The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1876-07-19
THE CENTENNIAL.
An Interesting Letter From Citizen
Of wheeling.

PHILADELPHIA, July Is, 1876.
Editors of the Register.
From the Main Hall to the Art Gal
lery seems little space, but as you pass
over the dazzling road, with the reaec-
ton from the white walls of the Art Hall,
stopping to glance at the statue OF the
American soldier on his lofty pedestal,
and the bronze castings from Munich, wait
ing for the passage OF the W est End cars,
&c, by the time you ascend the broad
steps YOU are somewhat warmed up this
July day. But entering you feel compen-
stated with the endless works Of marble,
bronze and paint presented in wondrous
variety before you, and truly you tnd
yourself repeating,
"a hundred years, who cares? Wen all
be- dead.
Careless words, and careless said.
He cares, the Master OF Arts, VINO KNOWS
the reason why
He gave the law, that art should live and
man should die"
You can only glance at few of the
prominent objects, and that hastily. To
YOUR lclL Is AL Doutu iai ~ paihsi"St
perhaps Is by Is feet IN size, entitled the
Spirit of our Institutions doing Homage
to America. Columbia, of gentle mien,
stands offering to the country education
and Christianity. Constitution, of grace
full form and whitened brow, bidsAuthority
and Liberty keep their proper place,
Vigilance standing in their rear. On
each side of Columbia are two brawny
giants, one bronzed by the Oriental sun
and the other rugged by polar Ice and
storms, representing the two oceans
The states arc typifd by beautiful
maidens. Pennsylvania in sky blue
drapery extending welcome hand to
Europe, whilst Virginia, in royal purple,
New York and Rhode Island form q
brilliant trio. Asia and Africa, in Co.'S
TUNES of their cline are on either ex-
treme and in the back ground the other
states. West Virginia is looking over
the shoulder OF Pennsylvania. The
whole is characterized by the bold
ness of its features and soft luxurious
coloring. II is a work OF much study
and attracts general attention from
being executed Tor this special occasion.
You pass naturally TO view of
Bailey's equestrian statue of Antonla
Blanco, President of the Venezuela States.
Its size will attract you, at least, and as
for correctness others must speak.
Around this room are groups of equisite
chiseling without number, in every form
and style the imagination can eliminate,
Ophelia of rare beauty, will stop you.
"Her father slain, her lover lost,
and she about to die Connolly
has this as his choicest execution.
A model of beauty and feeling.
Close by, notice the Forced Prayer-one
of the gems-a child in his night attire,
the robe just lifted enough to expose
limbs of perfection and held by tiny
fingers; lips parted; frown on his brow,
with tear glistening on his cheek. No
one will tire Of studying it. You linger
hour after hour over these works in mar
BILE; so lifelike. The Beggar Boy, the
Street Sweep, Loves Birth, Just Emerg-
ing from the Shell, Venus, Bacchus,
Fauns Nymphs confuse you by their
abundance. Marble does not hold COM
plete sway; bronze occupies much space.
A Michael Angelo here at $4,000. The
abolition of slavery in the United States
gives work to the genius of Pezzicar. A
bust of his majesty the Emperor OF
Austria. A central group in bronze, and
Of exquisite proportions, Is one by Con-
nellv,l.called Death and Honor. The
latter Is seen arreSting the triumph Of
death, mounted on the field, with banner
flying and reins given to his steed. Three
figures are Frustrated before him in his
path, Courage, Perseverance and Strength.
Strength having seized the birdie, which
has snapped in two, first gives way and
falls with sword broken. Perseverance,
in half upright posture, eyes turned
heavenward, grssps with expiring ener-
" the scythe that is to NOW him down.
Courage, with sword uplifted, still strikes,
although lying beneath the horse, one leg
on his breast and the hoof oil the other
lust raised TO strike him down in his at.
tempt TO rise. Honor alone is erect and
scstheless. and defes him in his march.
Death sees and recognizes foe he can
not conquer. Honor tears down his ban
ner and is casting away his trumpet,
wrenched from his hand. He may slsy
the living, but the slain belonging to
Honor-Price 5000 gold; duty extra.
Occupying the entire end Of one of the
halls is Rothermells Battle OF Gettys-
burgh. 1t eIcells IN size many OF his
other works, but only in that; and al
though should not object TO its being
hing here from any of the common rea-
sons urged. as offending any one portion
of our people, for it is historic painting,
We, the space might have been better
utilized. 1t brings in view the Confed.
crate lines and batteries, Little and Great
Round Top, Gen. Mesd's location COM
msnding the U. S. troops Sergeant Stills,
with appraised gun, beating back the
Rebel charge. Arnold's battery Is very
monument; the gunner wounded and dy-
ING, with hammer in his clenched hands,
his place being filled by another; the
beautiful drummer boy dying in the arms
Of his comrade. These, with all similar
scenes of a battle field, I'll all the space OF
this large canvas.
Our English friends have besutihod
this exhibit with many of their finest
paintings, loaned kindly by gentlemen
Who are eminent in politics, science. COM
merce and arts. Space is too limited TO
even name them all. l call few: Ju-
liam the Apos,ate, presiding at confer,
liant h. fha cite of