Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1879-12-04
THE GEN. THOMAS STATUE.
WORK or ART wHICu Cpsr SIXTY TuoU
sNSD DOLLARS.

shSD DOLLARS,
II was natural, after the death of
Gen. Geo. II. Thomas, that the soldiers
and officers OF the Army of the Cum.
bcrland should desire to perpctuate
his memory in some fitting manner
At the annual reunion held in De-
troit, Immediately after the demise Of
their old commander, a proposition was
therefore made 10 erect monument
in bronze. The idea at once took de-
finite shape, and committees were APP
pointed to collect subscriptions to de-
fray the expenses. 4 surplus In the
treasury of the society was appropri.
ated as 4 nucleus 10 the fund. and
attcrward Congress donated n quantity
of condemned cannon TO the society to-
ward the monument, the sale of which
realized about S20,0000O. Through
these instrumentalities. viz: private
subscriptions, the appropriation of the
society, aud the donation of Cougrc--,
the necessary funds were secured. Be
sides these finance committees a gen
cral committee was appointed to have
charge of the whole matter. This lat
ter body Immediately invited artists to
send in models, but although a mum.
ber were submitted ut two separate
meetings, held in Pittsburg and Day
ton. none were deemed worthy of ac-
ceptance, On reporting this fact to
the society, the general committee was
authorized to proceed and select au
artist to whom the work could be en-.
trusted. Acting under these instruc-
tions, the committee decided upon Mr..
j. q. a. Ward, of New York, aud
contract was at once entered into with
that gentleman. The committee CON
sisted of Generals Hooker, Sheridan,
Cruft. Davis. Jordan and Whipple,
and Major Dufheld 1t was part of
the contract that at least three of the
horses legs should be upon the ground
as it was not the intention Of the socie-
ty to have the animal appear in an un-
natural attitude. For over four years
Mr. Ward was steadily at work upon
The statue, and early last spring his
Plaster of Paris cast was transferred
to the foundry Of Burlan Bros. Il Hea-
ton, of Philadelphia. by whom it was
most successfully reproduced in bronze
The first cast was made about six
months ago, since which time the firm
has been busy upon the work, and the
finishing touches we're only made few
d US before it was shipped to Washing
ton. The height of the statue is about
fifteen feet, the figures being about
twice life size. Irs cost was $4,000,
exclusive of the pedestal, which was
erected by the Government at an ex-
pelse of $4,000. This pedestal is
of granite, about sixteen feet high,
and embelIished with bronze decora-
tions, including the representation of
the badge of the Society of the
Army of the Cumberland, partly
surmounted by wreath of laurel.
The statue complete weighs about
1900 pounds. The horse and rider
weigh about $500 pounds, and the
base 2,200 pounds. The picture which
Is given of the statue gives a better
idea of it than can any word descrip-
ton. Suffice IL to say that the work
is deservedly the object Of universal
praise Those who knew General
Thomas best are the most gratihed
with the likeness, faithfully portray
ing, as it does, the face and person Of
the dead hero. lie has not been ideal.
lied out of recognition. But there
was no need Of this. Commanding In
presence, of fine features, bearing in
every line the marks of the courage,
the will, and the force Of character