The native Virginian. [volume] (Orange Court House, Va.) 1867-187?, 1868-08-21
NUMBER Al.
THE WASHINGTON MoNUMENTATRIcH
MOND.

The evening news gives the follow
ing account of the Washington Monu-
ment, tracing its history and describing
particularly the allegorical figures which
have recently arrived.
The arrival of the minor statues 'Jus-
tice, and Revolution for the Washing
ton monument in this city renders ap-
proprilte efhistory of the imposing
cenotaph, now nearly completed.
The Original contractor for this
| splended work ofart was Thomas Craw-
| ford, of New York who resided in Rome
He first executed and delivered in Rich
nond the statutes of Henry and Jeffer-
son. On his return to Rome he execu-
| ted the equestrian statue, but died be-
fore it was shipped to America. Mrs.
Cra yford superintended its delivery
The transfer of the box containing the
statue from the dock to the Capitol
| Square and the subsequent elevation OF
the statue to its pedestal, were both
memorable events. Crawford left In
his studio the models of the statues OF
Marshall and Mason, who were cast af-
| ter his death, and deliveredin Richmond
| two years subsequently.
The commission to finish the monu-
| ment was given to Randolph Rogers, Of
NOW 1OTk WlO lIhC HIS Cf-oSOif w hn
a resident OF Rome. The design of the
statues were altered by him at the re-
quest of Governor Wise. He substitu-
ted allegorical figures for the eagles
proposed by Crawford, each to illus
trate some deed or quality in the lite or
character OF the parsonage occupying
Che plynth above it. viz:
Revolution below Henry, Indepen-
decne below Jefferson, Justice below
Marshall. Finance below Nelson, yir-
ginia Bill of Rights below Nelson, and
Continental Rights below Lewis, each
| to be eneircled on three sides by tro-
phies, consisting of emblems OF war,
spears, swords, cannons &C.,
Under the superintendence of Rogers
| the statues of Marshall and Mason
were cast and forwarded to this city.
| He then devoted himself to the compile
tion of the work, and the statues of Mel
son and Lewis, which now occupy their
pedestals, demonstrate his eminent fit
| ness for the task entrusted to him.
The Allegorical statues are magnifi-
cent specimens of art. The figure rep
resentine revolution has been admired
more than any other of Rogers figures.
| 1t is described as truly exquisite in con-
ception and execution. Seated like the
| rest under CANOPY of banners, it pre-
sents one of the lovliest faces that poet
ever dreamed of, or sculptor portray.
ed. The head is surmounted by the cap
of Liberty. I'll mantle is thrown back
and one hand holds sceptre, while the
| other points downward to the crown and
| other emblems of royalty beneath her
feet. The shield beside this figure is
inscribed yorktown
Justice is clad with all her appropri-
ate insignia. The face is serenely beau
| ii full. Her robe fastens at the neck,
and falls gracefully around her. On
| her lap rests the scales and In her right
hand the sword. On the shield is in
| scribed, "Drineeton.
The right arm of "Finance," sustains
cornucopia overlooking with coin, the
evidences of prosperity created by Nell
SIMS mGniticencc! Cn ler knee rests q
volume supported by his left hand. On
the shield is inscribed dorchester
Heights" :,
The allegory of "Colonial Rights" is
| the figure of beautiful woman. The
head is bound with tiara of wheat
stalks-a bundle of the same being
grasped IN the left hand as sceptre.-
The other hand rests on pioneers Z.
| Beneath her feet are a tomahawk etc.
| On the shield is inscribed, "White
| Plains"
sslndependcnce" sits enthroned on
her war trophies after the victory has
| been won, The eyes are raised in graf
| itude to Heaven. The hands extended
| and bearing the broken chain.