Page:Abbot's Guide to Ottawa.djvu/35

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ing session the library is open continuously at other times, on week days, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LIBRARY OF PARLIAMENT

Leaving the Library and continuing to the right, the Commons chamber is reached. The difference between the Commons and Senate chamber, as regards seating, will be noticed. The members of the Press occupy the gallery above the Speaker's chair. Portraits of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra (by Forbes, a Canadian artist) will be seen at the ends of the chamber.

The remaining portions of the building are used chiefly for offices, committee rooms and Ministers and Members private rooms.

The tower, which is open from 10 to 4, is ascended by winding staircases. On the way up will be seen the clock, with its 14 foot pendulum. Each hour is struck with a 50 lb. weight on a bell weighing a ton. The dials are 8 feet in diameter. The long climb is well rewarded by the views from the top, which can hardly be surpassed on the continent. The country for miles around

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