The Old Capitol Gets a Hurried Remodel Before the Legislature Returns

Secretary Weir is fixing up the state capitol in good shape so that it will present an entirely different appearance in the interior on the upper, or senate chamber floor at least, when the legislature meets next January. The last legislature appropriated $2,000 for repairs on the building and a close inspection has shown that they were badly needed. A new roof has already been placed on the old portion of the building. In examining the foundations of the structure it was found that many of the rafters were resting on the extreme edge of soft brick columns and in danger of collapsing. New strong cedar posts are being put in. In the senate chamber the sergeant-at-arms' room and the smoking room on the south are to be torn away, which will enlarge the chamber and make more room for senators as well as spectators. The room on the north, at the head of the stairs, will be fitted up for the sergeant-at-arms room with a door opening into the senate chamber. New rooms for the secretary and his force of enrolling, engrossing and journal clerks will be erected in that portion of the building on the south, which was formerly used as the library. A stairway will also be placed in this part of the building leading to the hall of the representatives. Improvements will also be made in the lower part of the building in order to make the old structure comfortable, as it will undoubtedly have to be used for five or six years longer.