Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-02-21
Continued from First PAGE.


May 2sth, 1850. 1t was impossible to properly
enlarge the foundation with the funds granted
In the Joint Resolution of June 14th, 1873. A
careful estimate OF the cost, which accompanied
the original project, amounted to about
100000, and accordingly by the Joint Reso-
luton OF June 9th, 1879, further sum OF
$1,000 was granted to complete the founda-
ton. This proved to be more than sufficient,
as the foundation cost but S9i,474.
AS completed the new foundation covers two
hnd nall times as much area, and extends
thirteen and half feet deeper than the old one
Indeed the bottom OF the new work is only two
teet above the level of high tides In the Potomac
while the water which permeates the earth oil
The Monument lot stands six inches above this
bottom The foundation now rests upon bed
oi nne sand some two feet in thickness, and this
sand stratum rests upon a bed OF boulders and
gravel. Borings have been made in this gravel
deposit for depth OF over eighteen feet without
passing through 1t. and SO uniform Is the char
hcter of the material upon which the founda-
ton rests that the settlements of the several
corners of the shaft have differed from each
other by only the smallest subdivisions of the
inch The pressures on the earth beneath the
foundation are nowhere greater than the expe-
able TO sustain, while the strength of the
masonry In the foundation itself is largely in
excess OF the strains brought upon it.
THE STABILITY
Of this base is assured against all natural causes
except earthquakes Or the washing out of the
sand bed beneath the foundation.
Having enlarged the foundation, the work
upon the shaft was speedily commenced. The
summer OF j $50 was mostly taken up IN DullQ-
Ing an iron frame within the shaft, preparing
the hosting machinery, and collecting the
granite and marble needed in the construction.
The first marble block was set in the shaft on
the 7th of August, l $50, and the last stone was
placed at the level 500 on the 9th of August,
1854, thus consuming four seasons in finishing
the shaft The tOp-mOSt stone of the pyra-
midiOn was set on the 9Th of December, 1884.
thus essentially completing the obelisk. Minor
additions and notifications in the details of
the interior of the shaft are still TO be made,
and some filling, grading, and planting are
required for the terrace, but no work is pro-
posed that can change the existing appearance
or proportions of the monument
The masonry constructed by the government
Is the best known to The engineering art, and
the weight is so distributed that, subjected to a
wind pressure OF one hundred pounds per
square foot on any face, corresponding to a
wind velocity of one hundred and forty-five
miles per hour, the monument would have "a
large factor OF safety against overturning. The
marble Is of the same kind as that in the mono
nthlc columns OF the Capitol, has fine grain,
is close and compact in texture. free from disiu-
tegrating impurities, aud in this climate will
endure for ages.
There is not time, nor is this the occasion. to
enter into the engineering details of the con-
struetion, to discuss all the strains and stresses
In the several parts of the work. or the factors
of safety against destructive forces 1t is suffi-
cient to say, that although the dimensions of
she foundation base were originally planned
without due regard TO the tremendous forces to
pc brought into play in building so large an ODE
usk, the resources OF modern engineering science
have supplied means for the completion of the
grandcst monumental column ever erected in
any age OF the world.
In its proportions the ratios of the dimensions
of the several parts of the ancient Egyptian
obelisk have been carefully followed.
The entire height has been made slightly
greater than ten times the breadth of base. pro-
ducing an obel1sk that, for grace and delicacy
Of outline, is not excelled by any of the larger
Egyptian mOnOliths. while in dignity and
grandeur 1T surpasses any that can be men,
Mr.. President:-For and in behalf of the joint
eommission for the completion of the Washing
ton Monument, deliver 10 you this column.
President Arthur was then introduced by
Senator sherman. 1t had been the custom for
the speakers TO keep on their hats, but Presi-
dent Arthur laid his silk hat at his side; slowly
removed his heavy dogskin gloves and depos-
tied them in il. From his inside pocket he drew
his manuscript. He held the paper in his left
hand, and kept his eyeglasses in place with his
right hand, while he read in clear and distinct
voice the following address:
The Presidents DetlicatOry Speech.
FellO,0 Countrymen: Before the dawn of the
century whose eventful years will soon have
faded into the past, when death had but lately
robbed this republic of its most beloved and
illustrious citizen, the Congress of the United
State pledged the faith of the nation that in this
city, bearing his hOnored name, and then, as
now, the seat of the general government, a
monument should be erected ito commemor-
ate the great events of his military and politi-
cal life"
The stately column that stretches heavenward
u.
to all who behold ii, that the covenant which
our fathers made, their children have fulfilled.
In the completion of this great work of patri-
otto endeavor, there is abundant cause for na-
tional rejoicing; for while this structure shall
endure, 1t shall be TO all mankind steadfast
token of the affectionate and reverent regard
In which this people continue to hold the MEM
DRY of Washington. Well may he ever keep the
foremost place in the hearts of his countrym
The faith that never faltered, the wisdom that
was broader and deeper than any learning
taught In schools, the courage that shrank from
no peril and was dismayed by no defeat, the
loyalty that Kept all selfish purpose subordinate
TO the demands of patriotism and honor, the
sagacty that displayed itself In camp and cabi-
net alike, and above all that harmonious union
OF moral and intellectual qualities which has
never found its parallel among men; these are
the attributes of character which the intelligent
thought Of this century ascribes to the grandest
But other and more eloquent lips than mine
will to-day rehearse 10 you the story OF his noble
life and its glorious achievements.
To myself has been assigned simpler and
more formal duty, in fulfillment Of which do
now, as President OF the United States and in
behalf Of the people, receive this monument
from the hands of its builder, and declare 1t
dedicated from this time forth to the immortal
name and memory of George Washington.
He was frequently interrupted by applause,
and his remarks were received with great favor.
His patriotic conclusion brough the whole as
semblage to their feet, hats and handkerchief
were waived and cheers loud and long filed the
building. II was with difficulty that the pre-
siding officer could regain the attention Of the
dedication ceremonies as completed. The
chilled audience hurriedly left the scene, and
the procession was promptly formed.
THE PROCESSION.
At the close of the exercise at the monument
the procession moved from the monument
grounds in the order indicated below AS the
procession moved salutes of one hundred guns
were fired from the navy yard, the artillery
barracks and Fort Myer, across the river. The
route 10 the Capitol was by way Of 18th street
TO Pennsylvania avenue, thence along the Ave
nue. 10 the Capitol, where IL was reviewed by the
President, who occupied a stand on the east
'front.' Along the line OF march there was a
large gathering OF spectators and the gaily dec
grated buildings, with the banners and flags
floating In the strong wind, formed q frame
work for the military pageant, which was
striking and picturesque. As the lines of the
military passed along, the men nuffied in their
overcoats and facing the keen wind with appa-
rent uncOncern, the spectacle assumed some o1
the sterner aspects which are associated with
the times OF war. As a whole the civic well
as the military part of the parade was effective
and one Of the most interesting that has ever
been witnessed In this city.
The Order Of the Procession.
The line n1IGed in the following order
"G