Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-11-17
gotal ann 9srsonal.
The washington National Monument

The Washington National Monument
Nineteen years, we believe, have elapsed since
a society was established in this city for the pur-
pose Of erecting monument TO the father OF has
country and yet not more than about one-third, II
so much, of the necessary amount has been con-
lributed towards that object. To the people al
large, the army, the navy, masonic, odd fellows
sons Of temperance, and other associations the
colleges, the academies, and schools OF the United
States banking institutions State, city, and town
corporations voters the polls, visitors at fairs
and others, appeals have been addressed for con-
tributions, and still the offerings are not sufficient
10 finish the great national work. II has mol at
tanned to one third its projected height.
We recollect that it was said, in circular ema-
mating from the society year or two since, that
in Norway three fourths of the amount necessary
10 erect monument in honor of Charles XII was
raised by voluntary contributions in the course Of
two days; while in the republic OF the United
States Bought into existence BY the yalor, perse-
verence, energy, and patriotism of Washington
in country which contains population of twen-
tyfve millions of souls, enjoying freedom, inde-
pendence, and prosperity nowhere else TO be found,
a monument worthy of the man in whose honor it
is now being erected, has been contributed!
Il has been estimated that FIVE cents apiece from
every white inhabitant of the United States would
be sufficient to complete the monument in few
years.
so far as we can Judge, the work has not only
been economically, but faithfully and soidly con-
structed. The foundation supports, without yield
ing hairs breadth, the immense weight OF the
superstructure; nor is il TO be apprehended that
there will ever be the least sinking of the noble
column. No flaw nor crack, is anywhere per-
ceptible; and as huge piece of mason-work, 1t
Justly challenges the admiration ofthe world.
The design with which the patriotic society
commenced their labors was, that the people
throughout the country should spontaneously con-
tribute their mite towards the erection Of the mon
ument but, from some cause, this has not gene
rally been done. Why, we do not presume to
inquire Perhaps the proper kind of agents to
traverse the several States, and call for the "oer-
ings," were not appointed at the commencement
Of the enterprise or il may be that the attention
OF the people everywhere was not properly called
20 the importance and merits of the subject.
However, the fact is prominent, that, after in
Vulnerable appeals TO various classes, the neces-
sary funds have not been contributed; and the
managers Of the society continue TO solicit money
through every channel which ingenuity may sug-
gest
As an individual, we are mortified at the slow
progress Of the work, and the constant begging OF
fund. for It's continuance, WHILE at the same time,
we commend the patriotism and zeal of the So
ciety, for il has no other means to procure pecu-
mary assistance except from the people through
out our entire country.
The blocks of stone which have been sent from
States, associations &c. to be placed in the monu-
ment, have done but little TO add TO its elevation,
though they may contribute TO its interest. II
sometimes costs rs much TO fit contributed stone
20 It's place as would pay the wages of workman
for two weeks. Each course OF two feet in height
costs upwards Of two thousand dollars, though
executed with the strctest regard TO economy
We cannot but believe that the PEOPLE will
finish their own monument, however late the Pc
Rod Of setting the caps,one; and we fervently
trust that there may never occur a necessity for
asking the aid Of Congress in behalf Of the pat
rotc enterprise.
Patriotic Oferings.-The following is the
amount contributed by the citizens of Bat-
1890 Maryaud NJ the electon of the Cd of No