The Senate-chamber is, like the Hall of Congress, a semicircle,
but of very much smaller dimensions. It is most elegantly fitted
up, and what is better still, the senators, generally speaking,
look like gentlemen. They do not wear their hats, and the
activity of youth being happily past, they do not toss their
heels above their heads. I would I could add they do not spit;
but, alas! "I have an oath in heaven," and may not write an
untruth.
A very handsome room, opening on a noble stone balcony is fitted
up as a library for the members. The collection, as far as a
very cursory view could enable me to judge, was very like that of
a private English gentleman, but with less Latin, Greek, and
Italian. This room also is elegantly furnished; rich Brussels
carpet; library tables, with portfolios of engravings; abundance
of sofas, and so on. The view from it is glorious, and it looks
like the abode of luxury and taste.
I can by no means attempt to describe all the apartments of this
immense building, but the magnificent rotunda in the centre must
not be left unnoticed. It is, indeed, a noble hall, a hundred
feet in diameter, and of an imposing loftiness, lighted by an
ample dome.
Almost any pictures (excepting the cartoons) would look paltry in
this room, from the immense height of the walls; but the subjects
of the four pictures which are placed there, are of such high
historic interest that they should certainly have a place
somewhere, as national records.
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