The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-03-08

from the Albany Evening oufnal March
The contribution OF this state to the above truly
laudable object is creditabe TO her lbcralIty, as
worthy Of her fame. II is well known that the
Legislature, at It's last session, by unanimous
vote, made generous appropriation for the purpose
of providing block Of native marble, with suita-
bic Devices to be placed in the structure erect
ing al the national capital 10 he memory Of Wash
ineton This block is of Glens Falls marble, a
beautiful specimen Of its kind, and was lected by
the sculptor, Palmer, preference to any other on
account OF lie purity, and Otherwise peculiar edap-
tation to his design, although at an expense much
greater than that for which other varieties might
have been obtained. 1t Of deep black color and
susceptible Of high polish.
The block IL four feet six inches in length, by
three feet six ia breadth, and fourteen inches thick
weighing something more than one ton. The base
upon which the sculpture work rests, is a preiec-
ton eight inches in WIDTH and its surface from one
side If the block to the other, describes the long,
tudiral curvature OF an ellipse. Upon this base
there stands pyramidal column in low relief, sup
porting medallion ihifty-ihree inches in dia me-
ter, in which is scuptured, in basrelief the arms
Of the State, while Immediately above, and resting
upon the medallion, - most nfe-like and elabo-
rate wrought wreath of laurel, emblematic of her
enduring fame. Just above the base, and upon the
lower part OF the column, is chiselled, deeply be-
meath the surface, the simple word " New York"
This appropriate design reflects the highest ere.
dit Dpon the accomplished artist who originated H.
and who has 30 faithfully and beautifully earned ii
into execution.
The following is the description Of the Coat OF
Arms OF the State furnished 70 the SCULPTOR and a.
adopted in pursuance of an &C. entitled " An act
relative TO the office Of Secretary ~ this State
authorizing the making Of new Great Seal" and
to amend the set entitled :" An act concerning
Oetls,' passed March 9Th, 1902
AEerS1. rising sun; proper
CEEsr. On . wreath dsmi-glo and an eagle pas.
soai, rcgo'dani; all proper.
surronrKns: The figure OF Justice on the dtrtr and
Liberty on the sinister ride.
Moro: E1csEi0r.
Lro,sr The Great Seal Of the State Of Ns~ York
The Arms are represented ia the medallion for
the fret time strictly In accordance with this de.
hcrpton. The Argent, or Shield, occupies the
central portion, and bears upon its lower section
the stripes, which are surmounted in a transverse
dire by plate bearing the soul stirring motto
Of our State, {" EXCELSIOR" while above, and in the
distance, is seen the rising sun. kesiiag directly
upon the Shield n the DEM globe, on which is the
melestic Eagle pa,s1.t 81 reggrds~," that Is,
walking and looking back IL will be observed by
oil who may view this splendid work, that the
wings are not cuisrresd, as has always been repre-
senied IN our Coat OF Arms, the art believing that
idea 10 be inconsistent with the description given
IN the act above referred to, and hence, he has
placed them IN position more in accordance with
the posMM state.
ON The dexter side Of the shield, calmly seated
upon q rock, 10 the goddess Jusiice, IN dra-
perry srd meditative attitude, her hands resting
UPON her lap, while In the tight one Is firmly
RraFped the sword and balance. She is not, how
ever, represented In the act OF weighing, as is usu-
ally done-the artist having taken higher view Of
Juttice, and psde her the impersonahon 81 the
thought rather than the executor OF the decree
the sword and balance being introduced merely as
eublemaiic OF her Office.
On the sinister side, in an attitude which s the
perfect embodiment Of freedom, but partially
draped, her right arm reposng upon the shield,
stands reclining the other goddess, Liberty. The
American feg is gracefully thrown over that por.
ton 81 the shield upon which she leans, thus soft
ening the place Of her repose, while she s oopid-
iDply looking toward Justice as her proteciress
and guardian, the left hand supporting her charac.
terstic emblem, the staff and cap
The form, arrangement, and grouping Of the
veral figures in the coat OF arms, are exqusitely
be autifuI, and 10 be appreciated must be not only
seen but studied. And now, while upon this point,
we cannot forbesr 10 suggest that as this ma,tel
piece Of art is about 10 Re removed from our b1r-
derp, IL would seem 10 be the dictate not only of
sdom, but Of sound policy to preserve this design
in some enduring fofm, and to adOgt il an the
only faithful embodiment Of the original descrl1-
ton, and the only true likeness of the great seal Of
the State.
The marble upon which this work has been
ohiselled IL very hard and brittle, rendering II a
most arduous end difficult task TO bring IL out in
Is present state 81 PERFECTION. II will go to sdorn
the monument OF Washington, and to be itself an
imperishable monument II the genius end skill
~ the master that moulded ", as well as Of the
gratitude and affection Of the people that wilied
H. WIZ.