The republic., 1851-07-07

this its seventy fifth anniversary. in the Me-
tropoissof the Union-not as did our indomita bic
predecessors, surrounded by threatening bavo-
nets and defiant menaces-not with dread fears
OF the consequences Of actions through "A
dark and uncertain future, but with the ey'-
dences OF peace, plenty, and temperance on
every side; in the presence Of the honored Head Of
the people, TO unite with him in celebrating the oc-
casion by an act OF reverence TO the memory OF
who stood hrst among the generous and brave men
who fought for the privileges We now enjoy, and
| who, though long numbered with the departed Of
earth, Is still among our hearts most cherished
idols.
To no mortal being is the homage and venera-
ton of people more justly due than to the men,
ory of George Washington. Every days expert
ence Immensely increases the valuo of his exer
Mons IN our behalf and time, il rolls unceasng-
~ onward, but brightens the lustre of his virtues
ana adds new rays to the star of his fame. The
nation has, therefore, nobly and wisely determined
70 honor their champion and his glorious Deeds by
the erection OF monument which shall stand as
long as the world stands in silent but impressive
grandeur, an emblem of his greatness, and of the
| love and admiration of his grateful countrymen
And 1t is a beautiful feature of this sublime en-
erprise that States, corporations associations and
individuals permitted to participate in its erec-
ton, to lay upon the proud ascending pile their
otferings-the North, the South, ther E&st and the
West each telling its own gratitude, and all here
| commingling in perpetual and harmonious unison
in praise of the goodness and greatness of Wash
ington.
| The nations of the Old World have ever taken
delight in concentrating the services, imagina-
ry real, Of their public servants and titled cit-
zens. Art and science have bowed to the sum
mons OF wealth. and yielded their highest triumphs
in honor of the dead II is meet therefore that the
American nation should decree 10 The memory of
Washington a Monument, not to pcrpetuate his
name, for that is immortalized; not to commemo-
rate the actions which he performed for they stand
acknowledged and gloriously conspicuous before
the world; not as an empty compliment to prece-
dent, for that were valueess; but to represent the
gratitude of the people, and their appreciation Of
his magnificent services.
Proudly distinct from all similar constructions
shall be the National Washington Monument
With its firm foundations deep in the soil of free
dom and its topInost stone in the midst Of Free
doms skies ascending to its destination, as it will,
by no compulsory tribute, wrung from an OPP
pressed and over-taxed people, but by their free
and voluntary offerings, it shall stand forth unique
and excellent, the concentrated gift of gratitude
TO virtue-of united nation, to nations great
benefaotor.
In aid of this beautiful design, portion of the
citizens OF the State of Pennsylvania approach
your excellency, and the honorable board of man
ayers who disinteresedly superintend this noble
enterprise, upon this bright occasion, to ask your
acceptance OF an humble contribution We be-
long to fraternity which is largely represented
In every portion Of the Union, whose principles
are Love to man, Purity of purpose, and Fidelity
to our country and her laws; and whose aim is TO
preserve our country's glories from the insdous
and baneful contaminations of intemperance.
Awaiting ourselves of the privilege extended to as
sociated bodies, have caused to be prepared the
block OF native marble which we have brought
hither.
That it might be ornamental, and in some nea-
sure typical Of the close xon existing between
liberty and temperance, we have had Inscribed
upon Its virgin surface simple, but truthful alle-
CORY. One of the graceful maidens to whom our ar
tist has given 80 much Of life and beauty represents
the Goddess of Liberty, clad in the star gemmed
nag Oh the Tree, with her staff and shield in her
hands; and the other represents the Genius of Tenn
perance reclining against fountain. Their
positions were chosen with view to the ap-
Propriate expression of the sentiment uttered
Dy .ne iatter; The surest safeguard of the
Liberties OF the people is total abstinence from
all that intoxlcates." The bust of Washington
upon the shield of liberty, and the gushing foun.
tain beside the Genius of Temperance, are em-
bematical OF the goodness of the one and the pu-
rifying and elevating tendencies of the other The
smoking censer, and the closely INTERVIEWING
wreathes OF oak and laurel represent the ever living
essence OF Washington's Precepts and pure exam-
Pe and the strength and beauty of the institutions
which he labored to perpetuate. The massive block
itself was taken from near the heart of our State
beneath the soil which, in the terrific winter of
l777, was indented and stained by the feet and
blood Of the patriots who, at Valley Forge braved
every thing but Heaven for their country's saliva
tion and now 1t springs into life and light like tho
proud oak from its deep root, to commemorate
their toll and noble endurance through all coming
time! 1t comes from ennsyvania, amid whose
trackless forests, and upon whose wild rivers, at
Fort Necessity, and the bloody field of Mononga-
Lessons, and developed those brilliant powers which
at Trenton and Yorktown reflected such effulRence
upon the arms of the infant States. II was exc
cuted in the city which fret beheld him commis-
stoned commander-in- chief of the American
forces, and which heard the first thunder peal that
announced the glad tidings of our freedom and in
dependence to the worldi
Pride for the distinction these incidents give 40
our native State, served additional incentive
to the brotherhood in the preparation of their con-
triouton; and though our effort falls far short Of
our hearts best wishes and of the exalted worth Of
the object In view still hope for its adoption
IT is into the family of beautiful and patriotic
tributons from our fellow citizens of other States
sent hlther to adorn the monument
II but remans for the committee to whom was
entrusted the duty of procuring and superintend-
ing this work. to approach the termination of their
pleasing relations.
we, therefore, in the of the Grand and
subordinate Divisions Of the Sons of Temperance
OF the State Of Pennsylvania, have the honor of
presenting to your excellency, and through YOU
to the Board of Managers of the National Wash
ington Monument Association this inscribed
block of marble, and request, in their behalf. your
acceptance OF it. Our earnest prayer is, that the
glorious edifice. of which il ia TO form part may
continue to ascend, according to its destination,
until 1t shall overlook all other works of human
construction, as the character of Washington tow
ers above that of all other human beings.
And may the bright smiles of Heaven accom-
Pany IL like the cloud which directed by day, and
the pillar of fire which illumed by night the
pathway OF the children of Israel and continue to
lead our countrymen to the practice of virtue and
temperance, on which alone can permanently rest
our Union
The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
then said.
GENTLEMEN, Sons OF TEMPERANCE OF THE
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA: The Board of Managers
nave devolved upon me the welcome task of ac-
cepting your contribution to the National Monu-
ment, which do with the greatest pleasure; and
return to you, and through you to all who contri-
buted to this beautiful stone. their thanks for the
Donation II is no part of my duty to answer the
eloquent addresses to which all listened with 30
much pleasure; that will be done by my eloquent
friend, General Walter Jones'
General WALTER JONES (we believe on the
part OF the building committee) spoke in sub
stance as follows:
II is impossible for me, however inadequate I
may feel myself to the task, TO resist the dipnfed
invitation just extended.
We unite, gentlemen, with the managers of the =
washington Monument Society, to return our
Nntr, tlA. l. E IL r