Des Arc weekly citizen., 1869-02-16
The w..shington Monument.

The unfinished condition of tho Washington monument, begun to be erected years ago in this city. is stand ing shame and reproach to the people of the whole country. It was designed as a memorial of the gratitude of a great nation to him who was styled "the father of his country-tirst in peace, first first in war, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." The na- tional capital was selected as the most appropriate location for monument so truly national in every respect. The sympathies of all nations and govern ments and people and societies were attracted to this enterprise. Memorial blocks from every quarter of the globs were received, testifying the admira- l ton of mankind for the father ot fhe American Republication a little while l our own people took a lively interest in the progress of the work; but from one or another cause, including the unfaithfulness of agents, the contribu- ] tions to the monument fund decreased. until it became necessary 10 suspend work upon it altogether. During the war no effort was made to press it for ward. but now that we have the promise that peace shall smile upon our heavily stricken land, it is deemed appropriate to make an appeal to the patriotically inclined throughout the whole county for means to carry to completion this monument to our Washington.
 In this belief the subjoined appeal has been issued by the officers of tho Washington National Monument So- ciety.-Thc names of these officers alone will be sufficient guaranty for the proper disposition of any funds coniided to them for this purpose. There is not one of the millions who have within the last few years visited this city, and gazed at this unfinished monument, but felt that its condition was rcprcachto the nation. Itwould have been better that it had never been begun; it would be better even now that It should be pulled 10 pieces, and the hundreds of memorial blocks im- bedded in it's walls should be returned to their generous donors, than il should stand as it docs, unfinished, as memo rial, not of q nations father, but of a peoples loss of patriotism and grat- tude 10 the authors of their freedom and their greatness If there arc those among our people who remember that George Washington once lived there be those amolg us who prize the institutions of our country, our blood bought freedom and priceless Constitu- ton, they cannot avoid self-reproach so long as this monument remains uncompleted. Let them read and act upon the appeal annexed:
 AN APPEAL FOR THE WASHINGTON MON
 CMENT.
 The following appeal, addressed to pastors of religious congregations throughout the United States, has been issued:
 Washington National Monument Society, December 25, 1888. Reccrend aud Dear Si'rS:
 In pursuance to resolution of the 1 Washington National Monument Socie- ty, we, the officers of the society, res- pecttully request you 10 cause collec- tions, for the benefit of the monument | to be taken up in your respective con- gregations of the Sunday immediately l proceeding the 22d of February next, and remit the amounts to the treasurer of the society. A very small sum from each congregation will, in the aggre- gate, insure the immediate resumption ] of work on the monument, and, with the expected aid from other sources, it is hoped that in a few years it will be completed.
 The vcneration with which the mem- ory of Washington is held by the American people renders q studied ap- peal to their patriotism unnecessary. and we therefore simply make known to you the reques. of the society. confi- dently believing that you will cordially cooperate with them in the noble work.
 Very respectfully,
 Your obedient servants,
 ANDREW JOHNSON, President OK offieio.
 s J. BOWEN, lst Vice President ex oilicio.
 U. S GRANT, and Vice Presid ent.
 W. W CoRcoRAN. 3rd Vice President.
 J. B. II. SMITH, Treasurer.
 JOIN CARROLL BRENT, Secretary.
 The secretary respectfully requests that editors and publishers of newspa pers throughout the country favorable to the cause will publish the above ap- peal.
 Advantage 0G Learning a Trade
 The advice of Beniaman Franklin, tC give every child a trade by which h' can earn living, if necessary, comes of an experience older than his. h some countries this has been the law in others acommon custom. St. Pau