The Sun.
London, England, 1856-09-03 00:00:00

LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 3, 1856.

AWIDOW LADY, possessing a thorough
knowledge of Domestic Management, is most desirous of an
engagernent as CbmpaMon to a Lady, or to superintend the Family
of a Widower or Elderly Gentleman.—Address C. G., 4, Trinity-
street, Blackheath-hilL; Blackheath, Kent.

and Mr. D. Broadhurst, city treasurer. Amongst the
guests were the Rev.' Canon Richson, the Rev. Dr. Vaughan,
the Rev. N. Germ* the. Rev. Wm. Gaskell ; the Hon.
Mr. Wilde; Messrs, W. Fairbairn, C.E., F.R.S. ; Joseph
Whitworth, C.E., Alderman Nicholls, Edmund Buckley,
C. H. Richards, A. Schwabe, S. J. Stern, E. Reuss, James
A. Turner, Malcolm; Ross, Thomas Bazloy, Samuel Fletcher
(Pa ker-street), R. P. Willock, Leopold Reiss, A. Watkin,
G. It. Chappell, T. B. Potter, R. Gladstone, Joseph Heron
(town clerk), R. Stewart, and AV, R. Callender; Captains
Payne and Smith, of the staff; Captains Campbell and
ll►ummond, Royal Artillery; Captains Bloomfield, Spoor,
and Bateman, Lieutenants Kennedy, Hallows, Hervey,
and Ross, Ensigns Terry, Layard, Evans, and Fitzgerald,
and Dr. Beaufoy, 25th Regiment ; Majcr Blackiston,
Captain Taylor, Ise.—During the repast, the fine band of
the 25th Regiment played in the vestibule.
About two o'clock a procession was formed in Cross-
street and in front of the hall, and it moved in the follow-
ing order along Cross•street, to St. Anu's-scruare, Exchange-
street, and Market-street, to the Infirmary area :

A Body of Police. -
Baud of the 25th-Regiment.
Fire Brigade.
Town Hall Messengers, dtc.

About 100 Pensioners—Peninsular and Waterloo veterans,
four abreast, including' 20 ,from Rochdale, who were
these veterans will be found below.]
ire-
ceded by a drum and fife band. some particulars as to
Subscribers to the Memorial.
Churchwardens and Sidesmon of Manchester,
The Salford Corporation.
Lieut.-General Sir Harry Smith, with Officers of the Staff,
on horseback.
The Manchester Corporation, in their robes, headed by James
Watts, Esq., Mayor, and the Town-clerk.
Mr. Alderman Barnes, and the Members of the
Executive Committee. •
Police.

The route, near the Town Hall and the Infirmary, and
generally theoughent, was kept by the poiaiipunder the.
direction o Captain Willis, assisted by Superintendents
f
Sawley, Leary, Saynor, and Taylor. Captain Sheppard,
assistant chief-constable of the county, was also present and
rendered aid. The route was densely crowded; and at many
points Sir Harry Smith was loudly and most heartily
applauded. The old pensioners, too, were frequently re-
ceived with a cordial greeting; and some of the veterans,
returning the compliment, cheered most heartily.
Before the starting of the procession, the 7th Dragoons,
under Lieutenant-Colonel Bentinck, had been drawn up
within the Infirmary area, between the Portland-street
corner and the building; while the 25th Regiment, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Wells, was drawn up, two deep, along
the front and the Portland-street end.
On reaching- the area, tho mayor, with Mr. Alderman
Barnes, the Lord Bishop, Sir Harry Smith, and others,
took their places upon a slightly raised platform ; while
the members of the two corporations, the pensioners, &c.,
formed within the enclosed space. All being ready for the
ceremony,
Mr. Alderman BARNES said—Mr. Mayor, my Lord
Bishop, and gentlemen,—When, about four years ago, the
Duke of Wellington died, England, and not England only,
felt that she had lost ono of her noblest and most devoted
sons. (Hear, hear.) Wellington, after a life of devoted.
ness to his country, during the course of which he had
rendered unprece tented and unparalleled service, both as a
statesman and as a warrior, could not he expected to be
allowed to pass away without having some suitable
memorial erected to his memory in the city of Man.
cheater. (Applause.) The inhabitants of this city at
once met, and in a very short time freely raised upwards
of 7,0001. for the purpose of securing a monument, if not
worthy of the occasion, at least one that would convey to
future ages the fact that the services of a Wellington had
not been ungratefully received by the citizens of Man-
chester. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) As the mayor of
this city at that time, I had the honour of presiding over
the proceedings of the committee then appointed, whose
labours are this day brought, and I hope successfully, to a
close. (Applause.) I do unfeignedly regret that an indivi-
dual more able than myself does not occupy my position ;
but I feel proud that I am permitted, however imperfectly,
to take any part in the proceedings of this day. Happily,
eloquence is not required; though all must feel that it is a
glorious and inspiring theme. (Hear.) We are mot to act,
not to talk. The scene around us is sufficiently suggestive;
And any words of mine would miserably foil to give even an
imperfect expression to the ehouelits which I am sure must
now be stirring within every breast. (Hear, hear.) It is
difficult to say whether it is in the character of a victori-
ous and successful warrior, or of a prudent and far-seeing
statesman, that the memory of the great Wellington will
be most prized by his graceful and admiring countrymen.
But we shall see him represented in this admirable memo-
rial risotto of ourselves. We shall recognise the well-known
features, whilst we shall be well reminded of that indomit-
able valour, which, ever aided and directed by extraordi-
' nary wisdom, secured for himself immortal fame, and ob-
tained, happily for England, and f may say for the world
at larg e that peace which had been so long uakr • .vn, and
which brought in its train happiness and content to this
country. (Hear, hoer) It is now my gratifying duty,
Mr. Mayor, on behalf of the committee and of the sub-
scribers, to deliver over to you, as the representative of the
corp( ratien of the city of Manchester, the memorial about
to be mayoiled, of which I know the corporation will be-
come the faithful guardians.
The MAYOR then stood forward and said -In the name
and on behalf of the corporation of this city, I now accept
from the hands of Mr. Alderman Barnes this beautiful
memorial, which you will see as some as it lentils-piled ;
and I can assure him that in *committing it to the care of
the corporation of Manch ester, ho will find that it will be
preserved, as he wishes it shall be, to the latest
time. (Hear.) It would ill become me to detain you, as
I know that one is to fellow roe «ho will speak of the me-
rits of that statue much better than I can do. However,
I hope that, whon our Manchester friends thus see one
statue rai: ed up after another to adorn the city, they will,
when called upon in future days to subscribe for other
noble and generous objects, be spurred on by the desire to
see our town decorated with works of art such as the one
that has just been presented. (Hoar.) I now at once
command that the statue bo unveiled.
The canvas covering in which the statue had up to this
moment been enveloped was here withdrawn, and a simul-
taneous burst of cheering arose from the whole of the vast
assemblage. The scone was one not soon to be forgotten.
Everywhere around, in the streets, on the house tops and
balconies, on the esplanade, and in the enclosure of the
Infirmary, were vast crowds of spectators, of whom the
jadies formed no inconsiderable portion. The sun shone
forth brilliantly, and rendered more dazzling the goy uni-
forms of the 7th Dragoons, and of the numerous officers
who were near the platform. The statue of the great duke,
fresh from the hands of the sculptor, appeared to perfec-
tion; and the admiration of all who gazed upon it was
sufficiently evinced by the enthusiastic cheers which fol-
lowed its uncovering. The two military bands played the
National Anthem, and the cheers were long continued.
When they subsided--
The Lord Bishop of .....-ArANOEIESTER said : Mr. Mayor and
gentlemen,—You have done well and wisely to-day, in
handing down to posterity a record of that admiration and
gratitude which public and private virtue ever receive at
the hands of Englishmen. (Cheers.) And you have done it
with peculiar propriety on this occasion, in the presence of
one who has shown that he was no unworthy pupil of
Wellington—renewed cheers—one who fought that battle
in which he acknowledged that the God of victory was
with the forces of Victoria—that battle of which the Duke
himself declared that, though he had read many an ac-
count of many, a battle, he had read none of any battle in
which more ability, energy, and experience were displayed.
(Applause.) I. liave promised not to detain you long ; soI
ask you at once to join with me in rendering your tribute
of approbation and thanks to bin whose artistic skill has
enabled us to carry out this great, this good, this noble
work—this lesson to posterity, that hero, among the other
eminent men whom this city delights to honour, we can
show how pure virtue, simple greatness and, grandeur, un-
blemished integrity and military skill, united with civil
ability, are remembered and rewarded at the hands of
Englishmen. (Hear, hear.) I call upon you for three
cheers for Mr. Noble.
This call having been enthusiastically responded to—
Lieutenant-general Sir HARRY Seam, who was receiv-
ed with great applause, said—Mr. Mayor, my Lord Bishop,
and gentlemen of Manchester,—l owe my all to his Grace
the Duke of Wellington in my military career, as his
country does all the honour and the long peace of 40 years
which his sword achieved for us. (Hear.) Gentlemen of
Manchester, I am proud to see this statue erected to his
immortal memory. Thera is no man on earth who desired
to exist in the hearts of the people as he did, by the un-
daunted courage, sagacity, disinterestedness, and honesty,
which he ever showed. (Applause.) Proud am I, in the
midst of this great city, to be complimented by a man of
the great ability of the Lord Bishop of Manchester, Wu-
much as he has publicly again declared the sentiments en-
tertained of me by my immortal master. I thank you, my
lord bishop, for reviving those feelings, although to the last
breath I draw they cannot cease to exist in my bosom.
(Then, looking to the statue, Sir Harry said), I feel grate-
ful to you, my noble duke, aye, as grateful individually as
your country ought to do, and does, to you generally as a.
hero, as a general, and as a statesman. (Loud cheers,) Long
may the city of Manchester flourish, as it now does, in that
devoted loyalty to our Queen and country, which is as con-
spicuous hero as in any part of her Majesty's widely-ex-
tended dominions. (Applause.)
The MAYOR thou called for three cheers for the Queen,
which were heartily given, and followed by three cheers
for his worship.
Mr. NOBLE here stepped forward, and bowed his ac-
knowledgments to the company, who had repeatedly called
for him ; and the ceremony concluded.
The fountains were set plaving as. soon as the memorial
had been exposed, and some little cennnotion was thus
caused amongst those surrounding the basins; but no mei-
dent resulted. For a considerable time after the officials,
the military, Esc., had left 'the groued,Piccadilly remained
crowded; but gradually the immense concourse of persons
separated, and traffic (which 'had been suspended in the
neighbourhood) was resumed. The fountains continued
playing until dusk ; and until they' ceased the area was
constantly crowded, and on all hands loud expressions of
admiration were heard, they being pretty equally divided
between the fountains and the memorial. The fountains
played admirably.

pre-eminent manner in which these were brought out in the
character of Wellington is too well known to need explana-
tion here, and it is sufficient to state that they are personi-
fied in the design by the figures of Minerva and Mars, im-
agined and composed, it is humbly trusted, in such a way as
to impart to the mind a high and honourable feelinT. The
results of these great qualities were Victory and Peace—the
victory of Britain over her foes, and a peace given to Europe ,
perhaps unparalleled in history. These two main results are
per,onified by an abstract figure of each, designed to corre-
spond and accord in sentiment with the two former figures.
Of the chief events in the public life of Wellington, illustrated
in the design, four are represented in bas-reliefoon Die large
plinth supporting the column, giving respectively the battle
of Assaye, the battle of Waterloo (in each of which the Duke
is sem on horseback, and in the first with the horse just
shot under him), his presence at the congress of Vienna, and
his receiving in person the thanks of the House of Commons,
on the memorable occasion in the year 181 A. On the sum-
mit of the column is placed a colossal statue of the great
duke himself, designed to give an idea of the moment when
he stood erect and calm after having delivered the following
impressive words in the House of Lords :—" I am one of those
who have probably passed a longer period of my life engaged
in war than most men, and principally in civil war ; and
I must siy this, that if I could avoid, by any sacrifice what-
ever, even one month of civil war in the country to which I
an attached—l would sacrifice my life in order to do it :'—
words not likely to be soon forgotten.--In a small design of
this kind, there is of course little more than a bare idea of
the intention given."

In carrying out the original conception of the composi-
tion, Mr. Noble has represented the Wellington of later
days, when, to the renown of the warrior, he had added
mach of the wisdom and sagacious prudence of the states-
man, and in both capacities had come to bo venerated by
his fellow-subjects as a man who had devoted a long, ac-
tive, and brilliant life to the service of his country and to
the fulfilment of every high and every minor duty. Un-
covered, and attired in the well-remembered military frock
(a badge of some order on the left breast.) with tight cravat
or stock, slightly steeping, aiid looking down Wards, as
when addressing the House of Lords in the memorable
speech cited by Mr. Noble—the duke's statue is one that
in future generations will "give the world assurance of
the man." His right arm is declined, that hand grasping
some Parliamentary papers; while the left arm rests on
the top of a pedestal, over which his military cloak has
been thrown, the folds of which, continued to the feet,
give the advantage of drapery to the lower part of the
figure, and conceal the sharp stiff lines that would other-
wise be left by the skirts of his frock. This, while it adds
to the dignity of the composition, gives material strength
and support to the pile of gnu-metal forming the statue.
Behind the right foot, and resting on the lower folds of
the cloak, are several volumes of the collected despatches,
edited by Col. Gurwood. Stich are the few and appropriate
accessories of the figure. As a portrait statue the work is
really marvellous in its fidelity ; and it must at once claim
the;admiration of thousands to whom the Duke's person, pe-
culiar bearing, and features were familiar during the last 10
or 15 years of his life. The-face is slightly turned to his right,
and when its profile is caught in clear reli?f against the
sky, his prominent features are at onco recalle 1 in a colos-
sal portraiture most satisfactory in its faithfulness and
truth. But the statue is more than a portrait ; it is a work
of art, a historical embodiment, that. may take its place by
the side of any public statue of the present day.
The four subordinate figures are seated at the foot of the
pedestal. To Mr. Noble's description we may add that
Mars or Talour (the proportions of which are slightly
more colossal than those of the other three subordinate
figures, which are female, as due to his sex and herculean
physique) is the front figure to the spectator's left;
Minerva or Wisdom being the corresponding figure to the
right. The two other figures are—Tictory in the rear of
Mars, and Peace behind (as in the train of) Wisdom or
Minerva. Mars, wearing the antique helmet, is seated on
a rock, his right hand holding a straight, short Roman
sword, sheathed, and the point resting on the ground. The
only drapery is the chlamys, the most picturesque and
elegant of antique cloaks,—fastened by a fibula, or ancient
brooch on the right shoulder, and falling in graceful folds
around his oval shield, upon which rests his left hand.
Minerva (the type of Wisdom), looking towards Mars, with
her right hand pointing to the name " Wellington" (cut
in the front of the plinth, in red Egyptian capitals), seems
to connect the two front figures, in duo subordination to
the principal subject, of which they are embodied at-
tributes. The goddess of wisdom, fully draped. is also
*limed, and the ./Egis appears on her sandals. Victory,
in the rear of Mars, being the figure next Putt:an:l-
-street, is fully draped, and wears a laurel chaplet ; she
holds in one hand a wreath of oak leaves, and iu the
other the palms of triumph, with which to crown and
adorn the victor ; while the eyes, turned towards Peace,
seem to indicate that if victory be the warrior eeuerdou, so
is p3aco the highest meed of victory. Peace behind Mi-
nerva, is a chaste and lovely figure, fully draped, with the
cornucopia or horn of plenty at her feet, as typical of the
blessings of prosperity in her train. Her heavenward
eyes, with her left hand resting upon her bosom, while
the right grasps the symboPc olive branch—all give a tone
of gentleness, purity, and devotion to this figure, which
has been greatly admired.
The pedestal, which is throughout a fine specimen of
the Aberdeen granite, is square, canted; the four subor-
dinate figures being placed on small projecting pedestals,
one at each angle of -the chief pedestal. These minor pe-
destals have their fronts slightly convex, as if segments
of a circle. The whole stands on a graded base of th: ee
stops, of sufficient breadth to add to the general effect;
_its upper else is gonneved, and its extent keeps the subor-
dinate figures from being too closely approached by the
spectators.
The inscriptions on the chief pedestal are : —On the plinth
in front, the sole word " Wellington," in deeply-incisod
Egyptian capitals, coloured red. On the side towards
Mosley-street, between Minerva and Peace, "Born Ally 1,
1769; died Sept. 14, 1852." On the side next Portland-
street, "Erected by public subscription, 1856." The plinth
in the rear is left blank.
We may repeat, as items in the account, that the sta-
tue of the duke alone weighs five tons. The aggregate
weight of metal in the whole being about ten tons. All
the bronze castings were executed by Messrs. Robinson
and Cottam, at their Pimlico works, and the Wellington
statue is believed to be one of the largest dimensious of
any that have passed under their care. The granite pe-
destal weighs about 100 tons. Its height, with the graded
base, is about 19 feet, and the statue of Wellington is 13
feet, giving a total height of 32 feat. The statue of Sir
Robert Peel, recently elevated some 3 feet 3 inches above
its original height, has now a total altitude of 25 feet 9
inches.
Of the bas-reliefs, as they will not be placed for some
little time, we can only indicate the subjects, and their
relative positions in panels preparedfor them in the plinth
of tho pedestal. The battle of Assay°, the youne. Wel-
lington's great Indian victory (fought September 21;1803),
will be on the rear face; the battle of Waterloo, which
was Wellington's crowning martial achievement, giving
peace to Europe (fought 18th Jane, 1815), in the front
face. Between Mars and Victory (next Portland street) is
a representation of the Congress of Vienna (held Nov. 3,
1814), whore the duke sat as plenipotentiary of Great Bri-
tain ; and, between Minerva and Peace, the duke receiv-
ing the thanks of the House of Commons in 1814.
The character of the -Wklington memorial, as a whole,
is that of a simple and graceful grandeur. It has great
breadth and vigour of outline, and while both the statue
and the figures below have an expression of animation
given to them by their pose, attitude, and gesture, there
is diffused throughout an air of dignified repose, which
seems befitting a civic monument to tho memory of an
aged and venerated hero. We have heard but one opinion
of the work—that it is one which does honour to the
sculptor, and will be a memorial worthy of the man com-
memorated, and of the city which thus gives outward ex-
pression to its deep-seated feelings of gratitude, regard,
and admiration.