Page:A tribute to W. W. Corcoran, of Washington City (IA tributetowwcorco00boul).pdf/47

 have bestowed the flowery chaplet beyond these beloved shores, we have still reserved a dainty blossom, with the magic savor of "honor to whom honor is due." This magnificent institution has a frontage of one hundred and four feet on Pennsylvania avenue, and one hundred and twenty-four on Seventeenth street, and is of the Renaissance style of architecture. Many of us have watched with interest the laying of its stones until it was reared into a fitting structure, to meet proudly the bright rays of the midday sun, and the mellowed hues of the twilight heaven. For a time it subserved other purposes than those for which it was destined, but that was at a crisis in our country's history when inexorable war demanded not only public buildings, but the sanctuary of God.

When those dark days were past, Mr. Corcoran inaugurated his splendid gift by a grand ball, given on the anniversary of Washington's birth, its proceeds being devoted to the Washington monument fund. The cost of the entertainment was in accordance with his most liberal and munificent ideas. The time was propitious, the event occurring two years since, during those brilliant days of the carnival, which have left a pleasant memory in the minds of thousands. There had just been celebrated the progress of vast improvements at the National Capital. Our broad and beautiful Pennsylvania avenue had been repaved, and on this grand thoroughfare, vieing with the Champs Elysées, were splendid equipages, gaily caparisoned animals à la Tournament, wheelbarrow and goat racing, and what not, to add to the hilarity of a carnival scene? Nothing was left undone through the generous enterprise of the citizens to make it a complete success, in which they were not disappointed. In conjunction