The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1886-10-29
The Statue.

The idea aimed at was the symbolization
Of the progress of civilization and the
growth of freedom, as expressed in the
republican form of government. 1t was
also meant to perpetuate the friendship
of the French and American nations
begun in revolutionary days, when this
country was struggling to throw off the
English yoke The height of the statue
| from the base to the torch is 151 feet,
/ inch; foundation of the pedestal to torch,
30j feet, inches from heel to top of
head, III feet, inches; length of hand,
about 100000
THE SCENE AT BEDLOE's ISLAND.
New YORK, October 2S.-At 1875 p.
VI. the President and his Cabinet left the
reviewing stand. After partaking of
lunch the presidential party was taken
/ to the United States steamer Despatch, IN
which they sailed down the North river
to Bedloe's Island, and were landed at the
base of the statue.
The scene at Bedloes Island was one
that beggars all description. New York
harbOr was fairly alive with boats and
shipping small tugs and Government
cutters darting TO and fro on errands OF
haste and importance, while the silent,
solid forms of the men-of-war lay quietly
at anchor In a semi-circle to the south
of BedlOes Island were anchored the
seven men-of-war. They were decorated
with flags of all nations, and had on
! their gala dress for the OCCASION
The island was surrounded all the
morning by row boats, yachts, sailing
vessels, tugs, steamers, and craft of every
propelling power imaginable, steam, sails
and oars contributing to satisfy the ma
tional curiosity. When the naval parade
was over and the boats that participated
in it at the end of their journey, the wa
ter about the island had the appearance
of thick settlement of curious build
ings, 50 close and compact were their
ranks.
On the island itself was peaceful and
quiet scene until the arrival of the guests.
LIBERTY,
the centre Of attraction, stood with her
face covered by the French tri-color,
ready to reveal her placid countenance to
the world when the proper time should
come Great clouds Of mist drove by her,
obscuring the graceful lines of her beauti-
full form from all but those who were at
her feet
To those who climbed the dark stair
case to the head the glory of the eminent
position and the instructive impression
Of danger from the perceptible weight of
the immense structure as the storm beat
against it were the only rewards yOuch-
safed From this position the figures on
the tablets held in the statues left hand
were visible and one could plainly read {:
JULY ", MDCCLXXvI,
and bas relief. TO the south of the
statue at the base of the pedestal
was platform large enough to
accommodate the two thousand guests
that had been invited, and against the
pedestal facing the assemblage was a
stage for the speakers. This was taste
fully decorated with the flags of France
and America, and in the centre above the
stage hung a large shield bearing the
name a. Bartholdi' at the top and the
word Liberty" in the middle.
The island was guarded by two hun
dred police officers, who, with detach-
ment of soldiers, rendered efficient SER
VICE turing lIc udN III plCN CHUNG OOilu
sion and preserving order.
At about half-past the din of whistles
and firing of cannon announced the
ARRIVAL OF THE FRENCH GUESTS,
and soon NJ. De Lesseps, accompanied by
his daughter and Nine. Bartholdi, follow
ed by the other distinguished visitors
mounted the platform. They were met
bv the American committee, who escorted
them to the seats arranged for them di-
rectlv in front of the speakers stand.
NJ NJ Bartholdi, De Lesseps, Lafaivre,
and Admiral Joures were conducted to
the stand After half hour of waiting
a deafening din of whistles, booming of
cannon, ringing of bells and shouts of
people sent the news that President
Cleveland and his party were nearing
the island As the cutter Despatch with
the President on board made its way
through the barbor the yards of all the
men-of-war were manned, and the presi-
Dental salute of twenty-one guns was
given. In "a few moments President
Cleveland, accompanied by General
Schofield, Maior-General Banks and
Leverett Saltonstall, officially represent
ing Massachusetts, Judges Lawrence,
Hall, Hoar, and Bookstaver appeared
and proceeded to the stage amid
THE CHEERS OF THE AssEMBLAGE.
General Schofeld came to the front of
the stand and raised his hand to stop the