Expectations Disappointed—Funds Low and People Few—Slow Progress of the City—A Question of Importance Discussed—Generous Proposition of George Washington—Faith Under Difficulties—Transplanting an Entire College—An Old Proposition in a New Shape—What Washington “Society” Lacks—Perils of the Way—A Long Plain of Mud—Egyptian Dreariness—The End of an Expensive Canal—The Water of Tiber Creek—Divided Allegiance of Old—The Stirring of a Nation’s Heart—A Personal Interest, 62 CHAPTER VI. THE WASHINGTON OF THE PRESENT DAY. Hopes Realized—Washington in 1873—Major L’Enfant’s Dream—Old and New—“Modern Improvements”—A City of Palaces—The Capital in all its Glory—Traces of the War—Flowers on the Ramparts—Under the Oaks of Arlington—Ten Years Ago—The Birth of a Century—The Reign of Peace, 72 CHAPTER VII. WHAT MADE NEW WASHINGTON. Municipal Changes—Necessity of Reform—The “Organic Act” Passed—Contest for the Governorship of Columbia District—Mr. Henry D. Cooke Appointed—Board of Public Works Constituted—Great Improvements Made—Opposition—The Board and Its Work, 76 CHAPTER VIII. BUILDING THE CAPITOL. Various Plans for the Building—Jefferson Writes to the Commissioners—“Poor Hallet” and His Plan—Wanton Destruction by the British, A. D. 1814—The Site Chosen by Washington Himself—Imposing Ceremonies at the Foundation—Dedicatory Inscription on the Silver Plate—Interesting Festivities—Extension of the Building—Daniel Webster’s Inscription—His Eloquent and Patriotic Speech—Mistaken Calculations—First Session of Representatives Sitting in “the Oven”—Old Capitol Prison—Immense Outlay upon the Wings and Dome—Compared with St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s—The Goddess of Liberty—The Congressional Library—What Ought to be Done, 83 CHAPTER IX. INSIDE THE CAPITOL. A Visit to the Capitol—The Lower Hall—Its Cool Tranquility—Artistic Treasures—The President’s and Vice-President’s Rooms—The Marble Room—The Senate Chamber—“Men I Have Known”—Hamlin—Foote—Foster—Wade—Colfax—Wilson—The Rotunda—Great Historical Paintings—The Old Hall of Representatives—The New Hall—The Speaker’s Room—Native Art—“The Star of Empire”—A National Picture, 93 CHAPTER X. OUTSIDE THE CAPITOL.