Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-04-16

Porter says:
The work is now entirely completed
| The lower portion of the tomb is square
structure of the Grecian Doric order, meas
uring 90 feet on a side. The entrance is
on the south side, and is protected by a
| portico formed of double lines of columns,
and approached by steps 20 feet wide. The
| sqLare portion is finished with a cornice
and parapet, at a height from grade of
| y feet, and above this is a circular cupola
| 20 feet in diameter, of the Ionic order,
which is surmounted with pyramidal top
terminating at height of $50 feet above
grade, or $50 feet above mean high water
of the Hudson river. The interior is cru
| ciform in plan, 76 feet at the greatest d.
mension, the four corners being piers of
masonry connected at the top by coffered
arches, the crowns of which are so feet
from the tloor-level. On these arches rests
an open circular gallery of 40 feet inner
diameter, eliminating in paneled dome
los feet above the level of the floor. The
surfaces between the planes of the faces of
the arches and the circular dome form pen
dentives which are decorated in high relief
sculpture, AMI embematic of the birth,
military and civic life, and death of Gen.
Grant.
The sarcophagi will be placed in crypt
directly beneath the centre of the dome.
The approach to the crypt is by stairways
which give access to a passage encirclng
the space dedicated to the sarcophagi
which space is surrounded by square col
umns supporting paneled marble ceilings
and entablature. A circular opening in
the main floor gives an unobstructed view
of the sarcophag from the floor and from
the gallery.
In the work of construction the fact was
kept steadily in view that solidity and du-
rability were of paramount Importance
and that they should not be impaired by an
effort unduly to hasten the work. The
time from the laying of the cornerstone to
the completion of the tomb has been five
years, a shorter period than has been
consumed in the building of any con-
spicuous memorial in history. The Bun
ker Hill monument, which cost $50, 900,
was not completed until II years after the
cornerstone was laid. In the case of the
Washington monument, which cost 81, 49,
10, the time consumed was 81 years.
After diligent search of seven months
in order to find a granite of light color
which would be entirely flawless and dura-
BILE in quality a granite singularly well
adapted to this purpose was found in North
~ me- anu llllo olOllC las Uctll uStu Ill
completing the structure. 1t is so light in
tone that in a strong sunlight it is hardly
distinguishable from marble.
One of the most difficult problems pre-
sented was the selection of a material suit
able for the sarcophagus. About a year
ago there was found in the quarres of
Montello, Wis, porphyry of fine texture
and brilliant reddish color, which furnish
ed sarcophagus of great beauty and ap-
propriateness. To comply with the fire.
quently expressed wish of Gen. Grant that
his wife should be laid to rest at his side,
sarcophagus the exact duplicate of the
one now finished will be provided, in which
the body of Mrs Grant will repOse.
The day chosen for the dedication of the
monument is the anniversary of Gen.
Grants birth, which took place April p,
1922.
The Dedication and Parade.
The parade, both land and naval, at the
dedication of the monument will be the
largest ever seen on any civic occasion in
this country. Not less than $4,000 men
will be in line. OF these 5000 will be
United States regulars, while 5000 will
comprise the New York militia.
The exercises at the monument will be-
gin at l o'clock and last an hour and
half. Bishop Newman will offer prayer,
after which Gen. Horace Porter will deliv-
er an Grafton and turn the monument over
to Mayor Strong, who will receive it on be-
half of the city. President Mckinley will
then give short address and Archbishop
Corrigan will pronounce the benediction.
There will be a chorus of 1000 voices and
a band of 100 pieces.
After President Mckinley has reviewed
the land parade he will embark on a vessel
and review the grand naval parade in the
harbor.