Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-10-19

gu6bbs OF Ine nablOn, representatives Oh the
French Republic and descendants OF the
principal French officers at the siege of York
town, whom 1t was determined to invite.
The Invitations extended were to the Presi-
dent of the French Republic and to repre-
sentatives of the families of Lafayette, Ro-
chambeau and De Grasse. Others were
afterward included, among whom were the
descendants Of Baron Won Steuben, the gal
liant German officer. The site Of the mOnu-
ment was selected, a design for the struc-
ture was approved, and an elaborate pro-
gramme was prepared.
The arrival OF the foreign guests In this
country and their cordial welcome in Vari-
Gus cities of the country, including Wash
ington, are too fresh in the memory of all
to require repetition.
THREATENING WEATHER-TRooPs AND CIV
ILIANs ARRIVING.
There was a slight shower this morn
ing, and at this hour, 10 a. m, the
sky is cloudy, with indications of more
rain. The weather is cooler, how
ever, and there is a pleasant breeze.
Eight boats arrived between mid
night and 8 O'Clock this morning,
bringing many troops and civilians.
Among the former were detachments
from Delaware, Michigan, Virginia and
New Hampshire.
The City of Catski!l, with Secretary Blaine
and the French and German guests, arrived In
Hampton Roads this morning from Wash
ington. The French Minister and guests
were transferred to the frigate Magicienne,
which got under way, and, accom-
panied by her consorts, the Dumont
and Urville sailed for Yorktown
at halt past eight. Among the passengers
on the Catskill are General Wickham, of
Virginia. and Mayor Latrobe and Collector
Thomas, Of Baltimore. A salute was fired
from the fort in honor of Secretary Blaine's
arrival. The Catskill leaves for Yorktown
st O'Clock.
THE PRESIDENT ARRIVES.
The steamer Excelsior, with the York
town Congressional Commission on board,
arrived this morning, and received salutes
from General Hancock's camp and the war
vessels in the harbor. Shortly after the
Dispatch and Taldpoosa hove in sight, and
were saluted by the camp and gun boats.
President Arthur left the Dispatch about
hslf-past IL O'Clock, and proceeded to La
fayete Aall, where he was received by the
Governor OF Virginia.
THE SCENE ON THE RIVER FRONT.
The scene on the river front to-day was
inspiring. The men-of-war, passenger
steamers tugs and pleasure craft were pro-
fusely decked with flags and streamers.
Salutes were constantly being fired in hon
or OF arriving dignitaries, and the air was
filled with music by the numberless bands.
These, with the gay uniforms of the Temp
lars and military and the great crowds Of
people, who gathered to witness the display,
contributed to make a scene Of great in
terest.
At eleven o'clock Governor Holiday and
his staff in Lafayette Hall, which was beau
tifully decorated, met and welcomed the
Governors of the States and other distin-
guished guests. General Hancock called
and paid his respects, and the interchange
Of pleasant greetings occupied the time un-
~ the arrival OF President Arthur and the
French guests.
THE CEREMONIES BEGIN.
At 1870 the Masonic procession under
the direction of ex-senator Withers as Mar
shsl, marched into the hall. President Ar
thur. accompanied by Secretaries Lincoln
and Hunt aud Postmaster General James was
escorted to the stand amid the cheers OF
the crowd.
DIR, NELSON'S PRAYER.
The ceremonies were then opened with
prayer by the Rev DR.. Nelson, the grand
son of Governor Nelson, who commanded
the Virginia militia at Yorktown. He
thanked God for the one hundred years Of
blessing vouchsafed this country, for Wash
ington, for our allies and for our victory.
He prayed for peace among all nations and
fraternal concord among all sections Of our
own country.
THE ADDRESSES.
On the conclusion of the prayer the band
played the "Star Spangled BaDner,1' with
artillery accompaniment. Governor Holli-
day then delivered the address of welcome.
Senator Johnston, OF Virginia, Chairman of
the Congressional Committee, made few
appropriate remarks, concluding by saying
that the column now to be raised was to
commemorate not only the victory of the
colonies but the part taken in that victory
by France. This recognition of the aid
given by France to this country was a solemn
duty left by the Continental Congress to
it's successors, and now, after the lapse Of
one hundred years, the Congress of thirty
eight States and fifty millions Of people is
fulfilling that duty.
THE MONUMENT.
The corner stone of the monument was
then laid with Masonic ceremonies under
the direction Of the Grand Master OF Vir-
ginis, Peyton 8. Coles. The gavel used
was an historic one made from timber from
Commodore Perry's flag ship, the claw
renee" and was used on the occasion OF the
laying of the corner stone OF the monument
at Monmouth, N. j., and of the Egyptian
Obelisk In Central Park, New York. At the
dental party and the foreign guests re-
turned to the war vessels on the river. Mill
tary continued TO arrive until late in the
evening.
The monument is divided for the purpose
OF plain understanding by the reader into:
/, the "base;" Q, the "podium," or drum
supporting the thirteen dancing figures; 8,
the "shaft," or upright column; 4, the
"capital," resting directly on the final
- z H.
which supports the figure surmounting the
monument, and 6, the "hgure." These are
In height as follows: Base, 25 feet inches;
podium, IA feet 4 inches; shaft, 35 feet i |
inch; capital, 5 feet inches; pedestal, 3 |
feet 9 inches; figure, IL feet inches; max !
ing the total height from the bottom Of the |
base, resting on the surface OF the ground, |
to the top Of the figure, 80 feet inches. |
The bottom Of the base covers q surface area |
of 945 So feet. The area for inscriptions on |
each side Of the base is Is, $50 square inches. |
The greatest diameter of the podium is 9 |
feet inches. The height of the thirteen |
figures surrounding the podium is feet. |
The diameter of the shaft at the bottom is |
feet inches, and at the top feet.
The four sides of the base contain, first, |
an inscription dedicating the monument as |
a memorial OF the victory; second. an in
scription presenting a suceinet narrative of |
the siege, prepared in accordance with the |
original archives in the Department Of State; |
third, the treaty of alliance with the King |
of France; and fourth, the treaty Of peace |
with the King Of England. In the pedi- |
ments over these four sides respectively are
presented, carved in relief, first, emblems Of
nationality; second, emblems Of war; third,
emblems OF the alliance, and fourth, EN-
blems of peace. The base is devoted to the
historical statement; 1t explains the subse-
quent incidents OF the monumental compo-
sltion, which are intended solely TO appeal to
the imagination. The immediate result OF the
historical events written uponthe base was
the happy establishment OF a national
union Of thirteen independent States. To
celebrate this joyful union the sculptor has
represented upon the circular podium which
arises from the base a solemn dance OF thir-
teen typical female figures, hand in hand,
encircling the drum, which bears upon a
belt beneath their feet the words, zone
country, one constitution, one destiny" II
is a symbol Of the birth of freedom.
The inscriptions on the base of the monu-
ment are TO be as follows:
igoRTH1
Erected
In pursuance OF
A resolution OF Congress, approved October "a,
1871, and one approved June 2, 1880,
-.