New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1860-03-08
1NAucuRATroN OF THE CLAY STATUE.

On the 10Th Of April next the Inauguration cere-
monies of the statue of Henry Clay, on Canal
street, will take place, and the occasion VIII be
one Of unusual interest. In regard TO the pro
gramme, we learn that an Grafton will be delivered
by w. H. Hunt, Esq, and an appropriate poem by
Mr.. j. w. Overall An ode in French has been
written for the occasion by Mr.. Placide Canonge,
and set to music by Mr.. g. Curto. With such no
BILE theme these talented gentlemen have, no doubt,
acquitted themselves well, and we suggest that
the two opera companies sing the ode in concert.
The German Glee Club, we understand, will rem
der an appropriate ode in German. The process
sion of military, civic societies and citizens will
undoubtedly be very large and the best arrange
ments have been made, under the direction of Col.
J. B. Walton, Grand Marshal.
As there are thousands Of persons at distance
who would be glad to visit New Orleans and wit
ness this pageant of honors to the memory of the
illustrious statesman and as there is to be soon
grand railroad celebration would it not be good
idea on the part Of the gentlemen who have the
management Of the latter affair to so arrange
that those who take part in it shall be in this city
on the 18th Of April? and at the same time to
effect for the occasion such consistent reduction
of fare as will enable the public at large to whom
the lines Of the several roads accessible, to be
present also? Such arrangement would un-
doubtedy bring multtudes here to take part in the
ceremonies of the day.
The foundation whereon this statue Is to rest is
already laid, and, we believe, completed. The
basement is also finished as we learn from the fol-
lowing paragraph in the Boston Post Of the oath
ult.:
Mr. C. S. Breed has Just completed the basement
II. AI.-k,
ated in New Orleans on the 18th of April next.
The whole elevation of stone work is ~ feet Of the
purest Rockport granite, of the most excellent
workmanship; workmanship which we have rarely
seen esualed, and never surpassed. The lower
course Of platforms form circle of l46 feet in cir
cumference and feet wide, from which rise, in an
octagon form, 6 courses of steps and platforms,
varying in width from l. to a feet, extending to
plinth a square, which supports moulded base
81 feet square by 81 feet rise. On this rests the
die with beautiful moulded panels in each side 6
feet in hight by feet square, surmounted by a
moulded cornice feetsquare. This elegant design
was by Hart, the eminent American sculptor, now
in Rome. Considering the limited time Mr.. B. has
had in quarrying these massive blocks, and finish
ing them with so much taste and skill since the
contract was obtained, he has been remarkably
fortunate. His first vote was cast for the Sage
of Ashland y for President of the United States,
and is still firm in his adherence to the Union. By
invitation, Mr.. Breed and lady soon to start for
New Orleans, to participate in the celebration of
the Inauguration.
The gentlemen of the Clay Monumental Associ-
alton deserve the thanks of this community, and of
all friends of the immortal patriot and statesman,
for the untiring zeal with which they have labored
for several years to this memorial of his great
ness, for of all the cities of the Union none can
more appropriately pay such tribute to his ven
Grated memory. From an Address issued by this
Association in 1852, we extract the following in
this connection:
Next to the recollections interviewer with the
"Slashes of Hanover" and the delights Of the
Shades of Ashland he treasured while living
the enduring friendship Of our people, who, during
his chequered career, had ever cherished protect
ed, and honored him. He has often sojourned in
our midst, has ever found open hearts and open
homes to welcome him, has practiced his profess
sion at our bar, and has at all times manifested
deep and abiding interest in the welfare and pros
perty of our City and State. Among the earliest
acts of his public life is in favor of our inter-
ests-the securing of the right of deposit for this
city, wrested from it by the Spanish authorities.
Some years after this find him exercising all his
mighty influence in behalf of the Perdido line in
which we were SO deeply interested.
As one of the American Commissioners at Ghent
it was mainly through his instrnmentaity that our
country obtained the exclusive navigation of the
Mississippi, not only in opposition to the wishes of
the Commissioners of Great Britain, and under the
threats Of that power before which the star of
Napoleon had paled and the confederation of the
Rhine had been broken asunder, but in direct con-
fiiet with the expressed opinions of majority of
the American Commissioners. The ratification of
the treaty of Ghent and the news of the glorious
victory of New Orleans, reached him at the same
period, while at Paris he was awaiting the one and
hoping for the other Holding such relations to US
we are desirons that the record of our gratitude
for his services, and in commemoration OF his
name, should be a scale commensurate with
both.
While their patriotic work is drawing to close,
the Association find themselves embarrassed for
want of the funds necessary to complete it. We
understand that a bill is about to be introduced
into the Legislature appropriating sufficient sum,
and undoubtedly it will pass-unanimously, We