The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1884-10-28
ON THE MONUMENT TOP.
The work of Completion I'm Prog
ress- WashingtOn's III Q mn eriaI
Nenrlv FfufaheN

Hundreds OF pairs OF eyes and OF glasses
were turned toward the monument top to-day
and little crowds gathered at many places to
watch the movements OF the ny-like mortals
who were at work at the top OF the shaft. For
nearly month work had been suspended to
allow the cutting and dressing OF stone to pro
coed, and now, when all the stone were ready
except four,it was deemed safe to resume. The
four additional stones required to complete
the shaft have been shipped from the quarry
and Will be prepared before the masons are
ready to place them In position.
Tho pyramidal top is to consist of fourteen
courses OF stone, taperiug to point. Two OF
these courses had already been placed In po-
sition, and the necessary ecafroldlng arranged
In position for several more. The work OF
placing the third course began yesterday.
In this course are to be left the oblong slits
for lookout windows, eight In number, two on
eaoh face OF the monument. Above IL there
VIII remain TO be laid twelve courses beside
the capstone, and II is roughly estimated that
three full days OF fair weather Will be required
TO lay each course
This still leaves the completion OF the monu.
the advent OF extreme cold. The engineers
admit their inability TO complete the shaft be-
fore cold weather, but are confident OF being
able TO prosecute the work In spite OF low tom
perature until 1t ia completed.
When WORK was resumed yesterday It was
with the understanding that there was to be
stone has been nut In pIaee and the bisto aa,
and wonderful shaft completed.
The construction OF the Soap" is no easy
matter. In the history OF the world such OPP
CREATIONS were never carried on at such q
height.
There were many interesting questions OF
science and engineering that presented them
selves, and casual glance ut the nature OF
the work, the handling OF immense blocks OF
marble and construction OF q pyramid at such
an elevation reveals many Of Its difficulties.
The arrangements for arresting the lightning,
the provision for scientific phenomena, etc.,
are very interesting.
The question OF disposing OF the memorial
stones presented by various nations, States,
cities and organizations Is now receiving at
tention, and they will be examined by the
Monument Joint Commission and those con-
sfdered worthy will be assigned to positions In
the interior walls 30 as to be visible from the
base.
The many schemes and devises for tho Inn
provement and ornamentation OF the base OF
the shaft are receiving little attention, as that
10 subject for consideration after the compile
ion OF the monument and Its dedication.
Prior 10 the ceremonies OF February %, Il
VIII be the object OF the officers In charge to
remove the shops and sheds aud 10 place the
foundation mound and surroundings In q
neat and attractive condition.
The SHAFT Will be provided with O neat and
commodious passenger elevator.
Colonel Casey spent yesterday on the top of
the monument experimenting the operations.
The President and members OF the Commits.
sion VIII ascend on Thursday.