The Portland daily press., 1885-09-11
COMMODORE PERRY.
Ceremonies of Unwilling His Statue
af NaUnopf r

at N0WPOEt, hs hs
NEWPORT, r. l., Sept 1O.-The celebration
attending the unveiling of the statue to
Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry took place
today, being the seyenty-second anniversary
of the battle of Lake Erie. The day was
cool and pleasant, while the rain of yester-
day had laid the dust. The line was formed
ON Washington square at about IL O'Clock, in
the following order:
Police skirmishers.
Platoon of Police.
Colonel John Hare Powell, Chief Marshal and
Major Henry L. EaStOn, Chief of staff.
United States Fourth Artillery Band.
Foot troops, Fourth u. S. Artillery.
u S. ship New Hampshire Band.
Naval apprentices of the U. S. ships New Hamp-
shire, Saratoga, jamestown and Ports
mouth, numbering about 400.
Charles E. LaWt0n Post, No. 5, G. A. r.
Newport Artillery Company, Colonel j. W.
Horton, acting as escort to
His EXcellency Governor Wetmore and staff.
The Fire Department
Light Battery Fourth u S. Artillery, six pieces
The line made parade through the. lrin-
cipal streets, returning to Washington
square, where a large platform had been
erected. On it were many distinguished
gentlemen, with an equal number of ladies,
as invited guests, while thousands stood
upon the park and Touro street and Wash
ington square.
and Mrs. Pepper, two near relatives of Com
modore Perry, after which prayer was
offered by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Clark, chap
lain of the day. The Hon. William P. Shelf
field was then introduced by the chairman Of
the committee of arrangements and pro-
ceeded to deliver speech of welcome The
address was received with much enthusiasm
and was replied to by. Governor Wetmore
and Mayor Franklin A dinner at the Ocean
House, presided over by the Hon. William
P..Sheffield, finished up the day
The banquet given this afternoon in honor
of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was a
very grand affair and fitting conclusion of
the exercises Of the days celebration. A
The banquet was given at the Ocean House
and Mr.. Sheffield, chairman of the State
committee, presided.
The statue was the work of Mr.. William
G. Turner of Newport, who has been in
Florence, Italy, for some 15 years. 1t is of
bronze, II feet high, giving it. from its low
true to nature. 1t rests ON pedestal of
Westerly granite, of the same height. The
base of the pedestal is of four graded steps,
on which rests a column six feet high, on the
front of which is the name "Perry," enclosed
by a laurel wreath, and on the reverse, in a
circle, are the memorable words, ''We have
| met the enemy, and they are ours,' and
September 10, 1813' the date of the battle
of Lake Erie The statue is intended to
represent Perry as he stepped from the Law
renee, when that vessel was dismantled, into
the small boat to go to the Niagara The
| statue is full of action. The short naval
| jacket is unbuttoned and blown back by the
| wind and the hair of his uncovered head is
| also blowing about Over the left arm is
| thrown the American flag, while the right
arm is extended in the act of encouraging his
men,. The left foot is slightly raised, as if
the hero is about to advance The face,
which is good likeness, is full of deter
mination, and there is spirit of bravery in
every line. AT the foot are an anchor and
rope. The design was selected from among
some half dozen or more, and it is especially
gratifying to Newporters that the statue
| their own people.