PICTURESQUE WORLD’S FAIR. AN ELABORATE COLLECTION OF COLORED VIEWS

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UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT BUILDING.—Undoubtedly, buildings which were artistic and architectural successes have been erected by the United States Government, but they have been the exception rather than the rule. The Government Building at the Columbian Exposition was not one of the exceptions. It is not unfair to say of it that it fell far below the standard of excellence of the great buildings about it. It was not in tone with them nor the product of such genius. It was big and not absolutely offensive of aspect, but it did not belong to the nobility. There are some things which such a group as made the World’s Fair can do a great deal better than the Government of the United States. The building was four hundred and fifteen feet by three hundred and forty-five feet in dimensions, and was erected at a cost of $325,000. The style of architecture was classic, and the prominent feature was the central dome, one hundred and twenty feet in diameter, and one hundred and fifty feet in height. This was of steel, was borne on sixteen columns, and was a fine specimen of engineering work. The location of the building, between the east lagoon and Lake Michigan, made it particularly conspicuous, and the view here given, taken from a point to the northwest, shows the northern and western facades to advantage. The national bird, the eagle, was prominent in the exterior decoration, and the interior was embellished by admirable panels with paintings illustrative of the arts and industries and of the occasion celebrated.

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