The national whig., 1847-06-29
NATIONAL MONUMENT TO
WASHINGTON.
HEAR THE OTHER SIDE.


tion showing how much has been attempted,
and how little accomplished, in relation TO the
Washington Monument. In the course Of his
remarks, the writer alludes to the fact that
some years ago collection was made thro'-
out the United States, in subscriptions of one
dollar each, for a national monument in Wash
ington City, at which place the proceeds, now
amounting TO $56, 900, are in safe Keeping
He might have added the fact that this money
is well invested, increasing at the rate Of $4,000
per annum, under the direction Of the man
ayers of the National Monument Society, a
body comprising some Of our most distinguish
ed and trustworthy men that new and well
directed effort is about being made by the Hon
Elisha Whittlesey, of Ohio, 10 obtain new
subscriptions; and that Congress viii probably
al the next session, authorize the use OF that
portion Of the mall in front Of the capitol which
was years ago set apart for this purpose-from
all which il follows that there is fair prospect
OF having in course of time, one monument
that rs really national at the city founded by
washington, which is expressly devoted to
national buildings and monuments, and on
ground belonging 10 the Union, in which eve
ry citizen feels equally interested, and 10 which
increasing numbers every year resort, chiefly
1or the purpose Of looking on the great men and
monuments of our counlry's glory.
Now the question arises, is il expedient 10
bulid another monument here--or rather at
tempt the erection Of one-with scarcely dol
lar yet subscribed, and prospect Of long and
troublesome delay2 There are 50 many objects
OF necessity, charity, and utility, 10 which our
citizens are constantly called 10 contribute, tha,
1t will not be found SO easy to collect one hun
dred thousand, or even fifty thousand dollars,
(either Of which sums would be but a begin
Ding, while one fifth OF the amount added 10
The fund at Washington would accomplish
much.) Let il be remembered that, as rene
raj thing, i is not from our wealthy ciiizens
that subscriptions for such purposes come. We
find that the milhonaires on Washington Square
are unwilling to contribute the comparatively
small sumof $40 900 for fountain which would
improve their property, and at the same time be
OF great public benefit, by making that parade
ground what the Champs Eysees Of Paris is
-an attractive and agreeable place Of resort
for the poorer classes, who are unable to go in
TO the country in the summer, and lessening
the inducements TO visit drinking gardens at a
sacrifice Of health and money Some OF these
property holders are even narrow-lninded
~, =, IL
without regard to the fact that those who col
lect IN Union Square are always orderly and
well-behaved, and generally dressed with neat
ness-such are the refining influences Of falling
water. Then look al the Bunker Hill monu
ment How many years did it remain in
half finished state in the midst of a population
where they are famous for liberality to public
objects2
An appeal viii probably be made to state
pride, and the position Of this the largest city
IN the Union. But If such considerations are
to influence, then every State may presen,
them with equal force, and we shall have many
sectional monuments, all rvalling each other,
and nothing emblemalical Of the strength Of
Union, as would be one on grand scale al the
seat OF the government, and near the birth place
of the father of his country. Nor would Q
monument here be witnessed, 10 the long run
by as many citizens from all parts Of the coun.
Try as at Washington-for one hall The sttan
gers who come here never 20 up town, and
still fewer would ever visit Hamilton Square
Every man who goes TO the capital will hav,
il before his eyes, surrounded by memorials o
other great men in the country's history /
we are 10 have anything Of the kind here. lc
j, be grand hospital for wounded or worn on
soldiers The Hotel dcs Iaralides is the proud
est monument OF Louis XVI, at Paris.
VIATOR.