San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1894-08-18
WEST POINT BATTLE MONUMENT.

beautiful Hudson winds itself graceful
ly between the huge crags which form
the highest and most imposing section
Of the Highlands. Gro Nest and Storm
King line the west side of the river,
apd Mount Tauris, or Turks Head,
rises to height of 500 feet on the
east shore. Pollypels island breaks
the smooth course of the river, and
Newburg relieves the blue and monot-
onous lines of the Shawangunk range,
which fade away in the distant hori-
zon. The best view of the monument
is obtained from the river.
The difficulties attending the compile
ton of the monument were great.
Trouble first began in the quarries
where it was polished, when the men
employed there went out on strike,
and it was said an almost successful at
tempt was made to deface the shaft.
After the polished stone was Grated,
and while trying to load it on the fat
cars, beam gave way, it slipped to
the ground and smashed the side of
the cars, but, fortunately, was not in
jured. Then the delays experienced
in railroad transit and the many
weeks of hard work getting it from
the West Shore station to Trophy
Point were a source of great anxiety to
those who had it in charge. The i'm
mense derrick, which had been con-
structed at a cost of nearly $4,000 to
place the shaft in position, was blown
down and smashed into kindling wood.
The monolith is of polished granite
and is forty-one feet six inches in
length; it is five feet eight inches in di-
ameter at the bottom and four feet
ten inches at the top. 1t weighs seven"
ty-two tons, and was turned in huge
lathe. The shaft is surmounted by a
large ball of polished granite, which
rests on small base and plinth, and is
kept in place by a steel rod which runs
from the figure on top, representing
the Goddess of Victory, well down into
the shaft. This figure, winged and
draped, balances herself on one foot,
as if about to take fight. The figure
is of gilt bronze and was modelled by
Frederick McMonnies. 1t is eleven feet
six inches in height. 1t is the base,
however, which receives the greatest
attention as regards decoration. A
plateau will be formed, fringed with
stairs. Plinths of granite upon which
huge polished balls will rest are placed
at regular intervals. Each ball weighs
two tons and is three feet seven inches
in diameter. Two small brass cannon
lie at the bottom of each ball Torches
and garlands in bronze will decorate
the base. The names of the officers
will be on the tablets at the bottom of
the shaft, while soldiers will be hon
ored by having their names inscribed
on the plinths. A row of old cannon
will probably be sunk, muzzles down,
in the earth outside of the esplanade.
The height of the monument from the
grade to the top Of the figure is eighty
feet. Many weeks will elapse before
the steps, plinths, granite balls and can
non are in position. There will be no I'M
yelling exercises, but simple dedication
services are expected to take place in
October.
Parisienne Bootblacks.
In Paris and other large towns in
France female bootblacks are increas-
ing in number. They wear peculiar
garb, not unlike that of the Sisters of
Mercy, which renders their appearance
rather neat and attractive. Their CO.
quetry easily betrays their SECULAR
habits and calling. Not few among
them attend their work with gloved
hands.