New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-01-23
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
THE BARrHoLDI ST lTUE PEDESTAL.
EXCELLENCE OF THE WORK 50 FAR DoNE-ECoN
ONLY AND THOROUGHNESS.

EXCELLENCE OF THE WORK 50 FAR DoNE-L0oN-
| ONLY AND THoRoUGHSEss
To the Editor Of The tribune
| SIR: With full conviction that the metropoi-
itan journals have desire to further the true
of the great pedestal which is duty and our P
to furnish for the beautiful gift of France to
am mpeled to ask the publication Of plain statement
Of facts In relation to what has been thus far accom-
pshed at Bedloes Island do this in order that those
contemplating subscription to the National FUND shoua
not be withheld from their patriotic impulses
fear that their contributions would not be athfy anu
! wisely used
| II year previous to last July person had 'si'ou
Bedloes Island for the purpose OF examining the s'o
the PEDESTAL he would have within the starshape
| walls of old Fort Wood an enclosed space OF
about 500 feet in diameter occupied by sona
| structure with bomb proof walls ana roois
built for magazines soldiers quarters and soldiers
barracks, while beneath the parade level were h"so
water csterns for garrison storage and other
OF great strength Were the same person 10 rePe"
his visit to-day he would find that this collection OF
buildings had been removed and that an excavation do"
a foundation had been made through an almost
solid of brick stone and cement and that' hihs
the excavation and rising to height OF seven"
feet, is monolithc mass Of pyramidal iorm
whose proportions astounding and convey TOT INC
first time his mind true conception OF the Colossal
character Of the statue destined to crown 1t with glory
Examining It In detail he would find this mass almost
solid the arches galleries and passages Formed ~
though tunneled from tho enduring rock. destihco
TO be rod by the foot Of man ages hence when every
stately structure on tho nelghboring islands shall haVo
fallen into ruin. SurmOunting the pyrainda pase oi 'c
PEDESTAL rises with simple grandeur the most ornate
portion OF Hunts design for the SHAFT. with WHICH
the whole civilized world Is by this time familiar
Should the observer OF the change thus wrought In
the appearance OF Fort Wood be one whose knowledge
fits him form Judgment OF the cost OF the pondorous
work. he would believe be surprised to learn that he
whole sum subscribed for II had not much exceeded
81 so 900, and could to any other conclusion
than that this Incompatible pedestal not only gives par
pabe evidence OF the value OF the money expended but
hrther that IL Is doubtful II with ali the knowledge
gained In the construction OF this unique work reputa
bic builder would be willing to undertake It's reprodue
ton for like sum.
that portion Of the pedestal already
completed Is about 1900 cubic yards. The material
is Of the very first grade the world ia capable OF supply
ing While the construction OF the work has been
watched by General Stone. the chief engineer ana ms
too much to that In this structure, comprising nearly
thirty thousand tons. not pound has escaped the most
careful Inspection from the first shOvefu placed In the
sbfoundaton 10 the last In the superstructure before
the approach OF bad weather at the close OF last month
caused 1t to be covered In for the winter.
IL Is also pleasant to reflect that mistake has been
made causing the first backward stop TO be- taken ami
that the only contention that has disturbed the smooth
ton of the chiefs order that the highest grade OF material
and workmanship should characterize the American part
rest assured that the same high conception OF dny ana
integrity that has attended the work thus far will CON
nuc with It 10 the end under the supervision OF the
present management and direction.
beg TO add that what have written Is tho result OF
daily inspection and supervision, having from the very
beginning OF the work down TO the first OF ms
month occupied the responsible position of chief In
specor Then other business long neglected, by eK'
elusive attention the construction Of the pedestal
demanded my resignation from further service with the
CCmElttea. WILLIAM KESSIsH,
Nelc. York, Jan. 90. 1885. late Chief Inspector