New-York tribune., 1874-05-18
LOCAL CELEBRATIONS OF The CENTENNIAL.

| A CITIZEN OF NEwYORK OFFERS TO ERECT STATUE
| OF DANIEL WEBSTER IN CENTRAL PARK-A SCHEME
| FOR SIMILAR OFFERINGS IN ALL PARTS OF THE
COUNTRY.
| 70 the Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR: Having already through the columns
OF TIE TRIBUNE, directed public attention to what
appears just and reasonable plan for celebrating the
coming centennial year. correspondent IN view OF
a generous offer by citizen OF New-lork' ven
lures TO again urge the claims OF this movement Ihis
plan IT VIII be remembered was designed TO secure the
active and enthusiastic support and co0Deraton OF every
class citizens by enabling each to contribute his cen
tennial offering in form directly In accord with
his peculiar tastes. That this might he accom-
plished, it was suggested that each city,
town, hamlet, or individual, should erect or
endow some monument, statue school, library. museum
other memorial which should be recognized "a Cen
tennia gift, and remain lasting monument OF gen
erous patriotism. Lest we be understood as placing
ourselves in opposition to the Philadelphia scheme, we
would repeat that III way need these local gifts in
terfere with united display of national industries and
products Indeed 1t seems just to believe that by
awakening local interest and exciting kindly spirit OF
ulaon, the people Of the whole land would come to
regard with favor the efforts being put forth
by a sister State.
1t was not, however, designed in this communication
TO advocate this scheme, but rather to make gratifying
announcement regarding its prospective success-an an
nouncement which WILL doubtless. be received with the
appreciation it justly deserves. During recent con
versation with Mr.. Gordon Burnham or this city regard
ing the merits of this Centennial scheme, that gentle
man announced his willingness to initiate the move
ment In that would at define its charac-
ter and justify its claims 10 popular approval TO ac
compsh THIS Mr.. Burnham proposes to erect solely at
his expense, and IN a manner worthy the man and
tho day, "a colossal statue OF Daniel webster, TO he
placed. III the Central Park As the only condition
of the gift relates to the choice or IL
site. may safely claimed that the work is already
begun also full accord with the spirit Of
the new mOvement-that is with appeal for NUM-
cpal, State National aid, burden OF responsibility
upon but the generous donor, and request save
the reasonable Of n suitable site. Did we deem 1t
essential for the furtherance OF the general pan or In
accord with the wishes OF the donor, might dwell at
length upon the significance and value OF this noble be
hest; but, Mr. Burnham truly II is for the honor
Of the and the glory OF the day that his Efforts are
put Tor tn. and for this alone.
In choosing his Centennial offering a gift OF this
character, Mr.. Bunham t to identify 1t with the
name of distinguished patriot and statesman Others,
however may desire To contribute toward the establish
mcnt OF what they regard practical mOnu
mcnts. 10 these would commend the need OF local
Libraries, schools and reading for artisans, art
galleries. OF natural history mineralogy Sc,
geological ard botanical gardens, aquara, liter
AIRY and scientific sch0arships-all OF these
we need, and any one OF them would worthuy
represent the zeal OF our people III the or popular
education and amusement. The first gift from
citizen of New-iork, but let 1t not be the last. The
movement, 10 be successful must be general. and
sister cities may well profit by worthy example
Boston, Chicago St. Louis, san Francisco indeed every
city, town. aud hamlet Throughout the whole land has
III needs and whatever that need be- lot IL he met this
coming Centennial year. The has been begun, and
must speak quickly. W. 8. WARD
Netc- York May &c. 1874.