tain Hull. On the face of the former is a likeness of the General with the inscription, "Horatio Gates, duci strenuo." The reverse contains a representation of the surrender of Burgoyne, with the words at top, "Salus regianum septentrional;" and beneath, the legend, "Haste ad Saratogam in deditionem accepto." On the other medal, there is a good likeness of Captain Hull, with the motto,-" Perilos arte superat certamine fortis." The reverse exhibits the action between the Constitution and Guerriere, with the classical inscription" Hora momento victoria."

The library committee, we rejoice to learn, has recently passed a resolution, authorizing the librarian to procure copies of all the medals struck, naval and military, by a resolve of Congress, executed by M. Furst, to be purchased and placed in the national library.

The apartment for the accommodation of the Supreme Court, on the basement story of the north wing, immediately below the senate-room, is of a semicircular shape, with the windows to the east to admit the light, which enters awkwardly and feebly, at the backs of the judges, on the bench. The arches in the ceiling diverge like the radii of a circle, from a point over the justice seat, to the circumference. On the wall is an emblem of justice, holding her scales, in bold relief, and also a figure of Fame, crowned with the rising sun, and pointing to the Constitution of the United States. The members of the bar are conveniently accommodated with seats and desks in the body of the apartment; and the visiters are furnished with

rows of benches on the right and left wings of the centre of the court.

The chief justice sits in the centre of the six associate justices-all clothed in black gowns or robes.

731

EAST FRONT-TYMPANUM.

The Genius of America occupies the centre of the group. Her figure, like that of all the others, is colossal, and fully covered with drapery. She stands on a broad unadorned plinth, and her right hand holds a shield, inscribed in the centre with the letters U. S. A. surrounded with a glory. The shield, which is of an oval form, rests on a slender altar, on the front of which is an oaken wreath in bas relief, with the words " July 4, 1776," within it. Behind her rests a spear. Her head, crowned with a star, is turned over her left shoulder toward the figure of Hope, to whose animated address she seems to be listening with attention, but with calm self-possession. Hope is an enchanting, airy figure, full of fire. She gazes upon the Genius with smiles, lifts her right arm and hand into the air, as in an attitude of delighted anticipation, while she seems to be dwelling on the rising glories and all the halcyon prospects of the republic. Her left elbow rests on the stock of an anchor, and the left hand is bent upwards, grasping in her eagerness, a part of her drapery. But the Genius, to whom she speaks, instead of catching her enthusiasm, points with emphatic dignity to the object on her right. This is Justice: a cold chastened figure,

with eyes raised toward heaven, holding in her right hand an unrolling scroll, on which the words "Constitution of the United States" appear in raised letters of gold. Her left arm is elevated, and bears the scales. She has neither bandage nor sword; for in our free and happy country, Justice is clear-sighted, and stands with open face, respecting and comparing the rights of all; and it is in this, rather than in her punitive energies that she is the object of the veneration of freemen. The moral of the whole is just and striking. However Hope may flatter, America will regard only that prosperity which is founded on public right, and the preservation of the Constitution.-Such is the design and the execution is worthy of it. The figures have grace and elevation; much of the "mens divinior" which is about the works of the ancients. The artist at first contemplated giving more of nudity; but he was warned that the public sentiment in this country would not admit of it, and in his caution, he has gone into the opposite The head of Justice is covered with fa fold of her mantle, which projects in a graceful form, and which, could the sun reach these figures when at the necessary elevation, would cast a fine shadow on the upper part of the countenance. But it happens, unfortunately, that this can never take place as, before he climbs to that angle, the pediment is either partially shaded by the cornice, or, together with the whole eastern front of the building, deserted by his rays altogether. The Eagle, which is at the feet of the Genius, and between her and the figure of Hope, is one of the most mas

extreme.