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Story
March 19, 1885
The Iowa Plain Dealer
Cresco, New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa
What is this article about?
Description of the poorly protected original presidential manuscripts stored in the U.S. Capitol attic in Washington, including those of Jefferson, Washington, and Monroe, nearly destroyed by a recent fire.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
In the Capitol's Attic
[The Current.]
To those privileged and industrious people who have climbed from the journal clerk's room on the house side up through the Confederate claims and into the attic of the capitol at Washington, the news that the fire of the other day came near destroying priceless public documents will not be surprising; for, next to the roof, on a long shelf, with no more protection than would be given to the stock in the cellar of a second-hand book-store in New York city, stands a row of volumes containing the original manuscripts of the presidents' messages. The visitor may take down a book and peruse the beautiful writing of Thomas Jefferson, which seems as fresh as though it had been written yesterday. The familiar "Geo. Washington" looks out upon him from page after page, and the Monroe doctrine may be seen at its source, showing the reader how great an idea may be forever clothed in a dozen words. Coming down the little iron stairs by short stages, the adventurer wonders if that is a safe place for the things he has seen.
[The Current.]
To those privileged and industrious people who have climbed from the journal clerk's room on the house side up through the Confederate claims and into the attic of the capitol at Washington, the news that the fire of the other day came near destroying priceless public documents will not be surprising; for, next to the roof, on a long shelf, with no more protection than would be given to the stock in the cellar of a second-hand book-store in New York city, stands a row of volumes containing the original manuscripts of the presidents' messages. The visitor may take down a book and peruse the beautiful writing of Thomas Jefferson, which seems as fresh as though it had been written yesterday. The familiar "Geo. Washington" looks out upon him from page after page, and the Monroe doctrine may be seen at its source, showing the reader how great an idea may be forever clothed in a dozen words. Coming down the little iron stairs by short stages, the adventurer wonders if that is a safe place for the things he has seen.
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Survival
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Capitol Attic
Presidential Manuscripts
Historical Documents
Fire Risk
Washington Dc
What entities or persons were involved?
Thomas Jefferson
Geo. Washington
Monroe
Where did it happen?
Attic Of The Capitol At Washington
Story Details
Key Persons
Thomas Jefferson
Geo. Washington
Monroe
Location
Attic Of The Capitol At Washington
Event Date
The Fire Of The Other Day
Story Details
Visitors access original presidential manuscripts stored insecurely in the Capitol attic, including Jefferson's writing, Washington's signatures, and Monroe Doctrine source, nearly lost to a recent fire, raising concerns about their safety.