New-York tribune., 1876-10-13
BlRTH0LDIS GREAT STATUE.
LIBERTY LIGHTING TIE WORLDS COMMERCE.

LIBERTY LIGHTING THE WORLDS COMMERCE
To the Edttor Of The TrtbEne.
SIR: II is to be hoped that some decisive action
will shortly be taken by New-York in regard 10 the
very IntercstDgad quito practicable project Of the
Franco American Union. There is in relation TO
this project a great lack of information and yenila-
ton which it is very easy 10 replace by thorough
understanding of the present position and proposed
object of the enterprise. Tho idea Of erecting
colossal statue of Liberty lighting the worlds com
mcrce, to be utilized as q lighthouse on Bcdloes 8
Island, is not merely embryo as many erToneousy
conceive but has taken tangible form, and is being
actively put into effect. NJ Barthod has already
completed the hand aud arm, which are now on
view at Philadelphia aud which daily attract
crowds and provoke interesting comment. The
Philadclphiaus indeed, are so much taken with the
idea. and so desire 10 Tcciprocate the good will Of
France that they have even organized committee
and commenced to collect subscriptions for the pur-
pose OF purchasing the moroccan spokeg OF as a me-
mento of this Centennial year.
In case New-York does its duty in The matter and
takes immediate steps to carry ont the enterprise
Philadelphia will hand over the balance left after
the portion of the projected statue already COM
pleted has been secured 10 them, to go toward the
completion of the great work; but should NcW-lork
prove tardy and apathetc, the inhabitants Of the
Quaker City viii themselves take up .Lc project and
secure it, successful fulhllmcnt,.
Now. Ncw-lork is the propT place for such
monument. which is designed by It's orignators TO
be souvenir Of the ancient pact and helpful friend
slip. ccm,utcd Oh the battlefield, that have ever
.ub,iscd between France the herald OF liberty, and
America, her greatest though latest-born child. Not
merely would the possession of such noble work of
art be- an honor and its erection lasting Of
pride and attraction TO the greatest city in America;
it would further bo a graceful feicitation Of France
on her peace, prosperity, and freedom established
and secured under the republic.
Paris in Iis corporate capacity has subscribed
10000 francs to the project out of tie SO depart
mcnts OF France 10 cities and towns have CON
tributed their quota-in all 100000 francs; and if
America expresses a Citing interest and a rcciproca-
ton, of the wish for continued good viii and intcrac-
ton more viii Immediately be forthcoming. One
million francs, NJ BuihoIdi estimates, VIII cover
the entire expenses of statue and pedestal, which
from base 10 top viii measure 22j feet.
The idea that France, as an cXFoncut and repre-
sentative of the worlds aft, should supply from IFS
treasury the bronze statue, colossal and complete,
and that America. the leader in material prosperity
and executive skill should supply the machinery
and haud.cralt necessary for ITS secure establish
mcnt is COupuOus and appropriate. Several proui-
ucnt men and some leading artists have expressed
great interest iu the work and an earnest desire to
see il completed, and surely 100000 is not much
for the enterprise and energy OF our merchants to
raise.
To let such an opportunity pass would in our
opinion, Doe q lasting blot and as in France so with
u5. subscriptions should be- general and the smallest
sums taken. NJ
Nec York, oct. II, 1876.