The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-03-31

LAS IL Will appear When pu, III piaS' "
Westmoreland county, Val
feet in length. and weighing 63,0o0 pounds
have been taken to the site and are IN
readiness to be hoisted In position. Ihey
were quarried at Barre, VI, ana were cut
at Buffalo, y. y. In the shops OF the con-
tractors. John Crawford & Son, whence
they were slowly transported, by rail- ana
water. to the nearest landing point on
the Potomac.
The site OF the monument is fully
mile and a quarter from the river with
rough. hfily country between, ana the
merest excuse for road. over which II
was found necessary 20 drag the stones.
separately, on ordinary rollers. IL was
a slow. tedious. and difficult job. but II
was finally accomplished without accident
or serious delay.
THE old Washington homestead had
been built in pioneer days. and was small,
but substantial. 1t was hip-roofed? with
dormer windows, and had a small one
story wing, used as a chamber Surround
ing IL many years ago were a group or
small outbuildngs. servants quarters, &c.
II was at this place that Washington
was born-February II. ll32-and tradition
has It that that interesting event occurred
dn the one-story annex. All the houses
were burped 10 the ground In the spring
OF 1875 by O. fire, which Is said 10 have
originated from an accumulation OF ruo-
blsh incident 10 the planting OF early
crops. Tho foundation OF tho main Duiid-
ing was traced ard uncovered several
years ago. at tho Instance OF Secretary
E.yarts. then at the head OF the State De-
pnrtmcnt. and this spot has been selected
| as the site Of the monument. The base OF
tho shaft will cover nearly the entire area
OF the old. dsmantled building. The mon
ument will stand square 10 each on the
four nolnts OF the compass, With IFS race
toward the river. IL VIII have a total
height OF ffty-two feet. and will be plainly
visible from the decks OF steamers pass
ing up and down the Potomac. A plain
but substantial whsrf has been erected at
tho nearest accessible point. tor the ben
| eft OF persons who may desire 10 visit
the place. II will probably be added. dur
ing the coming summer. TO the list OF
stopping places OF the river steamers,
whose regular trips extend as far down
| az Colonial Beach-a short distance above
| II on TIE same side OF the river.
while the monument blocks We're being
slowly rolled 10 the site, the foundation on
| the structure was ercavated and parity
| finished by the laying OF bed OF three
| feet OF concrete. Col. Wilson says that a
better natural foundation could not have
been found. IL Is formed Of sand and
gravel, and is perfectly incompressible.
| He expressed entire satisfaction with the
| character and progress Of the work, so far
| completed The contractors have derrcks
and all the necessary paraphernalia for
hosting the stone OF hand. and anticipate
10 trouble whatever in getting them safe
! Nv and securely IN position. They told Col.
Wilson that they confidently expected 70
complete the erection OF the monument
for delivery to the government inside or
three weeks, and he says he has no per-
sonal doubt on that score. The hardest
part OF their work was in getting the
granite blocks from the river TO the Site
1t took them sixteen days 10 do IL, but
they had done II well. In excavating tho
foundation, several mementos OF the WASH
inxton family were found, including a
knee buckle and q set Of keys, badly rust
ed by their ong rest In the soil.
CONGRESSMAN Jones had an interview
with Col. Wilson and was much pleased
20 hear that the monument Is so near
compilation. He thinks that Its compile
ton should be properly marked by public
ceremonies OF some kind. and says he will
consult with Secretary Olney as 10 an ar
rangenent for a suitable programme.
| The act OF Congress making appropriation
| for the erection Of the monument provided
| that II should be done under the direction
| OF the Secretary OF State. Col. Wilson
has been acting In this matter "a the pr
sonal representative OF the head Of the
| State Department. and his duties In the
premises will cease with the acceptance
] of the completed structure.
Some old spoons and marbles. found
while excavatirg. will be preserved as
relies. The pedestal will now be put in
! position and the snaft raised In few
|