The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1884-12-11
WASHINGTON GOSSIP.
The Weekly Collection About the Ma
tiOnal Capital.

THE STATUE OF REAR-ADNIRAL DUPONT
hss been placed upon its pedestal in the circle
that bears the name of the naval hero and will be
unvailed with appropriate ceremonies In few
days. The statue is of heroic size, and IN gen.
eral appearance is similar 10 that of Admiral
Farragut. 1t is of bronze, 10 feet in hight, and
both the design and the execution are excel
lent. 1t represents the Admiral in full naval
uniform with the insignia of rank, his sword
hanging at his side and a marine glass in his
hands. He may easily be imagined as stand
ing on the deck Of his flagship at moment of
danger, which calls into action all his qualities
as q commander. He seems to be looking sea-
ward, the glass, just lowered from the eyes,
- Being held in both hands at the waist The
face is calm, earnest, and thoughtful, and the
whole figure is quite satisfactory TO the friends
of the Admiral. 1t Will be a worthy addition
to the statues of the Capital. As Dupont was
a naval officer it would have been lnapproprl-
ate to put him on a horse, although the eques-
trian idea seems TO be favorite one with sculp-
tors. But IL Is IN fact pleasing relief to look
at figure not bestridins one of those animals,
so fearfuly and wonderfully made, that may
be seen in almost every park IN Washington.
DUPONT CIRCLE,
in the northwest section of the city, is pretty
little reservation where four streets and ave-
nues cross. 1t is surrounded by handsome
houses, among them being that now famous
one built by Dir. Blaine. The circle was named
in honor of Admiral Dupont by an act of Con-
gress, passed in February, 1862. At the same
time an appropriation OF $4,000 was made to
improve the tract and prepare it for the recep-
ton of the statue. 1t has been beautifully laid
out with walks and shrubbery, diversified with
fantastically-shapod patches of foliage plants.
In the center is the statue, upon granite ped
estal. Last March Congress appropriated the
further sum of 81, 900 to pay for the statue
and to defray the expenses of the dedicatory
ceremonies These will be after the common
form on such occasions. There will be a naval
and military parade, All Grafton by Senator
Bayard, and the usual musical accessories.
The act of unyailing will be followed by a pre-
sentation by the Secretary of the Navy and a
formal acceptance by the President
SAMUEL FRANCIS DUPONT
was born at Bergen Point, n. J., Nov. q. 1903.
He entered the naval service as Midshipman
in 1915, when only IL years of age He was
made Lieutenant in lS26, Commander in
1912, Captain in 1856, and Rear Admiral in
1862. During the Mexican war, in command
of the frigate Congress- he rendered gallant
and efficient service on the California coast.
He was distinguished for gallantry in action,
sound Judgment and discretion. When the
rebellion broke out in 1851, he stood promi-
nently forward by the side of Foote and Far
ragut as one to whom might safely be entrust-
ed the honor and welfare of his country. When
the Government decided to seize and occupy
important points on the South Atlantic coast
Dupont was placed in command of a feet of 10
vessels, and sailed from Hampton Roads ON his
mission. He was in the highest degree sue
cessful capturing Port Royal and many other
points on the coast of South Carolina, Georgia
and Florida, which afterwards proved of great
value to the military forces.
FIGHTING THE IRoNCLADs.
On April Z, 1863, occurred the famous en-
gagement between his ironclads and the rebel
guns of Fort Sumter. He withdrew from the
action intending to renew the attack on the
following day, but finding one of his ironclads
- 1.-THE Keokuk) sunk, and half of his vessels for
the time disabled, he abandoned the attempt
He became convinced that to continue the fight
would be " TO convert failure into disaster" as
he put it in his official report. He expressed
to the Department his opinion that Charleston
could not be taken by a purely naval attack
a Judgment that was fully sustained by the
events OF the next two years. Others tried and
failed, and Charleston did not fall until Gen.
Sherman swept down from Atlanta to the sea, and
compelled its evacuation by a movement upon
itsrear. But the same Impotence at Washington
and throughout the North, which, eager for i'm
mediate results, found continual expression in
the cry On to Richmond" declared that Du-
pont, notwithstanding his previous brilliant
services, was inefficient, because he had failed
to do an impossible thing. After some sharp cor
respondence with the Department he was re-
lieved by Secretary Welles in July, 1863, from
the command Of the squadron, and returned to
his home broken hearted man. He felt that
he had been cruelty wronged. and it so preyed
upon his mind that he sank under it, dying in
less than two years. June %, 1866.
Admiral Dupont is remembered by the old
officers of the Navy with the utmost kindness
and respect. He was
THOROUGH SEAMAN,
an accomplished and brave officer, and Chris
tian gentleman. He was beloved by all who
came in contact with him. and best by those
who knew him best. Physically he was fine
specimen of American manhood. His stature
was about that Of ordinary men, his person
graceful and commanding, aud his countenance
pleasing. He died amidst the shouts of final
victory, Ia the full glory of which he was not
permitted to share. But history will do him
justice, and a grateful people will not forget
his services. He well deserved the statue
which has been erected to his memory. In
thus doing honor to his worth, the Government
is making tardy acknowledgment of the in
justice done 20 years ago to brave man who
had served his country on the seas for As years.
He suffered and died Oh account of one of the
mistakes OF judgment by those who directed
the mistakes which the country regards
with charity, because it knows they were not
intentional Admiral Dupont was not the only
victim.