south to the House of Representatives. Following the corridor to the
south, we come to a large semicircular room. When the central division of
the building was all there was to the Capitol, this room was occupied by
the House of Representatives, and here were heard the speeches of Adams,
Webster, Clay, Calhoun, and many other famous statesmen. It is now set
apart as a national statuary hall, where each state may place two statues
of her chosen sons. As many of the states have been glad to honor their
great men in this way, a splendid array of national heroes is gathered in
the hall. Among the Revolutionary heroes we find Washington, Ethan Allen,
and Nathaniel Green. A statue of Fulton, sent by New York, shows him
seated, looking at a model of his steamship. Of all these marble figures,
perhaps none attracts more attention than that of Frances Elizabeth
Willard, the great apostle of temperance, and to the state of Illinois
belongs the distinction of having placed the only statue of a woman in
this great collection.
Leaving Statuary Hall, we go south to the Hall of Representatives. Here
representatives from all the states gather to frame laws for the entire
nation. Seated in the gallery it seems almost as if we were in a huge
schoolroom, for the representatives occupy seats which are arranged in
semicircles, facing a white marble desk upon a high platform reached by
marble steps. This is the desk of the Speaker of the House. The Speaker's
duty is to preserve order and to see that the business of this branch of
Congress is carried on as it should be. Before delivering a speech, a
representative must have the Speaker's permission. The Speaker is a most
important person, for all business is transacted under his direction. The
representatives come from every state in the Union, and even far-off
Hawaii, Alaska, and the Philippines are allowed to send delegates to this
assembly to represent them in making laws. Think what a serious matter it
would have been to the people of the far West to have the capital of
their nation in the extreme Eastern section of the country if the
development of the railroads, the telegraph, and the telephone had not
made travel and communication so easy that great distances are no longer
obstacles.
[Illustration: THE OPENING OF CONGRESS]
But we can pay only a brief visit to the House of Representatives, for
there is another body of lawmakers in the northern end of the Capitol
which we wish to see. Back to the rotunda we go and then walk along a
corridor leading to the northern, or Senate, end of the Capitol. Each
day, for a number of months in the year, an interesting ceremony takes
place in this corridor promptly at noon. Nine dignified men, clad in long
black silk robes, march in solemn procession across the corridor and
enter a stately chamber which, though smaller, resembles Statuary Hall in
shape. These men make up the Supreme Court of the United States, the
highest court of justice in the land.
Often in cases at law a person does not feel that the decision of one
court has been just. He may then have his case examined and passed upon
by a higher court. This is called "appealing," and some cases, for good
cause, may be appealed from one court to another until they reach the
Supreme Court. Beyond the Supreme Court there is no appeal. What this
court decides must be accepted as final. The room in which the Supreme
Court meets was once used as the Senate Chamber, and many of the great
debates heard in the Senate before our Civil War were held in this room.
The Senate Chamber of to-day is further down the north corridor. This
room is not unlike the Hall of Representatives in plan and arrangement,
though it is somewhat smaller. Instead of having a chairman of their own
choosing, as is the case in the House, the Senate is presided over by the
vice president of the United States. This high official, seated upon a
raised platform, directs the proceedings of the Senate just as the
Speaker directs those of the House of Representatives. There seems to be
an air of greater solemnity and dignity in this small group of lawmakers
than in the House of Representatives. It is smaller because each state is
entitled to send but two senators to the Senate, whereas the number of
representatives is governed by the number of inhabitants in the state.
The populous state of New York has thirty-seven representatives and but
two senators, the same number as the little state of Rhode Island whose
population entitles it to only two representatives.
The purpose of having two lawmaking bodies is to provide a safeguard
against hasty and unwise legislation. In the House of Representatives the
most populous states have the greatest influence, while in the Senate all
states are equally represented, and each state has two votes regardless
of its size and population. Since every proposed law must be agreed to in
both the Senate and the House before it is taken to the president for his
approval, each body acts as a check on the other in lawmaking.
[Illustration: INAUGURAL PARADE ON PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE]
Just to the east of the Capitol grounds stands the magnificent Library of
Congress. This wonderful storehouse of books is a marvelous palace. It
covers almost an entire city block, and its towering gilded dome is
visible from almost every part of the city. Once inside, we could easily
believe ourselves in fairyland, so beautiful are the halls and the
staircases of carved marble, so wonderful the paintings and the
decorations. Every available space upon the walls and ceilings is adorned
with pictures, with the names of the great men of the world, and with
beautiful quotations from the poets and scholars who seem to live again
in this magnificent building which is dedicated to the things they loved.
[Illustration: BOTANICAL GARDENS]
In the center of the building, just beneath the gilded dome, is a rotunda
slightly wider than the rotunda of the Capitol, though not so high. Here
are desks for the use of those who wish to consult any volume of the
immense collection of books.
The books are kept in great structures called stacks, 9 stories high and
containing bookshelves which would stretch nearly 44 miles if placed in
one line. Any one of the great collection of 1,300,000 volumes can be
sent by machinery from the stacks to the reading room or to the Capitol.
When a member of Congress wants a book which is in the Library, he need
not leave the Capitol, for there is a tunnel connecting the two buildings
through which runs a little car to carry books.
The Librarian of Congress has charge of the enforcement of the copyright
law. By means of this law an author may secure the exclusive right to
publish a book, paper, or picture for twenty-eight years. One of the
requirements of the copyright law is that the author must place in the
Library of Congress two copies of whatever he has copyrighted. Hence, on
the shelves of this great library may be found almost every book or paper
published in the United States.
Leaving the Library we once more find ourselves upon the great esplanade
east of the Capitol. In the majestic white-marble buildings to the north
and south,--known as the Senate and House office buildings,--committees
of each House of Congress meet to discuss proposed laws.
Having seen the lawmakers at work in the Capitol, let us visit the
officials whose duty it is to enforce the laws made by Congress.
Chief among these is the president of the United States. His house is
officially known as the Executive Mansion, but nearly everybody speaks of
it as the White House. The first public building erected in Washington
was the White House. It is said that Washington himself chose the site.
He lived to see it built but not occupied, for the capital was not moved
to the District of Columbia until 1800, a year after Washington's death.
[Illustration: THE WHITE HOUSE FROM THE NORTH]
This simple, stately building is a fitting home for the head of a great
republic. In the main building are the living apartments of the president
and his family, and the great rooms used for state receptions; the
largest and handsomest of these is the famous East Room. Other rooms used
on public occasions are known, from the color of the furnishings and
hangings, as the Blue Room, the Green Room, and the Red Room. There is
also the great State Dining Room, where the president entertains at
dinner the important government officials and foreign representatives.
In the Annex, adjoining the White House on the west, are the offices of
the president and those who assist him in his work. In this part of the
building is the cabinet room, where the president meets the heads of the
various departments to consult with them concerning questions of national
importance.
Across the street from the president's office is the immense granite
building occupied by the three departments of State, War, and Navy. The
secretaries in charge of these departments have their offices here,
together with a small army of clerks.
[Illustration: THE UNITED STATES TREASURY]
On the opposite side of the White House from the State, War, and Navy
Building is the National Treasury. The Treasury Building is one of the
finest in the city. To see the splendid colonnade on the east is alone
worth a journey to Washington. From this building all the money affairs
of the United States government are directed.
In the Treasury Building and in the Bureau of Engraving and Printing one
may see the entire process of manufacturing and issuing paper money. In
the Treasury we see new bills exchanged for old, worn-out bills, which
are ground to pieces to destroy forever their value as money.
[Illustration: BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING, "UNCLE SAM'S MONEY
FACTORY"]
But to understand the story of a dollar bill or a bill of any other value
we must visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. This building, which
is some distance from the Treasury Building, reminds us of a large
printing office, and that is just what it is. Here we are shown from room
to room where many men and women are at work, some engraving the plates
from which bills are to be printed and others printing the bills. The
paper used is manufactured by a secret process for United States money,
and every sheet is most carefully counted at every stage of the printing.
Altogether the sheets are counted fifty-two times. Many clerks are
employed to keep a careful account of these sheets, and it is almost
impossible for a single bill or a single piece of paper to be lost or
stolen. After the money is printed it is put into bundles, sealed, and
sent in a closely guarded steel wagon to the Treasury Building, where it
is stored in great vaults until it is issued.
[Illustration: A CIRCLE AND ITS RADIATING AVENUES]
At the Treasury we find the officials sending out these crisp new bills
in payment of the debts of the United States or in exchange for bills
which are so tattered and torn that they are no longer useful. This
exchanging of new money for old is a large part of the business of the
Treasury and calls for the greatest care in counting and keeping records,
in order that no mistakes may be made.
After the old bills are counted they are cut in half and the halves
counted separately, to make sure that the first count was correct. When
the exact amount of money has been determined, new bills are sent out to
the owners of the old bills, and the old bills are destroyed.
When we have seen enough of the counting of old money, our guide takes us
down into the cellar of this great building, where we walk along a narrow
passageway with millions of dollars in gold and silver on either hand.
All is carefully secured by massive doors and locks, and none but trusted
officials may enter the vaults themselves. These gold and silver coins
are made in the United States mints in Philadelphia, Denver, New Orleans,
and San Francisco.
You see the paper bill is not real money but a sort of receipt
representing gold and silver money which you can get at any time from the
Treasury. As we peep through the barred doors of the vaults and see great
piles of canvas sacks, it is interesting to know that some of the silver
and gold coins they hold are ours, waiting here while we carry in our
pockets the paper bills which represent them.
In addition to issuing money, the Treasury Department has charge of
collecting all the taxes and duties which furnish the money for the
payment of the expenses of the government.
Washington is a government city. Of its population of over 330,000, about
36,000 are directly engaged in the various departments of the government,
while most of the other lines of business thrive by supplying the needs
of the government's employees and their families. Very little
manufacturing is done in the District of Columbia, and such articles as
are manufactured are chiefly for local use.
People from almost every country in the world may be seen on the streets,
for almost all civilized nations have ministers or ambassadors at
Washington to represent them in official dealings with the United States.
These foreign representatives occupy fine homes, and during the winter
season many brilliant receptions are given by them as well as by our own
high officials.
[Illustration: CONTINENTAL MEMORIAL HALL]
The people of Washington have built fine churches and many handsome
schools, to which all, from the president to the humblest citizen, send
their children. In or near the city are the five universities of George
Washington, Georgetown, Howard University for colored people, the
Catholic University, and the American University, where graduates from
other colleges take advanced work.
[Illustration: ANNEX AND GARDEN OF THE PAN-AMERICAN UNION]
The citizens of the District of Columbia do not vote nor do they make
their own laws, as it was feared there might be a disagreement between
Congress and the city government if people voted on local matters. All
laws for the District of Columbia are made by the Congress of the United
States and are carried out by three commissioners appointed by the
president with the consent of the Senate. Many inhabitants of the
District are citizens of the states and go to their homes at election
time to cast their votes. Isn't it strange that there is a place in the
United States where the citizens cannot vote?
[Illustration: UNION STATION]
You are, no doubt, beginning to think that the places of interest in
Washington must be very numerous. This is true, for few cities in the
world have so many interesting public buildings. Among these are the
Corcoran Art Gallery; the Continental Memorial Hall, the majestic marble
building of the Daughters of the American Revolution; and the palatial
home of the Pan-American Union, a place where representatives of all the
American republics may meet. Then there is the Patent Office, for
recording and filing old patents and granting new ones; the Pension
Office, from which our war veterans receive a certain sum each year; the
Government Printing Office, whose reports require over a million dollars'
worth of paper each year; Ford's Theater, where President Lincoln was
shot; the naval-gun factory, for making the fourteen-inch long-range guns
used on our battleships; and the Union Railroad Station, whose east wing
is reserved for the use of the president.
[Illustration: WASHINGTON MONUMENT FROM CONTINENTAL MEMORIAL HALL]
There is one almost sacred spot, upon which the nation has erected a
splendid memorial to our greatest hero, George Washington. The Washington
Monument is a simple obelisk of white marble, that towers 555 feet above
the beautiful park in the midst of which it stands. Those openings near
the top which seem so small are 504 feet above us and are actually large
windows. On entering the door at the base of the monument, we pass
through the wall, which is 15 feet thick, and find an elevator ready to
carry us to the top. If we prefer to walk, there is an interior stairway
of 900 steps leading to the top landing. At the end of our upward journey
we find ourselves in a large room with two great windows on each of the
four sides. From here we get another view of the hill-surrounded city,
and the scene which lies before us is inspiring.
The Washington Monument is near the western end of the Mall, that series
of parks extending from the Capitol to the Potomac River. Near by are the
buildings of the Department of Agriculture, which has been of the
greatest help to the farmers of our land by sending out important
information concerning almost everything connected with farm life.
Through the Bureau of Chemistry this department did much to bring about
the passage of the Pure Food Law, which protects the people by forbidding
the sale of food and drugs that are not pure.
In the spacious park adjoining the grounds of the Department of
Agriculture is a building which looks like an ancient castle. This is the
Smithsonian Institution, which carries on scientific work under
government control.
The National Museum, which is under the control of the Smithsonian
Institution, has a fine building of its own. This museum is a perfect
treasure house of interesting exhibits of all kinds. Here may be seen
relics of Washington, of General Grant, and of other famous Americans;
and here are exhibits showing the history of the telegraph, the
telephone, the sewing machine, the automobile, and the flying machine.
Stuffed animals of all kinds are arranged to look just as if they were
alive. So numerous are the exhibits that it would require a large book
simply to mention them. Many of the boys and girls of Washington spend
their Saturday afternoons examining the wonderful things which have been
brought to this museum from all parts of the world.
[Illustration: THE CITY FROM ARLINGTON HEIGHTS]
Washington has also a zoölogical park where there are animals from
everywhere. It is on the banks of a beautiful stream on the outskirts of
the city and is part of a great public park which covers many acres of
picturesque wooded country.
We must not omit the Post Office Department, for that is the part of the
federal government which comes nearest to our homes. Here are the offices
of the postmaster general and his many assistants. To tell of the wonders
of our postal system would be a long story in itself. If all the people
employed by the Post Office Department lived in Washington, they would
fill all of the houses and leave no room for anyone else. Of course this
great army of employees are not all in any one city, for the work of the
post office extends to every part of the United States, and, through
arrangement with other nations, to every part of the civilized world.
In the country surrounding the city of Washington are several important
and interesting places. Just across the river, in the state of Virginia,
are Fort Myer, an army post, and the famous Arlington National Cemetery.
Arlington was the home of Martha Custis, who became the bride of George
Washington. At the opening of the Civil War it was the home of the famous
Confederate general, Robert E. Lee. Then it passed into the hands of the
United States government and is now the burial place of over sixteen
thousand soldiers who gave their lives for their country.
On the Virginia shore of the Potomac River, sixteen miles south of the
city of Washington, is Mount Vernon, the home and burial place of George
Washington. The spacious old mansion in the midst of fine trees and
shady lawns looks out over the wide peaceful river which Washington
loved. To this home Washington came to live shortly after his marriage.
He spent his time in farming on this estate until he was called to take
command of the American army. After our independence was won he returned
to his home and his farm. Once more he was called upon to leave this
quiet country life to become the first president of the new nation. When
he had served his country two terms he gladly retired to Mount Vernon,
where he lived until his death in 1799.
[Illustration: WASHINGTON'S TOMB]
To-day the house and grounds are preserved with loving care. The rooms of
the house are furnished with fine old mahogany furniture, many pieces of
which belonged to Washington. In the grounds, not far from the stately
mansion, is the simple brick tomb where rest the bodies of Washington and
his wife. During the years which have passed since his death, thousands
of his countrymen have come to this tomb to do honor to his memory.
As we sail up the Potomac toward the city after our visit to the home of
the great man whose name it bears, the Washington Monument, the White
House, the State, War, and Navy Building, the Capitol, the Library, and
the post office tower above the surrounding buildings and, shining in the
golden light of sunset, make a picture never to be forgotten.
This city of parks, of broad avenues, of beautiful buildings, belongs to
the Americans who live in the far-distant states as well as to those who
live and work in the capital itself. It is our capital and we may justly
be proud of it, for it is one of the most beautiful cities in all the
world.
=WASHINGTON=
FACTS TO REMEMBER
The capital of the nation.
Population (1910), nearly 350,000 (331,069).
Sixteenth city in rank, according to population.
Center of the federal government of the United States.
Governed entirely by Congress under provision of the Constitution.
Chief offices of every department of the federal government located
here.
Splendid streets, avenues, parks, and monuments.
Many magnificent public buildings.
Very few manufacturing industries.
A city of homes of government employees.
One of the most interesting and beautiful cities in the world.
QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW AND STUDY
1. Give some reasons why every citizen of the United States should be
interested in Washington.
2. What interesting buildings are located here, and for what are they
used?
3. What were some of the reasons for selecting the location of the
capital city?
4. After whom was the city named?
5. In what year did Washington become the capital city, and what
disaster visited it a few years later?
6. Describe the plan of the city, and name one of its famous streets.
7. Name three interesting groups of buildings: one on Capitol Hill,
one on Pennsylvania Avenue, and one in the Mall.
8. What are some of the natural beauties of the city?
9. Give some idea of the size and beauty of the Capitol and of the
imposing ceremony which takes place there every four years.
10. Describe briefly the House of Representatives when in session and
the duties of its members.
11. Where does the Supreme Court of the country sit, and why is it
called the Supreme Court?
12. How does the Senate differ from the House of Representatives? What
are the duties of senators? How many come from each state?
13. Why do we have two lawmaking bodies?
14. Name some of the attractions of the Library of Congress. Tell how
its books are stacked and how they are sent to the Capitol, and
give some facts about the copyright law.
15. Tell what you know of the White House.
16. What two fine buildings are on either side of the White House, and
for what is each used?
17. Describe the making of paper money.
18. What are the duties of the Treasury Department, and what may be
seen in the Treasury vaults?
19. Tell something about the people of Washington, their chief
occupation, and why so many foreign diplomats have their homes
here.
20. How are the city of Washington and the District of Columbia
governed?
21. Name some places of interest in Washington not already mentioned.
22. Describe the splendid monument by which our greatest hero is
honored.
23. Tell why you would like to visit the Smithsonian Institution, the
National Museum, and the Zoölogical Park.
24. Why are Fort Myer, Arlington, and Mount Vernon very interesting to
all citizens of the United States?
25. To whom does the beautiful city of Washington really belong, and
why should we be proud of it?
REFERENCE TABLES
LARGEST CITIES OF THE WORLD ACCORDING TO POPULATION
RANK
London 1
New York 2
Paris 3
Chicago 4
Berlin 5
Tokio 6
Vienna 7
Petrograd 8
Philadelphia 9
Moscow 10
Buenos Ayres 11
Constantinople 12
INCREASE IN POPULATION OF OUR GREAT CITIES--NATIONAL CENSUS