Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1884-12-21
UNVEILED,
The Statue to Rear Admiral Dupont
Dedicated.
Eloquent Address by Senator Bayard
Large Attendance Despite the In
clement Weather.
Description of the Work of Art.

WASHINGTON, December 20.-At
o'clock this afternoon the ceremonies at
tendant upon the unveilinz Of the statue o.
Rear Admiral Dupont, we're held at Dupont
Circle. The arrangements were under the
control Of Secretary Chandler assisted by
Secretary Lincoln and Col. Rockwell The
scene Of the unveiling presented most at
tractive sight, the houses in the vicinity be
ing gaily decorated. A grand stand seating
500 persons had been erected by Col. Rock
we'll and elaborately decorated with flags
and bunting, and was protected from the
cold by sails from the navy yard The cold
prevented the attendance Of many Of the
distinguished guests who had signifed
their intention to be present.
The officers now in Washington who
served under Rear Admiral Dupont, are
Vice Admiral Rowan, Admirals Steedman,
Warden, Taylor Rodgers Ammen, Patter-
son, Stevens and Wells; Captains Harmony,
Gibson, Casey, Remey and Surgeons Gun
nell, Couse, Peck and Ilord.
The naval officers on duty in Washington
attended in service dress, overcoats and
hoods and carried their swords. The army
officers appeared in dress uniforms with
overcoats. The petty officers and crews of
the vessels at the navy yard attended in
blue uniforms with overcoats and white leg
gins and carrying cutlasses. The marine
corps were represented by all the Off
GERS and marines in the city.
facing the grand stand stood the
bronze statue Of heroic size, draped in an
american flag until the moment of unveil-
ing. The statue is an unusually handsome
and effective one. The likeness is true to
he life and pronounced TO be most admira-
rblc by all who knew the deceased naval
Eero. 1t represents Dupont in an attitude
Cf fearless interest, unembarrassed anxiety
and keen observation. lie is supposed to
Re standing upon the deck of his flagship,
presumably at moment Of danger His
hands, holding his field glasses, have Just
fallen to his side and he is looking out upon
the waters. The figure is arrayed in full
dress uniform Mr. Launt Thompson,
the sculptor, received Sl3, 200 from the Gov
ernment fo5 the statue. The pedestal and
foundation cost an additional sum of
$500. The Marine Band furnished the
music and light battery from the navy
ward fred the salute at the conclusion ofthc
ceremonies. The programme of ceremonies
was carried out as follows: The Rev. Wm.
i. Leonard, of St. Johns Protestant Epis.
copal Church, delivered the opening prayer.
At its conclusion the flag in which the
statue was draped was pulled down by the
Iiggers in charge, and the handsome statue
rSTcfnd rSTcFndmehtf t2 tfi 4ac FP69ted With ephns:
statue as a testimonial to the great naval
hero, and in few chosen words introduced
Senator Bayard.
Senator Bayard after expressing his al
luiration Of the statue just unveiled, ana
giving rapid summary OF the lite and SER
:, ices Of Admiral Dupont, said Our age Is
one of military and our lives in this new and
ast country are filed with ceaseless activity
in the creation and acquisition Of national
wealth. So society needs other ana
forces TO tree US from
sordid influences and lead us 10
higher and better lives. Encourage
Inent must be given 10 pursuits that
have not wealth as their aim or reward.
There must be incentive TO our youth to
fcorn delights and live luxurious days and
this it is public duty to supply. Public
respect and recognition of virtue exhibited
in public welfare should be generously and
gratefully bestowed. Nothing should be
omitted that can mould public opinion to
tive honor and praise to those who have
servcd wor,hily and are entitled TO the palm
of public favor The night before the battle
,f Aboukir Bay Nelson said TO his
officers: Before this time tomorrow |
hall have gained a peerage or West
minister Abbey. Such were rewards which
his heroic spirit sought, A peerage, officers
Of the United States are forbidden to re-
ceive. nor have we as yet in our new land
venerable repository Tor the ashes and mem
orits of our distinguished dead, but there
are public buildings fit TO receive statues OF
those who have we'll served the Republic IN
any calling and no place so proper as tins
CITY tie seat and center of the Government
of the United States The erection OF
the statue is IN the line Of public
Justice and a proper recognition of
the unselfsh devotion Of the indi-
yidual for tic welfare Of the community.
The approval Of this public act Of justice
will be widespread in this broad land but
no where so strong as in the state IN when
the ashes Of her heroic son are deposited
and to-day the hearts OF the people OF DeIa'
ware are filed with gratitude in this recog,
nition by the general government otone OF
the citizens so proudly cherished and loved
in life and mourncd in the death as Rear
Admiral Samuel Francis Dupont
At the conclusion Of Senator Bayard
address. the light battery fired an admiral 5
salute. and the ceremonies we're concluded.