BUILDING THE CAPITOL.
Various Plans for the Building—Jefferson Writes to the
Commissioners—“Poor Hallet” and His Plan—Wanton Destruction by
the British, A. D. 1814—The Site Chosen by Washington
Himself—Imposing Ceremonies at the Foundation—Dedicatory
Inscription on the Silver Plate—Interesting
Festivities—Extension of the Building—Daniel Webster’s
Inscription—His Eloquent and Patriotic Speech—Mistaken
Calculations—First Session of Representatives Sitting in “the
Oven”—Old Capitol Prison—Immense Outlay upon the Wings and
Dome—Compared with St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s—The Goddess of
Liberty—The Congressional Library—What Ought to be Done, 83