National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-04-28
Tho Columbus Monument.

In his address on Columbus, deliverel
yesterday before the Historical Society In
this city, Gen. James Grant Wilson sIg-
gested that the monument 70 he erected at
the capital OF the United States, in honor
of the great dlscoyerer should he repro
duction Of the famous statue in Madrid.
As work of art the Madrid monument
is, no doubt, unexceptlonabe, and iu every
respect appropriate where 1t stands, but
we doubt-notwithstandng the able advo-
cacy Of one so competent us Gen. Wilson
II mere copy Of any European monument
to Columbus would be the most suitable
method Of representing American senti-
ment on the subject. An alternative sug-
gestion is that OF Washington lady, Miss
Elizabeth Bryant Johnston, which was de-
veloped about month ago In ten-min.
utes paper on Columbus read before the
Literary Society.
ave trust" said Miss Johnston, "thlt
after four hundred years we can bring, not
a statue, but more elaborate aud fitting
offering to the illustrous man who opened
the gates Of the new world and made straight
the pathway Of liberty" Then followed
the description, which we give IN full, of
the proposed monumental arch. This
structure would, at all events, enjoy the
advantage of being novel and original in a
city of statues, and the idea deserves care
ful consideration
The first monumental arch of the new world
would tyliy the wonderful a9hicvemeuts of
Christopher Columbus. Arches were by the
l.
utilized to gorify conquerors, or memoriali1e
deeds of blood. Let us give the arch a new,
nobler meaning; let us, by means OF It's grace
and strength perpetuate the triumphs Of
science and moral herosn. Should a mighty
arch to Columbus be erected on one OF the
beautiful elevations north Of this CITY, some.
where between Twelhh aud Twentieth streets,
with the Washington monument aal the
capitol II would make Rn Architectural trl-
angle that must receive universal approval. FlG
the adornment of such pile there Is an en-.
barrassment of riches. Within, on every
side should be given the life Of COlumblS
in series of bronze groups, his dreams,
ambitions, struggles, successes, dlSappoint.
ments, No page could so fully illustrats tbs
fckleness Of fortune, Blending with this
history, the apotheosls of womlr
would be revealed in the sympathy anl char
ity of that most gracious lady, Isabella OF Cas-
tile, Without, ON pier, facade, and cornce, let
the wonders of the new world be presented
Although the details, proportions, esplanade,
approaches, &c, nro fIirly mapped In my
mind, will only give one or two thoughts
At tho base north, east south, and west, let the
four magnificent rivers OF America, the Col.
umbia, the st. Lawrence, the Mississippi, aud
the Amazon be symbolized by four gigantic
river gods, surrounded by the flora and faunl
ofthclr respective sections, The large ineose 1
space above might he utilize for II "MIrlner's
Ilail,' where there should DO placed such relies
Of Columbus az we may have permission b re.
produce--such as maps charts, records, the two
accepted portraits one in Florence aud the
! other in Madrid; also historical paintings that
| our artists may from time ~ time supply. In
| n few years museum replete With interest, es.
| peciaily 10 the scaiaring, would be gathered.
| above the arch, uplited by immense figures of
| Faith, COuroge, and Science, gilded world
should be borne, Al this means millions. We
| Edrc millions, and when our Golfers are opened
| to do honor TO those TO whom honor Is due Il Is
| the very best Investment this nation can make.
The "ArC de TrlOmphc' cost two millions of
of dollars, and, owing to civil disturbances,
was thirty years in course Of erection and is in
danger, almost without warning from the fury
Of q mnddened pOpulace Of being raSel to the
ground. Let the right spirit move an interest
in an appropriate monument TO Columbus It
could be erected by 1892, ana at that time we
hope to celebrate magnificent iraiornal Jubi-
lee Lot such an arch bo erected to Columbus,
and no civil fury would mar les stately beauty,
tor It would bc tue shrine OF all. No Invading