The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-03-29
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was soon aOandOned, ana collection agents
have long ceased to be employed. Appeals
to the patriotism of the American people
have been pcrsistcntly resorted 70, and
when every plan which the soc civ coul de-
wise proved inadequate to secure from tho
voluntary contributions Of the people the
sum needed TO complete the work, The sub
ject was repeatedly brought to the aIten-
ton OF Congress, and an appropriation
from tho national treasury solicited. In
every instance where the Intervention Of
congress was invoked, an inquiry into the
affairs OF the society was followed by q ia
VoraDlc and ilattering report. but no appro.
priation in AID of its obicci was made.
After such unremittng exertions on their
part, ard such perseyerng apathy and ne
glect on the part OF the American people
anu their representatives, the society might
well have been justified in resigning their
trust and relieving themselves of labor
iolls and thaukless task.
But they were unwilling 10 abandon an
undertaking to which they had given 50
much time and effort, to which the national
faith had been so often and so solennly
pledged, and III which our country had Sc
cured the enthusiastic approval Of The
friends OF liberty throughout the world.
FROM 1888, down to the present time,
the erection of Il national monument 10
Washington has been recognized as the OBJ
yious duty of our country. Even IN the
depression which followed the revolution.
the continental congress acknowledged this
duty, ind thought it no misappication Of
the scanty funds of the nation, to devote Il
portion of them to an equestrian statue OF
the great delivcrcr or his country. Tho
erection OF marble monument over the
remains of Washington, in the city honor
nd tn1t, l..
1888. In 1900 and 1901, the subject was
renewed, hut without definite result. In
1888. voluntary association was formed
by citizens Ct Washington, which after
wards was incorporated as the Washington
National Monument Society, and continues
lts existence under the original charter at
the present time. Under the auspices OF
ti3 society, the monument was com
menced and had risen to the height of III
feet, when, for want of funds, the work
upon it vas suspended. Though it has re.
manned in this condition for twenty years.
tue society has not pretcrmitted its eXcr-
tons or entirely lost hope. The approach
OF our national centennial, when we have
invited the nations of the earth to assist Mt
our celebration seems an appropriate occa-
sion for final appeal to the country to
fulfill the pledges so long unredeemed and
honor SO long denied
If this shaft remains unfinished in 1876,
we shall seek in vain to raise the admira-
ton of our visitors by pointing to our vast
natural resources and mere material pro-
gress. This abandoned monument will
speak to our shame of principles dishonored,
obligations repudiated, gratitude forgotten,
: d the purest name in history insuted in
ne very capital of the country which he
saved, and within sight of the spot which
his sacred remains,bave made the hottest
shrine of liberty Are we willing to call
together the peoples of the world to wit
ness such beggorly spectacle as this 1t
has been beautifully and eloquently said
that undoubtedly the proudesi of all mon
uments is that already raised to the fame
of Washington in the hearts of his country
men, in the applause Of all mankind and in
memory which will descend to the latest
postcriiy. But all history shows that the
erection of national monuments in honor
Of great national benefactorg, is storm of
| public gratitude so UNIVERSAL as to be close
ly allied to the sentiment itself and that
when nation torgets the glory of its great
men. it ceases to be worthy of them. The
completion of the monument is far more
important to the fame of the American
people than to the fame of Washington"
in 'i'f many ", oui hat'ona' iipn"i' III tie
n n;,' W., s,'''uNe uii,' pau tno su
80 Nio"9 10 "PFe"i ~ VIC niHOiiNn"
-. 49, ~ ~ 49,
prevent lue ulsSldcc auu lhorllcdlloh
which must forever attach TO our country,
if amidst the U cries of the hundredtb an,li-
,arsor,, of H. ;,Ia,,o,,4l.,,',I i'iat H.
Neisalf VI l'c independence Wnlch hc
achieved tor us, shall tall the shadow OF ap
unfinished yet decayiDs monument to the
Father of his country
,,puprus or MN v,e,,,>-cr,>- ,,o>-,-
"H"hH"' VI ihE "ASHIN"iON M"NC-
MENT SOCIETY.