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The capitol is the story, in marble, of mankind. Its physical outlines
suggest this—sprawling inarticulate humanity drawn up finally into
strength and beauty. To amplify the story in words would mean great book
piled on great book. For every mosaic, every panel and every rising
pillar holds the tale of some great struggle or advance in the life of
man. At last the story is brought down to Nebraska—its pioneers, its
buffalo, its Indians, its corn and wheat. But before Nebraska comes the
whole great panorama of mankind. The upward struggle toward a high
ethical code, toward religion, is pictured in great movements or
incidents of history.
The western group of nine panels seen from the promenade describes the
development of law in the ancient world: Moses bringing the law to Mount
Sinai; Deborah judging Israel; judgment of Solomon; Solon giving a new
constitution to the Athenians, publishing of the law of the twelve
tables in Rome; establishment of the tribunate of the people; Plato
writing his dialog on the ideal republic; Orestes before the
Areopagites; codification of Roman law under Justinian. On the south
wall of the promenade are panels showing the magna carta, signing of the
declaration of independence and writing of the constitution. The eastern
group describes development of law in the modern and western world,
panels including codification of Anglo-Saxon law, Milton defending free
speech, signing of the Pilgrim compact, Lincoln’s emancipation
proclamation, the Kansas-Nebraska bill and admission of Nebraska as a
state.
At the upper corners of the tower eight sculptured figures represent
spiritual leaders of civilization, including the prophet Ezekiel,
Socrates, Marcus Aurelius, St. John, St. Louis, Isaac Newton and Abraham
Lincoln. Abstract virtues, Wisdom, Justice, Power, Mercy are represented
as human figures at the north entrance.