The morning call., 1891-12-21

The General went to see the work of art,
and conceived the idea of having replica
of it set up in Central Park.
The statue is ten feet high. and the face
is after the Yanez portrait, which is consid-
cred by Spanish authorities the best of Col
umbus in existence. There are many
statues OF the diSeoverer in Spain, but the
Duke de Veragna, the present representa-
tive of the family of Columbus, regards
that by Sunol as the most admirable. The
name of Veragna was bestowed on Column
bus when he was ennobled. The present
Duke is member of the Senate and man
of wealth.
General Wilson on his return to this coun-
try spoke of his plan and met with encour-
agement. The idea OF having replica of a
statue OF known merit, rather than of run
ming the risk of getting one OF Inferior ar
tistic Qualities, was generally approved
The sculptor Sunol has expressed his will
ingneSS to reproduce the Madrid statue. and
in fact, would be happy to have an example
of his work in the metropolis of the New
World. General Wilson found that IL would
cost $4,000 to have the statue cast, trans
ported 60 this city and set up in Central
Park. The original cost nearly twice that
sum. 1t was his plan to raise the money by
the subscription of 500 each by $50 men
and women of this city Already about
half the amount needed has been secured.
To give the project a more public nature
the New York Genealogical ana .BiOgraph-
zeal Society, of which General Wilson is
President, took charge of 1t, and the statue
will be erected under its auspices. Sub
scriptions, however, are solicited from the
public generally, irrespective OF member
ship in the society.
1t was at first planned to have the unveil-
ing on October II, 1892, the four hundredth
anniversary of the discovery of America.
On that day, however, there will be grand
ceremonies in Spain and Chicago, so any
celebration here would necessarily be local
in its character. General Wilson is satisfied
that there would be little or no objection to
postDoning the unwilling until the middle OF
April, 1898. when the great naval review
will be held in New York Harbor. Men of
rank and distinction from all over the
world will be in this city atsthat time. and
the ceremonies at the statue would be at
tended by much finer company in that
month than in the previous October.
The Italian citizens intend to unveil their
statue on October IL. 1892, but an effort is
being made to have them postpone the affair
until the following April. j. Seaver Page,
who is In charge OF the arrangements for
the Worlds Fair dinner here on December
21st will have a consultation with General
Wilson shortly with reference to changing
the date for unwilling the bronze statue.
The replica of SunoPs work will probably
be placed in the circular plot at the south
end of the Mall. j. O. A. Wards statue Of
Shakespeare is on one side OF the circle and
the one of Columbus would be placed on tine
opposite side. The figure itself would just
correspond in size to the statue of the poet
General Wilson some time ago spoke to the
Park Commissioners about obtaining the
necessary permission. He made no formal
application, but was told that there would
be no trouble In getting the required
authority.
AT the time when it is proposed to set up
the statue is drawing near General Wilson
has turned TO the work of getting subscrip-
lions with renewed vigor He has APP
pointed committee to aid him. consisting
Biographical Society. namely, William
Waldorf Astor, Henry G. Marquand. ex-
Mayor William r. Grace. Cornelius Van
derbilt, James j. Goodwin and ex-Post-
mas. er- General Thomas ]. James.