New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-04-11
THE WORK PRACTICALLY COMPLETED.

ONLY A FEW FINISHING TOUCHES NECESSARY AT
THE ToMB-REMovAL OF THE BODY.
After many months of almost unceasing labor the
work on the Grant tomb and the raised ground on
which it stands is practically completed. Another
week and the few last touches within the monu-
ment, such the polishing OF the marble OF the
pit and walls and the removal of scaffoding. will
be finished. As the completion Of the tomb draws
near, there is joy among the mon who have SUPER
Intended its building Ever since the first promise
OF spring the Park Department has been working
necessarily on the adjacent drives and walks The
result of this labor is exceedingly pleasing TO the
trained and unframed eye. The principal changes
that have been made are the widening OF the drive
along the raised ground, the laying of hundreds OF
tons Of gravel this part of the drive. and the
building of a walk between the drive and the en-
bankment opposite the monument. beginning at the
upper end of the cycle path and winding all the
way around Claremont to the cross street leading
within fifteen feet OF the asphaited APP
proach the tomb During the last week many
gangs of aborers have been busly at work I'M
proving the condition OF streets near to the
grounds.
TO BE REMOVED THIS WEEK
The principal work this week at the tomb Is likely
to be the removal of the cherry case containing
the body Of the General to the sarcophaGus
number of skilled mechanics were busily at work
from early morn till late yesterday in loosenng the
armor steel containing the body. IL was De-
lieved that the cherry copper-ined case covering
the coffin would be reached some time Tuesday.
Hundreds of persons are anxious 10 be present
when the transfer is made but only the family ana
scne friends will have the privilege. The transfer
of the body will be made secretly and possibly et
an early hour OF thu day, between now and next
Saturday night. on several occasions II has been
reported that the coffin would be placed In the
sarcophagus until the last hour; but those In au-
thority at the tomb say that II will occur earlier.
unless the Grant family wish it delayed Colonel
Grant may decide to-day.
Another important thing TO be done this week 10
the work of tearing down the brick repository.
This work will be begun as the coffin u
removed What disposition will be made Of the
repository and the old armor steel case that for
many years has contained the body OF the General
is not yet settled, far as can be learned 1t has
been suggested that the armor steel case be given
to some local public museum.
Almost every day brings a large number OF anna
teur photographers TO the drive, and the long ex.
pected street fakr, struggling along with his sou.
yenir buttons and other memorials, appeared them
yesterday.
Visitors 10 the tomb closely watched for
is feared that among them will be a few relic
hunters Despite the watchful eyes OF the guards.
some person wrote last week his initials with Q
lead pencil the glossy surface Of the marble
railing around the pit. The pencil luckily did not
scratch the marble work. and the marks OF II
were easily erased. The repository bears proof OF
having been visited by many relic cranks for
many OF the bricks have been defaced
There has been some talk OF building a high rail
fence along the embankment opposite the tomb;
but far there are no indications that IL will be
Many OF the massive granite blocks used I'm tho
building of the tomb weigh more than twenty
tons each. and few OF them more than forty
tons each The bringing or the granite from the
quarry In Maine TO this city was big undertaking.
One piece OF granite used In the monument after
being placed railroad truck. had 10 be cut ex-
actIv in two as it was too large for many bridges
along the railroad. A half OF this granite block
Several of the blocks. weighing between twenty and
forty each eighty feet above the approach.
and are near the figures the entrance. In
the course OF the formation OF the arches within
the tomb wooden platform. eighty feet high.
was built between the walls and this platform
supported for some time seventy-nine tons
NOW SLIGHTLY DAMP
AT present the tomb is slightly damp In about
a wear there will be no dampness however. accord
ing to the contractor and several other persons
who are experts In the construction OF such work
the tomb. - -,
keonirg curious sightseers from trampng the
rccentiy laid grass sods OF the raised ground. For
tho iast four days has been allowed TO enter
the tomb rest for a moment on the long row
Of steps leading TO II who has no business there or
who cannot show permit from some one In au-
thorty Day and night there are two watchers at
the tomb and the same number In 'front.' OF the re-
pository This guard VIII probably De increased as
me day set for the ceremonies draws nigh. Among
the many visitors to the tomb last week were many
G; A. r. veterans, ay-haired and stopped with
age. -.
shortly . -
Thousands OF visitors were at the tomb yester.
day, as the day was fair and bracng, Most Of the
sightseers Journeyed to the place on p'cyees'