Mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado Co., Cal.) 1854-1860, 1858-10-23
Purpose of the Monument on Bunker Hill.

Purpose OF the monument on Bunker Hill.
We know that the record OF ilIustrious ac-
tons is most safely deposited in the universal
remembrance of mankind. We know, that if
we could cause this structure to ascend, not
only till it reached the skies, but till it pierced
them, its broad surfaces could still contain
but part of that, which, in an age Of knowl-
edge, hath already been spread over the earth,
and which History charges herself with na.
king known to all future times. We know
that no inscription, no cntablatures less broad
than the Garth itself, can carry information Of
the events we commemorate where it has not
already gone; and that no structure, which
shall not Outlivc the duration of letters and
knowledge among men, can prolong the me-
mortal. But our object is, by this Cditicc, to
show our deep sense of the value and import
ance of the achievements Of our ancestors -
and, by presenting this wOok Of gratitude to
the eye, to keep alive similar sentiments, and
to foster constant regard to the sentiments
of the revolution. Human beings are com.
posed not of reason only, but Of Imagination
also, and sentiment; and that is neither
wasted nor mispplied, which is appropriated
to the purpose Of giving right direction to
sentiments, and opening proper springs Of
feeling in the heart.
Let it not be supposed that our object is to
perpetuatc hostility, or even to cherish mere
military spirit. 1t is higher, purer, nobler.-
We consecrate our work to the spirit Of ma
tional independence, and we wish that the
light of peace may rest upon it forever. We
rear memorial Of our conviction Of that un.
measured benefit, which has been conferred
on our land, and Of the happy influences,
which have been produced, by the same events
on the general interests Of mankind. We
wish that, whosoever, in all coming time,
shall turn his eye hither, may behold that
the place is not undistinguiShed were the first
great battle Of the revolution was fought
We wish, that this structure may proclaim
the magnitude and importance Of that event
to every class and every age. We wish that
fancy may learn the purpose of its erection
from maternal lips, and that weary and with
cred age may behold it, and be solaced by the
recollection which itsuggests. We wish, that
labor may look up here, and be proud in the
midst Of its toll. We wish, that, in those
days Of disaster, which, as they come on all
nations, must be expected to come OH US also,
Responding patriotism may turn its eyes hith-
er, and be assured that the foundations Of ma
tional power still stand strong. WO wish
that this column, rising toward heaven among
the pointed spires Of SO many temples dedca.
ted to God, may contribute also, to produce,
in all minds pious feeling Of dependence
and gratitude. We wish, finally, that the
last object on the sight Of him who leaves his
native shore, and the first to gladden. his who
revisits it, may be something which shall rc-
mind him Of the liberty and glory Ofhis coun.
try. Let it rise, till it meet the sun in his
coming; let the earliest light of morning gid
it, and parting day linger and play upon its
summit Webster.