The New York herald., 1877-02-06
THE STATUE OF LIBERTY.

The following communication has been addressed 10
tho American people,
AMERICAN COMMITTEE THE STATUE or LIBERTY
MUNICIPAL HALL, No 81 MADISON AVENUE,
NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 1871 J
To TIE PEOPLE THE UNITED STArEs:--
1t was proposed during tho last year by a society
calling itself the "Union Franco Amcricaine' OF
France, TO commemorate the Tooth anniversary Of
American Independence by erecting IN tho harbor Of
Now York colossal statue entitled "Liberty Enght-
ening tho World" Tho society was inaugu rated in
PARIS by a banquet at which eloquent speeches wero
made by several OF the most distinguished citizens OF
France, recalling the ancient alliance OF the French
and American peoples and the grand results which
have made IL so memorable in modern civilization
Mr. Euouard abOulayc, The eminent writer whose pom
has been SO often employed In the service Of liberty
ana progress, was chosen president, and among tho
members enrolled were round the names OF Oscar do
Lafayette, tho Marquis de NoalIcs. the Marquis do
RochamDcau, Count dc Tocqueville, CorneIis dc With
Henri Martin Paul dc Rcmusat and others whose an
ccstors participated IN tue momcnous struggles OF our
Revolution or who have since proved themselves the
admirers and stcadast friends OF country
and her institutions.
In their first appeal the French nation these gen.
tlemcn saId:-"Our design is, IN remembrance Of
glorious ann' crsary, To RAISE an exceptional monu-
menL We propose TO erect, IN the unequaed barbor
oI New York, on island belonging to the States Of
the union acDe Long Island, where some OF tho
earliest battles of Independence fought gigantic
statue whose frame on The horizon snail be the great
cities OF New York, Brooklyn and Jersey CIty There
on the threshold Of continent so iul OF lie,
where vessels from all parts OF the world are con.
santIy passing, IL VIII rise from the bosom the
waves and represent Liberty cnlghtening the world"
IL was noble anu beautiful conception, and the ap-
peal on lis behalf was generously all
parts OF France that the work was at put he
hands oi The eminent French sculptor, NJ Bartbodi,
whose design, alter receiving the approval OF many
competent artists IS already in process oil praclica
execution Visitors 10 the late Centennial Exhibition
VIII readily recall the enormous hand In bronze which
Is 10 lorm part OF tins imposing work OF art.
IL only remains Tor the American people, IN response
TO this generous movement to provide the reccp-
ton location, presentation and Inauguration OF this
statue which Will be more than 100 feet IN height sur
mounting pedestal OF nearly equal height, anu which
VIII not only form an impressive ornament 10 the en-
trance OF the commercial metropolis OF the Union but
answer useful purpose beacon signal station,
and prove an enduring record of the early and lasting
friendship Of the two great republics OF the nineteenth
century.
The undersigned, committee appointed az a meet.
Ing OF citizens held at the Century Club tho 2d Of
January 1884, are charged with the duty OF presenting
the project TO tho concurrence and cooperation Of
their fellow cOuntrymcn, and IN pursuance OF their
task Will circulate In all the great cities ana towns Of
the United States OF subscription papers
hcng general assistance In order that all classes
OF citizens may be- enabled to take part IN this grand
potriotic enterprise. subscriptions to any amount
VIII be rcccvcd, from ten cents 10 800 aud over.
Chambers of commerce. boards OF trade, exchanges.
tradcsmcn's. and mechanics associations, clubs
aud other regular organizations are particularly
requested to interest themselves In tho iurthcranco
OF our object.
The committee feel assured that the American people
Will be only 100 TO recognize the frendncss Of
this munlnccnt offer the part OF the French people,
and TO rccpi ocatc the kindly ana liberal sentiments
IN which II originated by "a prompt acceptance OF "
and prosecution oil The labors that may be
needed to carry tho purpose to successful compile
ton.
william VI. Evarts Cnairman Edwin d. Morgan
John Jay. William Cullen Bryant Parkc Godwin,
Samuel u. Bnbcock, William H. wckham John Taylor
Johnston, Henry i. Spauding, Theodore Roosevelt,
Frederick II. Coudcri James W. pinrho,. Treasurer
William II. Appleton, Clnrk Bell, Theodore Weston,
Jonn T. Denny, Anson Phelps Stokes, Samuel r. Avery
j seavcr Page, Wortbingion Wnircdgc, Richard But.
or. occrcta w.