New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-25
A FINE MONUMENT.
THE MEMORIAL OF THE OFFICERS OF THE NAVY TO
THEIR DEAD COMRADES NOW CoMPLETED-A
oE

THE MEMORIAL OF THE OFFICERS OF THE NAVY TO
THEIR DEAD COMRADES NOW CoMPLETED-A
SKETCH OF IT.
[DY TELEGRAPH TIE TEIBUSE.l
WASHINGTON. Jan. 24.-The naval monument
erected III PennsyvanIa-ave., near the Western en-
trance to the Capitol Park during the past Summer
aud Fall has recently been completed by placing in
position the statue OF Peace OH The sub-base of the
Eastern side of the pedestal.
This mopument, which is considered by many Of
the critics TO he one of the best of the works of art
recently set up in this city, originally planned
by officers of tho navy, by whom most of the money
to pay for it was raised b. subscription. Admiral
Porter chairman OF tho committed having the mat
ter IN charge gave the commission for the
work 10 Mr. Franklin smmcns the artist, and
the original design was to erect the memorial at
Annapolis. Subsequently Congress made appro
priatioh to pay for the statue Of Peace, included in
TIE original design hat for the purchase of which
no provision had been made. The entire work. IN
GLIDING the architectural portions as well rs the
groups of statuary. modelled and worked out i'll
marble by Mr.. Simmons in his studio in Rome.
The character of the monument Is classic. more so
than any othCr work of art at the Capitol. Tho
principal group is That which crowns the monument
aud represents Grief and History. 1ho former drops
teag for those Of the navy who fell IN defence OF
the country while History perpetnatcs the memory
Of their heroic deeds. History naturally affords "A
support TO Grief. while at the same time she writes
uDon a tablet which she holds in her hand.
On the front of The subbase is triangular group,
the central figure Of which represents Victory. hold
ing aloft in her right hand laurel crown, and in
her left an oak branch indicating the strength
which goes with victory. On either side are enl-
blomatic figures, representing Mars and Neptune.
o. the back or east side Of the sub-base. fronting
tho Capitol, is & corresponding triangular group,
representing Peace, with the emblcms of
peace AMI industry. The statue of Peace
is partially drapcd. which gives n pleas
ing variety to the group In her right
hand she extcnl. an olive branch, and in hef left
she holds the drapcry of the figaro. On the right
oi Peace are a -heaf Of grain, a horn of plenty and
a broken sword Upon the wheat dove has just
alighted On tho LETT are cmblc.Es Of literature art
and science. The inscription on the front of the
sub-ba.o of the pedestal Is: =" In memory Of the
officers sailors aud marines of the United States
Navy who fell in defence Of the union and liberty
Of their country, 1-6l-lS65.'
The position of this monument is the most con-
.yvaHla-ayo. 10 the Capitol must cssaTy pass H.
and unlike some Of the statues with which II has
been attempted 10 aGnIn the city, II - work of
which the American people need not be ashamed.
The monument will b. seen 10 best advantage IN
summer when the foliage of the park Will partially
hide the Capitol and form proper back ground Tor
it's principal groups