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| THE CITY HALL, DUBLIN. -The above splendid public building was erected after the design of the great Dublin architect of the last century, Thomas Cooley, in 1769. Dr. Charles Lucas, the famous Irish patriot, who preceded Flood and Grattan in public favor, secured the purchase money for the site from the Irish parliament. The money for the structure was raised under the lottery system and by subscription. The edifice was originally called the Royal Exchange, but seems to have been very little used for purposes of trade and finance. It became, however, a favorit meeting place for the people of Dublin, and is its fine hall. Daniel O'Connell, in the year 1800, made his first speech in public on the Irish question. In 1852 the Royal Exchange became the City Hall of Dublin. Here the mayor has his office and the aldermen their place of assembly. The principal front, on Parliament street, consists of an imposing portico, with pediment supported on six Corinthian columns. The western front, on Castle street, has a portico of four Corinthian pillars, but without a pediment. The entablature around the structure is continuous, and there is also an artistic balustrade around the top, except where the pediment interrupts its course. The hall contains statues of O'Connell and Drummond by Hogan-the former a remarbably fine work of art. The statue of Grattan, by Chantrey, is considered excellent of that patriot, and there are many other effigies of historical interest. |
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