Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1852-05-06
Washington NatiOuaI Nom
unlelll.
TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.
Washington National Monument Office,
March 25, 1852.
SFrom the great decrease in the receipts of
contributions to the National Monument du-
ring the last six monts, the Board of mana
gers feel it to be their duty TO make another ap-
peal to the patriotism of the American pub
lie. They are unwilling to believe that the
people Of this country, under such deep and
lasting obligatians as they are to the founder
of their liberties, and feeling, as they must,
a profound sense Of gratitude for the lnestI-
mablc services which he rendered to them,
will suffer a monument commenced an his
honor, anG 20 aid in perpetuating his name
to the latest ages Of the world, 10 remain un-
finished for the want of the means necessary
10 complete it. 1t need scarcely be suggested
that fact like this in the history Of our Re-
public would not fail TO reflect lasting dis
credit on the gratitude and patriotism of It's
citizens, and prove to the world that Repu6-
lies are too apt to be fcrgetful of what is due
to themselves, aud to the memory OF those
who, under Providence. hage made them
great prosperous, and happy, 1t often the
fate of the most distinguished and illustrous
to be nearly forgotten after they have noul-
dered in the tomb for half century. In the
busy and over changing scenes Of the world
the stage Of life is continuously occupied by
those whose acts excite the interest OF the
living, and exclude the memory of such as
have preceded them, though their reputation
NAV have been more brilliant, and their deeds
more glorious. But it was believed that
Washington was one to whom the American
people owed the greatest and most lasting
debt of gratitude, and whose memory every
honor should be paid by his countrymen; that
10 honor him was but to honor themselves
and that they were willing and desirous 10
pay Just tribute to pre-eminent patriotism,
and 10 unequalled public and private virtue.
Under this impression society was estab-
lshed, some seventeen years ago, in the city
Of Washington, for the purpose Of erecting
magnificent monument to the =" Father Of his
Country; &; and the Board Of Managers of that
Society have, during that long interval, made
gratuitously every effort in their power from
pure feeling Of patriotism and desire to
honor his memory, TO obtain the means nc
cossary to accomplish the object of It's organ-
ization. By unceasing aud untiring exertion
in Csaf-
fcieut only TO carry up the proposed structure
10 an elevation of one hundred and five feet
above the surface, about one-ffth Of its IN
tended elevation; and they now regret to say
that unless the contributions are larger, and
more frequent than they have been for the
past six months, it will be impossible 10 con-
tnue the work any further. The blocks Of
stone WHICH have been sent from the differ
ent States, associations, &C., to be placed in
the monument, have done but little to add 20
its elevation, though they may contribute TO
its interest. That the public may understand
how expensive such structure must necessa-
rily be, it may be proper to state that each
course Of two feet in height costs upward of
two thousand dollars, though executed with
the strictest regard to economy. The mate
rails and labor, with small annual compen-
sation allowed to the superintendent, and a
still smaller to the architect, amount to the
expenditure which has been mentioned and
the Board of Managers are well satisfied that,
had the work been undertaken by the Gov
eminent it would have cost double the amount
ofthe cost of the obelisk so far.
From two to three courses can be compile
ted in one month, which require from four to
SIX thousand dollars, while the monthly con-
trlbutions have not averaged for the past half
year more than two thousand dollars. 1t Will
therefore, be obvious that the work must ne
cessarliy be stopped if a more ardent and pa
triotic feeling does aot prevail among the
people of this country, and more extended
and liberal contribution be not made. -
To show with what ease this great object
could be effected, il isonly necessary to state,
that three cents from each bite inhabitatunt
Of the United States, would be sufficient to
complete the monument in few years and
yet such appears to be the apathy and indf-