The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1897-04-27

acteristic OF his patience aud his cOnsidera-
ton FOR others: Il hope no one will be dis
tTesscd on my account" Now that more
than a decade has passed since he stood
among US, we can form a better estimate
OF his character than when ne was close
by Time has shed clearer light upon
his acts; he has reached a higher altitude;
distance has brought him into the proper
focus, and the picture upon which We now
look appears in its true proportions We
see his traits nodded into perfect sym
metry and blended into majestic harmony
"A tree can best be measured when it is
down"
He reached the highest pinnacle Of human
distinction Men have dwelt upon his
achievements till they know them all lie
heart. The record OF his deeds rises TO the
subIimity of an epic The story Of bis life
is worthy the contemplation Of the ages.
He needs no eulOgist: his services attest
his greatness. h. did his duty and trusted
to history for his need Of praise. The
more history discusses him the more bril-
liant becomes the !uster Of his name He
was q natural leader: he was torn 10 COM
mand. He was one OF the men who mark
No one can rob him Of a single laurel. no
one can lessen the measure Of his renOwn
He honorcd the age in which lie lived. and
future generations will be illumued by the
brightness of his fam e
His countrymen have paid him tribute
OF grateful hearts; they have reared in
monumental rock, a sepUlchre for his ashes,
a temple for his fame. The fact that it
has been built by the voluntary COntribu-
tons Of the people will give our citi-
zens an individual interest in preserving
il, in hOnoringit 1t Will stand throughout
the ages upon this conspicuous promontcry,
this ideal site 1t viii overlook the
metropolis Of the republic which his eff
forts saved from ACKNOWLEDGMENT: it will
be reflected in the noble waters Of the
Hudson, upon which pass the arEDSies Of
commerce, 50 largely multiplied by the
peace secured by his heroic DEE ds- The
tolling OF passing bells VIII replace the
echo Of his hostile guns 1t was not neces-
shry for his TenOwn that this memorial
should be reared. A nations prosperity
is his true monument His name will
stand immortal when the granite las
crumbled and epitaphs have vanished.
this memorial, it was not his reputation
that was at stake; IL was the reputation
of his countryIHen. They owed a sacred
duty, which they could not fail TO per-
form They have reared his nrunument TO
a majestic height, but If il lowered above
the eagk.'s flight. it would not reach as
high as the summit OF his fame It's flaw
less granite is typical of the spotless char
aCter OF his reputation. It's delicate lines
and massive proportions win remind us
OF the CtIiIdhke simplicity which vas
mingled with the majestic grandeur OF
his nature The haIIowed memories clus-
tering about it viii recall the heroic age
OF the republic. It's mute eloquence Will
plead for equal sacrifice. should war ever
again threaten the ma tons life In this
tomb, which generosity has created, ADD
which his services have sanCtifIe1. his
ashes VIII heucefOrth rest, but his true
SenulciIre will be the hearts Of his country
men.
And now. Nr. Mayor, it becomes my
official duty on behalf of the Grant MOnu-
nIent Association 10 transfer through you
to the city Of New York this national me-
mortal Its cons truCtiOn has been the
work of willing hands. and generous hearts
About CO., 900 patriotic citizens have been
made for colossal statue to surmount
contributors 10 the building fund. their
subscriptions ranging in amount from 1
cent 10 $4,000, so that it has been an
emInentiy popular subscription. The
entire fund. with accrued interest. amounts
to about 100000 The monument itself
made for a colossal statue To surInount
is now completed Provision has been
the dome of the tomb. the work upon
which will begin without unreasonable
delay.
l take great pleasure in testifying to the
wise counsel, material assistance and hearty
cooperation received at all tin es from the
trustees, officers and members of the COM
nittecs during the entire period OF my
official association with this enterprise
Aftertudividuallyp raising allthoSe whose |
efforts rendered the project successful,
zen. Porter concluded:
'0ne Of the most cheriS she'd memories of |
nv life viii be the recollection of the |
privilege Of sharing in the IabOrs of such |
honOred colleagues as those who have been |
with me in this association
And now, A1r. Mayor. it only remains for |
me TO formally transmit, through you to |
the nation me trOpoiis, this memorial tomb. |
which hencefOIth is to remain in the GUS |
.ody Of the city over which you have the |
honor to preside -