The herald., 1894-05-13
THE GREAT DISCOVERER.
A Monument to Him in the
Empire City.
SunOPs Statue of Columbus
Unveiled.
Vice-President Stevenson Makes an
Address.
Chauncey M. Depew the Orator of tho
Day-Othor speakers-Ths Duke
OF Veragua Sends
Letter.

By the Associated Press.
New YORK, May 11.-SunoPs bronze
statue of Columbus was unveiled by
Vice President Stevenson this afternoon
in Central park. There were probably
5000 to 5000 people on the ground. Di-
rectly in front of the stand was the
statue veiled with an American flag.
Just before the commencement of the
exercises the officers of the Spanish man
of-war Nautilus reached the ground.
They were escorted to the platform and
formally introduced.
Without preliminary remarks General
Wilson then introduced Right Rev.
Bishop Potter who delivered q lengthy
invocation. closing with the Lords
prayer. with the audience joining him in
repeating. General Wilson then intro
duced the vice.president of the United
States. Mr.. Stevenson was warmly re-
ceived. He said:
mo worde Of mine can add to the in
terest or dignity of this great occasion.
This hour will live in history. From
eloquent lips have fallen burning words,
which will tell to coming ages of the
homage paid to the memory of the dis
coverer of our country. Central park
beautiful and magnifcent-is fitting
place for the statue OF Columbus. 1t is
well that to the city of New York, the
metropolis of the continent. should
have fallen the grateful task Of por-
trsying to the millions of all the coming
ages the features of the man, who, de-
spite obstacle and danger, marked out
Al 30 ri NhA
name and fame of Columbus belong ex-
c!usively to no age, or country, but are
the enduring heritage OF all people.
Your president has truly said in all the
transactions of history there is
NO act which can be con-
pared to the discovery of the
continent of America. In the modest
words of the great navigator. he only
opened the gates. and 10, there came in
builders of e new and mighty nation. 1t
is said that in Venice there is sscredly
preserved letter written by Columbus
few hours before he sailed from Palos.
With reverent expressions of trust in
God, humbly but with unfaltering faith,
he spoke of his proposed voyage to that
famous land. Who can doubt that to
his prophesy was foreshadowed some-
thing of that famous land with whose
history and tradition his name and
fame are linked for all time? What
page in all history tells of deeds SO
fraught with blessings to the genera
tions as the discovery of America
Columbus added another continent to
the map of the world. l will detain
you no longer. Your eyes will behold
the splendid work OF art. 1t is well
that its approaches are firm and
broad, for along this pathway rolling
centuries will come as pilgrims to
shrine to behold the statue OF Colum-
bus, this enduring monument to the
gratitude of great city. of great
nation"
At the moment he concluded, he
pulled the rope placed in his hand and
the flag was drawn from the statue.
which in all its artistic finish was re-
vealed to an applauding and appreciative
audience. 1t is situated on the south
end of the Mall. facing Shakespeaae's
statue. and the figure represents Celum-
bus with the standard Of Spain in his
right hand, the pole resting upon a
globe upon coil OF rope. The left hand
and arm are extended slightly forward
as if completing gesture, while the face
portrays him in the act OF speaking.
Major Gilroy. on behalf OF the city.
accepted the statue in few well-chosen
words. He was followed by Mr.. Corne-
liua Vanderbilt, who resd three letters,
one from Governor Flower. one from
Mr.. Robert @. Winthrop of Massachu
setts, and this letter from the duke of
Versgua
MADRID, April 5, 1894.
My DEAR GENERAL :-On the occasion
of the unveiling of the statue of Colum-
bus, l beg to express my cordial greet
ing to the city of New York and all
American citizens who are assembled in
order to offer new tribute OF respect to
the memory of my illustrious ancestor.
You have Just erected a work OF art of
the sculptor vino has better reproduced
in marble the inspired features of the
man whose genius discovered q conti-
nent greater than the rest of the then
known world. The Spaniards pride
themselves upon the work of SunoI.
Allow me to thank you, both as a de-
scendant of Columbus and as Spaniard.
Also, | beg to congratulate you, dear
general, Tor the interest you have taken
in this matter, which has so greatly
contributed to it's success.
EAThe duchess sends her kindest re-
CARDS.
Believe me sincerely your friend,
VERAaUA.
To Gen. James Grant Wilson.
Baron Fava, the Italian minister, was
too indsposed to speak.
Mrs. Julia Ward Howe was next in
troduced and read a poem written by
her for the occasion and entitled A
Mariners Dream.
In the absence OF Senior Don Muruaga,
the Spanish minister, his address was
read by Consul General Baldesanc. He
said:
st becomes the representative of
Spain, the country which was the prime
promoter of the discovery of America,
to address on this occasion the people of
this great metropolis and of the United
States, in spirit of friendship and good
will. 1t is moreover gratifying to the
Spanish government to behold the vice.
president of the United States and the
great popular orator OF New York raise