The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1886-11-10

Rev. DR.. Richard S. Storrs, and the aged
Count Ferdinand de Lesseps then delive:el /
an address on behalf of the Franco
American Union. Senator William M.
Evarts next made the presentation address.
He said that the scene upon which the vast
assemolage was coLe:teu 1is2layed q Trans
action in human affairs which found no pre-
cedent or record IN the past. "How can we
ftly frame in words the motives and emo
tions which have filled and moved the hearts
and minds of two great nations in the birth
of this noble PERCEPTION i" He then, in
eloquent words, alluded to the war
in this Republic, in which the iberty-loving
French people felt such intense interest, and
paid high compliment to Bartholli and the
people of France. He also complimented the
builders Of the pedestal, and the people who
contribute and the Government which gave
space on Bedloes Island for the statue. He
concluded as follows:
To-day in the name of the citizens Of the
United States who have completed the pedes-
tai, and raised thereon the statue, and Of the
voluntary committee who have executed the
will of their fellow citizens. I declare in your
presence, aud in the presence of these dist;n-
guished guests from France and of the august
assemblage of the honorable and honored
men of our land and this countless multitude,
that this pedestal and the united work of the
two Republics is completed, and surrendered
to the care and keeping Of the Government
and the people Of the United States"
The ropes leading from the platform to
the flag which still covered the face of the
goddess were now seen to sway; sharp
pull was given and the banner fell to the
pc iestal. The countenance of the statue was
uncovered above the great assembly. NJ.
Bartholii's lie work was formally de-
clarel to live as WORK OF art.
From that moment began the existence of
the statue of Liberty Erlighteniug the
World Scarcely had the banner fallen than
signal flag was waved from the masthead
of tho Tenne'see A streak of flame
sprang from the side of the old war
ship, and then another and another
until her decks were hidden in the white
cloud of powder smoke. The Tennessee was
not alone in this homage to Liberty. From
every man-of war in the fleet, French as well
as American, thundered the salutation to tie
goddess.
Again the strains of the bands were heard
and the sounds of national anthems were
lorne upon the breezes until their notes died
away as had the roar of the guns The Pres
ident of the United States then stepped for
ward and said:
THE people of the Unit,d States accept
with gratitude from their brethren of the
French republic the grand and complete
work of art we here inaugurate.
'This token Of the affection and considera-
ton of the people of France demonstrates
the kinship of republics, and conveys to us
the assurance that in our efforts to commend
to mankind th, excellence of a government
resting upon popular will, we still have,
beyond the American continent, steadfest
ally.
repres sntation of q fierce and warlike god,
filled with wrath and vengeance, but we
joyously contemplate instead our own deity
keeping watch and ward before the open
gates of America, and greater than all that
have been celebrated in ancient song. In
stead of graspipg in her hand thunderholts
of terror and death, she holds aloft the light
which ilumines the way to mans enfran-
chisement.
"We will not forget that liberty has here
made her home: nor shall her chosen a. altar be
neglected. Willing votar:es will constantly
keep alive its fires, and these shall CLEAN
upon the shores of our sister republic in the
East. Reflected thence and Joined with an
sweriug rays. stream of light shall pierce
the darkness of ignorance and mans or.
preston, until liberty enlightens the world"
An eloquent address was then made in En-
lish by tie representative Of the Re
public of France, A. Lefaivre. There was
more music, and then Mr.. Chauncy NJ. Depew
delivered the commemorative address "Old
Hundred was played by the band, and the
assembly 'oined in singing tho Doxology.
The ceremonies were closed with the henedic-
ti.n, pronounced by the Rt. Re-" Henry G.
Potter. D. D.. Assistant Bishop of the Dio.
cess of New York. A national salute was
then fired simultaneously by all batteries in
the harbor, aloat and ;lore.
Dur ne the evening taere was to have been
an illumination but the rain ami fog caused
Il poStponcment of this part OF the pro-
programme.
The Presidential Iarty departed for Wash
on Bcdloe's Island.
In the evening dinner was given at Del
monico's in honor of or French visitors by
the New York Chamber of Commerce. NJ.
Rartholdi, Count de Lesseps, and the other
French representatives, together with many
prominent Americans. were present
Speeches were made by NJ. Bartholdi, Admit
raj Jaares, George William Curtis, aud
Others
The dimensions of the great statue are as
follows: Height from base to torch l5l feet
| inch; foundation Of pedestal to torch, sos
feet inches heel to top Of head, III feet 6
inches; length Of hand, lG feet 5 inches
The statue and the pedestal with the eN-
penses of transportation, etc., have cost !
about s700,000