The Monitor., 1891-10-16

the deadly assault of shot and shell from
the battlements Of Fredericksburg, or the
terrible charge at Antietam, or the awful
| caanonade at Gettysburg.
Col. Henry Roger, President Of the Mon
| ument Association, after the applause had
subsded, made a short and excellent
speech. At its conclusion he introduced
the orator of the day, Gen'l Horace Porter.
who made splendid address which was
frequently interrupted by applause
1t is entirely too lengthy for me to insert
it here, suffice it to say that it was
fitting to the occasion.
After this speech which occupied lust
forty minutes, Governor Pattison present
ed the medals to The First Defenders of
| the Capitol, who left this county on the
day of April 18th, 1861, as volunteers for
the defense Of their country
His Excellency made a briet address
which greatly pleased the soldiers and
everybody in fact. He spo re in a old
and clear manner which eliclted consider
! able applause. Then Gen1 David Nc
Gregg, Col. of the Eighth Calvary and
Brevet Major General, native of Penna.
| arose ard made the response, He brilliant
ly outlined the grand career of the soldiers
who fought for our Union, and paid glow
ing tributes to the memories Of the dead.
In glowing manner did he relate incl
dents of the war which brought tears to
the eyes of many Of the old comrades.
Many remembered the great courage,
determination and maechless generalship
which he exhibited during the war. and his
great love for his soldiers. He held the
| attention of the entire crowd, and when he
concluded the applause was loud and long
continued.
After this the bands played few nation
al airs aud then the benediction was pro-
nounced; then the programme of the day
was at an end.
ABSORPTION OF THE MONUMENT.
The columns and pedestal are Massaehu
setts granite and the figures are all cast Ia
bronze. August Zaller. the sculptor was
born on farm in New Jersey. Having
submitted design with others) and his
being accepted. he came to Pottsville in
the winter of 1888 and commenced work
on the figures which now stands in bronze
upon the pedestal of our great monument.
Friend Cellar has since gone to Paris and
is now working mis- way to Italy in order
| to study the profession from the best
! sculptors of the age. His father and
mother we're both here to witness the un-
yelling, and left proud of the success that
their sou had already attained in his chosen
profession.
All of the models were taken from life
MIR. Zeller secured the services ofa French
lady, who has since gone back to her
native country, 10 pose for him in the
representation of The Goddess OF Liberty
This statue is unquestionably one of the
best of it's kind The face is a study
itself. 1t is characterized ly strong lines
expressive of benignaut and highly in-
faif i.
Grecian and is takeu from nature 1t
commences On the left shoulder, winds
around the body, then over the right
shoulder, drapes gracefully down the back
and is finally caught m with the eId fall
ing over the left arm. The left foot is
sli ghtly advanced and rests upon the
chains of slavery, trampling them under
foot. The hilt of the sword is of an erigi-
nal and unique design. It represents an
eagle with wings outstretched and tearing
asunder with its taions the serpent OF the
rebellion.
The entire figure, in attitude. drapery
and details, is expressive of peace and
protection.
The beautiful statue is a rare work of
art. Liberty is represented as leaning
lightly upon sword, resting her left hand
on the hilt of the weapon, while the right
hand holds aloft laurel wreath emble-
matte of victory. The head is posed erect
and wears crown or stars.
The other figures represent the Infantry.
the Artillery, the Cavalry and The Sailor.
They are all models Of high excellence
and art.
As Mr.. Zeller finished the models in
clay, he had them shipped direct to Bureau
Bros of Philadelphia who have bronze
nd
made The contractor is Richard Collins,
of town, who erected the monument and
placed the figures in theirrespeetiyep places.
That all parties associated in the torma-
ton and erection of this monument have
acquitted themselves well in the perform
ance of their respective duties, there can
be not the least doubt.
Moreover the entire work has been per-
formed in such mauDer that Sehuylklu
County can feel justly proud Of this monu-
ment as a commemoratlon OF the l3,UuO
volunteers who fought in defense of their
country. Truly the expectations Of Col.
Henry Roger, Pres. of the Monument
Association and one of the most earnest
endeavorers in its futherance, have been
realized. At the first meeting of the as
sociation convened for the purpose OF con-
siderirg the adyisability and to devise
means for the erection of said monument
he said: son the mountainside, close by
the southern entrance to your beautiful
county seat there is a monument in men,
ory of a very great mana statesman-wh
was beloved in life and is rsvered in DEATH
The hills commanding the other gateways
to your mountain city may in the future
bear memorials Of other good and great
men living or yet unborn whose virtuous
deeds shall be an example to coming gen
erations: but the shaft of granite and
bronzs " hieh will now arise in the midst
of you will be beacon light forever in its
commemoration of men far greater than
all. for their death was the cost of the
nations life. and confirmed TO mankind the
blessings Of liberty
Now few words more, 1t seems
necessary for me to speak Of The First
Defenders to whom medals were present
ed on last Thursday They we're the a46
men who left PottsyiIle on the morning OF
April 18th, 1861, and who formed part
of the $50 Pennsylvanians who first ar
rived in Washington for the defense OF the
Capitol. They were called the Washing
ton Artillery and National Light Infantry
| of Pottsville Many Of them have passed
| into the great beyond" either in the
| capacity OF soldier or as citizen, but
| their names are recorded in imperishable
| remembrance in the monument dedicated
/ :. .ha;- ,,,au,arv fand the 2 00D volunteers