The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-04-01

We publish the letter OF EDwIS g. BOOTH,
opinions. But we think he is in the wrong.
The laying OF the cornerstone Of the York
town monument will be a memorable
scene:
10 the Editors of the Dispatch:
Being devoted TO all pertaining to the
welfare OF tue State, | have been greatly IN
terested IN the illusions and presentations
incident to the Yorktown Centennial, the
conSummdtiOn OF independence being a
much more celebrating and c1mmemora-
bic event than the mere declaration.
the occasion is flch in materials for en-
HANGING all connecting auXlllarits and con-
CONTAINS promOtive Of immigration and
importance TO a region now favored by
river, ocean, and railway sufficient to
convert ii into garden for much Ct the
world, and a soil and climate peculiarly
adapted to such productions.
But the first question is, Are we really TO
have the French nation in this alliance. an
emblem ordered near one hundred years
ago, and old ocean again into tempest
tossed? Are we 10 have the polished ora.
tor of Massachusetts,, the distinguished poet
OF Virginia, the bosoms Of the highest and
the humbest heaying with patriotic im-
pulses and "reminiscences and gratitude to
the Glyer OF all Good for subsequent incl
dental blessings and aspirations for The fu-
turei Are these hallowed associations to
cluster proudly around the unyeiing OF a
completed monument with SOui.stIrring in
scriptlon which all can see and appreciate,
or are these animating white caps OF pa
triotism and defiance against any recur-
renee OF similar efforts at subjugaion to
come down from such sublmity and perish
around the laying Of a cornerstone, which
ought to be ten feet below the surface, rem
dering the funeral service aud the dirge
more appropriate appendagess
The next question is, What arc the prac'
liabilities? While the politicians have
been In "c0d debate" over such chilling
contingencies have been amongst the con-
tractors. Before Christmas put that plan
with printed specifications into tue hands OF
the successful contractors Of the huge stone
Art Gallery at the last centeDniaI made
from Richmond granite. They pronounced
II the best in that building and The best In
the world. The reply was, ave will
agree 10 complete it in six months from the
nrst OF January next, 1884,"
then went TO the contractors on the
huge public buildings at Broad and Market,
Philadelphia, to cost fourteen millions OF
dollars, considerably larger than the Capi-
toi at Washington. there learned they were
ooing IRON seventy thousand 10 seventy-ti five
tnonsand dollars per month OF such work,
ana DESTROYS Of this undertaking. The
granite Masonic temple adjoining, and one
VI inc unest structures on the earth, un-
oers'ano, was erected without the use Of a
cnisei IN this city--all prepared elsewhere
snd SIMPLY put together before some In the
vicinity were aware OF its commencement.
sensible, judicious citizen OF Richmond
toid me ne thought there was much more
tnan stone enough now quarred in Rich
nond 10 build several such monuments
arge portion OF the work being under
gfound-ior sufficient foundation and such
commencement practicable In week. |
nave no doubt there Is enough OF suitable
material now ready, In weeks transpor-
tation OF Yorktown, and no doubt freely
surrendered TO such object. This is some.
thing practicable, tangible, and exhiIara.
ting, and worthy OF the occasion, not again
occurring in the lifetime OF any present.
ana II not thus done, not likely to be ever
seen BY any considerable number OF present
attendants.
IL Is thus public matter interesting to
every citizen, with q right 10 opinions and
the expression OF them. ! am entitled TO
pfculisr concern, owning several farms in
the Deigbborh00d, with much increased ex-
pense By enticIng attractions, willing thus
10 open doors and put poles out Of The win.