The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1869-02-04

Association blocks of marble and other valu-
able stones, with suitable inscriptions there
on, in order that they might be incorporated
in the body of the monument as a testimo-
NAL Of their high admiration and regard for
the character of Washington. The several
States of the Union, as well as large num-
Der of literary, scientific and benevolent So
cieties throughout the country, seEt dons-
tions of the same kind. Just about the time
to which we have referred the present Pope
of Rome sent to the Association block of
pure Italian marble, of the most elegant
finish, as his humble contribution to the
majestic shaft that was to perpetuate the
virtue and fame Of the great American pa
triot. In the true spirit of vandalism this
block, of marble was mutilated and destroy
ed by Know-Nothing mob. Since that
time the work on the monument has ceased.
We do not say that the work was suspended
because of the destruction of that particular
piece of marble, for 1t could have been re
placed. We merely mention that and the
suspension of the work as a coincidence Of
events. Other causes. aside from the intOl-
Grant spirit of fKnow-Nothingism, no doubt
contributed to the result. The happening
Of the war had doubtless much to do with it
We have recently observed that circu,
lar has been issued by the Board of Mana,
gers of the Association, signed by President
johnson, Gen. Grant, and other prominent
public men, recommending that, on the SUM-
day preceding the 22d Of February, which
is the anniversary of Washington's birthday
a collection to be taken up in all the churches
of the United States to enable the managers
to recommence the work on the monument
1t is to be hoped that this recommends
ton will be carried out. 1t is a subject that
appeals to the pride as we'll as to the nobler
impulses of every American heart. The
monument, in its present unfinished and un-
slightly shape, is burning shame and dis
grace to the whole country. Other nations
have erected noble and costly monuments in
honor of those who have conferred great
public benefit upon their country. either in
the field or in the cabinet. In all the capi.
tails and other large cities of Europe monu-
ments may be seen, reared at the expense oi
the nation, to preserve and hand down tc
posterity the memory of their most distin-
guished men. Shall this monumental pile
mount towards the skies, or shall it remain
in it's present unfinished condition, a nesting
place for bats and birds of the air, stand,
ing and melancholy evidence of the selfish
ness and want of patriotic spirit of the
American people =? Surely there is yet left
in this boasted country of ours national
pride and generous public spirit enough to
push to successful completion this great
and noble undertaking to the memory of
him who was "irst in peace, first in war
and first In the hearts of his countrymeu."
Let us hope, then, that through the gener
Gus liberality of the American people the
managers of the Association may be enabled
to resume the work on this long neglected
monument, and push it to a speedy and sue
cessful completion. "Let it rise till it me ct
the sun in Its coming-let the earliest light
of the morning gid it and departing day
linger and play on its summit"