The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1865-08-14


place it in its original destination. We
extract from the Richmond Wing, of
December 9th, 1852. the remarks of
Thomas G. Tabb, Esq our then Senator,
on this interesting subject
STATUE TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.
When the Senate resolved to proceed
to the execution of the joint order on
Saturday, motion had been made by
Mr. TABB to take up and consider the bill
authorizing the erection of statue to
Thomas Jefferson, at the University of
Virginia.
Mr. TABB said-Mr. President: NV OBJ
ject in asking the attention of Senators
for few moments, is to bring to their
notice and consideration, highly gifted
son of Virginia, as the artist Of the work
proposed by this bill.
Alexander Gait has been abroad for
many years past, diligently prosecuting
an artistical education. He has given
abundant and unmistakable evidence of
poetic genius and mastery talent, in the
lofty and sublime art to which he has de-
voted his life.
He was born in the city of Norfolk,
and his family are among the most eleva-
ted and esteemed of the inhabitants of
that place. He gave very early indica-
tons of remarkable genius, and such was
the moral purity, the attractive modesty
and unobtrusiveness which distinguished
his character and department at this PEI
Rod of his life. that he enjoyed, in sim
gular degree, the confidence and esteem
of the community in which he lived.
While yet mere boy, his extraordlna-
ry genius was displayed in such faithful
representations of the human form, and
other objects, in the simplest material,
and with the simplest instrument, as to
excite the surprise and admiration of all
around him-with ne model for imitation,
no master to guide his youthful efforts, he
discovered an artistic skill, and executed
with delicacy of finish, which fayorably
compared with the works of masters.
1t was soon manifest that young Gait
was a genius, born-not made, and his
father took early measures to afford him
the opportunity of prosecuting his noble
studies in the classic fields of Ltaly.
Since his residence in Florence, now
four or five years, he has sufficiently dis
tinguished himself to satisfy the expecta-
tions of his friends, and has secured the
confidence of those who know him best );
but like the Eagle, he wants an atmos-
phere to fly in. Upon work of magni~
tude and importance. he would make the
brightest exhibition of high genius, and
classic taste and skill.
At recent public exhibition of works
of art in the city of Florence, the usual
exhibition | believe, perhaps the regular
annual exhibition, the palm of excellence
and superior merit was accorded to Bac-
chante and Columbus--both from the
chisel of Gat--a compliment, that artists
alone know how to value, and are willing
to strain their genius to deserve.
Several of the works of Mr.. Gall have
been sent to this country, and have been
greatly admired. One of his studies, now
in this city, has attracted much attention
from connoisseurs and amateurs, and is
pronounced work of great artistic excel
lence and poetic beauty. As the artist of
the statue Of Jefferson, there is no doubt
Alexander Gait will furnish to Virginia
chef d'oeuvre of his divine art, and win
for himself undying fame
l.moye, sir, that the name occurring in
the second line Of the bill be stricken
out, and the name of Alexander Gait be
inserted in it's stead
Mr.. SAUNDERS seconded the PROPOSE
ton, and bore testimony to Mr.. Cats
desert as man, and accomplishments as
IN artist.
The amendment was unanimously
agreed to, and the bill ordered to be en-
crossed