New-York tribune., 1876-09-28
THE PROCEEDINGS.

Before o'clock yesterday afternoon the
streets and avenues approaching MadisOns began
to take on animated appearance. Groups of fashion
aby-attired ladies aud gentlemen others less finely
clothed but intelligent and the crowd which attends
everything in the shape of spectacle all moving
toward the point OF attractiOn-the statue or
William II. Seward, which tO be presented TO tho
City OF NewYork and for the frst time unyaed to the
public eye. The day cool and windy with occasional
threatening clouds, bnt the crowd came prepared
TO remain through the proceedings whatever the
weather might be. The various arrangements for
the placing of the spectators and the
vang OF the statue had been carefully made
and were carried out with method and precision
1t the north side OF end about 10 feet from the statue
the speakers stand with accommodations for about
$50 guests Around the statue rope was stretched
inside OF which seats for coo people, beside the
band None but the bearers OF cards OF invitation
allowed inside OF the circle The
ing which had hidden the statue after the occupation of
its present position bad given way TO the Stars aud
Stripes arranged 70 be easily removed Through
this thin covering the form gitterod in the after
exciting the expectations Of the observers, but
giving them idea, ather false idea Of the figure
be cath. Flags also esooned about the speakers
stand
Meanwhile tho halls and parlors of the Fifth Avenue
Hotel rapidly filling with the prominent guests of
the committee Of subscribers ThurlOw Weed the old
time personal friend OF Mr. Seward, William NJ Eyarts,
schen, Gen. Hancock. ex-Gov, Hoffman, william Lloyd
Garrison, Prof. DOremus, ex-Commissoncrs Van Mort
and Bowen, Elliott @. COwdn, Hamilton Fish, jr. and
many other welknown were talking in animated
groups The hotel windows full of ladies watching
the gathering crowd below and each balcony bad tho full
complement Of people, who WIRE determined to see
everything, though the expense Of hearing moth
ing.
AS the time drew TO O'Clock. Gilmoreis band.
who had offered to furnish the music for the OCCASION
took their places In the seats reserved for hem and soon
assisted the patience OF the waiting crowd with the
national airs At 3l5 the guests left the FIFTH Avenue
Hotel body, and proceeded to their seats on the
speakers's stand, being welcomed with applause aud
music The exercises then opened with the remarks Of
Commissioner Martin There were some fears at one
time that the exercises would be Interrupted by rain
small black cloud wider han Madisonsquare fright
ened away the tmd portion Of the audience, but
il passed away after shedding few harmless drops, aud
left the sky bright aud clear again.
REMARKS OF COMMISSIONER MARTIN.
After music by the band. the President OF the Depart
neut of Public Parks william L. Martin, in calling the
assembly TO order, said
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN We attend to-day the un-
waiting OF tne first statue erected in this city 20 citizen
of our own state You will see seated dignded
the semblance Of the who actively participated Ia
the political and personal conflicts OF his time which
were rs critical aud decisive in his foresight they were
Tepressbe lie served and aided IN saving his CO. TRY,
and was not spared himself From the turbL Of
these conflicts he has emerged TO place IN the
history of his country and time winch at last sets all
things even, viii pay whatever debt IL owed TO him
The statue is the work Of Randolph itogers citizen OF
this State though long resident IN Itoue whese ftne
has been established by his work5 nc mas eSeSnted
works OF national reputation. an9 pa ssieH & ~
first American 10 attain
mis- statue gilt TO the CITY Of New-YOrk from the
erected In the OF the Secretary OF st9e OF the
United States the Hon John BigelOw Secretary ~ stale
81 II tni @ S 5 S IL on % s part Of e city by tine Mago
alter which viii listen to Mr Eyaris the orator OF
aatf I haua uD1N tt1
THE PRESENTATION.
Mr Bgeow, in presenting the statue TO the City OF
NewYor in behalf of the subscribers 70 the fund said
Mr. MAYOR: The State OF Ncw-York, to-day, desires to
do homage OF its iiustrious dead am CHARGED
by body Of its representative men, VINO arc Ni5e
enough 70 regard the OF its great ncn as among It's
priceless treasures their example and achievements as
nexhaustib and amoug the puIest incentives 10 noble
fore YOU by which the nobrst Of the arts seeks TO
perpetuate tie memory OF william H. seNaid IN tne
has SO happily cooperled with the genius OF the artist
and the name OF that heavenly grace wheh teaches
men 10 regard gratitude for eminent public service as
among the rst Of national as well as persgnal duties
now have the honor 70 request the Cy OF ol
mortal OF greatest benofactors, and 20 see tnnt
It she be placed where while grass grows ana waisI M
lawyer, the patriot, and the sage.
THE ACCEPTANCE.
At the conclusion OF this speech the flag quickly
pned froh the statue amid applause and cheers The
toms Mayor Wiekham then forward, and, accept
ing the gift returned thanks in behalf oil the city in the
following words:
MR BIGgLow, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: In accepting
1nS dpayed by those who have made the gi
TIE work OF distinguished American artist II rs a credit
to him. ornament 20 the city, and an honor 70 conh-
tr which In apprecatng this production oil his studio,
shows that II has attained what bas Deen sad 70 NC an
evidence Of the highest oivilza0nthe culture ncees
cary 20 correct estimation OF excellence III sculpture
The list Of those who have contributed 70 the Iund
OF our notable works OF contains the names OF many
Of the best known and most respected o our leioMei
OF esteem the community In choosing rom among
taen one to be the spoSn aon 10 nnop P yo Sir who
have been, during busy lietlbe 70 CLOSELY
Sicb Isters and art adorn city II only be re-
gretted that DO not have the further pleasure Wbcn
Rad been promised OF having with this occasion
or emncut toWusnan. Who with honor TO himself and
10 NeW-YoTk. been sueeessiyely Governor OI the
state and member OF the United states Senate ana Is
now secretary OF state, in each OF which great offices
seward had the opportunity to exhibit his own remark
or that conspicuous citizen himself, whose face and
figure In this monument so pelseIR d
and disciple, the accomplished scholar ana brilliant aay9
who already upon tne PateG 70 W emste IS "' WIN
GRAFTON OF WILLIAM NJ. EyARrs
AZ the close OF the Mayors acceptance, and after music
by the band including cornet solo by Levy william
81 Eyars stepped TO the front Of the platform and spoke
as follows:
committee 10 take some part Ia the inauguration cere
moDes OF the day, yielded my consent WIN aatIyi t
SoT N called me TO an office OF affection ana dhty
cond moi indeed compose lDysth either IN the length OF
tie aeGnantance in theintimacy OF the poluch as
scisfios 1, I'M Gov Fish whose absence you MI Mayor
nave lgpnencd and VINO has followed 80 closely GOV
seward IN all tbs great places that nc hheu. .yu
Siurb less could match myseH Win the
Ifeelo,g friend Mr.. Weed who honors US
win MS presence iO-dayl lappisusek VINO attended
m f rst Ootsleps of Mr.. Seward III his entrance upon
niiic lie Snd was by his side in all the steep asce OF
ns long career his rend his admircr, MS counseor'
,,,sdittor obligations OF STATES