Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-05-25
From the Chicago Times, May /.
lIUCOln's NOnumfnt-

The two bronze groups designed to orna-
ment the base of the National Lincoln
Monument have arrived here, and are to be
placed in position at once. These two
groups were designed by Larkin G. Meade,
oil Florence, Italy, who is also the architect
OF the monument. and who designed the
statue OF Lincoln already described. The
groups were cast in bronze by the Chicopee
Arms Company, of Massachusetts,, and are
said t) be the most elaborate bronze cast
ings ever executed in this country. They
are now on the monument grounds, and
have been so far stripped of their castings
that comparatively good view is to be
mad oil them. and really excellent idea OF
the spirit of the composition is obtained.
lhe infantry group consists of three
figures. the centre of which is an officer
CARRIED in the infantry uniform which was
made historic by the war of the rebellion,
but which has been discarded for combina-
tiOn of dress, ornament and distinctive
marks gathered from the Prussian and
French armies and from the service of the
late so-called Confederate States. This
officer has seized the staff of the colors
which but moment before had fallen
to the ground, with which he leans on his
arm. The pose of this central figure is
very fine, and with the flag which shines
ont, displaying its full glories, sixteen feet
high, makes the group pyramidal in form.
On the LETT is drummer boy with his
drum, who has caught the excitement of
the scene, and who rushes forward with
pistol in his right and drumstick in his left
hand. On the right of the officer is the fie
ure OF private soldier in infantry uniform,
with knapsack and all accOutroments, in the
act OF charging with the bayonet. The fea-
lures and arrangement of dress of the sol
der will represent those of the Western vol
unteer, and with delicate taste Mr.. Meade
has chosen for his representative infantry
man Western American. This group, in
honor of the infantry arm Of the service,
which has been well spoken of as THAT
humble arm, good for nothing but to fight !
battles and win victories, Is to stand at the /
right OF the statue of the emancipatOr and |
delivercr.
The naval group is better known to the |
citizens of the great Republic than is the |
Infantry, for BY the consent of the associa- |
tion it was exhibited at the Centennial Ex- |
position at Philadelphia. and there attract
ed much favorable comment. The centre |
bbJNtb IL OHC VI tuOSc IuutISt mUnltOTS
which were brought into use during the |
celebrated expedition for the opening of the
Mississippi. They were used against Island |
No. 10 and against Vicksburg, but they at
tained their utmost celebrity as used in the
reduction OF forts Phillips and jackson, be-
low New Orleans. On one of these moni-
tors is perched a sailor boy or powder
monkey, who looks constantly to the front
to discover il possible the object at which a
sailor, who Is upon the righl, is directing
his index finger. This sailor In proper UNI
form is in the act of rolling toward
the mortar shell filled for its
calibre. On the left Of the mortar is q sec
ond officer who has just taken from his eye
the glass with which he has been viewing
the position and intention of the enemy.
His figure is. although standing, in cou-
plete repose, and his features well represent
the assured confidence with which the Off
GERS of the American navy are accustomed
to look upon the enemy, or to observe the
various changes of an engagement. The
contrast between the cool confidence of this
figure and the labOrous exeItion of the
sailor and the excited demeauOr OF the boy
is very striking and will be considered. it
is believed. one of the most interesting fea-
lures of the group. The group is TO be
that the southern side of the monument
will represent Mr. Lincoln with tho infant
ry on his right and the navy on his left in
the act Of crusEn.. the rebellion. while in
his hands he holds the proclamation of
Each of these groups
weighs about iuur tons, and they are to be
placed in position as soon as the requisite
can be arranged. When upon
the pedestal the-e will be some proper cere-
nony of dedication. which will. of course.
be reported. The funds and subscriptions
IF the association are exhausted by the eI-
pensc of these groups, which cost. deliver
ID. Sl3,1 each. A bill is now pending in
he General Assembly which provides an
OF $27 900, for the expense
If the two other groups-cayalry and arti,
ery-which are requisite to complete the
'rlginal design.