Imatges de pàgina
PDF
EPUB

the equestrian statue of Washington ordered by Congress in 1783; and that the map, after General Washington had examined and approved it, was presented by him to Congress.

Near this unfinished monument is the Smithsonian Institution. Its edifice is completed, its system in practical operation, and its annual income thirty thousand dollars. So much easier has it been found to give effect to the bounty of a benevolent foreigner, than to the gratitude of a nation to its founder.

The first object to meet the view, and inspire the patriotic feelings of the visiter to the national metropolis, the Washington Monument will stand before the eyes of the resident or sojourner as a perpetual memorial of him whose whole life was so signal an example of public virtue and patriotism.

On the 4th of July, 1848, the corner-stone was laid. A plan had been selected, after careful consideration of many that were proposed, and your committee highly approve of the design.

It is a noble monument, altogether worthy of the sublime character of which it is to be a grateful testimonial.

Its foundations are deeply, broadly, and securely laid, and are sufficient to support the entire superstructure.

The work, so far as it has been performed, has been faithfully done. It appears to be plain, yet beautiful; and your committee are satisfied that it will be enduring.

Each State and two of the Territories of the Union have contributed a block of marble or stone, inscribed with its arms or some suitable device, and a great many others have been offered by various institutions and societies throughout the land; and several foreign governments have testified their desire to unite in this great work of humanity, intended to commemorate the virtues of its chief ornament and example. The boundaries of Christendom do not limit his fame, which reaches to the remotest parts of the earth, and the most distant and isolated nations have testified their veneration towards his memory. Switzerland, Rome, Bremen, Turkey, Greece, China, and Japan, have piously united to pay their homage to our Washington. Such tributes are our highest trophies. The history of mankind affords no parallel to this.

We feel bound, in this place, especially to commend the zeal and liberality of the Masonic societies, the order of Odd-Fellows, the vafi ous fire companies, and the touching contributions of the children of the schools of the country-all regularly dedicating their affectionate tributes. And the Cherokee and Chickasaw nations of Indians also deserve to be honored for their very liberal donations of money; commemorating also in this the eloquent sentiment of the great chief, Cornplanter, delivered to Washington in 1791: "The voice of the Seneca nation speaks to you, the great Councillor, in whose heart the wise men of all the thirteen Fires have placed their wisdom."

The shaft of the monument now reaches to the height of 170 feet. It is intended to be raised to the full height of 517 feet; so that, when completed, this monument will be proportionate to the character of its subject the loftiest in the world.

The sum of $230,000 has been already expended upon the work,

and the sum of $322,000 will be needed to complete the shaft; while the cost of the whole work, including shaft and pantheon, or base, is estimated to be $1,122,000. Let the present generation at least complete the shaft, and we may then permit those who come after us to finish the whole work.

Your committee have derived this information from the competent officers of the society, its architect, and its agents, who have charge of the work, and who have attended the sittings of the committee, explained the subject, and produced before it their plans, books, accounts, and other evidences of their transactions.

The duties of this society have demanded the constant attention of its members; and it is very gratifying to the committee to state, that neither the president, vice presidents, treasurer, secretary, nor any of the managers or members, have, from its institution, received or desired any compensation whatever. Their services have been, and will continue to be, wholly gratuitous.

We unanimously approve the plan of this monument, and of the work that has been already done; and we bear cheerful testimony to the energy, integrity, economy, and patriotic love which have animated and governed the transactions of this society, and especially we commend the design of building this monument by the voluntary contributions of the people of the United States.

We do not intend to disturb this happy arrangement, or to withdraw from the exclusive jurisdiction and control of so faithful a society the completion of a work so well begun and prosecuted; we trust, and doubt not, that it will go on, with continued attention on the part of the board of managers, and of the people of the whole country.

But at the same time, your committee think that a subscription to aid the work is due by Congress. By the faith of obligations which we have before recited, by the fact that his commission as Commanderin-Chief was bestowed on Washington by Congress, and all his glorious military services performed under their orders and authority, and by the further consideration that a sum subscribed by Congress will probably be the only mode by which each and all of the people of the United States can be said to add their share to this grateful memorial, your committee recommend that the sum of two hundred thousand dollars should be subscribed by Congress on behalf of the people of the United States, to aid the funds of the society. This was the sum devoted to the monument ordered by the resolutions of 1799, and voted by the House of Representatives on the 1st of January, 1801.

In making this recommendation we expressly disclaim engaging for any further aid by Congress to the work, on the distinct ground, that whilst it is proper Congress should make a liberal subscription towards it, yet it is both the right and duty of the people of the United States to complete it.

We cannot doubt that their disposition will prove more than adequate to this result, and that this holy work should hereafter be exclusively committed to them-to the several States, cities, towns, and other organized communities, of the whole country.

Assuring them, as we again do, of its noble proportions and beautyof its solid and enduring plan and materials-of the fidelity of the work done of the integrity, economy, energy, and system, that have marked the duties of the members of this society-and of their disinterested and patriotic zeal, we commend to the care of our countrymen this tribute of a republic's love, admiration, and gratitude towards him who, under the providence of God, was the chief author of its freedom, its dignity, and its happiness.

We report herewith a joint resolution, and subjoin the names of the officers and Board of Managers of the Society.

The Officers and Board of Managers of the Washington National Monument Society-August 1, 1854.

FRANKLIN PIERCE, President of the United States,

and ex officio President.

ARCH. HENDERSON, First Vice President.
*JOHN W. MAURY, Mayor of Washington,

and ex officio Second Vice President.

[blocks in formation]
« AnteriorContinua »