The first attempt to determine longitude by telegraph also was made in this building in 1846. Earlier in the century a building stood here in which the first theatrical performance in the National Capital was given. The site, too, was at one time considered for the Botanic Garden. Until 1880 this section was the residential district of the city. During the World War the building was occupied by Gen. Enoch Crowder, in charge of the National Selective Draft Board. On his return from France, General Pershing made it his headquarters. Since his retirement the building has been occupied in part by the United States Tariff Commission. OLD PATENT OFFICE BUILDING [Illustration: DR. WILLIAM THORNTON] The original two buildings burned, whereupon Congress authorized the erection of a new Patent Office Building according to the designs of Robert Mills, architect. The present building was begun in 1837 and completed in 1867. Doctor Thornton was the first Commissioner. It occupies two squares, at Seventh and Ninth and F and G Streets NW., at the site where L’Enfant had indicated in his plan there should be a great national church. It is a monumental marble building, Doric in its style of architecture, and with its large pediments and columns--in design and size like those of the Parthenon--creates the impression of simple dignity and beauty that is eternal. Models of American inventions to the number of 200,000 were kept in this building until the new National Museum was built. The Patent Office has been moved into the new Department of Commerce Building. It is one of the large bureaus of the Department of Commerce. THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT On August 7, 1783, the year that witnessed the treaty of peace at Paris, Congress ordered-- That an equestrian statue of General Washington be erected at the place where Congress shall be established, * * * in honor of George Washington, the illustrious Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States of America during the War which vindicated and secured their liberty, sovereignty, and independence. [Illustration: OLD PATENT OFFICE BUILDING, NOW CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION BUILDING] But no action was taken to carry out this legislation. The monument was to have been executed by Ceracchi, a Roman sculptor, and paid for by contributions of individuals. As has been mentioned, a site for it was marked on the L’Enfant map of the city of Washington at the intersection on the Mall of the axis of the Capitol and the White House. As President, by his wise administration of the affairs of the new Republic, General Washington so added to his fame and so won the gratitude of his countrymen that on his death a select joint committee of both Houses of Congress was appointed to consider a suitable manner of paying honor to his memory. Thus, on December 23, 1799, on motion of John Marshall in the House of Representatives, it was resolved by Congress--