The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-06-22
MR.. WEBSTER'S GRAFTON.

duty has been performed. A work of attitude
and patriotism is completed. This structure, having
its foundations ia soil, which drank deep OF cary
revolutionary blood has al length reached lis destin
ed height, and now lifts its submit 10 the skies
We have assembled to celebrate the accomplish
ment OF this undertaking. and TO indulge, airesh, III
the recollection OF the great event. which IL design
edtto commemorate. Eighteen years, more than hall
the ordinary duration OF a generation OF mankind,
have elapsed since the corner stone OF this monu-
ment laid. The hopes OF its projectors rested
voluntary contributions private munlhcence, and
the general favor of the public These hopes have
moi been disappointed. Donations have been made |
by individual, in cases OF large amount, and
smaller contributed by thousands. All who
regard the object Itself important, and its accom-
plishment, therefore, as good attained will enter
tain sincere respect and gratitude for the unweared
efforts of the successive Presidents Boards of DIrec
tor, and Committees of the Assocation which has
had the general control Of the work. The Architect,
equally entitled TO thanks and commentator,
will iid other reward, also for his labor and skill
IN he beauty and elegance of the obesk itself and
the distinction which, as work OF art, coniers on
him.
At period when the prospects Of further progress
In the undertaking were gloomy and discouraging,
The Mechanic Association, by most praiseworthA
and vigorous effort, rasei new funds for carrying
forward, and them applied with fidelity, econo-
my and skill. 1t is grateful duty to make public
acknowledgements OF such timely and efficient and.
The last effort and the last contribution, were from
different source. Garlands of grace and elegance
were destined to work, which had its
mencsment in manly patriotism. The Winning pow
er OF the sex addressed itself to the public, aud all
that was needle TO carry the monument to its propos
ed height, and give to it its finish, promptly sup
piled. The mothers and the daughters of the land
contributed thus, most successfully to whatever OF
beauty Is in the obelisk ITSELF or whatever of utility
and public benefit and qualification in its completion.
Or those, with whom the plan of erecting on this
spot monument, worthy OF the event to be com
memorated, originated, many are now present; but
others, alas! have themselves become subjects OF
monumental inscription. William Tudor,
cOmpished scholar, distinguished writer most
amlabe man, allied, both by birth and sentiment, TO
the patriots OF the Revolt luton, died, while public
service abroad and lies buried in foreign land
William Sullivan, fragrant of revolutionary
merit, and of public service and public virtue, who
himself partook, in high degree Of the respect and
confidence OF the community, and yet was always
most loved where best known, has also been gather
ed 10 his fathers. And last George Blake, lawyer
of learning and eloquence, man of wit and of Ia
lent Of social qualities the most agreeable and fascl
mating, and of gifts which enabled him to exercise
large sway over public assemblies, has closed his hui
man career know that in the crowds before me,
there those, from whose eyes copous tears will
flow, at the mention Of these names. But such men
ton is due to their general character, their public
and private virtues and especially on this occasion,
TO the spirit and zeal with which they entered into
the undertaking, which is completed.
have spoken only Of those who are not now num-
bered with the living. But long life, now drawing
towards It's close always stingu-hed by acts pub
TIC spirit, humanity, and charity forming character
which has already become historical and sa net fec
by public regard and by the affection of friends ma,
confer, even on the living. The proper immunity Of
the dead and be the fit subject of honorable ion
and warm commendarion. Of the early projectors OF
the design of this monument, one of the most pro
inent the most jealous, and the most efficient, is
Thomas II. Perkins. 1t was beneath his ever hospi-
table roof that those whom l have me ntioned, and
others yet living and present, wing assembled
Tor the iurpose adopted the first step towards erecting
monument on Bunker Hill. Long may he remain
with unimpaired facu s. in the field of his use
funess His charities have distilled like the dews
heaven; he has fed the hungry, and clothed the
naked be has given SIG TO the blind and for such
virtues there Is a reward on high of which all hu
man memorials, ali language OF brass and stone,
but humble types and attempted limitations.
lime and nature have had their course, in dimn
ishiDg the number of those whom we met here on
the 18th of June 1925. Most of the evolutionary
characters then present have since ceased and La
faye,te sleeps In his native land. Yet the and
blood OF Warren are with US; the kindred of Putnam
are also here; and near me, universally beloved for
his character and his virtues, and venerable fol
his years. sits the Of the and daring
Prescott. GIDEON Foster, of Danvers Enos Rey
nolds, of Bedford, Phineas Johnson, Robert An
drews Elijah Dresser, Josiah Cleave!and Jesse Smith
Philip Bagley, Needham Maynard, Roger Plai-,ed
Joseph Stephens, Nehemiah Porter and james Hai-
sey, who bore arms for their country either at Com
cord and Lex ngton, the 18Th of A pr or on Bun-
ker Hill all now far advanced in age have come
here to-day, to look the field Of the ex-
ercise OF their valor, and TO receive hearty outpour
ing of our respect.
They have log outIived the troubles and dangers
Of The Revolution they have ou,,,ved the evils arising
from the want of united nd Efficient Cove nm, nj
they have outived the tendency of imminent dangers
T. the public liberty they have ouilived nearly all
their contemporaries but they have not ouiliyed-
they cannot outlivehe alectonate gratitude of hei
country. Heaven has allotted TO this generation
an opportunity of rendering high services and mani
iesiog strong personal devotion such as they rem
dered and manifested, and in such cause as reused
the patriotic fires of Their youthful breasts and nerved
the strength of their But may praise what
we cannot equal, and celebrate actions which we
were not bora TO perform. Puirtrua est benefacere
yepubfic7e, etiam bene deere baud
The Bunker Hill monument is finished. Here il
stands. Fortunate in the natural emnence on which
1t is placed-h'gher, infinitely higher in its objects
and purpose, it rises the land and over he sea
and visible, at their homes to three hundred thousand
citizens of Massacbusetts-it staIds, memorial of
the last and monitor TO the present, and all succeed
ing generations. have spoken of the holiness of its
purpose. IL 1t had been without any other design
than the creation of work OF art, the granite of
which IT is composed would have slept in ITS native
bed III has purpose, and that purpose gives it cha
racter. That purpose enrobes it with dignity and
moral grandeur. That well known purpose it is
which causes US 10 look up TO it with feeling of
awe. II is itself the orator of this occasions it not
from my lips, it is not from any human lips that that
strain OF eloqueDce j. this day to How most compe-
tent to move and excite the mutitudcs around
The potent speaker stands motionless before them
Ii Is IJan shaft. Ii bears Inscriptions fronting
10 the rising sun, from which the future antiquarian
shall wipe the dust Nor does the rising sun cause
tones o. music to issue from its summit BIT at TIE
rising of the SUM- and at the setting Of the SUM- in the
blaze Of MONDAY and beneath the miIder eff,lgence
OF lunar light it looks it speaks, it acts, to the full
comhrehension Of every American mind and the
awakening OF glowing enthusiasm in every American
heart 1te silent, but awful uttersnce its deep pa
thos, as IT brings TO our contemplation the 18th of
June, J775, and the consequences which have result
ed to US, to our country, and to the world, from
the events Of that day, and which know must con.
time to gain influence on the destinies of mankind to
erda Of linn. he