The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-12-28

in Tuscany. it is supposed that not much more
than two-thirds of the amount otherwise re-
CURED will be necessary to secure the Group.
And in order to raise the sum sufficieaa, it is
proposed 70 solicit subscriptions and ~ sell
Autographs TO the amount of one hundred and
fifty thousand dollars, which, after defraying
all expenses, will leave a sum adequate to pay
for this magnificent work, and for its erection
on II beautiful site already prepar red for it.
The Group, with the pedestal. will be about
forty feet high, and will be cut Of Italian mar
BILE. The names Of the contributors will be
preserved in book to be especially devoted to
that purpose, and pull lished every month. In
case the necessary funds should not be raised,
the nett proceeds are to be transferred TO the
treasury of the National Washington Monu-
ment. ,,r. ,...,,,,.i...
We have received a copy of the photographic
representation Of this beautiful historical monu-
ment from Mr.. George ARcHDEAcoN, who is
at present in this city, where he will remain
for few days for the purpose of disposing of
the Autograph copies Of the Group.
The following letter, received lately from
MIR. SHEA, the secretary of the Columbus
Group Association, explains in detail the char
acter of the proposed work Of art:
New YoRx, December I, 1852
To the Editor of the Republic:
SIR Articles have recently appeared in the
newspapers respecting the marble group by Pro-
essor Costo the distinguished Italian sculptor, to
Columbus, purposed to be erected in the city of
Washington, speaking approvingIy and tdakng
inquiries to what success has thus far attended
It. You, Mr.. Editor, will therefore permit me,
through the columns Of your paper, to state to the
public what has been accomplished up to this time,
and also in what manner it ia proposed to raise the
additional means required to erect this great
work of art. Columbus lie represented in the
most beautiful and characteristic action Of his
life, namely, in the moment OF bis unwilling
the New to the Old World. The position of the
figures gives d clear view of the standing of the
several countries on our globe, and also Of some
of their characteristic qualities. Thus Asia, era.
die of mankind and of ancient scienca, and at
the same time the largest and richest in natural
gifts, is seated high. Europe, az the one who
maintains the irstrank for moral and physical cu.
tivation, has dignfied and spiritual expression,
and seems surprised at the unexpected discovery
of the great Italian. Africa, Frustrated under sla-
very, in its torpor, is hardly noticing the great
event; while America, scarcely observing the
others, looks astonished at Columbus, doubt
full whether to be grateful, but in her uncer-
tainty keeps within herself and bids them defiance.
This design has for some time attracted the
attention of men Of taste in Europe; and several
| leading Italians, friends of the sculptor, DESTROYS
to extend his reputation and to have in the capital
of the United States an appropriate testimonial to
the great discoverer, offer to aid Costoi If their
tives be approved and Efforts be assisted in this
country. In pursuance of this proposal, the Fa-
bri Brothers, Italian gentlemen, citizens of the
United States, and residents of the city of New
York, have been appointed agents to effect unity
of action, and organize the means whereby success
may be attained. To aid these gentlemen in their
commendable exertons, several prominent cit liens
of Washington and this city, before whom the sub
ject was fully laid, have associated themselves
together as a committee to countenancc and direct
the Fabri Brothers in the plan which they have
suggested the one likely to- effect the object,
and this committee recommends the subject and
plan of operation to their fellow. citizens.
The amount required to be raised in this country
is one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which,
with the aid that will be given in Italy, will pay
for the entire work, including all expenses attend
ing its erection. This amount is proposed TO be
procured by tho sale of photographic prints, repre-
presenting the Group, at one dollar each; the
Group in marble to be commenced in Italy when
the sum of one hundred thousand dollars shall have
been thus collected. That the amount required
may be the sooner realized, It is purposed to
solicit subscriptions. The names of the pur-
chasers Of autographs, and Of Subscribers, will be
carefully preserved in books devoted to that pur-
pose, and published every month. In case the
sum last mentioned should not be raised, whatever
money will have been received, deducting actual
expenses is to be transferred to the treasury Of the
National Monument Society, to aid in the cction
of the column to Washington, that it may in any
event be given to noble and patriotic purpose,
and not remain an unappropriated fund in the
hands of this committee. The Academy Of Fine
Arts Of Florence has sent its certified recommenda-
ton of tho sculptor, authenticated by the Ministers
of Foreign Affairs and Public Instruction, to the
association. The original model Of the Group n
be seen at the Office Of Messrs. Fabri Brothers,
l67 Broadway, room Is.
remain yours, respectfully,
GEO. SHEA, Sec retary,