Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-08-21
LEE MONUMENT.
THE MERcIE MODEL ADOPTED BY THE
COMMISSION.
The Sculptor Congratulatsd-D Description Of
the Model-A Btatement-views
OF the Governor.


trian group was unpacked yesterday in
the Senate chamber and immedistely in
spected by the Lee Monument Commits
sion, consisting OF Governor Lee, Misses
Nicholas and Randolph, Colonel Archer
Anderson, Treasurer Harman, and First
Auditor Marye. The commission were
unanimous IN praise of the work OF the
sculptor, and IN their judgment were
backed by Secretary-of-the-Common-
wealth Flournoy, and others who we're
accorded private view of the model.
After the inspection the commission
adjourned to the Governors office, where
IT wss decided without n dissenting
voice TO adopt the model and cable
Mercie Ahe approval and congratulations
OF the commission.
STATEMENT FROM THE BOARD.
After the adjournment Of the board
tho following statement was furnished
| the press "The small model OF the Lee
equestrian statue which has been so
auxiousy expected was unpacked this
morning and viewed by the board in
charge of this interestingand great work.
1t is not too much to say that the artist
has achieved a success worthy OF his ex-
alted subject and worthy of his own
genius aud art. The boari express them
selves rs pleased far beyond their most
sangriine expectations in the perfect like
nes. of the noble figure, so familiar IN
til flesh to most of the citizens OF Rich
nShd, and which, caught and fixed IN
bronze by a divine art, is so soon to re-
appear in our midst aud go down to pos
terity as a noble tributeof grateful and
loving people.
had EVERY AID.
every aid was given the artist to en-
able lin to securoa good likeness OF the
great captain. Several photographs Of
the General which received his sons ap-
probation Gs good ikenesses were sent
70 Mcrcie. He also had the Generals
uniform, his boots, and photographs Of
his saddle and sword. The board also
sent q plaster-cast of a mask taken from
life by Clark Mills soon after the war
and lastly. he had the great advantage OF
having his clay model submitted TO the
criticism OF Gnersl Lee g daughter, who
visited his studio for that purpose. 1t
is marvellous thatso small a model should
show such life and beauty in the horse
and so striking a likeness to the rider.
The Lee Monument Board have accepted
the model and cabled their approval and
congratulations 10 the artist.
THE GOVERNOR.
Governor Lee said yesterday TO Dis
putch reporter that after consideration
he thought the model in oil respects per-
feet. and that it was a monument Of
wonderful art. He was at first of the
opinion that the Generals left coat
collar, which was turned up while the
other was down, might possibly be alter
cd with advantage, but that the artist
evidently contemplated producing an
artistic effect. General Lee, contrary to
the usual mode, wore his coat-collar
turned down, with the stars embroidered
upon the flaps He dhe Governor)
thought that the Generals feet might
possibly be brought in little nearer to
the horse with advantage. Mercie's at
tention will be called TO these questions,
and it will be left to him to decide whe-
ther any changes are necessary or not.
1t was suggested that the riders hair
was rather long on the right side OF his
head, but it is well remembered that to-
ward the close of the war General Lee
wore his hair very long.
The plans and specifications for the
pedestals arrived here on the 9th Of
July and were placed in the Governors
Office. The Governor received adyices
OF the arrival of the model in New York,
which was shipped on slow steamer on
the Ilth of July, and cslleda meeting of
the board on the 14th of August to de-
eide whether they should accept the
model or not. The model for cause then
unknown did not arrive and after telc-
graphing to New York to ascertain the
cause of delay and authorizing Colonel
Burgwyn to advertise for proposals for
the supply of materials furnishing the
labor, aud erecting the pedestals to the
monument, the board adjourned.
In response to the telegram from Gov
ernor Lee the authorities OF the custom
Department telegrsphed that the model
could not be forwarded free of duty
until certain aflidavlts were made by
the Governor and forwarded to New
York. Governor Lee Immediately pre-
pared the requisite papersand forwarded
them, but they were lost or destroyed,
making it necessary to prepare duph-
Gates and causing delay Of about ten
days additional.