Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1890-05-30
LEES MONUMENT.
Description of the Magnificent Structure
Unveiled Yesterday.

RICHMOND. VA. May 2g.-Thc Lee
monument is situated on the Allen plat,
in the West End, in the direct line of
the most fashionable residence section.
The monument is placed al the interScc-
ton OF two wide avenues on the summit
Of ascending grades. 1t is inclOSed IN a
circle goo feet in diameter, with street
80 feet in width on each side, 81 that the
distance through the area from building
line to building line is $50 feet.
The pedestal of the monument con
Sists of two parts. which may be termed
the base and the pedestal proper. The
base is formed by rectangle with the
surface inclined upward TO a parapet,
around which six foundations are loca-
ted upon which statues of Lees Gen
erals may hereafter be placed.
In the interior of the grouping an
other inclined surface leans upwards TO
the pedestal proper. Here the tranSi-
tion from the straight lines of the rec
tanglc to the graceful curves OF
cylindrical form have been very skill
fully harmonized by the artist. The
change is not noticed, and upon the
front and rear are seen an oval space
upon which baS-rcliefS are placed, sur
rounded by a tracery in granite OF the
laurel, the ivy and the oak. Above is
lions head. as if ready for battle. with
pose Of courage inbred by conscious
mower. On the sides are four columns
appearing 10 support the great weight,
between which bronze tablet appears
with the name of Lee gilded beneath a
laurel wreath. The pedestal and base
are of white granite the columns dark
blue. The height of the pedestal Is 10
feet and a few inches. and that OF the
statue slightly more than 20 feet. max
inc the total height about 81 feet above
the ground.
THE sCULPToR'> WORK.
The sculptor. VI. Mercic. OF Paris,
who has immortalzcd Lee in bronze, i
Freuchman. who in early life gave evil
dcncc of great ability. He was scarce
oO vears of age when he was decorated
NJ Rome. His famous works adorn the
streets of Paris and the halls of the Lux
cmbourr Palace. He has given to the
world the picture of Lee as he appeared
unon the battlefield Of Gettysburg. His
face is calm and majestic, but full OF
power. Inc morse NHIVH III o'St4 'N''
has all four feet upon the ground. yet
he appears as if in the act of walking.
4 forefoot is placed in advance
while the hind foot on the same side
seems about to follow. The head Is
slightly bent to the side, while the tail
falls gracefully clear Of the hankS Gen.
I'oc.S dress is charactcriStically plain.
He i girt with sash which presumably
hides n belt from which hangs the sword
~ n commander OF cavalry. He is with
ont cpaulettes. but upon the forearm OF
thc coat sleeve is an ornament in broad
braid. His hat is crushed in his right
hand. while he holds the reinS in the
left The relnS are well tipped In the
stirrups. the right foot being slightly IN
advance Of the left.
TIE MONUMENT ASSOCIATION
Gen. Robert E. Lee died on October
-. 1870. The 25th of October follow,
inc Gen. Jubal A. Early issued cali
addressed to the surviving officers ana
soldiers of the Army of Northern II,
ginia to meet in Richmond on the Sd ol
/ November 10 take action 10 perpetuate