Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-11-07
Another Monument Wanted.

On the 18th day Of October, 1892, will occur
the four hundredth anniversary OF the discovery
by Christopher Columbus which ultimately led
to the settlement and civilization of the western
hemisphere, and the establishment of a number
OF independent, prosperous and progressive
sovrelgnties. An event which opened the door
to such momentous results ought to be fifty
celebrated by all the countries which owe their
existence primarily to the faith, courage and
perseverance of the great discoverer, and, most
OF all, by the United States, the creates: and
freest, the most enlightened, and the most pros
porous Of the splendid constellation
While there can hardly be two opinions as to
the propriety of such a celebration, with a
special and fitting recognition OF the browning
passage in the career of its central figure there
will of course be diversity of views as to the
precise form a memorial observance OF this
character should assume, and the details by
which II should be marked. All must agree,
however, that to adequately symbolise and
properly perpetuate the sentiment which
prompts the proposed celebration, something
noble in conception and permanent In char
acter is necessary. Naturally the popular mind
will turn first to a monumental structure, of
some form or other; and the voice OF the coun-
try, could it find expression, would doubtless
favor the erection at the national capital, by
the direct action of Congress, of a sculptured
group which would portray the form and fea-
lures of Columbus, and at the same time TELL
through the medium of suitable emblematc
eessories, the story of his marvellous voyage and
Its unmatched outcome,-andt the thought would
naturally follow, of course that the structure
should be completed and dedicated with due
ceremonial honors on the quadrennial anniver-
sary of the event 1t Is designed to commence
rate.
1t may and no doubt will be said that in the
matter of erecting monuments and statues the
country has of late years moved somewhat too
fast and with too little regard for the unitieS of
art and history. This is in sense unfortunately
too true. But surely no one can pretend that
as people we have been hasty in the recogni-
tion of Columbus and his achievements, nor
will any one be likely to say that they should
not be recognized in the most imposing and
enduring manner possible. In this respect the
United states appears at great disadvantage
when compared with other countries whose OBJ
legation is at least greater, and whose abil-
ity TO fifty express it is certainly much less.
The Republic of Mexico, for example, has al
ready erected in her capital city massive and
handsome sculptured group in honor of the
hardy and adventurous sailor. His bronze
effigy adorns the port of Aspinwall in the
United States of Colombia The city of his
birth has fifty Acknowledged the Iuster con-
ferred upon her by her ilustrious son in the
erection OF an elaborate and beautiful marble
statue, with subordinate figures, in one of her
Columbus made report of his discoveries to his
royal patrons, has also paid him suitable honors
by costly memorial structures. 1t other cities
In Italy and Spain, and in some also in the new
world, has his memory been similarly hon
ored, many of the testimonials being. imposing
and costly, other less striking and expensive
but all conceived and executed In the most
liberal spirit of graceful appreciation. Yet the
people of the United States have been silent
and idle all these years! Shall it longer be
said, to their shame, that they are too busy |
with other things or too niggardly to properly |
honor the memory of the man TO which so much |
Is duee
1t is possible that some other form of memorial |
than that suggested above may be preferred. |
If so, well and good, so far as THE STAR is con-
cerned. 1t is welded to no particular express
sion of the idea underlying these paragraphs,
and has nothing to insist upon, either in regard
to general design or details. Its purpose is SIM
ply to present the subject to the public now
trusting to time and to the patriotism and good
taste of the people of the United States TO crys-
talise the thought into suitable and substantial
shape. Only, there is no time TO spare Let
this not be forgotten. Seven fuil years are none
too long period for the conception and creation
OF a structure, whatever form it may take |
which shall be alike worthy the nation that |
erects il and the event 1t is intended to COM
memorate. And it onght to be understood |
100, from the beginning, that Whatever Is built |
shall be no Insignificant or cheap trumpery af |
fair. The thought of expense Is the last one that
should be taken into consideration. The coun-
try is rich enough appreciative enough, it is to
be hoped, and broad and liberal enough in its |
views, TO build, when it pleases such structure
as has no parallel Of its kind in the world And |
such an one it should build for dedication in |
1892. An event so striking in itself and so preg-
nant in effects upon the history OF the human |
rara 0p1v ho tod
noble a monument as the genius of man can |
conceive and the wealth Of rich and generous |
nation call into form.