St. Paul daily globe., 1894-05-14

Six Thousand People Were on the
Ground-Omcerso of the Span
ish Man-of- War NAUTILUS Pres
ent-Bishop Potter ID elivers the
Invocation Eloquent Words
From Stevenson and Depew.
(From the Sunday Globe.)
NEW YORK, May 12.-Sunol's bronze
statue OF Columbus was unveiled by
Vice President Stevenson this after
noon in Central park, and, to the credit
OF every one concerned, the programme
was called promptly on time and there
was no clash or incident 10 mar the
proceedings. The company, in car
riageS. left the residence of Gen.
Wilson. escorted by twelve mounted
policemen, and reached the park at 2:55
p. IN. Promptly at 3 O'Clock the eXer-
cises began. One thousand seats had
been reserved about the platform and
the statue for guests who had been fur
nished tickets, but al 3 o'clock every one
was given access to them, and there were
probably 5000 to 5000 people on the
ground. Directly i'll front of the stand
was The statue veied with an American
flag. Just before the commencement of
the exercises the officers of the Spanish
man-of-war Nautilis reached the
ground. They were escorted to the
platform and formally intI oduced.
Without preliminary remarks. Gen.
Wilson introduced Right Rev. Bishop
Potter, who delivered lengthy invoca-
ton, closing with the Lords Prayer,
which the audience joined him i'll re-
peating.
Gen. Wilson then introduced the vice
president. Mr.. Stevenson was warmly
received, and in a clear and distinct
voice he said: No words of mine can
add TO the interest or the 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 here, and how, to the
memory Of the dlScoyerer of our con.
tinent.
Central park-beautiful and magnifi-
CENTS the 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 CRATE
full task of portraying to the millions OF
the coming ages the features of
the man who, despite obstacles and
dangers, marked out the pathway to
the new world. The name an fame of
Columbus belong exclusively TO DO age
or country. Tney are the enduring
heritage of all the people. Your presi-
s dent has truly said: ''ln all the lrans-
action of history, there is no act, which,
for vaStness ana performance. can De
compared to the discovery OF the con-
tinent of America"
In the modest words of the great
navigator, he "only opened the gates,
and. 10. there came in the builders of
new and mighty nation.
1t is said that i'll Venice there is
sacredly preserved a letter written by
Columbus a few hours before he sailed
from Paios. With reverenJ expression
of trust in God-humbly, but with un-
falteringfaith-he spoke of his purpoSed
voyage TO that famous land"
He builded wiser than he knew. His
dream while suppiant in the ante
chamber of kings, and while keeping
lonely vigil upon the deep, was the dis
coyery of new
PATHWAY TO THE INDIES.
Yet, who could deny that to his pro-
something of that famous land" with
the the warp and woof of whose history,
tradition and song his name and fame
are linked tor all time. Was it Mr.
Winthrop who said OF Columbus and
his compeerS:
They were the pioneers in the march
TO Independence; the precursors in the
only progress of freedom which was to
have no backward steps" Is it too
much TO say Of this man that among the
worlds benefactors greater than he
hath not appeared? What page in all
history tells of deeds fraught with bless
inge to the generations as the discovery
of America Columbus added con-
tnent to the map OF the world.
Il will detain you no longer. Your eyes
will now behold this splendid work of
art. Ii is well that its approaches are
tlrm and broad; for along this pathway,
with the rolling centuries, will come. as
pilgrims to a shrine, the myriads of
all lands to behold this statue of
Columbus-this enduring monument to
the gratitude of a great city, of a great
nation"
At the moment he concluded he pulled
the rope placed in his hand. and the
II tiagwas drawn from the statute, which
in all Its artistic finish was re-
Vealed to an applauding and ap-
preciative audience. 1t is situated
on the south end of the mall, facing
Shakespeare's statue, and the figure
represents Columbus with the standard
OF Spain i'll his right hand. the pole rest.
ing on a globe SuperimpOSed upon a
coil of rope. The foot is Slightly
advanced, the left hand and arm are eX.
tended slightly forward as if complet.
ing a gesture, while the face portrays
him in the act of speaking.
AFTER THE APPLAUSE
had subslded, Mayor Gilroy, on behalf
of the city of New York, accepted the
statue in few well-chosen words.
He was followed by Cornelius Van
from Gov. Flower, one from Robert c.
Winthrop. of Massachusetts. and the
following from the Duke al Veragua:
MADRID. April 5, 1S94.-Mr Dear
General: On the occasion of tine un.
yelling of the statue of Columbus, | beg
you TO express my cordial greeting tC
the city of New York and all American
citizens who are assembled in order tC
pay new tribute of respect to the
memory of my iIlustrious ancestor.
You have just erected a work of art
of the sculptor who has better repro.
duced In marble the inspired features
of the man whose genius discovered a
continent greater than the rest of the
then known world. Spain prides herself
upon artists like Sunol. Allow me to
thank you both as descendant of Co
lumbus and as Spaniard, also | beg lC
congratulate you. dear general, for the
interest you have taken in this matter
which has so greatly contributed to its
success. The duchess sends her kindes1
regards. Believe me sincerely YOU,
friend. VERAGUA,
TO Gen. James Grant Wilson.
Baron Fava. the Italian minister. was
too indisposed to speak, and merely re
manned in his place, bowed to the audi
ence and sat down again.
Mrs. julia Ward Howe was next in
troduced, and in a clear but very
strong voice read poem written by hel