Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1885-03-05
GEORGES NEEDLE.
DEDICAI wASH1NGTO
MONUMENT.
The Highest Elevation in the World
Erected by the Hands of Man--Some
North Carolina Stones in the Monu-

North Carolina Stones in the Monu-
ment.
Speetal Correspondence Of the Sentinel
WASHINGTON, d. c., Feb. 21.-To-
day has been fittingly observed as
Washington's birthday. Washington S
Monument has been dedicated with all
of the enthusiasm, and all of the cere-
mony, that the great and memorable
event has deserved. In the morning,
the formal dedication began in a tenn
porary shelter, near the obelisk, on
Monument Lot. It was intensely cold,
but large number were present, in
Guiding The SENTINEL representative.
The southern part of the shelter being
exp oscd, spectators were compelled to
keep warm by divers, undignifed
methods. But the exposed portion af-
forded view of the troops which
marched down the snow-capped hills,
and stacked arms in front Of the stand.
Senator Sherman presided, using a
gavel whose head was chip of the
obelisk. He warned spectators that
no one had right to remove his hat,
owing to the weather. Hats were lift
ed, and heads bowed, however, when
the Rev. Mr. Suter; of Christ's Church,
(Washington's church, Alexandria,
Va, delivered a lengthy prayer. The
masonic ceremonies, which shortly fol-
lowed, were very interesting, a small
urn containing locks of Washington 5
hair, Bible upon which he took the
oath of President, gavel which he
used on several occasions, and Il ma
sonic apron which he wore, being ex-
hibited. Col. Thos. l.. Casey, the ar
chitect, delivered the monument to
President Arthur, who, III the name of
the people, accepted the tribute to
"the immortal name and memory of
George Washington Salutes of 100
guns, in Washington and vicinity, fol-
lowed. The troops, consisting of reg
ulars and visiting militia, then formed
and marched to the Capitol to be re-
viewed by the President. More than
one-third of century ago, July 4th,
1913,
THE CORNER STONE
was laid. appropriate ceremoniee
were held. Newspapers of the day,
current money and masonic emblems
were placed in the cavity of the stone,
resting Oh the bed of the foundation.
Obstacles afterwards prevented the
completion of the work, Work ceased
when the height of barely 100 odd
feet had been reached. The structure
stood in this condition, butt for the
storms, and the subject of comment,
for many years. Mr. Florence, in his
Mighty Dollar" presented fiat pict-
uring the uncompleted structure, and
was wont to refer to the monument as
"yon broken shaft" Perhaps lack OF
funds, which the public meagrely con-
tributed, caused the long delay. Many
attribute delay, however to the trouble
over
THE PoPE's STONE,
which religious enthusiasts stole, and
either retained or destroyed. The
truth of that episode will never be as.
certained. It is denied that the loss
was instrumental i'll causing delay
Some stated that the conspirators
threw the stone into the Potomac Riv-
er. But incessant dredging failed to
prove this statement. THE SENTINEL
representative recently met all old out,
cost who seemed to be familiar with
the transaction. Indeed, from wonds
| which he unintentionally let fall, we
were led to belieye that he had hand
in the theft. Be that as it may, he
most emphatically said that the Pope's
Stone had been crushed to atoms
Other drawbacks were experienced.
THE MASONs AND THE CATHOLICS
carried their animosity into this ma
tional tribute. The Catholics asserted
that the Masons were responsible fol
the loss of the Pope's Stone, and that
Washington, although once Mason
discarded Freemasonry before his
death. determinations followed, Of
course. Much unsightly controversy
if not genuine conflict, was the result
each party being bitterly opposed te
the other having any hand in the ded
ication. When We add the rumors
made twelve years ago, that the con
| tributions were being mis-appropriat
! ed, it is not remarkable that
! CONGRESS TOOK CHARGE
of the construction in 1876. This car
certainly be considered appropriate
inasmuch as the first plans fdr a mon
ument to George Washington origi
mated in that body, in 1885, 1899, il
1900, and in 1848. Under its auspices
the foundation was strengthened. Thi,
bears a pressure of to 8 tons pei
square feet. It was completed Jun.
/ z, 1880. From that time, the work
slowly but steadily progressed. Or
December 6, 1884, the crown-piece ol
cap-stone, which weighs $500 tons
was placed in position, and the obelisl
considered completed as far as tht
outer structure is concerned. The cap
stone, surmounted with an albumin
| ium tip, scarcely visible, virtually
rooted the monument, presenting tht
appearance of the ancient pyramid o.
ebelisk.
THE HEIGHT OF THE MONUMENT
! is 555 feet. On Dec. 6, 1884, tn.
| American flag was placed aloft, ane
| floated exactly 900 feet in the air
Ascent may be made by either eleva
| tor or staircase, the latter consisting
of 900 steps. 1000 candle power vii
be required to light the interior. Som'
of the notes of The SENTINEL repre-
sentative were taken on the top plat