, 500 ft. ; Pyramid of Cheops, 480 ft. ; Cathedral, Strasbourg, 474 ft. ; St. Peter's, Rome, 458 ft. ; St. Stephen, Vienna, 445 ft. ; Cathedral, Salis- 196 ARMORY. bury, England, 406 ft. ; Cathedral, Antwerp, 405 ft. ; St Paul's Cathedral, London, 404 ft. ; Cathedral, Milan, 400 ft. The Lapidarium,— In the low wooden building NE. of the Monument may be seen the tablets intended for the interior of the Monument, to be placed the same as those already used. A keeper, who has charge of the keys, resides on the ground, and will exhibit the Monument and tablets, 81 in number, to visitors. Among the American contributions are a block of native copper, weighing 2,100 pounds, from Michigan, and 12 bricks from the birthplace of Washington. The contributions from abroad are from Mount Vesuvius ; Swiss Republic ; a block of granite from the Alexandrian Library, Egypt ; China ; Bre- men; Sultan of Turkey; the Temple of Carthage, Africa; ancient Egyptian head; Governor and Commune of the Islands of Paros and Naxos ; Temple of Esculapius, island of Paros ; Greek Government ; and Japan. History, — Repeated attempts have been made to erect a suitable tribute to the memory of Washington. In 1783 the Continental Congress passed a resolution for a National Monument. The site for the Monument, near the present undertaking, was approved by Washington himself in the first plan of the city. In 1800 a bill passed in one House of Congress to erect a "mausoleum of American granite and marble in pyramidal form, 100 ft. square at the base, and of proportionate height." The Washington National Monument Association, the name by which the association of distinguished gentlemen who projected the monument was known, was organized in 1835. The amount collected to 1848 was $230,000. The corner- stone was laid July 4, 1848, with Masonic ceremonies, and in the presence of 4,000 people. Repeated efforts have since been made to effect its completion, but without success. ARMORY. This building stands on the SE. portion of the Mall, E. of the Smithsonian Institution, and fronts on 6th st. W. The main entrance is on the E., where a flight of steps leads to the drill-rooms on the second and third floors. The first floor is paved and arranged for artillery, there being three suitable entrances on the N". and S. sides of the CHURCHES. 197 building. Each floor is supported by 12 iron pillars, and is provided with gun racks and cases for accoutrements. The building is about 103 by 57 ft. In 1853 Congress authorized the erection of the building, to be used for the care of ord- nance arms, accommodation of volunteers and military of the District of Columbia, and for the preservation of military trophies of the revolution and other wars. It was finished in 1857. The building has long been out of use. It is proposed to place it in repair for the purposes for which it was origi- nally intended. CHURCHES. The capital possesses many church edifices which, in ar- chitectural display and dimensions, have kept pace with the growth of the population in numbers and affluence. The finest are the Metropolitan Methodist Episcopal, in which are also an interesting collection of relics from the Holy Land and memorial windows, First Congregational, New-York Av. Presbyterian, Epiphany Protestant Episcopal, Foundry Methodist, Calvary Baptist, and St. Aloysius, Roman Catho- lic. Of the colored churches, the Fifteenth St. Presbyterian and Nineteenth St. Baptist are very fine structures. A list of leading churches and locations will be found in General Information. In 1794 the Washington Parish of the Protestant Episco- pal Church, to include the cities of Washington and George- town, was formed out of St. John's and St. Paul's Parishes. The parish of Christ Church was next created, and the church edifice near the Navy Yard was erected . about 1800. For sixteen years it was the only Episcopal place of worship in the city. It was attended by Jefferson and Madison. Ser- vices are still held in the same structure. The first Presby- terian church services were held in 1793, in the carpenter shop used by the joiners at work on the President's House. The first Baptist church began worship in 1802, and com- menced a building on the corner of I and 19th sts. NW. in 1803. The first Presbyterian church on F st. was established in 1803, services being first held in the hall of the Treasury building. In 1826 their new building was completed. St. Patrick's, Roman Catholic, was established in 1810. A Methodist church was erected near the Navy Yard in 1805, but meetings had been held in the city before. St. John's Episcopal Church, on the NE. corner of 16th and H sts. 198 HALLS. NW., opposite Lafayette Square, was erected in 1816, from designs by Latrobe, the architect of the Capitol. In 1820 it was enlarged, and its original form, a Greek cross, was changed to a Latin, and a portico and steeple added. Among those who attended services here were Presidents Madison, Monroe, and Jackson, and the diplomatic representatives of England. The first Unitarian church, on 6th and D sts. ISTW.j fronting on Louisiana av., was erected in 1824. HALLS. There are a number of halls in various parts of the city. Masonic Temple is on the N"W. corner of F and 9th sts. NW., entrance on F st., and was erected by the Masonic Hall Association. The corner-stone was laid in 1868. The build- ing is of granite and Connecticut and Nova Scotia freestone, and cost $200,000. The two exposed faces are tastefully en- riched with an appropriate introduction of Masonic symbols. The ground-floor is occupied by stores, and the second by a public hall, 100 by 48 ft. and 25 ft. high, and retiring rooms. The hall has been the scene of some of the most brilliant balls and State sociables given at the capital. In the third story are the Blue Lodges of Masonry, and in the fourth the Eoyal Arch Chapters and Comtnanderies. The furniture and fittings of the lodges are of superior quality, and are unsur- passed in any similar place in the country. A lodge of Ma- sons was established in the earliest days of the capital. Prior to 1816 there were two which assembled in a building on the borders of the river. Under the pavement of the Temple, on the S. front, is what was formerly known as the City Spring. Odd Fellows' Hall, situated on 7th st. W., bet. D and E sts. The earlier building was dedicated in 1846, and erected out of funds subscribed by the lodges and members meeting in the central part of the city. It was remodeled in 1873. It has a granite base and pressed-brick superstructure, with gal- vanized-iron pilasters, jambs, caps, and cornice, and is sur- mounted by three domes, that in the centre raised above the others. The ground-floor is occupied by stores. The stair- way at the main entrance leads to the main hall, on the sec- ond floor. The hall is 100 by 40 ft. and 22 ft. high, and fitted with a stage of 21 ft. additional, at the E. end. It is princi- pally designed for balls, concerts, and lectures. Adjoining NEWSPAPER OFFICES. 199 are ladies' retiring and gentlemen's cloak-rooms. The third floor contains two lodge and one Encampment rooms. The Library, on the same floor, for the use of members of the Order and their families, contains a line collection of books. The first Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was established in the District of Columbia in 1827 ; the Grand Lodge followed in 1828. Lincoln Hall, — This fine structure stands on the NE. cor- ner of 9th and D sts. NW. It is built of Seneca brownstone, with iron trimmings, is three stories high, surmounted by a Mansard roof. The corner-stone on the SW. bears the in- stnption, " Y. M. C. A., Nov. xxvn, mdccclxvii. Jeho- vah Jireh." The building was erected by a joint stock company chartered by act of Congress in 1867, and was com- pleted in 1869, at a cost of $200,000. On the ground floor are stores. There are two entrances to the upper floors : the main one to the Library and Heading Booni and Lincoln Hall on D st. ; the smaller, on 9th st. The Free Reading Room and Library and the Parlors of the Association (open to the public every day except Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 10 p. m.) are on the second floor under the Hall, en- trances on both sts. The Library contains about 17,000 vols., including the leading secular and religious newspapers of the country. The Washington City Library, founded in 1814, has been consolidated with it. On the same floor is Lincoln Hall, the finest lecture or con- cert hall in the city, which will seat about 1,300 people. During each winter a course of lectures is given under the auspices of the Association. In its scientific course, the As- sociation is aided by the Smithsonian Institution. In addition to Lincoln Hall there is a smaller hall, used for religious and social gatherings of the Young Men's Christian Association, which are held twice daily, at noon and 6 p. m. Open to all. Willard's Hall, on F st., between 14th and loth sts. W., also affords excellent accommodations for concerts or theatri- cals. NEWSPAPER OFFICES. The buildings occupied hy two of the principal newspapers of the city will compare favorably in completeness, if not in size, with the best structures of the kind in the country. 200 NEWSPAPER OFFICES. The National Republican Printing Office stands on the SW. corner of Pennsylvania av. and 13th st. NW. It was designed by Henry K. Searle, of Washington, architect, and commenced in 1S70. It measures 49 ft. front on the av. and 71 ft. depth on 13th st. It has an elevation of 100 ft. above the basement to the top of the tower, and is divided into five stories, includ- ing the French roof. It is built of point-dressed Seneca stone, from the .Potomac, and rock-faced Ohio stone. The latter is used in the pilasters, belt, and sill courses, window arches, and cornices. In front of the second and fourth stories, on Pennsylvania av., are two Ohio-stone balconies, 16 ft. wide, with a projection of 5 ft., supported by heavy stone brackets. The first story above the basement is built of solid alternate courses of Seneca and Ohio stone, and is topped with a heavy Ohio stone cornice. The remaining stories to the cornice under the roof are Seneca stone, with Ohio stone trimmings. The arches of the windows of each story differ, the first, sec- ond, and third having segment heads of different patterns, and the fourth a half-circle. Surmounting the entire struc- ture is a modern double pitch French roof, slated, and broken in towers, and dormer windows on each street. Below the >roof is a cornice of galvanized iron, and above a cresting of ;the same material. Over the 1ST. dormer window is a clock, surmounted by a gilded eagle 16 ft. from tip to tip, and carry- ing in its beak a shield, upon which is the monogram N. K. There is a flag staff of 60 ft. on the roof. There are entrances reached by granite steps on both streets. The building is fitted up with every convenience for the em- ployees, is supplied with hydrants and fire-cocks on every floor, and is heated by steam. The lower stories are fire-proof. The Chronicle Building is situated on Pennsylvania av., S. side, No. 914, between 9th and 10th sts. TV. It was erected in 1873, from designs by T. M. Plowman; has a frontage of 25 ft. and depth of 107 ft. to C st., with a basement and su- perstructure of o stories. The front is of iron, faced with ■columns. Presses are on the first floor, editorial rooms on the second, job office on the third, bindery fourth, and com- "posing-room on the fifth. The office possesses all the latest improvements of an establishment of the kind. The Evening Star newspaper company have also in con- templation the erection of a fine building in a desirable local- ity on Pennsylvania av. in the central part of the city. The selection of a site has been under consideration, and it is pro- posed to erect a building which, in exterior proportions and design, will be an ornament to the city, and its interior ar- rangement one of the most complete printing offices in the country. INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING. 201 UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES. The public institutions of the national Capital afford un- rivaled facilities for professional and collegiate education. NATIONAL MEDICAL COLLEGE. The National Medical College of the Columbian University. on H st., between 13th and 14th sts. ~N. W., was founded in 1824. The building was the gift of W. W. Corcoran, 1864, cost $40,000, was originally intended for a mechanics' library and lectures, contains two lecture rooms, with ante rooms, chemical laboratory, and dissecting room. In winter the jan- itor will admit visitors. The Dispensary is open daity, except Sunday, from 1 to 3 p. m., to the poor. The Law Depart- ment, Columbian University, established 1826, occupies a building on 5th st., between D and E sts. N. W. The Medical and Law Departments of Georgetown College, respectively established in 1851 and 1870, occupy buildings on the corner of 10th and E sts. and F between 9th and 10th sts. N. W. In the former is the Central Dispensary, open daily, except Sunday, from 1 to 3 p. m. The Gonzaga College, on I, between North Capitol and 1st sts. N. W., was founded in 1848 as the Washington Sem- inary, and incorporated as a university in 1858. It is con- ducted by the fathers of the Society of Jesus, for day scholars only. 202 SCHOOLS. SCHOOLS. The Public Schools are among the prominent features of the National Capital. Of the buildings are the Franklin, 1st dis- trict, cor. 13th and K sts. NW., brick, 148 X 79 ft., basement and three stories, erected in 1869, and contains 14 school-rooms. This is said to be one of the finest school buildings in the Uni- ted States. The Seatoti, 2d district, on I, bet. 2d and'3d sts. NW.. brick, 94 X 67 feet, basement and 3 stories, erected in 1871. The Wallach, 3d district, Pennsylvania av., bet. 7th and 8th sts. SE., brick, 99 X 76 ft., basement and three sto- ries, erected in 1864. The Jefferson, 4th district, cor. of 6th and D sts. SW., brick, 172 x 88 ft, basement and 3 stories, with 20 school-rooms, erected in 1872. This is the largest school building in the city. It will accommodate 1,200 pupils. It is named after Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Public Schools of Washington, and president of the same 1805-' 08. There are also fine grounds. In the four school districts there are 43 school buildings, owned or rented by the city. The oldest still standing was erected in 1800 for a stable, cor. 14th and G sts. NW. The Colored Schools are distinct from those attended by white children. Prior to 1862 there were no colored public schools. Subsequently the schools were under charitable associations of the North. • The first building was erected in 1866, on the square now occupied by the Sumner building. The Sumner Building, on the NE. corner of M and 17th sts. NW., was completed in 1872, at a cost of $70,000. It is 94 ft. long, by 69 ft. wide, and has a basement, 3 stories, and a trussed roof. In it are 10 school-rooms. There are 13 public schools for colored children. The annual expenditures are about $318,000, One third of this sum is set apart for colored schools. The total school population is 17,403. In 1805 the revenues for the support of schools were derived from the net proceeds of taxes on slaves, dogs, licenses for carriages and hacks, ordinaries and taverns, selling wines and spirits, billiard tables, hawkers and pedlers, theatres and other public amusements. In 1806 there were the E. and W. academies. In 1826 the schools were supported by lottery. There is now a school tax. The public schools were quartered in rented rooms, prior to the dedication of the Wallach building, in 1864. ASYLUMS. 203 ASYLUMS. There are a number of public and private institutions for the destitute and sick. Eaval Hospital (open after 12 noon, during the week, if no severe cases) occupies the square between 9th and 10th sts. E. and E st. S. and Pennsylvania av. It is accessible from the Pennsylvania av. street cars (red) for the Navy Yard, at E st. The hospital is under the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery of the Navy department, and is open to officers and men of the navy and marine corps. The building consists of a tliree-story brick edifice, with mansard, and possesses accommodations for 50 patients. There is a reading-room for convalescents. A medical director in the navy is in charge. Naval discipline is observed. National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home, on G st. be- tween 17th and 18th sts. FW., (open to visitors every day, except Sunday, after 9 a. m.,) was incorporated by Congress in 1866, and is supported by Government appropriations. It is under the direction of a Board of Lady Managers, and is for the support and education of the orphans of the national sol- diers or sailors who were killed or died of wounds in the re- bellion of 1861-'65. No applicants are received younger than 6 years, nor retained after 16 years. Columbia Hospital for Women, and Lying-in Asylum, incorporated 1866, (visiting days Tuesdays and Fridays, from, 10 a. m. to 4 p. m.,) is on the corner of L and 25th sts. N\V. The general wards for 50 patients are free to the wives of sol- diers, on the permit of the Surgeon General ; to women of other States, on permit of the Secretary of the Interior ; and to women of the District, on permit of the Governor. There are also private rooms and special wards for 30 patients, for the use of which a small compensation is required. Connected with the hospital is an operating room, used for free patients only, and open every Saturday at 3.30 p. m., to students of medicine in the District. In the W. wing is a dispensary, open every day, where the poor receive medicines and treat- ment free. The institution is principally supported by the National Government. Washington Asylum (open every day, except Sunday) is sit- uated in the extreme E. portion of the city, on the public reservation, No. 17, laid out for the purpose. It may be reached in 15 min. along C st. S., leaving the Pennsylvania 204 ASYLUMS. av. street cars (red) at that point. The institution combines an asylum for the poor of the District, and a work-house for persons convicted in the police courts of minor crimes except theft. There are accommodations in the brick buildings for 180 persons. The first building was erected in 1815, but the present one in 1859. On the 1ST. is the District jail, and S. the District nurseries, and beyond, the Army and Navy maga- zines. About £ m. distant, SW., is the "Congressional" Cemetery. Louise Home, (open to visitors every day, except Sunday, after 12 noon,) erected in 1871, was the gift of Mr. Corcoran. It is situated on Massachusetts av., bet. 15th and 16th sts. W. Its design is for gentlewomen of education and refine- ment, but reduced to poverty. It is named after the wife and daughter of Mr. Corcoran, both deceased. The build- ing, a commodious structure, was erected and furnished un- der the personal supervision of Mr. Corcoran, and, with the grounds, cost $200,000, and has accommodations for 55 per- sons. The institution is under the direction of a board of trustees, and has an endowment of $250,000. The inmates are invited by the board of directresses. Providence General Hospital, cor. 2d and D sts. SE., (open every day, from 10 to 12 a m. and 2 to 4 p. ra.) The hospital is owned and under the care of the Sisters of Charity. It was founded in 1862, incorporated in 1864, and the present building commenced in 1867. It is about 280 ft. long, of brick, and will accommodate 250 patients. Towards the erection of the building, through Thaddeus Stevens, of Penn., Congress appropriated $30,000. There is now an annual ap- propriation for 75 non-resident paupers. Indigent persons receive permits from the Surgeon General of the Army, but any one applying is taken in. The accommodations for pay patients are very superior. There is a medical staff of 12 phjrsicians; also, a reading-room, library, chapel, and oper- ating-room. The "Washington City Orphan Asylum, on I, bet. 2d and 3d sts. W.. was founded in 1815, Dolly P. Madison, Wife of the President of the United States, being first directress and Mrs. Van Ness second. It was incorporated in 1828, and the cor- ner-stone of the first building was laid by Mrs. Van Ness on Mausoleum square, on H, bet. 9th and 10th sts. NW., the burial-ground of the Burns family. The building is now oc- cupied by the St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum. It is under the direction of the benevolent ladies of the city. The present ASYLUMS. 205 building is but temporarily occupied, that erected for the per- manent use of the Asylum being now rented by the Depart- ment of State. Children's Hospital, on E, bet. 8th and 9th sts. 1STW., (visit- ing days Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, from 3 to 5 p. m.,) incorporated in 1871. It is under the patronage of benevo- lent ladies and gentlemen, of the city, and has for its object the free provision of surgical and medical treatment for the helpless children of the District between the ages of 15 mos. and 15 yrs. Admissions through the Board Physicians. The sick of the City Orphan Asylum are also treated here. There is a free dispensary connected with the hospital, open to all every day except Sunday, from 12 m. to 3 p. m. St. John's Hospital, for children, (visiting days Mondays and Thursdays, from 2 to 5 p. m.,) on I, bet. 20th and 21st sts. ISTW., is under the St. John's Sisterhood of the Episcopal Church. The Hospital will shortly occupy its new premises, on H, bet. 19th and 20th sts. NW. St. Ann's Infant Asylum, founded in 1863, is on the corner of K and 24th sts. NW., (visiting days Thursdays, from 2 to 5 p. m.) It is under the management of the Sisters of Charity, and for the children, under 5 years, of the poor. There is a lying-in hospital attached. St. Joseph's Male Orphan Asylum, founded in 1855, (visit- ing days Saturdays, from 2 to 5 p. m.,) on H, bet. 9th and 10th sts. N~W., is under the care of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. The male children at St. Ann's, arriving at 5 years of age, are sent here. The building previously belonged to the Washington City Orphan Asylum, and was purchased in 1866. St Vincent's Female Orphan Asylum, founded in 1831, (visiting every day, except Saturday and Sunday, bet. 9 and 11 a. m.,) is on the SW. cor. of H and 10th sts. ISTW. It is under the care of the Sisters of Charity. To this are transferred the female children at St. Ann's arriving at 5 years of age. A branch of this asylum, St. Rose's Orphan Home, estab- lished in 1871, and owned and cared for by the Sisters of Charity, is situated on G, bet. 20th and 21st sts. NW. Here the children, 13 years of age, are sent and taught a trade. It is open at any time, and sewing of all kinds for ladies and children is taken. The Epiphany Church Home is on H, bet. 14th and 15th ets.W. CEMETERIES. The Home for the Aged, under the Little Sisters of the Poor, is on the NW. cor. of 3d and H sts. NE. CEMETEBIES. Two squares known as the Eastern and Western Burial- grounds, were allotted by the Government, in the beginning of the present century, for the interment of the dead. The Eastern, which stood in the eastern part of the city, was re- moved a few years since. The Western, later known as Holmead Cemetery, on 19th st., bet. S and T sts. NW., is be- ing removed. Here, for 40 years, rested the remains of Lo- renzo Dow, removed to Oak Hill Cemetery in 1874. Congressional (or Washington Parish) Cemetery, (open every day, except Sunday,) is situated on the banks of the Anacos- tia, and is accessible from the Washington and Georgetown Street Eailway East, along E. st. S., dis- tant £ m . The Cem- etery, laid out in 1807, originally com- prised about 10 a., bat now embraces 30 a. The name Con- gressional originated from the fact that a number of sites are set apart for the in- terment of members of Congress, in re- turn forGovernment donations of land and money. The small freestone cenotaphs, to the memory of de- ceased members of Congress, form a conspicuous feature. The grounds are adorned with drives, walks, trees, shrubs, evergreens, and a large fountain. The oldest graves lie N". of the lodge, and are of date 1804-5. Near the superintendent's lodge is the grave of Commodore Tingey, second in command in the Algerine war. In the NE. portion lies George Clinton, of New York, Vice President of the United States, died in 1811, and Elbridge Gerry, of Mass- CONGKESSIONAL CEMETERY, CENOTAPHS. CEMETERIES. 207 achusetts, signer of the Declaration of Independence and Vice President of the United States, died in 1814. This monument was erected by act of Congress. Not far off is the grave of Tobias Lear, private secretary and friend of George Washington, died in 1816. Near by are the graves of John Forsyth, Secretary of State, and Commodore Mont- gomery. On the 1. of the walk is the monument of Pus-nia- ta-ha, a Choctaw chief, the white man's friend, who died at Washington in 1824. Further on is the monument to Wil- liam Wirt, Attorney General of the United States 1817-1829, died 1834. On the 1. of the carriage road, near the fountain, is the grave of General Alexander Macomb, Commander-in- chief of the United States Army, who died 1S41. This mon- ument is a handsome piece of workmanship, appropriately embellished and inscribed. A few feet off stands a broken shaft over the remains of Major General Jacob Brown, Com- mander-in-chief of the United States Army, died 1828. In the same vicinity is a monument to Abel Parker Up- shur, Secretary of the Navy 1841, Secretary of State 1843, died 1844, and Captain Kennon, killed by the explosion of the great gun on board the United States frigate Princeton. A few paces off stands the collossal monument to Joseph Lovel, Surgeon General of the United States Army, died 1836. Near by is the monument erected to Major General Qeorge Gibson, U. S. A., Commissary General of Subsist- ence, 1861, and to Frederick Rogers, midshipman in the United States Navy, drowned at Norfolk, Va., 1828, while making efforts to save Midshipmen Slidell and Harrison, his friends and companions in life and death. Among others are the Wainwright family, consisting of Commodore Richard Wainwright, Bvt. Lt. Col. R. Auch- matty Wainwright, Bvt. Lt. Col. Robert DeWar, of the United States Navy. All of these lie in the Wainwright vault, in the southern extremity of the grounds. In the S. portion is the tomb of Alexander Dallas Bache, Superin- tendent of United States Coast Survey service. Also a mar- ble monument, representing a broken ship's mast, to George Mifflin Bache, of the brig Washington, and his associates, who perished at sea on September 3, 1846, in a hurricane. Not far distant is the monument erected to the young ladies killed by the arsenal explosion. The vaults and lots of some of the oldest citizens of the District are also in this cemetery. The public vault, erected by Congress, lies SE. of the entrance, about the centre of the cemetery. It is a massive structure, entered by an iron door, which leads through a passage to a second iron door. 208 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. DISTEICT GOVERNMENT. The provisional government of the District of Columbia occupies a building on 4J st. W., near Pennsylvania av. It is proposed to erect a suitable edifice on the space immedi- ately N. of the Centre Market. lire Department, — The force consists of 5 Steam Fire En- gines, 1 Hook and Ladder Company, with officers and 4 horses and 10 men to each Engine. The service is under a Board of Fire Commissioners. There is also a Fire Alarm Telegraph, with the Central Station at Police Headquarters. The' buildings were erected by the city, and have every con- venience. The foreman will show visitors everything of interest. The companies are located, No. 1, K St., bet. 16th and 17th W. ; No. 2, D st., near 12th NW. ; No. 3, Capitol Hill, Delaware av. NE. of the Capitol : No. 4, Virginia av., bet. 4^ and 6th sts. SW. ; No. 5, High st., near Bridge; Hook and Ladder, Massachusetts av., bet. 4th and 5th sts. In the early days housekeepers were required to have a certain number of buckets, with their names, for each story. In 1835 there were two fire engines, and in 1846 seven. In 1861 the National Government engaged the services of the Hibernia Steam Fire Engine, of Philadelphia, and brought the first steamer to Washington, as a means of protection for the immense quantities of Government stores. In 1864 the paid system went into operation. The Government then owned three steam fire engines, and the corporation three, and one Hook and Ladder Company. In 1869 the Government steamers were withdrawn. Metropolitan Police. — This was established in 1861. In 1866 a police telegraph was constructed. The police force consists of 238 officers and men, with duties extending throughout the entire District. There are 8 precincts. District Jail. — The present jail of the District of Columbia is a three-storied brick structure, on reservation No. 9, and on the SW. corner of G and 4th sts. A new jail, more suita- ble to the necessities of the District, is being erected on Pres- ervation No. 13, immediately N. of the Washington Asylum. The plan has an outer range of one-storied buildings of solid masonry, forming the enclosure of the jail proper. The latter is built of Maryland (Seneca) stone, brick, and iron, four stories high, with ranges of cells on each floor, 300 in all. Be- tween the inner building and the outer walls there is a space of 16 ft. under the surveillance of the guards. The building is 310 by 193 ft., and from the stone base to the main cornice 50 ft. high, to the ridge 68 ft., and to the top of the cupola 90 ft. On either end of the building are ventilating shafts 86 ft. high, and, in conjunction with steam pipes under each tier of cells, preserve a regular temperature. The centre of the building forms a guard room 77 x 61 ft., from the floor of which springs the staircases to each tier of cells. The W. projection contains the warden's office, guard and witness rooms ; the E., a chapel and kitchen ; the basement, the laundry and bath rooms. The structure was designed by A. B. Mullett, commenced in 1872, and cost $400,000. It can be easily converted into a penitentiary. THE MARKETS. 209 THE MARKETS. The country around the National Capital produces fine vegetables of all descriptions, and the Potomac river and Chesapeake Bay afford not only fish and oysters unexcelled and in great quantities, but admirable facilities for supplying the Markets with the earlier produce of more southern lati- tudes. The best qualities of meats and the finest game, aquatic and field, are also .offered for sale at cheaper rates than other large cities. There are four principal markets in the city, two already accommodated with very fine perma- nent buildings. Strangers would find the markets a most interesting place for a visit. The largest is the Centre Market, erected by the Washington Market Company in 1870, comprising three commodious brick structures — a central building and two wings — length from E. to W., 410 ft., and which occupy the S. half of the square between 7th and 9th sts. "W., on the S. side of Pennsylvania av., and accessible by horse cars on that av. and 7th and 9th sts. Market every day. The Eastern Market, on Capitol Hill, at the junction of 7th st. E. and North Carolina av., completed in 1873, is also a fine large brick structure. The Western Market, on K between 20th and 21st sts. NW., and the Northern Market, between 6th and 7th and O and P sts. NW., at present temporarily occupy sheds. Brick struc- tures of large dimensions are now in course of erection for their accommodation. In the original plan of the city, 1791, there were three reservations for the E., W., and Centre Markets ; the latter, however, is the only one erected on the site originally set apart. The Northern Liberty Market, on 5th, bet. K and 1» sts. JSTVV., J. H. McGill, architect, erected 1874-'5 by the North- ern Liberty Market Company, is one of the finest market structures in the United States. It is of brick, 324 ft. long, 126 ft. wide, and 105 ft. total height. The roof rests upon massive iron girders, the largest of the kind in the world, which form an imposing arch the entire width of the build- ing. In the butchers' portion there are 28 sections, 17 x 19 ft., each containing 4 stalls. Cost, $140,000. On the E. is a paved space for the accommodation of market wagons. 14 210 PLACES OF HISTORICAL INTEREST. PLACES OF HISTOKICAL INTEKEST. The residence of Gen. J, P. Van Ness still stands on what was known as Mansion Square, about 6 a., at the foot of 17th st. W., between B and C sts. N., and where the Tiber then emptied its waters into the Potomac. It was previously the residence of David Burns, one of the original proprietors of the site of Washington, who owned, by inheritance through several generations of Scottish ancestors, what now consti- tute the finest portions of the city. Gen. Van Ness, a repre- sentative from New York, by his marriage, about 1802, with Marcia Burns, sole heiress of the Burns estate, enlarged the buildings, erected green houses, planted trees and fruits, and made other improvements, then considered very superior. The place was then one of the finest in the country. The square is enclosed by a brick wall, with a fine gateway and two lodges. Many of the venerable trees are still growing. The Van Ness warehouse, on the line of 17th st., is still stand- ing, though very dilapidated. The Washington canal ran just S. of it. Attorney General William Wirt occupied the fine old mansion, now the National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Asylum, on G St., between 17th and 18th sts. W. The Old Capitol, now converted into private residences, stands on the NW. corner of A and 1st sts. NE. Congress met here after the burning of the Capitol in 1814. During the war it was used as a political prison. Wirz, the prison keeper of Ander- son ville, was executed here. On North Carolina av., between 1st and 2d sts. SE., stands the venerable mansion of Duddington, owned by Daniel Car- roll, one of the original proprietors of the site of Washington, and one of the three commissioners appointed in 1791 to su- SECTION V. ENVIRONS OF WASHINGTON, EORGETOWN, the port of entry of the Dis- trict of Columbia, population 15,000, lies 1ST. W. of Washington, separated by Rock creek, and is at the head of navigation of the Potomac river. It was laid out by George Gordon and George Beall, and incorporated in 1789. The site is peculiarly picturesque. The "heights" dotted with villas, overlook a vast sweep of country, the Potomac and adjacent Capital. Georgetown before 1800 enjoyed considerable local importance, and a brisk river, coast, and foreign commerce. Copyright, 1874, DiB. R. Ktim. GEORGETOWN AND AQUEDUCT. Georgetown may be reached from Washington by the Metropolitan, F st., (Georgetown cars,) and the Washington and Georgetown, Pennsylvania av. horse cars. Arriving by the former at Washington st., a short walk leads to Oak Hill Cemetery, (open every day except Sundays and holidays, from sunrise to sunset.) The original grounds, 10 a., incor- porated by Congress, 1849, was the gift of W. W. Corcoran, 212 GEORGETOWN. VAN NESS MAUSOLEUM. from whom it has an endowment of $120,000. The present area is 30 a. It occupies a romantic spot, formerly Parrott-s woods, on the north- ern slope of George- town Heights, at the base of which winds Rock creek, and has a fine chapel and public 3 ^ vault of the time of Henry VIII. Here is the Van Ness Mau- soleum, designed by Hadrield, after the Temple of Vesta at Rome, erected by Gen. Van Ness, and containing the re- mains of the General and his wife, Marcia Van Ness, nee Burns, of the family of David Burns, one of the original pro- prietors of Washington. It formerly stood on H, bet. 9th and 10th sts. NW., Washington. In this Cemetery are the Corcoran Mausoleum, in white marble, Linthicum Memorial Chapel, the graves of Chief Justice Chase, Secretary Stanton, Generals Towson, of the war of 1S12, Plummer and Reno, killed in l86i-'65. Commodore Morris, distinguished in the Algerine war, and Lorenzo Dow, the religious enthusiast, removed fiom Hoi mead Cemetery in 1S74. Returning' fc> the same line of street-cars, and alighting on the r. side, at Market st., at the head of the street is the George- town High-Service Reservoir. The same point may be reached by turning to the r. outside the cemetery gate, and follow- ing Road st. to the corner of High. It consists of a domical reservoir, of brick, 120 ft. in diameter, with a capacity of 1,000,000 galls., and is fed from the Aqueduct mains at the bridge over Rock creek by 2 pumps. The surface-water is 215 ft. above tide and 70 ft. above the Distributing Reservoir. It supplies all that part of Georgetown over 100 ft. above tide. Descending the st. a short distance towards the city, and following the track to Fayette st., on the opposite corner is the Convent of the Visitation, founded in 1799, but not now open to visitors. The Academy, under the care of the Sisters of the Visitation, was founded at the same time, and occupies the building on the N"., rebuilt in 1873, and is open to visitors on Wednesdays and Saturdays after 12 noon. The entrance is by the door of the new building, where visitors will be re- ceived and conducted through the school. There are two de- partments : primary for girls from 6 to 12 years, and senior, for young ladies of all school ages. There is a fine philosoph- ical' apparatus, chemical laboratory, and library. The Acade- my grounds comprise 40 a. Attached to the Convent is a vault containing the remains of Archbishop Neale, second Bishop of Baltimore, and founder of the institution, the daughter of Madame Yturbide, and the daughter of Gen. Winfield Scott, ippiiiill 214 GEORGETOWN. a religieuse of the order. It is the oldest in the country. At the W. end of 2d st., Georgetown, is Georgetown College, (open every day except Sunday,) founded in 1789, raised to a University in 1815, and the oldest Roman Catholic College in the country. It is under the care of the Fathers of the Society of Jesus. The original building, of imported brick, is still standing on the S., and is flanked by two of more modern construction. Boys of all ages are received and carried through an entire course of instruction. The library contains 30,000 volumes, amongst which are many rare and curious works. There are 100 volumes printed between 1460 and 152.0, and three manuscripts anterior to 1400, and others later. In the Museum is a valuable collection of coins and medals and relics of Commodore Decatur. The Observatory is 400 yds. distant, on the W. (For Medical and Law Departments see page 201.) There are also fine Custom and Market Houses, Post Office, and many beautiful church edifices. On 2d and Potomac sts. is the Public School, 79x97 ft.', built 1874, of Potomac Seneca stone, brick, and iron ; has 3 stories, basement, and Mansard, was designed by Adolf Cluss, and cost $70,000. The building contains 8 school-rooms, a room for the Linthicum Institute and the Peabody Library, and a Hall capable of seating 900 persons. The Linthicum Insti- tute was founded in 1872, by Edward Linthicum, a retired hardware merchant of Georgetown, deceased 1872, who by will left $50,000 for the education of poor white boys. The Peabody Library fund, $22,000, was one of the numerous bene- factions of the American philanthropist and millionaire George Peabody. At the foot of the hill is the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The Potomac Company, chartered by Maryland In 17S4, completed a canal before 1800 around the Little and Great Falls. These efforts were followed by the eharter, by Congress, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, of the present enterprise. Work was commenced in 1828. The object was the connection of tide-water on the Potomac with the head of navigation on the Ohio, a distance of 360 m. In 1841 the canal was opened to Cumberland, 182 m., at a cost of $13,000,000, of which Maryland subscribed $5,000,000, the United States $1,000,000, Washington, 1,000,- 000, and Georgetown, Alexandria, and Virginia, each, $250,000. Cumberland re- mains the terminus. The execution of the enterprise was a work of great difficulty. There are 75 locks of 100 ft. in length, 15 ft. in width, and averaging 8 ft. lift; II aqueducts crossing the Monocacy river, consisting of 7 arches of 54 ft. span ; also 190 culverts of various dimensions, some sufficiently spacious to admit of the passage of wagons. The canal is fed by a number of dams across the Potomac, varying from 500 to 800 ft. in length, and from 4 to 20 ft. elevation. The breadth of the canal is 60 ft. for the first 60 m. above Georgetown, and for the remaining distance to Cum- berland 50 ft., with a uniform depth of 6 ft. The entire lift is about 600 ft. The aqueducts, locks, and culverts are constructed of stone laid in hydraulic cement. The tunnel through the " Pawpaw Ridge " is 3,118 ft. in length and 24 ft. in diam- eter, with an elevation of 17 ft. clear of the surface of the water. The canal con- nects with Rock creek. From this point a canal, now out of use or filled, extended across Washington to the Anacostia. The canal to Cumberland opens the im- mensely valuable and rich coal sections of western Maryland and West Virginia. The unfinished portion of the canal trom Cumberland to Pittsburg is 178 m. The Alexandria Canal, incorporated by Congress in 1830, crosses the Potomac on a fine Aqueduct 1,400 ft. long and 36 ft. above high water. The piers are embedded 17 ft. in the bottom of the river, and are capable of resisting the immense weight of ice thrown against them by the current of the river in winter. A very interesting feature of the city are the coal wharves, ARLINGTON HOUSE AND NATIONAL CEMETERY. 215 where the coal is transhipped into schooners for transporta- tion to the ports on the Atlantic seaboard. Georgetown is one of the largest shad and herring markets in the United States. The manufacturing interests of the city are small. At the E. end of Bridge st. is Rock-creek Bridge, connect- ing the two cities. It consists of a 2.00-ft. span, with 20 ft. rise, the arch formed by two lateral courses of cast-iron pipe, 4 ft. internal diameter, and i l /£ in. in thickness. The arch is supported on massive abutments of sandstone. The pipes convey the water of the Aqueduct across the stream, and at the same time carry a street road and horse railway. Here the Pennsylvania av. street cars may be taken back to Washington. Analostan, or Mason's Island, the large tract in the Potomac river, opposite Georgetown, contains 70 a., and was the res- idence of Gen. John Mason, commissary general of prisoners in the war of 1812. The Mansion still stands at the S. end, 50 ft. above the river. The' now neg- lected grounds were also beautifully adorned. A causeway on the Virginia side and ferry-boat from Georgetown in former times afforded communication with the main land. James M. Mason, Confederate Commissioner to Europe, was born on the island. Arlington House and National Cemetery. — {Open to visit- ors every day.) Arlington House, from 1802, was the resi- dence of George Washington Parke Custis, the adopted son of Gen. Washington, and in late years of Gen. Eobert E. Lee, till 1861." It is on the Virginia shore of the Potomac, on the summit of a hill, 200 ft. above the river. It is about 4 m. from the Capitol, and about 1 m. from Georgetown, across the Aqueduct bridge . The view of Washington is without a rival. The center building, 60 ft., and two wings, each 40 ft., gives a frontage of 140 ft. In front is a portico 60 ft. long and 25 ft. deep. The pediment rests ,011 8 doric columns (6 in front) 5 ft. in diameter and 26 ft. high, built of brick, stuc- coed. The design was from drawings of the temple at Paes- tum, near Naples. On the S. are the gardens and conserva- tory. In the rear are the kitchens, slave quarters, and stables. In the mansion, when occupied by its former possessors, were valuable pictures and other objects of historic interest, including two Vandykes, one by Sir Godfrey Kneller, painted 1707, representing Col. Parke, a fine engraving of the Death of Chatham, by Copely, and of Napier, the inventor of the logarithms, presented by the Earl of Buchan, and addressed to "Marshal" General Washington, announc- ing that Louis XVI had created the General a Marshal of France; that he might be of sufficient rank to command the veteran Count de Rochambeau; also a death of Wolfe, presented to Washington by West ; the Mount Vernon plate, bearing the arms and crest of Washington. The bed and bedstead upon which Washington, as first President, slept during his whole presidency, and on which he breathed his. last, on December 14, 1799; china having the names of the votes of the old Confed- eration; a service also bearing the representation of the Order of the Cincinnati, and relics from the home of Washington These were taken away by the family. Of original pictures of Washington there were four at Ar- lington. The earliest was by Charles Wilson Peale, painted in 1772, represented the subject as a provincial colonel; the second by Houdon, taken after the Revolution ; the third, by Madame de Brienne, heads of Washington and La- 216 FORT WHIPPLE. fayette, date about the same as Houdou, and the fourth, a profile likeness in crayon, by Sharpless, in 1796. Of other originals is the equestrian picture by Trumbull, in 1790, in the City Hall, 1ST. Y., and a crayon by Mr. Williams, from sittings in 1794, lost. There are three originals by Stuart, the head, a masterpiece, and bust, from which many copies have been made, the full length for the Marquis of Lans- clowne, and one for Mrs. Washington. Ceracci, the sculptor, about 1794, executed two busts in marble, one of Washington and the other of Hamilton. In 1795 both the elder and the younger Peale had sittings. Arlington House in its halcyon days was famed for its hospitality. The last proprietor, Gen. Lee, came in posses- sion through his wife, who was the daughter of Mr. Custis. Having gone over to the rebellion against the National Govern- ment, and become its military chieftain, the estate, upwards of 1,000 a., was abandoned. In 1863 it was sold under the confiscation act, and in 1864 was taken possession of by the National Government. About 200 a. were set apart as a National Cemetery for the interment of deceased soldiers of the army. The Cemetery was formally established in 1867. In the rear and 1. of the mansion is an amphitheatre, capable of accommodating 5,000 persons, erected in 1873, and designed for use in the annual ceremonies observed on decoration day. The grounds were laid out with special reference to the purposes in view. The bodies of nearly 16,000 soldiers, from many a battle-field in Virginia and the hospitals at the capital, here find a fitting resting place. The W. Cemetery is devoted to white, and the N. to colored troops. A short distance S. of mansion is a granite sarcophagus, surmounted by cannon and balls, in 1866 placed over the grave of 2,111 unknown soldiers gathered after the war from the fields of Bull Run and the route to the Rappahannock. The carriage entrance is on the SE., through a freestone gateway of composite order, erected in 1873. On the frieze are suitable inscrip- tions, and over the arch "Here rest 15,585 of the 315,558 citizens who died in defence of our country from 1861 to 1865." On the 1. of the road leading from the main gate- way towards the river is the once-famous Custis spring. In 1850 it was visited from the capital by thousands of resi- dents and strangers. The forest which sheltered its limpid waters was felled for the uses of the army during the re- bellion. Fort Whipple, reached by the road to the r. soon after crossing the Georgetown Aqueduct, lies a short distance NW. of Arlington House. It is now a station for the instruction AQUEDUCT AND GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 217 of officers and men in army signalling. It was built during the rebellion, and constituted portion of the defenses cover- ing- the Aqueduct and Long Bridge, and the intermediate Heights of Arlington. Then it mounted 6 12-lb. Napoleon guns and 4 12-lb. howitzers. The Aqueduct and Great Falls of the Potomac— One of the most interesting excursions out of Washington is the drive by the Aqueduct to the Great Falls of the Potomac. ■ Table of distances from the Navy-yard to theGreat Falls : =■ From the Navy-yard to the \ E. front of the Capitol, 1% m ; to Rock-Creek Bridge, 4 3-5 m ; College-Pond Bridge, 5 3-5 m ; Foundry Branch, 6 m ; Pipe Vault Dist. Res, 6% m ; Influent Gate House, 7 m ; Waste Weir, 7% m ; Gate House Rec. Res., 9 m; Wooden Bridge Rec. Res., 9 1-5 m ; Brooks's Road, 9% m ; Cabin John Bridge, 12J/3 m ; Mountain-Spring Bridge. 13% m ; CulvertNo. 12, i^l m; Road at RadclirFs, 15^ m ; Junetion Road, 16 3-5 m ; Bridge No. 2, 17 1-5 m ; Bridge No. 1, 17% m; Ov- erfall No. 1, 16 m ; Waste Wejr No. 1, iS^ m ; Great Falls Gate House, i$}4 m. Entering George- town from Pennsyl- vania av. the Aque- duct may be reached by Bridge and Fayette sts., and new road to the Distributing Reservoir, a distance of 2 m. The water surface of the reservoir is 33 a; capacity, 150,000,000 galls, at depth of [I ft., and 300,000,000 galls, at 24 ft ; elevation, 144 ft. above mean tide at the Navy- yard. From this point the water is carried by iron mains into the city. [See Water Suf>- >/y, p. 46. j The Aqueduct terminates here, the influent gate-house standing on he NW. corner. A 7-ft. Auxiliary Conduit connects the influent and affluent gate- louses on the N. which may be used independently of the reservoir. The Aqueduct consists of a cylindrical conduit, of 9 ft. in- :ernal diameter, constructed of stone and brick, laid in hy- Iraulic cement, and covered by an embankment or tunneled through the hills, and is carried across the streams by means )f magnificent bridges, and has a fall of 9.] in. to the m. The capacity of the conduit, full, is 80 000,000" galls, every 24 hrs. ;riie present mains carry oiF 30,000,100 galls. ; the consump- tion, however, is but 17,000,000. From the Distributing Reservoir is a beautiful drive, 2 m. )n the embankment of the Aqueduct, to Receiving Reservoir, THE GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 218 AQUEDUCT AND GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. The scenery on all sides is romantic in the extreme. On the 1. is the Potomac and the Little Falls. The Receiving Reservoir, a natural basin, formed by an em- bankment 65 ft. high, across Powder-Mill Creek, retains the water within the en- circling arms of the surrounding hills. It has a surface area of 52 a., a greatest depth of 53 ft., and drains 40,000 a. of the adjacent country. The Sluice Tower is in the S. end. A conduit extends around the S. side, connecting the Aqueduct, without passing through the Receiving Reservoir. The capacity Is 163,000,000 galls. The NW. boundary of the District crosses the Reservoir just beyond the Sluiee Tower. The height of water in the Reservoir is controlled by a channel cut in the solid rock. The Aqueduct enters through a tunnel 800 ft. in length, and pierced through solid rock. Resuming the embankment, Cabin-John Bridge is reached, 3 m. distant. This magnificent struc- <==. -_-- ^ _ . . -- -=TfcTcg.iWi,'»>a \f,.r?T--.r.zT-—-r—=- - ture springs the chasm of jjE height of 101 ft. The ^== bridge is erected of im- =^- mense blocks of granite, SS-jlS with Seneca parapets and >$§?%& c °pi n gi an d leaps the ra- gg||§§ vine in a single arch of EgU 2.2.0 ft. with 57% ft. rise ?^8 from the springing line. The bridge is 20 ft. wide, and its extreme length 420 ft. It cost "237,000. This magnifi- cent work of art is un- equalled in the history of bridge building. It is the largest stone arch in the I world ; the second being that of the Grovesner Bridge, with a span of 200 ft. which crosses the river Dee. One mile above is Mountain-Spring Brook, crossed by a beautiful el- liptical arch of masonry, 75 ft span. The bridge is 200 ft. long, and cost $76,000. From this point the Aqueduct is conducted by means of 2 tunnels. About 3V2 m - from tne Great Falls a road leads around the hills. Before reaching the falls the scenery becomes exceedingly picturesque. The river is divided into two channels by Cupid's Bower and Bear Islands, the latter the upper. At the falls the river is again formed into two channels by Conn's and Great Falls islands, the former the upper, and forms the Maryland and Virginia channels. Across the former is a dam of solid masonry, with gate-house and gates. This dam, should there be oc- casion, will be extended to the Virginia side. The Government owns the water- right, having 5 a. of ground. The dam is faced with massive guards of stone. The total water supply of the river is 1,196,019,511 galls, in 24 hrs. At this point the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is carried over the Aqueduct. At the Greai Falls the Potomac breaks through the mountain in a channel nar- rowing to 100 yds. in width, and bounded on the Virginia side by perpendicular rocks 70 ft. high. The water falls over a series of cascades, making a descent of 80 ft. in 1V0 m., the greatest single pitch being 40 ft. At a distance of 4 m. it widens, and its agitated waters quiet into an unbroken current. About 10 m. below, at the Little Falls, about 3 m. above Georgetown, the stream makes a descent of 37 ft. in a series of cascades. Released from the mountains, after passing Georgetown, the river widens into the lake-like stream which we have seen in front of Washington. mum CABIN-JOHN BRIDGE. COLUMBIAN UNIVERSITY. 219 There is a fine view of the Falls from either side, the ledges and rugged boulders ppearing to advantage. Mingling with the wild aspect of nature is the eedar, oak, rillow, birch, and jessamine. Wild cherries and strawberries in season are found in reat abundanee. The most venomous reptiles abound. The scene in winter is en- hanting, great masses of ice piled up on either side, and the rocks and trees frosted nth spray, form a charming surrounding for the boiling torrent in the channel. History. — Surveys for the supply of the city with water were made by Major ,'Enfant, under the direction of Washington. In 1S50 surveys were made by Col. [ughes from the Great Falls and Rock creek. The first ground on the Washington iqueduct was broken by President Pierce on Nov. 8, 1853, in the presence of a large ssemblage of officials and civilians. The length of pipe line is 18 m. ; number of ulverts, 26 m. ; tunnels, 12, the longest 1,438 ft. Total, 6,65} ft. Bridges 6, viz, lit stone, 4, and iron truss, 2. In Georgetown is a high-service reservoir 120 ft. 1 diameter. The work was commenced by Capt. M. C. Meigs, U. S. Corps of .ngineers, and cost 3,50x3,000. The Aqueduct is the third in rank in the United tates. Kalorama. — The residence of Joel Barlow, 1805-'ll, author, •oet, politician, and diplomat, who died in Poland, 1812, tands on the brow of a beautiful hill, 1STW. of Washington nd near the Metropolitan horse railway, Georgetown branch, t the P st. bridge over Rock Creek. About 5 niin. walk from the W. end of the P street bridge, 5 a small brick vault, belonging to- the Kalorama estate. In the vault are the remains of Judith Baldwin, wife of Joel Barlow, died 1818, [enry Baldwin, of Pennsylvania, an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the rnited States, died 1844; Abraham Baldwin, a Senator from Georgia, died 1807; nd George Bomford, Colonel of U. S. Ordnance Corps, died 1848. The body of ommodore Decatur was also placed here, Mar. 24, 1820, two days after his fatal uel In 1846 Decatur's remains were removed to St. Peter's church burial ground, hiladelphia Meridian Hill. — 1ST. of the city, at the terminus of 16th st. V., so named as being on the meridian of the District of Co- ambia, indicated by the meridian stone, established imme- iately W. of the National Washington Monument. It was ormerly the residence of Commodore Porter. A village is ,ow growing upon its commanding site. Columbian University, — (Open to visitors.) Occupies a line ite N. of the city; 5 min. walk from the N". terminus of the 4th st. horse railway ; was incorporated as a college in 1821, >egan 1822, a university 1873. (For Medical and Law De- partments, see page 201. The President and Chief Justice of the United States are honorary members of le Board of Trustees and Overseers. The regular course of American universities, iassical and scientific, is taught. The average number of students, including the reparatory school, is 300, from all parts of the United States. The grounds corn- rise 40 a., and, with the college edifice and other buildings, valued at $400,000. 'he main building is devoted to class-rooms, chapel, and dormitories. Howard University. — (Open to visitors.) Occupies a con- picuous site N". of the city on the r. of the 7th st. road and nay be reached by horse cars from the N". terminus of 7th ,nd 9th sts. horse railways. It was incorporated in 18G7 for he education of youth, without reference to sex or color. The mpils, however, are almost exclusively colored. 220 HOWARD UNIVERSITY. The University Building, of patent brick, is j stories high, covered with a man- sard and tov/er, and contains philosophical, lecture and recitation rooms; library, mu- seum and offices. On the NE. is Miner Hall, ladies' dormitories and dining rooms, named after Miss Miner, a teacher of colored children in the days of slavery, in the District. This lady left $5,000 invested in real estate in Washington ; since sold for $40,000, the interest of which is at present devoted to the normal department of the University. To the N. of the latter is the Normal Building, and N. of the main building is Clarke Hall, named after David Clarke, of Hartford, Conn., a gentleman of large benevolence and a liberal friend to the University. These halls accommo- date 500 students. There are also residences for the professors. The grounds com- prise 35 a. Total value of property, $600,000. A short distance S. is the Medical Department and Tree dm en 5 Hospital, rented and managed under the Interior De- partment. WAYLAND SEMINARY. 221 ■s BIWiPilBP Capitol Spring,— To the NE. of the Howard University is Smith's Spring, the waters of which were conducted in pipes to the CapitoHn 1830. (See Capitol Grounds.) Wayland Seminary.— (Open to visitors.) Occupies a com- manding position 1ST. of the city on Meridian Hill, about 10 min. walk N". W. from the £T. terminus of the 14th st. horse rail- way. The Institution was founded in 1865 by the Baptist church for the education of colored preachers and teachers. The building, which is of brick, three stories high, with basement, Mansard and lofty tower, was erected in iSyj-^, cost $35,0x20, paid out of voluntary contributions, and will accommodate 200 students. The 222 soldiers' home. work was done by colored, labor. The Seminary is one of the seven schools in tha South, established and fostered by the American Baptist Home Mission Society,; It is not yet in full operation in the new building. WAYLAND SEMINARY. Soldiers' Home, {grounds open 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, though a separate line. The original site consisted of about 200 a., since ex- tended to 500 a. by purchases, including Harewood, the seat of W. W. Corcoran. The grounds are laid out in meadows, lakes, and 7 m. of beautiful drives. The main building, the dormitory, is of marble, Norman in design, and measures 200 ft. front. In the rear is a wing of 60 ft., used for a mess GRAVE OF MAJOR PETER CHARLES L'ENFANT. 223 room. On the lawn are a ilag-staff and cannon. On the E. of the main building- is an additional dormitory, the sta- bles, conservatory, and fruit garden. On the W. is the Riggs homestead, now the hospital, and near by the quarters of the governor and officers of the institution . S . of this is the sur- geon's residence. SE .of the main build- ing is a beautiful Sen- eca stone chapel, fin- ished in 1871, and gardener's lodge. In the distance S. is the new hospital, a com- modious brick struc- | ture, and the build- ings close by are used by the farmer. The Home was first open- ed in 1851, and has The soldiers keep the The Home was the soldiers' home, main building. accommodations for 400 inmates. roads in order and perform police duty. favorite summer residence of Presidents Pierce, Buchanan, and Lincoln. On the brow of the hill, } t m.W. of S. of the main building, raised on a granite pedestal, and facing the Capital, stands a statue of General Winfield Scott, at the time of his conquest of Mexico, by Launt Thompson, 1873, bronze, 10 ft. high, cast by R. Woods & Co., Philadelphia, Penna. Cost $18,000. Erected in 1874 by the Home. Through General Scott the Home was founded. From the site may be had an excellent view. In 1851 Congress appropriated out of the Treasury$u8,7gii, the balance of §300,- coo pillage money levied on the city of Mexico by General Winfield Scott, to go to the founding of a Military Asylum or Soldiers 1 Home. This fund was increased by forfeitures, stoppages, and fines against soldiers, and a tax of 25 now 12 cts. a month on each private soldier of the regular army. The Home was for the benefit of the regulars and volunteers who served in Mexico, and now is for the privates of the regular army, they alone contributing for its support. Pensioners surrender their pensions while at the Home. Grave of Major Peter Charles L'Enfant, the designer of the plan of Washington, at Green Hill, the country seat of George W. Riggs, on the early manor of Chillam Castle, now Prince George's county, Maryland, is about 7 m. NE. of Washington. The grave is in the garden, the burial ground of the Digges family, the previous proprietors. The latter have been removed. The grave is without a marked stone. 224 ROCK-CREEK CHURCH. Major L'Enfant was born 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 army. His gallantry and ability, displayed especially at Savannah, at- tracted the attention of Washington. In 1783 lie was pro- moted to major. In March, 1791, he was ordered to George- town to join Mr. Ellicott, the chief surveyor, with instructions 44 to draw the site of the federal town and buildings." ~Not sharing in the practical views of the commissioners, who desired copies of his plan for circulation, as an inducement to purchasers of lots, a controversy sprung up, which was aggravated by some high-handed measures, chiefly an attempt to demolish the residence of Mr. Carroll, one of the 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. 1794 he was employed on Fort Mif- flin, below Philadelphia. It is said he was offered, in 1812, a professorship of engineers at West Point. The last clays of his life were spent around 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 beneath the sod where the kind hand of charity laid them. Bock-Creek Church and Cemetery, — (Church services, Epis- copal, every Sabbath at 11 a. m., and Cemetery open every day, except Sunday.) — The cemetery lies contiguous to the Sol- diers' Home on the 1ST., 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. Paul's Episcopal Church, Rock-creek Parish, was erected in 1719, rebuilt in 1775, and remodeled in 1S68. 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 number 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. The oldest monuments are E. of the church, of the Gramphin family, 1775. In this cemetery is the grave of Pe- ter Force, with a fine monument. National Military Cemetery, (open from sunrise to sunset,) lies N. of and adjoins the Soldiers' Home, and E. of Rock- Creek Cemetery. It was established in 1861, 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 N., is the Cemetery of the Soldiers' Home. BLADENSBURG. 225 Crlenwood Cemetery, (open every day, except Sunday,) 1£ m. 1ST. of the Capitol, is situated at the head of Lincoln av., and may be reached from the Columbia st.-railway at 1ST. Capi- tol st., distance 1 m., or from the Soldiers' Home H m. The cemetery was incorporated in 1854, and contains 90 a. The grounds are beautifully laid out in drives and walks. The public vault is a fine structure. Joseph Harbaugh, a descend- ant of contractor employed by the city commissioners, 1792, and Amos Kendall, Postmaster General 1835 '40, are buried here. Outside the gateway are Prospect Hill Cemetery \ 17 a., incorporated in I860, and St. Rlarifs (Roman Catholic Church) Burying Ground, 3 a. Blad ens burg, a post-village of Prince George's co., Md., lies 6 m. NE. of Washington, on the Baltimore railroad and on the Baltimore turnpike. The Anacostia flows by the vil- lage. It was founded about 1750, and named after Martin Blanden, one of the Lords' Commissioners of Trade and Plantations. Before the Revolution it was a place of some commercial and agricultural importance. In those days the Anacostia admitted of successful navigation to the town. Over the stream was the bridge, and W. the field of the dis- astrous battle of August 24, 1814, which opened Washington to the enemy, and gave the name of Bladensburg a place in history. On the hill stood the artillery, and on the open ground was the spot bravely defended by Commodore Bar- ney and his gallant soldiers and marines. About 1 m. from the village, on the turnpike on the 1., crossing a small stream and ravine, and enclosed by two hills, that on the E. concealing it from the turnpike, is a secluded spot, rendered notorious as the "duelling ground." The District line runs through the valley, thus enabling parties from the District and Virginia to pass into Maryland. The most painful of all duels fought here was that between Com- modores Decatur, the hero of the Algerine war, and Barron, in 1820. "I hope," said Barron, ''that we shall be better friends in the next world than in this." "Sir," said Deca- tur, coolly, "I have never been your enemy." When both were writhing in agony, Barron gasped, "Would to God I had known this yesterday." Decatur's wound was mortal. Many other duels w r ere fought here, but not of late years. The duel between Henry Clay and John Randolph of Roan- oke, in 1820, took place on the Virginia shore of the Potomac river, near Washington. Near Bladensburg, a short distance from the turnpike, stood the family mansion of George Calvert, the lineal des- cendant of the Baron of Baltimore. 15 22(3 DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM. Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and National Deaf- Mute College, (open every day, except Sunday,) NE. of the city, entrance to grounds at N. end of 7th st. E., is con- veniently accessible from the Columbia horse railroad. The grounds 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 but a few acres and a small building, presented to the institution by Mr. Kendall. Sub- sequently, 25 acres were purchased, 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 National 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 courses. 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 wood, with massive brackets, cornice, and panel mouldings, the walls be- ing frescoed in delicate tints in plain panels. The w r alls, to about 8 ft. from the floor, are protected by a paneled wain- 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 MOUNT OLIVET CEMETERY. ^27 of 27 ft. span, springing from light stone columns with carved capitals. The lecture room is about 30 by 40 ft. in size, with a raised floor. The remainder of the E . wing on this floor is occupied by a large dining-hall, or refectory, for the pupils of the primary department, with its corridors and stairs ; and with kitchens, bakery, and store-rooms in the basement below, and large dormitories in the attic above. The TV. wing contains a large dining-hall for the students of the college, with its pantries and store-rooms. In the hall of this wing a Stairway affords access to the tower. In the basement under this wing is an extensive laundry, steam- drying rooms, and store-rooms, while the basement under the chapel contains the fuel and boiler rooms. In the chapel is a flue plaster cast of Abbe de l'Epee, taken from his tomb in the old church of Saint Roch, Paris ; also one of Abbe Sicarcl. The former, about the year 1760, de- veloped and applied the system of communication for deaf mutes by means of natural signs. Abbe Sicarcl subsequently perfected the system. There is also a portrait of the Rev. Thomas H. Gallaudet, formerly principal of the American Asylum at Hartford, Connecticut. That gentleman was sent abroad to acquire the system of instruction by natural signs. He chose the French system, now in use by the Institution and College, and also generally throughout the United States. The E. building is occupied by the primary department, and contains several school rooms, chapel, library, reception parlor, private rooms of instructors, and dormitory for boys, and another in a remote part of the building for girls. The W. building is used by the College. In the rear and W. of the main central building is the finished wing of a dormitory for College students. The value of the property is $350,000. Mount Olivet Cemetery (open every day) lies on the 1. of the Columbia turnpike, J m. jST. of the E. terminus of the Columbia horse railway. It comprises 70 a. It was incor- porated in 1862, in the names of the parish priests of the four Roman Catholic churches of Washington. The grounds are well laid out, and shaded with oak and evergreens. Father Matthews, one of the earliest priests who arrived in the city after. its occupation by the Government, is buried here, also Lieut. Col. Garesche, A. A. G. to General Rose- eranz, killed at Murfreesboro, 1862; Mrs. Surratt, executed for complicity in the assassination of President Lincoln ; and Wirz, the keeper of the Andersonville prison pen for na- tional soldiers during the rebellion, 1861-'6o, and executed in Washington at its close. The entrance to the cemetery 228 GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. is at the SE. corner on the Columbia turnpike, where there is a neat superintendent's residence. G-raceland Cemetery (open from sunrise to sunset) is situated immediately outside the E. limits of the city, at the terminus of the Columbia horse railway. The cemetery was opened in 1872, and comprises about 40 a. Eeform School of the District of Columbia occupies a com- manding site on the S. side of the Washington and Baltimore turnpike, 2 m. from the E. terminus of the Columbia horse railway. The school, which is for boys only, was established by Congress in 1866, and is under the supervision of the Department of Justice. It was first located on the Govern- ment farm, on the Aqueduct road, 4 m. above Georgetown, but owing to the unhealthiness of that section was, in 1871, removed to its present situation. The farm comprises 150 a. The buildings stand on Lincoln's Hill, so-called from the fort of that name in the defenses of Washington during the rebellion, and which crowned the hill. They are 230 ft. above the Anacostia, which runs in the rear, and command a view of four railroads, portions of Washington, the National Insane Asylum, the Soldiers' Home, Bladensburg, the Mary- land State Agricultural School, and a vast sweep of country into Maryland and Virginia. The main building is occupied by the superintendent, boys' dining room, chapel, library, and reflecting room. The reception room for strangers is on the 1. of the main entrance, i On either side of the main building are two detached wings, occupied by the assistants, and as school and dormitories. The boys divide their time in the school and shops. The boys are kept till reformed or their majority. The buildings and grounds will be greatly improved. Zoological Society was incorporated in 1870, with authority to import animals free of duty, and granting the free use of water from the Aqueduct. The site secured" for the purpose comprises 20 a., lies about \ m. SE. of the E. terminus of the Columbia horse railway, and extends to the Anacostia. On the ground is Gibson's spring, which will be converted into fish ponds. During the rebellion, 1861-'6o, a pipe from | this spring supplied the cavalry and infantry camps estab- j lished in the adjacent valley and on the neighboring hills. Government Hospital for the Insane, (visiting days, Wednes- days, from 2 to 6 p. m.) This institution, on the S. bank of I ALEXANDRIA. 229 the Anacostia, is accessible from the Navy-yard terminus of the Pennsylvania av. street cars, across the bridge at the fuot of 11th st. E., and by the high road ascending the hill towards the r., which passes the gate. The village at the S. end of the bridge is known as Uniontown. The distance from the horse cars to the Asylum is about 2 m. The institution is for the use of the army and navy and District of Columbia, and embraces indigent and independent patients. The gen- eral supervision is under the Secretary of the Interior, and it is supported by the National Government. The home tract, 185 a., is inclosed by a wall 9 ft. high. Subsequent additions, however, have increased the estate to 419 a., which is cultivated for the benefit of the institution, and which fur- nishes occupation for many of the patients. The commodious structure is of brick, occupies the crest of the range of hills overlooking the mouth of the Anacostia, and consists of a centre, with connecting ranges and receding wings, with buttresses, iron window hoods, and an embattled parapet. The centre is four stories, and the wings three and four stories. The building is 750 ft. long. There are accommo- dations for 550 patients, though the number generally ex- ceeds 600. The W. wing is devoted to males and the E. to females. The centre contains the residence of the superin- tendent and staff officers, dispensary, and chapel. There are six billiard tables for patients. In the basement are the kitchen, store-rooms, &c. There are two buildings in the rear for colored patients; also gas works, machine shops, barn, and stables. The institution was opened in 1855. Prior to that time the insane under the care of the Govern- ment were sent to Baltimore. Alexandria, — This city, originally called Bellhaven, stands in Virginia, on the r. bank of the Potomac river, at the con- fluence of that stream and Hunting Creek, 7 m. S. of Wash- ington. The boats of the Washington and Alexandria ferry, from the foot of 7th street W., reached by horse cars, run every hour from 6 a. m. to 7 p. m., on Sunday from 9 a. m. Single fare 15 cts., round trip 25 cts. The steam cars leave at the same intervals from 6 a. m. to 8 p. m. from the depot on 6th st., S. of Pennsylvania av. The city is picturesquely situated on the side of a range of low hills, and is surrounded by a fertile and well-cultivated county. The town was founded in 1748. In 1755 live colonial governors met here in connection with Braddock's expedition, which started here. In the early colonial days it was the rival of Baltimore in commerce, but superior advantages and other facilities at- tractive of trade soon advanced the metropolis of Maryland 230 ALEXANDRIA. beyond the successful rivalry of the quaint Virginia town on the Potomac. During the Kevolution it was a point of great strategic im- portance. The British General Gage, in 1776, from Pitts- burg, in co-operation with Earl Dunmore's fleet from the sea, planned an- attack on the town, designing, by holding this position, to cut off communication between the N. and S. armies. The expedition, however, was not carried out. Washington always took a great interest in the welfare of the place. Among other evidences of this affection he be- queathed £1,000 for the benefit of a free school here. During the invasion of the British, on Aug. 28, 1814, after Fort Warburton, (Washington,) below, had been blown up and abandoned without firing a gun, the town surrendered to the British squadron. Five days after the enemy's vessels left with 16,000 bbls. of flour, 1,000 hhds. of tobacco, and other property, including 3 ships and some river craft. The city and county were included in the original survey of the District of Columbia, but in 1846, with all that part on the W. side of the Potomac, was retroceded to Virginia. About 1 m. SE. of the city, on the point of a small pen- insula formed by the junction of Hunting creek and the Potomac, is the initial point of the original boundaries of the District of Columbia. In the court of the Mansion House, on Fairfax st., is an old structure known as Washington^ Headquarters, having been occupied, it is said, by the General when in Alexandria. At the intersection of Washington and Cameron sts. is Christ Episcopal Church, commenced in 1765 and finished in 1773, built of bricks imported from England. The interior has been renovated of late years ; though some of the wood-work about the chancel is old. The principal interest is associated with the fact that Washington was a member of the vestry of this church. His pew was No. 59, on the 1. of the 1. aisle. A little back is pew No. 46, used by Kobert E. Lee, General of the Confederate forces, who came here from Arlington to worship. Marble tablets on the 1. and r. of the chancel have been placed in the walls to their memory. In the church- yard the oldest tombstone is 1771. The city hall, market- house, and masonic hall occupy a fine building. Near the city is a National Cemetery, which contains the remains of 3,635 soldiers of the rebellion. A branch of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal connects the city with Georgetown. The river in front is 1 m. wide. The shipping of the place amounts to about 182 vessels; sail, steam, and unrigged, 8,210 tons. The principal exports are tobacco, corn, and coal. It also has railroad communication MOUNT VERNON. 231 with the N". and S. A new line, to connect with the Balti- more, and Ohio Railroad at Bladensburg, is now being built, and will cross the Potomac at this point. The population is 13,570. Mount Vernon, steamer daily, except Sunday, at 10 a. m., from the foot of 7th st. W., readied by horse-cars, fare $1.50 round trip, to include admission to the grounds. Distance, 15 m. Return 4 p. m. 1 Leaving- the wharf, the boat runs F close to the shore, and along the | Arsenal grounds, at the foot of U which the Anacostia enters the Po- j tomac. The village on the r. is |j Union town, and on the hill is the I National Insane Asylum. On the " 1. is the Navy Yard. On the S. point of the river is Giesboro' . Dur- ing the rebellion a large number of cavalry horses were kept here for H the supply of the army. During a ? stampede on one occasion over 1000 fe were drowned in the river. The steamer now directs her course to- wards Alexandria, 6 m. below. Af- ter leaving Alexandria, the steamer passes Jones's point on the r. A lighthouse stands on the point at the location of the initial stone of the the mansion. boundaries of the District, planted in 1791. The lines extend NE. and NW. Hunting creek here enters the Potomac. The steamer next touches at Fort Foote, an earthwork on the Maryland shore. Broad creek enters below. The next landing is at Fort Washington, on the same side. This is an old work, mounting guns in casemate and barbette. On the high ground opposite the first view of the home of Washington may be had. The road from the wharf leads to the vault within which is the marble sarcophagus containing the remains of General George- Washington. By the side is another with the simple inscrip- tion, Martha, the consort of Washington, who died May 21 r 1801, aged 71 years. The obelisk on the r. approaching is to> Bushrod Washington, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, a nephew of General Washington, and to whom Mount Vernon was bequeathed, died 1S20. That on the 1. is to John Augustine Washington, to whom Mount 232 MOUNT VERNON. Vernon was bequeathed by Judge Bushrod Washington, died 1832. The path to the r. leads towards the mansion. On the 1. is the vault in which the remains of Washington were first placed. The Mansion fronts NW.,'the reai looking toward the river. It is of wood, cut in imitation of stone, and 96 ft. in length, surmounted by a cupola. The centre was built by Lawrence Washington, brother to the General ; the wings were added by the General. It is named after Admiral Vernon, in whose expedition Lawrence Washington served. The house and grounds, 6 a., as far as practicable, are as left by Washing- ton . The Mount Vernon Ladies' 1 Association of the Union, incor- porated in 1856, purchased the mansion and contiguous grounds. In the hall is the key to the Bastile, presented to Washing- ton by Lafayette after the destruc- tion of that French prison, 1789. In the E. parlor are interesting relics of Washington — a dress, sword, spy-glass, water buckets, tripod. In the dining hall are ■^ portraits of Washington in 1786, a copy from Trumbull, and a copy from Stuart, 1795. The mantel was carved in Italy and presented. In this room is the great painting of Washington before Yorktown, by Bembrandt Peale. He is repre- sented as accompanied by Generals Lafayette, Hamilton, Knox, Lin- coln, and Kochambeau, and giving orders to commence the entrench- ments before Yorktown. In the W. parlor is an old painting repre- senting the attack on Carthagena, Admiral Vernon commanding, 1741, and Washington's holsters and camp equipage, also a globe. In the second story, at the head of the stairs, is Lafayette 's room. The room in which Wash- ington died, December 14, 1799, is at the S. end of the build- ing on this floor. It is a small apartment. The bed is that on which he rested. There is a fine view of the surround- Mig country from the cupola. On the r. of the mansion facing the lawn are the servants' hall, gardener's lodge, a modern building, and the spinning and weaving house. Oa GRAVE OF WASHINGTON. DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON. 233 the same side is the garden laid out by Washington. On the N. side are conservatories which replaced the old ones con- sumed by fire. The ruins of the old servants' quarters are near by. On the opposite side of the lawn are the family kitchen, butler's house, smoke house, and laundry, and in the rear of all the stables. On the lawn are several ash and and a magnolia tree planted by Washington. Defenses of Washington. — The inauguration of actual hos- tilities by the bombardment of Fort Sumter, April 12, 13, 1861, warned the National Government of the necessity of measures of protection. One of the first thoughts was the security of the Nation's Capital. The hastily-improvised first defensive preparations, after some squeamish hesitation about invading a State, were seconded by occupying the S. shore of the Potomac, and holding the debouches into Virginia. This was necessitated by the proximity of Arlington Heights, from which the enemy's artillery could shell the city. On the night of May 23, 1861, the army, in three columns, crossed the Potomac, one, under Major Wood, by the Georgetown Aque- duct; another, under Major (General) Heintzelman, by the Long Bridge; and the third, under Colonel Ellsworth, by water to Alexandria. Fort Corcoran, a tete-de-pont, was commenced before daylight, and, with its auxiliary works, Forts Bennett and Haggerty and rifle trenches, around the head of the Aqueduct, Forts Runyon, on the lowland — a tete- de-pont — and Albany, on Arlington Heights, covering our debouches from the Long Bridge, and Fort Ellsworth, on Shuter's Hill, back of Alexandria, formed the basis of the line S. of the Potomac. By the time of the advance of McDowell's army, seven weeks, these works were nearly completed. The Bull Run disaster made it apparent that a protracted war was inevitable. The Heights of Arlington were effect- ively fortified by intermediate works, and, with Fort Run- yon, formed a " couronne," covering the bridge and heights. These works were preliminary and auxiliary to that line of impregnable fortifications which later encircled the Capital. The system of works, constituting and appropriately desig- nated the Defenses of Washington, were divided into four groups. 1. Those S. of the Potomac, commencing with Fort Lyon, below Alexandria, and terminating with Fort De- Kalb, (Strong.) opposite Georgetown. 2. Those of die Chain Bridge. 3. Those N. of the Potomac, between that river and the Anacostia, commencing with Fort Sumner and ter- minating with Fort Lincoln. 4. Those S. of the Anacostia, commencing with Fort Mahan and terminating with Fort 234 DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON. Greble, nearly opposite Alexandria. The perimeter, from Fort Lyon to Fort Greble, was 33 m., and, including the in- terval across the Potomac, between Greble and Lyon, a total of 37 m. At the close of hostilities, in April, 1865, the De- fenses consisted of 68 inclosed forts and batteries and em- placements, for 1,120 guns, S07 of which, and 98 mortars, were actually mounted : 93 unarmed batteries for field guns, having 401 emplacements, and 20 m. of rifle-trenches, and 3 block houses. There were also 32 m. of specially-constructed military roads. In 1864 the garrisons S. of the Potomac consisted of one division, under General DeRussy, four brigades, under Colonels Tidball, Tannatt, Abbott, and Schirmer — 11,011 men ; IN", of the Potomac, one division; under Lieutenant Colonel Haskin, aid-de-camp, with three brigades, under Colonels Morris, Gibson, and Piper — 18,863 men. To pre- vent a sudden dash, the minor roads were obstructed by abattis and stockades. The fords of the Potomac above and the S. front were picketed with cavalry. An infantry divis- ion lay towards Bull Kim, and infantry pickets were stationed on the jST. front. A provost guard of 1,776 men, under General Martindale, were on duty in Washington, and 1,090 men, under General Slough, in Alexandria. At the artillery depot at Camp Barry were 2,000 men and 17 batteries. The garrisons varied in numbers, yet the over-sensitiveness of the Government, respecting the safety of the Capital, con- stantly required the presence of a large force. The exigen- cies of the service in the field, however, on several occasions necessitated a reduction. The efforts of Gen. Grant, in 1864, to overwhelm Lee had caused the withdrawal of the well-trained artillerists, and their places were filled by new levies. As an offset to the vigorous movements of the Army of the Potomac, Early made his demonstration upon Washington. A brisk engage- ment took place at Rockville, 16 m. from Washington. On July 11, with 20,000 men, he appeared before Fort Stevens, on the 7th-st. road. The pickets retired, and the guns of Fort Stevens, Slocum, and DeRussy opened and checked the enemy, who retired the following night. The ruins of the now dismantled and deserted Defenses of Washington may yet be seen on almost every eminence in the vicinity of the city. During their use they accomplished an important work. They saved the nation from further ca- lamities after Bull Run, when the enemy was in sight on Munson Hill, and from attack after the failures of McClel- lan's campaign against Richmond, and the retreat of Pope, in 1862. It is to be hoped the hand of fratricidal strife may never again revive the sad work. SECTION VI. HISTOM OF WASHINGTON. ^^^jHE first attempt to explore the Chesapeake and **^ * its tributaries was made in 1608, by Captain John Smith, from the Jamestown settlement. He left an interesting narrative of his discoveries. He speaks of the "Patawomeke " as 6 or 7 m. in breadth, and navigable 140 m. The Indian name was Cohongu- roton, or river of swans. The shores of the great bay and river had a large aboriginal population, not less than forty tribes, members of the numerous and warlike Algonquin family, who lived by fishing, the cultivation of maize, and warring upon their neighbors. The point of the tongue of land now occupied by the Arsenal was the seat of the council fire. The Manahoacks occupied the lands between the rivers, but about 1669, after a severe war with the Powhatans, were overcome, and fled to the West, where they joined the Tus- caroras. In 1634. Henry Fleet, with a party of Calvert's settlers, vis- ited the falls of the Potomac. In 1663, a tract of land 400 a., called Room, (Rome,) was laid out for Francis Pope, gentle- man, on the east side of the Anacostian river, and to the mouth of the Tiber. Another tract, of 500 a., for Captain Robert Troop, called Scotland Yard, was laid out adjoining on the same date. The lands of the western portion of the city, called "The Widow's Mite," 600 a., were laid out in 1681 for William Lahgworth. All were in Charles county, province of Maryland. In 1790-'91, Daniel Carroll owned the lands on the Ana- costia, Xotley Young, in the forks of the river and to the northward, and David Burns on the west, towards George- town. On the bank of the river, east of the Observatory, was a settlement called Hamburg, previously Funkstown. On the Anacostia, a short distance above the Arsenal, was Carrollsburg. The arable lands were tilled, and produced wheat, tobacco, and maize. On April 30, 1783, nineteen days after the proclamation of (235) 236 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. a cessation of hostilities between the late British Colonies in North America and the mother country, the subject of a per- manent capital for the general government of the United States of America was incidentally alluded to in Congress. In March, 1783, the legislature of New York offered to cede the town of Kingston as a place of permanent meeting. Shortly after, Maryland tendered Annapolis for the same purpose ; also $180,000 if selected. A proposition by a prominent gentleman was the location of the capital, for a term of thirteen years, at some of the growing western settlements, such as Detroit, Louisville, Kaskaskia, St. Vincent's, and Sandusky; stating that u an amazing value would be added to that important territory ; " that it would "accelerate the rapidity of its settlement and population," and at about twelve cents an acre would extin- guish the national debt ; that Congress should assume plen- ary jurisdiction over a compass of twenty miles square ; should form a government "on the most perfect plan of modern re- finement ; " in place of certificates, should award the lands in the vicinity "to those brave officers and men who served in the late glorious war." These, Spartan-like, it was expected, would form "an impregnable bulwark against the natives," or any other dangers. Williamsburg, the old capital of Vir- ginia, was offered at the same time. On October 6, 1783, Congress voted upon the selection of a State, as they existed at that time, beginning with New Hampshire, and proceeding in order southward. New Jersey and Maryland received the highest number of votes, but no choice was made. The next day, on a resolution by Eldridge Gerry, the location of the "Federal City "was voted on or near the falls of the Delaware, near Trenton, and a commit- tee of five was appointed to examine the locality and report. On October 21 following, the erection of buildings was author- ized at or near the lower falls of the Potomac or Georgetown, and a committee was appointed to examine and report on that site. Two localities were now provided for, and meanwhile Congress was to meet alternately at Trenton and Annapolis. The inconvenience of two capitals was soon demonstrated. The Delaware committee reported favorably, and that for the Potomac unfavorably on that location, though they thought better of a site above Georgetown, or 1£ m. below, at Funks- town. On December 20, ±784, it was decided inexpedient to erect buildings at more than one place. On December 23 three commissioners were appointed to lay out a district of not less than two nor more than 3 m. square, on either side of the Delaware, within 8 m. above or below the falls. Commissioners. — 1791-'94, Thomas Johnson, Md.; 1791-'95, HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 237 Daniel Carroll, Mel. ; 1791-94, David Stuart, Va. ; 1794-1800, Gustavus Scott, Md. ; 1794-1802, William Thornton, Penn. ; 1795-1802, Alexander White, Md. ; 1800, William Cranch, Md. ; 1800-1802, Tristram Dalton, Md. The Constitution of the United States, 1787, gave Congress the power "to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases what- soever over such district, not exceeding 10 m. square, as may, by cession of particular States and the acceptance of Con- gress, become the seat of the Government of the United States." * * * (Art. I, Sec. 8.) The first session of Congress of the United States of Amer- ica, assembled under the Constitution, was called upon to enter into this question, confronted by a stronger evidence of sectional spirit than had hitherto been exhibited. Resolutions from the legislatures of States, besides numerous petitions and memorials, were presented, urging certain localities, and frequently offering great inducements. Districts of 10 m. square, with the right to exercise exclusive jurisdiction, were offered to Congress for the seat of Government by acts of the General Assemblies of Maryland in December, 1788, Penn- sylvania in September, 1789, and Virginia in December, 1789. As an additional inducement, Virginia offered $120,000, and Maryland -$72,000. Pennsylvania, in her grant, excepted Philadelphia, the district of Southwark, and part of the Northern Liberties. Petitions were also received from the inhabitants of Trenton, in ISTew Jersey ; Lancaster, Wright's Ferry, York, Carlisle, Harrisburg, Reading, and German- town, in Pennsylvania, and Baltimore and Georgetown, in Maryland. All expressed their willingness to come under the regis of Congress and the Constitution, and pictured in glow- ing colors the advantages of climate and scenery, and conve- niences of access which their respective localities possessed. The newspapers of the day frequently took a humorous view of this patriotic competition, and in prose and verse gave vent to considerable good-natured sentiment. In the second session the Capital question was again agi- tated, and Baltimore, Wilmington, the Delaware, German- town, between the Potomac and the Susquehanna, were all urged ; but the act establishing the temporary Seat of Govern- ment at Philadelphia, from the first Monday in December, 1790, and the permanent on the river Potomac, between the mouths of the Eastern Branch (Anacostia) and Conogo- cheague, a tributary of the upper Potomac, to be ready for the sessions of Congress by the first Monday in December, 1800, was finally passed, and approved by Washington July 16, 1790. In the Senate it received 14 yeas and 12 nays, and in the House 32 yeas and 29 nays. The immediate settle- 238 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. merit was effected as a compromise with the advocates of a fiscal measure known as the assumption of the State debts. The majority of the votes of the Middle States going with the South, gave the majority for the Potomac. The Legislature of Virginia, in December, 1790, appropri- ated the $120,000 previously offered, payable in three annual installments. In December, 1791, the Legislature of Mary- land gave an order for the payment of the $72,000 donated by that State. The December before, the same Legislature passed an act for providing for the condemnation of land, if necessary, for the public buildings. On January 22, 1791, the first commissioners, three in number, were appointed to superintend the affairs of the city. On January 24 the Presi- dent issued a proclamation directing the commissioners to lay down the four experimental lines of boundary, as follows : First, by running a line from the court-house of Alexan- dria, in Virginia, due SW. J m., and thence a due SE. course till it struck Hunting Creek. This was to be the initial point, from which the first line was to run due NW. 10 m. ; the second into Maryland due NE. 10 m. ; the third due SE. 10 ni. ; and the fourth due SW. 10 m. to the beginning, on Hunting Creek. These were approved by Congress. The original act required the location of the District above the mouth of the Eastern Branch or Anacostia river. To con- form the law to the experimental lines, an amendatory act, approved March 3, 1791, repealed the conflicting portion of the act of July 16, 1790, but required the public buildings to be erected on the Maryland side of the Potomac. After the completion of the necessary legislation on the subject, Presi- dent Washington set out on a visit to the Potomac. He arrived March 28, 1791, and put up at Suter's tavern, a one- story frame structure, the favorite resort of travelers arriving at Georgetown. On March 29, in company with the three commissioners and the surveyors, Andrew Ellicott and Major Peter Charles L 'Enfant, he rode over the ground. The same night a meeting was held for the purpose of effecting a re- conciliation with the property owners. There were some who desired to derive all the advantages offered by the pro- posed city without making a reasonable concession to its success. The counsel of Washington had its effect. The general terms agreed upon were signed by nineteen of the original proprietors. The President issued a proclamation, dated March 30, 1791, at Georgetown, which defined the lines of the Federal territory accepted by Congress, and ordered the commissioners to proceed forthwith to have the lines permanently marked. The President now left for a brief visit to his home at HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 239 Mount Vernon ; thence he proceeded to Richmond, Va., to consult with Gov. Beverly Randolph respecting the payment of the $120,000 appropriated by the Commonwealth of Virginia towards the building of the Capital. On April 13 he wrote, informing the commissioners that the Governor was willing to advance the money at earlier periods than agreed upon. On April 12 the commissioners held their first regular meet- ing at Georgetown. On April 15 the initial or corner-stone of the lines of the Federal territory was formally planted in the presence of the three commissioners, Andrew Ellicott, the surveyor, and the Masons and many citizens of Alexan- dria. James Murr, the pastor of that Episcopal parish, deliv- ered a sermon.-' On June 29 a final settlement was effected, by which the lands ceded to the Government were conveyed in trust to Thomas Beall, of George, and John M. Gantt, of Maryland, or their heirs, for the United States. The streets, squares, parcels, and lots were to be laid out, and conveyed by the trustees to the United States ; the residue of the land was to be divided equally. For their share the United States were to pay £25, or §66 66f an a. The streets and squares went to the Government free. There were other stipulations respecting sales of lands and payment of indebtedness to the proprietors. They were also permitted to occupy the lands till required for public use. Owing to a disagreement, the streets and reservations were never conveyed to the commis- sioners. The law officer of the Government and the Supreme Court of the United States, however, have decided that the United States have absolute control over them notwithstand- ing. An act of Maryland, Dec. 19, 1791, ratified the cession of its portion of the Federal territory, and designated certain powers and duties of the commissioners, who were also au- thorized to take possession, in the same proportion as agreed with the others, of lots in Hamburg and Carrollsburg. The inhabitants of Georgetown, who so requested, were to be in- cluded, provided they conformed to the general terms of the agreement, which they declined. The laying out of the city according to the plans prepared by L'Enfant, which were approved by Washington in Aug., 1791, was carried out under the direction of Andrew Ellicott, a native of Bucks county, Penn., a gentleman of fine attain- ments, and who had executed a number of important sur- veys. He was born in 1754, and died at West Point in 1820. The first step was the establishment of the "meridian line" through the site of the Capitol, and the E. and W. in- tersecting line, which were to form the basis of the execution of the entire plan. At a meeting of the commissioners on Sept. 8, 1791, certain regulations were prescribed in regard 240 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. to the erection of private buildings, and the present names of the city and District and designation of the streets were adopted. The first public sale of lots, of which the Govern- ment had 10,136, took place at Georgetown on Oct. 17, 1791. A large number of purchasers were present from all parts of the country, and the prices paid ranged from $26 66 to §306 59. During the summer and autumn of 1791 the commissioners also made preparations for the commencement of work early in the following spring. Contracts for building material and food were awarded, and a freestone quarry on Higgington's island, 40 m. below the city, was purchased. The President's House was the first of the public buildings commenced. An historical sketch of each of the public buildings will be found, with their description, in the HAND- BOOK. The building of the city, as might be expected, attracted a number of that class of persons who-, though poor in means, were still rich in schemes. Among the earliest was one Samuel Blodgett, who appeared on the scene as an applicant for permission to build an entire street, which was granted. After considerable planning and negotiating, the enterprise was abandoned, the commissioners having no funds to spare, and Blodgett's being all in anticipation. Undaunted, however, the same person undertook the erection of a great hotel, the funds for which were to be raised by lottery, the hotel being the first prize. The building was partly erected, and was drawn by a person without means to complete it. It re- mained unfinished till purchased, years after, by the Govern- ment for the Post and Patent Offices. In 1793, the commissioners entered into an agreement with Robert Morris and James Greenleaf for the sale of 6,000 lots, at $80 a lot, payable in seven annual installments, with- out interest, they obliging themselves to erect, in 1794, and annually for six years, twenty brick houses, two stories high. The above two and John Nicholson bound themselves to ful- fill the contract. The parties failed to comply with any por- tion of the contract, which led to the serious embarrassment of the commissioners. One of the great obstacles in the way of the commission- ers in the beginning was the scarcity of skilled workmen. Agents were sent to the northern cities, and some importa- tions were made from abroad. The slaves from the adjacent plantations were almost exclusively employed as laborers. In 1796, Congress authorized the commissioners, under the direction of the President, to borrow $300,000, and, at the same time, assumed a supervision of the affairs of the city, requiring the commissioners to report their operations HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 241 semi-annually to the Secretary of the Treasury. Meeting with no success in negotiating their loan in Holland, whence the first application of the commissioners was made, the As- sembly of Maryland came to their rescue by granting them a loan of $100,000. The election of John Adams at first excited some solicitude on the part of the friends of the Federal city, in considera- tion of the opposition to the selection of the Potomac site shown by the New England States in the discussion and vote in Congress in 1790. The President, however, gave assur- ance of a determination to carry out the views of his prede- cessor. In 1799, after a long discussion, Congress voted another $100,000 to the commissioners, which amount was also ad- vanced by the State of Maryland. The next year $50,000 was obtained from the same source, on the personal security of the commissioners. In February, 1800, they executed the papers necessary to the security of all the loans or advances to the city, both from the State of Maryland and the National Government, amounting to $300,000, exclusive of the last loan of $50,000. For that purpose they pledged all the property in the city sold or contracted for before'that time, and upon which pay- ments had not been made. The land acquired or purchased for the United States and 3^et unsold, exclusive of lots for- feited for non-payment of purchase money and then liable to be sold, amounted to 4,682 lots and 2,043 ft. frontage on navigable water, valued at $884,750. The debt was $144,125, and contracted for on the credit of the above funds of $360,- 881. The N. wing of the Capitol, the President's House, and War and Treasury Offices, the first commenced in 1797, were ready for occupation. A number of dwellings had been erected by private parties in the vicinity of the Capitol, President's House, and Greenleaf's Point. Pennsylvania av., the thoroughfare from the Capitol to the President's House, was ditched. Other avenues and streets connecting the widely-scattered parts of the city were also opened. The reservations around the Capitol and President's House were XDlanted. A turnpike was also opened to Baltimore. Suita- ble provisions having been made by act of Congress dated April 24, ^SOO, the archives of the Government were con- veyed to Washington. The Executive and offices were transferred at the same time. On November 21 Congress commenced its sessions in the N. wing of the Capitol. Con- gress assumed jurisdiction over the District of Columbia in 1801, and declared that the laws of Virginia and Maryland 16 242 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. should continue respectively in force in the portions of the District ceded by those States. In 1802 the Board of Commissioners was abolished and succeeded by a superintendent, Thomas Munroe, who was re- quired to settle up all accounts, and to sell a sufficient number of the lots pledged for the repayment of the loan of $200,000 from the State of Maryland, so as to meet all obligations of interest and installments. In event of an imwarrantable sac- rifice of the property to meet these demands, the sale was to cease, and the balance was to be paid out of the Treasury of the United States. Lots not paid for were also to be sold to meet the loan of $50,000 from the State of Maryland, or, if not sufficient, the residue was to be paid out of the Treasury. Mayors of Washington. — 1802, Robert Brent ; 1812, Daniel Eapine ; 1813, James H. Blake ; 1817, Benjamin G. Orr ; 1819, Samuel M. Smallwood; 1822, T. Carberry; 1824, Roger C. Weightman; 1827, Joseph Gales, jr.; 1830, John P. Van Is T ess ; 1834, W. A. Bradley; 1836, Peter Force ; 1840, W. W. Seaton ; 1850, Walter Lenox ; 1852, John W. Maury ; 1854, John T. Towers ; 1856, W. B. Magruder ; 1858, J. G. Ber- rett^ 1862, Richard Wallach ; 1868, S. J. Bowen ; 1870, M. G. Emery. Governors of the District of Columbia. — 1871, Henry D. Cooke; 1873, A. R. Shepherd. On May 3, 1802, the municipal government was created by Congress, to consist of a mayor and council. Congress re- served supreme jurisdiction. The affairs of the county, and the construction of roads outside the city, were intrusted to a board known as the levy court. On Feb. 21, 1871, the ter- ritorial form of government was substituted. The most important event in the history of the Capital since its foundation was the occupation by the British. The President (Madison) and the Cabinet, over-confident of the safety of the Capital, or the indisposition of the British, who controlled the Chesapeake, to attack, had neglected to make suitable provisions for defense. As a consequence, about 5,500 raw militia, hastily concentrated and badly handled, were suddenly called upon to confront the enemy, 4,000 strong, at Bladensburg, 5 m. from the Capital, on August 24, 1814. Commodore Barney, with a few hundred sailors and marines, and Beall's Maryland militia, made a stubborn resistance on the turnpike, but, unsupported by the rest of the troops, who had fled almost without a tight, fell baek to the Capital, proposing to defend that point. From here he was ordered to retire and take position behind Georgetown, leaving the city entirely defenseless. The American troops HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 243 retreated towards Montgomery Court House, having' beer preceded by the President and Cabinet and other prominent officers of the Government. The total force of Americans available was 7,000 men, but through mismanagement, the incapacity of Gen. Winder, the commander, and the inter- ference of the President and Cabinet, especially the Secretary of War, not more than half that number reached the field, and even then were outnumbered five to one on the points of attack. The whole British force which landed on the Pau- tuxent numbered 5,123 men, of which 4,500 men took part in the fight . The American loss was 26 killed and 51 wounded, and the British 150 killed and 300 wounded. At 8 p. m. on the day of the battle the enemy bivouacked on Capitol Hill. The Capitol, Library of Congress, Presi- dent's House, Arsenal, Treasury and War offices, Long Bridge, and office of the National Intelligencer newspaper, were burned the same night, also some private buildings. The Navy Yard and frigate Columbia, on the stocks, and Argus, five barges, and two gunboats were destroyed by order of the Secretary of the Navy. The explosion of pow- der in a well at the arsenal killed 15 and wounded 30 of the British. On the evening of August 25 the British evacuated the Capital. To use the words of one of the British officers, the retreat "was as cautious and stealthy and precipitate as was natural for a retreating army under such circumstances." On the retreat many died of fatigue or were taken prisoners by the cavalry harassing the rear. Nearly 200 of the dead left by the enemy were buried by the citizens. It was esti- mated that his aggregate loss was not less than 1,000 men. The enemy reached Benedict on the evening of August 29, and re-embarked the next day. The sight of the Capital in flames had aroused the inhab- itants of the surrounding country, who were being rallied by the Secretary of State, Mr. Monroe. It was resolved to cut off the enemy's retreat to his ships. His haste, however, frustrated these patriotic proceedings. When the question of the restoration of the public build- ings was under discussion, a long and bitter debate ensued, evincing not only a strong disposition to abandon the city, but a dangerous sectional feeling. For a time the most seri- ous consequences were threatened. Calmer counsels, how- ever, prevailed, and an appropriation of $500,000 was made for the repair or re-erection of the buildings on their old sites. The estimated loss was $1,000,000. In 1846 that portion of the District lying on the west bank of the Potomac was retroceded to Virginia. In 1850 the sale 244 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. of slaves was prohibited, and on April 16, 1862, slavery was abolished in the District. During the rebellion, 1861-65, the Capital had every ap- pearance of a vast fortress. It was the base of operations of mighty armies, called out for the defense of the Constitution and the Union. On the surrounding hills were military camps ; in the city were hospitals and stores ; and the ave- nues and streets were the daily scene of moving troops and trains. The infusion of a new element into the population of the Capital was one of the important results of the rebellion of 1861-'6o. It was not, however, till a decade later that a sys- tem of improvements on a grand scale were commenced. In that time the number of the inhabitants increased nearly fifty thousand. Congress, in the meantime, had dispossessed itself of the idea that a National Capital was a political conve- nience, instead of necessity. The ideas of Washington, Jeffer- son, and L'Enfant, after a sleep of more than three quarters of a century, are being realized. The grand avenues, broad streets, and beautiful parks are in keeping with the magni- ficence of the Capitol and the imposing proportions of the structures occupied by the various Executive Departments of the Government. Elegant residences, fine churches, commodious school-houses, and many public and private institutions have been erected. It must be admitted that the Capital is no longer a reflection upon the taste, culture, and liberality of the nation, and the least inviting of American cities. At the same rate of improvement, in ten years the Capital of the United States will be one of the most beauti- ful in the world. These gratifying results are unquestion- ably due to the interest and zeal of "President Grant, and to the energy and courage of Governor Shepherd. INDEX. Adams, John, painting of, 123. Admiral's Office, 140. Agriculture, Department of, 156; Grounds, 156 ; Plant Houses, 156 ; Building, 157; Museum, 159; History of, 161. District of Columbia, 11. Committe on, 114. Museum of, 159. Alexandria, 228 ; History of, 229 ; Washington's Headqu'rs, 229; Christ Church, 229; National Cemetery, 229. Canal, 214, 229. Allegory, Brumidi's, 76. Altitude, mean, Washington, 15. Amusements, general, xiv. Anaeostia river, 15, 49. Channel, 49. Analostan Island, 214. Antiquities, European, 191. Aqueduct, 217; Distances, 217; Dis- tributing Reservoir, 217; Re- ceiving. 217; Cabin John Bridge, 218 ; Falls of the Potomac, 218. Georgetown, 214. Bridge, 53, 214. Architects of the Capitol, 114. Area of Washington, 3. Arlington House, 215; National Cem- etery, 215; Custis's Spring, 216. Armory. 196. Square, 38. Army, Headquarters of, 136. Army Medical Museum, 167. Arsenal, 172. Art, Corcoran Gallery of, 191. Associate Justices, list of, 89. Asylums— Naval Hospital, 202; Sol- diers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home, 202; Columbia Hospital for Women, and Lying-in, 202; Washington, 202; Louise Home, 203; Providence, General, 203; Washington City Orphan, 203; Children's Hospital, 204; St. John's Hospital, 204; St. Ann's Infant, 204; St. Joseph's Male Orphan, 204; St. Vincent's Fe- Asylums — male Orphan, 201; Epiphany Church Home, 204; Home for the aged, 205; Deaf and Dumb, 225; Insane, 227. Attorneys General, list of, 155. Avenues, 24. Description of, 26. Improvement of, 25. Baehe, A. D., grave of, 206. Baltimore and Potomac Bridge, 53. Baptism of Pocahontas, painting, 74. Basement, House of Reps., 113. N. wing, 104. Senate, 101. S. wing, 105. Battery and electric gas-lighting apparatus, 77- Battle Record room, 170. Benning's Bridge, 53. Benton, bust of, 97. Birds, 39. Bladensburg, 224; battle-field of, 224; duelling ground at, 224; Calvert mansion, 224. Battle of, 241. Board of Public Works, 9, 207. Boarding, viii. Boone in conflict with the Indians, relievo, 70. Booth, assassin, 173. Botanical Garden, site, 41 ; Grounds, 41; Conservatories, 42; Botani- cal class room, 42; Joint Com- mittee on the Library, 42 ; Botan- ical collection, 42; Centre Build- ing or Rotunda, 43; East range and wing, 43; West range and wing, 44; Superintendents, 45; History, 45. Botany, District of'Columbia, 12. Boundaries, District of Columbia, 6. Washington, 4. Boundary street, 30, 31. Bridges, 52; Long Bridge, 52; Navy Yard, 53; Benning's, 53; Balti- more and Potomac Railroad, 53; Aqueduct, 53; Chain, 53; Penn- sylvania av., (Rock creek,) 53, (245) 246 INDEX. Bridges — 214; M-st., 53; P-st., 53; James creek canal, 53; Culverts, 53; Uniontown,53; Cabin John, 218; Mountain Spring, 218. Bronze door, main, 67. Senate, 90. Staircases, 94, 109. Brown, General, grave of, 206. Cabin John Bridge, 218. Cabot, relievo of, 70. Canals, 50; Washington, 50; James creek, 50; Chesapeake and Ohio, 213 ; Alexandria, 214, 229. Cannon captured, 172, 174. Capital, a virgin, 1. Capitol, 56; Situation, 56; Street cars to, 57 ; Site of, 57 ; Ap- proaches, 57; Grounds, 58; Gen- eral exterior view of, 58; First terrace, 61; Fountain, 61; Sec- ond terrace, 61 ; General exte- rior description, 62; Dome, 63; Statue of Freedom, 64; Porticos, 65 ; Statuary, 65, 66 ; Main Bronze door, 67 ; Rotunda, 69 ; Relievos, 70; Historical paintings, 70; Canopy of Rotunda, 76; Ascent of the Dome, 77; Battery and electric gas-lighting apparatus, 77; Panoramic view of Wash- ington, 77; Library of the United States, 79; North wing, 87; N. or Senate Extension, 90; Stair- cases, 92, 94, 96; Galleries, 97; Senate Chamber, 99; Basement, 100; Committee rooms, 101; Heating and ventilating, 103, 114; N. wing baseinent, 104; Law Library, 104; Crypt, 104; Undercroft, 104; National Stat- uary Hall, 105; S. or House Ex- tension, 108; Staircases, 109 Second floor, 112; Galleries, 112 House of Representatives, 112. Basement, 113; Com'tee rooms, 114; Capitol police, 114; Archi- tects, 114; History, 114. Hill, 15, 57. History of, 114. — — Selection of site of, 17. Street, E., N., S., 31. Cemeteries, Eastern and Western, (Holmead,) 205; Congressional, 205; Arlington, (Military,) 216; Rock Creek, 223; Military, (Sol- diers' Home,) 223; Glenwood, 224; Prospect Hill, 224; St. Ma- ry's, 224; Mt. Olivet, 226: Grace- land, 227; National, (Alexan- dria,) 229. Ceremonies, xiv. Chain Bridge, 53. Chapultepec, storming of, painting, 96. Chase, grave of, 212. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, 213. Chief Justices, busts of, 87. list of, 89. Childrens' Hospital, 204. Chronicle, The, 200. Church, Christ, Alexandria, 229. Rock Creek, 223. Churches, list of, xiii. Washington, 197. Circles, Washington, 39 ; 14th street, 39; 13th street, 39; P street, 39. City Hall, 171. City Spring, 198. Claims, U. S. court of, 89. Clinton, George, statue of, 107. grave of, 205. Climate, District of Columbia, 13. College, Deaf Mute, 225. Georgetown, 213. Columbia Hospital for Women, 202. Institute, for the deaf and dumb, 225. Columbian University. 220. Columbus, relievo of, 70. Commissioners of Washington, 235. Committee Rooms — Senate — 101; Military Affairs, 102 ; Naval Af- fairs, 102; Indian, 102; Foreign Relations, 102; Judiciary, 102; Library, 102. House, 114 ; Agriculture, 114. Commerce, 50. Congress, 120. Continental, Presidents of, 119. Continental, Sessions of, 119. History of, 118. Congressional Library, (see Library of the U. S.,)79. Connecticut av., 25-27. Conservatories, President's, 123. Constitution of the U. S., original, 128. Ratification of, 119. Convent of the Visitation, 212. Copyrights, 86. Corcoran Gallery of Art, 189 ; Stat- uary, 191; Bronzes, 191; Anti- quities, 191; Paintings, 191. Corcoran, W. W., 192. Crawford, sculptor, bust of, 107. Crypt, the, 104. Culverts, 53. Deaf and Dumb Asylum, 225. Deaf Mute College, 225. Declaration of Independence, 148. Signing of, painting, 71. Defenses of Washington, 232. Delaware av., 24, 28. Department of State, 128 ; Treasury, 131; War, 136; Navy, 140; Inte- INDEX. 247 Department of State— rior, H2; Post Office, 151; Jus- tice, 154 ; Agriculture, 156. Discovery of America, statue, 68. Discovery of the Mississippi River, painting, 75. Distances to Great Falls Potomac, 217. Tables of, xix, 3. District of Columbia— Geographical situation, 5; Boundaries, 6, 237; Political Divisions, 7; Govern- ment, 7; Finances, 9; Popula- tion, 9; Statistics, miscellane- ous, 10; Vital Statistics, 10; In- dustry and Wealth, 10; Agri- culture, 11; Topography, 11; Geology, 11; Botany, 12; Zoolo- gy, 12; Ornithology, 12; Ichthy- ology, 13; Herpetology, 13; Climate, 13. Government, 207; Governor's Office, 207; Hall of the Legisla- tive Assembly, 207 ; Board of Public Works, 207; Fire De- partment, 207; Metropolitan Police, 208; Jail, 208. Document Libraries, 97, 112. Dome, Capitol, 63; Ascent of, 77. Door, Main, House extension, 109. Dow, Lorenzo, grave of, 205. Downing, A. J., 39. Vase, 178. Drive, the, 29. Duddington Mansion, 210. Duelling Ground, 224. Easby's Point, 49. Education, Bureau of, 142. Electric gas-light apparatus, 77. Elevations, Washington, 16. Elevator, 95. Ellieott, Andrew, runs bounds, 6. marks the site of Capitol, 17. Embarkation of the Pilgrims, paint- ing, 75. Embellishments proposed, 17. Engineer's Office, 41. Environs of Washington — George- town, 211; Analostan Island, 214; Arlington House and Na- tional Cemetery, 215; Fort Whipple, 216; Aqueduct and Falls of the Potomac, 217; Kal- orama, 220; Meridian Hill, 220; Columbian University, 220; Way- land Seminary, 220; Howard University, 221; Soldiers' Home, 221; Grave of L'Enfant, 222; Rock Creek Church and Ceme- tery, 223; National Cemetery, 223; Glen wood Cemetery, 224; Bladensburg, 224; Columbia In- etitute for the Deaf and Dumb, Environs of Washington— and Deaf Mute College, 225 ; Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 226; Grace- land Cemetery, 227; Reform School, 227; Zoological Society, 227; Government Hospital for the Insane, 227; Alexandria, 228; Mount Vernon, 230; De- fenses of Washington, 232. Epiphany Church Home, 204. Etiquette, xiv. Executive av., 28. Buildings, 56. Mansion (See Presidt's House,) 121. Offices, 124. the, 127. Extension of city, 52. House, Capitol, 108. {Senate, — - 109. Farragut Square, 36. statute of, proposed, 46. Fillmore, portrait of, 123. Finances, District of Columbia, 9. Washington, 4. Fire Department, 207. Flags, captured, 137. Folding Room, Senate, 101. Foote, Fort, 230. Foreign Capitals, 5. Formalities, xiv. Fountains, 48. Franklin School, 201. Square, 37. statue of, 92. Freedom, statue of, 64. Frescos — Rotunda, Canopy, 76; Sen- ate Reception Room, 93; Senate Post Office, 93; Presid'ts Room, 95; Senate Basement, 101; Ful- ton, 101; Committee Rooms, Senate, 101; Military Affairs, 102; Naval Affairs, 102; Indian, 102; Foreign Relations, 102; Judici- ary, 102; Library, 102; Western Staircase, House, 109; Hall of House, 113; Agricultural Com- mittee Room, 114. Galleries, Senate, 97. House, 112. Gas, lighting the city, 45> General information, vii. Genius of America, statuary, 65. Geographical location, Wash'n, 2. situation, Dist. Columbia, 5. Geology, 11. Georgetown, 211; Oak Hill Ceme- tery, 211; High-service Reser- voir, 212 ; Convent of the Visita- tion, and Academy, 212; College, 213; Chesapeake and Ohio Ca- nal, 213; Aqued't,214; Wharves, 214; Commerce, 214; Shad and 248 INDEX. Georgetown- Herring, 214; Rock C'k Bridge, 214. Georgia av., 28. Gerry, El bridge, grave of, 205. Giesboro', 230. Glenwood Cemetery, 224. Government Dist. Columbia, 7, 207. Washington, 4. Seat of established, 120, 235, 236, 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; Potomac channel, 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 Cornwallis. 72; Resignation of General Wash- ington, 73; Baptism of Poca- hontas, 74 _; Discovery 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, Soldiers', 221. Hospitals, (see Asylums,) 202; Hotels, vii. House of Representatives, 120 ; Hall of, 112 ; Speakers of, 121. Howard University, 221. Hunter, John, portrait, 167. Hydrographic Office, 140. Ichthyology, 13. II Penseroso, statue, 107. Indian Office, 142. Warrior, bronze, 109. Indiana 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 Ed- ucation, 142, Survey of the Ter- ritories, 144; Secretaries, 144; The Department, 145. (See Pat- 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; Attor- ney General's Office, 154; Por- traits, 155; Attorneys General, 155; The Department, 155; Bu- reaus, 155. Justice and History, statuary, 91. K street, 31. Kalorama, 220. Kearne}'', General, statue of, 107. Kentucky av., 25, 28. Kosciusko, bust of, 107. La Salle, relievo, 70. Ladies' Retiring Room, Senate, 99; House, 112. Lafayette Square, 34. portrait of, 113. Landing of Columbus, painting, 75. Landing of the Pilgrims, relievo, 70. Latitude, 2. Law Library, 86 ; Description of, 104. Legislative Hall, 207. L'Enfant, Plan of Washington, 16 ; origin of plan, 19. grave of, 222. Librarians of the United States, 83. Libraries, United States, 79; Con- gressional, (see United States,) 79; Smithsonian, 81 ; Force, 81 Jefferson, 84; Document, H. R. 112; Odd Fellows', 199; Young Men's Christian Associat'n,199 Georgetown College, 213. Library of the United States, 79 Library Halls, 79 ; proposed new building, 79; Volumes, 80; Com- parison of libraries, foreign and home, 80; Collection of books, 80; Smithsonian Library, 81; Force Library, 81; Rules of, 82; Document Libraries, 82; View, 83; Librarians, 83; History, 83; Jefferson Library, 84; Copy- rights, 86; Law Library, 86. Lincoln, painting of, 124. Assassination of, 166. Bust of, 107. Square, 38. Statue of, 107. proposed, 38. INDEX. 249 Lincoln Hall, 199; Free Eeading 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. Massachusetts av., 25, 27. Mayors of Washington, 241. Meridian, first U. S., 166. Hill, 220. Missouri av., 28. Monument, Washington Nat'l, 192. Morton, Dr., painting, 167. Mount Olivet Cemetery, 226. Mount Vernon, 230; the Vault, 230; the Mansion, 230; Ladies' As- ciation, 231. ■ Place, 37. Mountain Spring Bridge, 218. Museum, Agricultural, 159; Army 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; Instruments, 164; Superintendents, 164; Historv, 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. Neale, 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, 96; Grand Canon of the Yellowstone, 107; Gen. Scott, 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, 167; Hunter, 167; Morton, 167; 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, 150. 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, 167. Pierce, portrait, 123. , Places of Historical Interest, 210. Plan of Washington, 16 ; Origin of, 19 ; Execution of, 17. Plant Houses, 157. Pneumatic Tube, 103. Pocahontas saving life of Smith, re- lievo, 70. Police, Metropolitan, 208; Capitol, 114. Political Divisions D. C, 7. Polk, portrait, 123. Population, District, 9. Washington, 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. Reporter's' 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, 53, 214. Roek Creek Church and Cemetery, 223. Rotunda, 69; Statuary, 70; Relievos, 70; Historical paintings, 70-75; Canopy, 76; Allegory, 76; As- cent of the Dome, 77. School, Reform, 227. Franklin, 201 ; Seaton, 201 ; Wal- lach, 201; Jefferson, 201. Colored, 201; Sumner, 201. History of, 201. Scott Square, 35. Winfield, painting, 109. Statue of, 36. Seaton School, 201. Seminary, Wayland, 220. Senate, 120. Chamber, 99. Presidents of, 120. Sergeant-at-Arms, Senate, Room of, 93 ; House, 109. Settlement of America, statue of, 66. Sewers, 32; Georgetown, 32; Slash Run, 32-34; Intermediate sec- tion, 33; B st. intercepting, 33; Tiber basin, 33. Sherman, Roger, statue of, 107. Signal Office, 137; Instrument room, 137. Sixteenth st., 31. Scott Statue, 36. Smithsonian Inst'n, 178; Grounds, 17S; Downing Vase, 178; De- scription of building, 179 ; Ob- jects, ISO; National Museum, 181; Main Hall, 182; Gothic Hall, 183; West Hall, 184; South Vestibule, 185 : Ethnological Hall, 186 ; Sec- retaries, 187 ; History, 187. Soil, 16. Soldiers' Home, 221. Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home, 202. South Carolina av., 28. Speakers House Representatives, 120- Gallery of, 109. Room, 109. Squares — Lafayette, 34; Scott, 35; Farragut, 36; Sixteenth street, (Scott Statue,) 36; Franklin, 37; Judiciary, 37 ; Rawlins, 37; Mt. Vernon Place, 37 ; Circus lot, 38 ; Armory, 38; Lincoln, 38; Stan- ton Place, 38. St. Ann's Infant Asylum, 204. St. John's Hospital, 204. St. Joseph's Male Orphan Asylum, 204. St. Vincent's Female Orphan Asy- lum, 204. Stables, President's, 123. Staircases, Senate, E., 92; W., 96; INDEX. 251 private, 94; House, E., 109; W., 109; private, 109. Stanton, grave of, 212. Stanton Place, 38. Star, The Evening, 200. State, Department of, 128 ; Archives, 12S; State, War, and Navy De- Sartment, 128; Secretaries, 129; [istory, 130 ; Bureaus, 130. Secretaries of, 129. State, War, and Navy Department, 129. Statistics, District, 10; Vital, 10; In- dustry and Wealth, 10. — — • Washington, 5. Statuary — Genius of America, 65; Discovery of America, 66; First Settlem'tof America, 66; Peace, 66 ; War, 66; 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, proposeH, 38; Farragut, proposed, 36; Raw- lins, proposed, 37; Lincoln, 172. . earners, ix. Stockton, statue of, 107. Street Cars, ix. Street Railways, 54. Streets, 30. renomenelature, 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, 13S; Secreta- ries, 139; the Department, 139. Secretaries of, gallery of, 136. Secretaries of, list of, 138. Statue of, 66. Washington Asylum, 202. Defenses of, s-vj.. 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^; Population^ ; 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; Experimen- tal surveys, 218. Wayland Seminary, 220. Westward Ho. 109. Wharves, 50. Georgetown, 214. Whipple, Fort, 216. White House-see Prest's House, 121. Williams, Roger, statue of, 107. Winder's Building, 170. Wirt, Win., residence of, 210; grav of, 206. Wirz, execution of, 173; grave o 226. Yellowstone, Grand Cafion of, paint- ing, 107. Young Men's Christian Ass'n, 199. Zoological Society, 227. Zoology, District, 12.