The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-10-21
Our Washington Correspondent.

WASHINGTON, Oct. Z, 1907.
Proposition for Collecting SIC, 900 from each Stat
for the Complexion # the Washington Monument
The Present Condition Of the Monument and
the Expenditure already Incsartd-C Contribution Of
Blocks by the Farions States
As your paper has large circulation, permit me
to call attention to the National Washington Monu-
nc0t, now in the course Of erection in the city Of
Washington | believe it is a matter Of noto-
risty that there is such thing as an attempt,
On the part of portion of the American people,
to erect q monument to the memory Of Wash
ington in the city of Washington, by voluntary
subscriptions Of money. This enterprise was pro-
Jscted as far back as seventeen years ago, but
was not then prosecuted with that vigor which
new characterizes the efforts Of those whe con.
trss the operations of the society. The principal
error In the opinion of the writ err at the beginning
of the enterprise, was in limiting the sum to be
contributed by each citizen When the question
was first sgtated, there were those who were
willing to go into the matter heart and soul, hand
aaa purse. Tie eaase was noble-the impulse pa
triotic But, on the other hand, there were those
who we're unwilling to make the enormous sacrifice
OF one dollar for so patriotic an enterprise. The
trst party considered his duty performed when he
hso contributed his dollar-the latter party paid
his in inward sentiments of grs6tu6e. But as good
structures, this great work is struggling in
Its upward tendency. The work nov wants all
the energies and ali the zeal of its true friends
to prevent its failure. We therefore call upon
oil these who are generous - all who are
gIatetul&aD those who are ENJOYING tie heritage
bequeathed to them by Washington-to step forward
ana supply the deficiencies Of their more ipnoble
oountiymen, Let them open wide their hands, and
enter INTO noble emulation to see who can do the
most towards raising this emblem OF nations graf
ituae: In addition TO contributions, the writer
wsalo suggest donation from the States. Let ten
Thousand dollars only be contributed from each
State, ana we will have the handsome sum of three
hundred and twenty thousand dollars This would
complete the structure, with the addition of private
subscriptions. With this suggestion of what nigh.
be zone, and what cught to be done will proceed
TO give you statement Of what has been done thus
Tar In furtherance Of this patriotic enterprise. The
shaft or 0belisk has risen III feet from its base
There have been added thirteen feet this season, and
II Is expected that twelve feet more will be added
before the winter Gets in. The total expenditure
so far including the fixing of machinery is about
$4,000. learn that 80 to 100 workmen are EN-.
ployed, anc that the latter number could be en-
psoyed to advantage at an expenditure of fron SIS
to $4,000 per annum. All the States have contri-
batea blocks, varying in cost from $500 to - OO0
None OF the States have contributed funds but pay
the expense Of freight to Washington upon their
block. These blocks are drawback, in pecuniary
point OF view, but add materially the interest of
the structure. Their insertion involves the expense
OF btving them IN the wall, and thereby occasions
by reference to the public prints) to carry on
this Ropie enterprise, is now almost entirely con-
Gneo 10 corporations and secret societies. Is
this right VIII our people suffer the stig-
ma upon their patriotism which will ensue upon
the suspersion OF this work Are they will
iiug 10 confirm the adsge I" that republics are I'M
gratefulF' rcpel it as an American citizen and
descendant Of The patriots of the revolution Should
IL be otherwise the shades of sres would rise up
ana Ttbuke us ss unworthy the sacrifices that we're
MADE for our benefit in the days that tried mems
sOus.' Let us, then, appeal TO our citizens, both
native and adopted, to lend their hands both in sri
waite contributions and in appeals to legislative
bodies to forward this enterprise, worthy the am
bition of free people Let us not leave it to our
children TO perform duty which is incumbent on
who have sprung directly from the fathers of the
revolution. Can it not excite emulation, when
we learn that part of the Indian tribes, (the
Choctsws and Cherokees,) have stepped forward and
offered their tribute to the memory of the good and
great Washington This thing viii be DONE and
who Is willing to stand by and leave this labor of
love to others! will say no more but will only
furnish you and your readers with description Of
the blocks furnished by each State, the material,
device, &c. and leave each individual to determine
for him or herself what they are to do in further
area of this great enterprise. Il. S. B.