Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-04-06

poor mans modest offering as well as
the large subscriptions of the rich.
The Grant monument was designed by
Architect John II. Duncan Of New York,
whose plan was selected from many 9TH
ers submitted in competition. 1T Is no
mere copy of a European model, but an
original creation. dignified and imposing
The tomb Is massive, yet well relieved
by pillars and other embellishments The
ground upon which II rests is 40 feet
above the river and the structure lifts
itself l15 feet In the air.
The exterior of the building IL of light
granite. and all of the interior Is finished
in white marble. The porch is ap-
preached by flight Of steps 20 feet wide
As you enter upon the southern expos
ure you see the opening of the crypt be-
fore YOU 1t Is thirty feet wide, In the
centre of the chamber.
Looking down into the vault the great
sarcophagus made for the remains OF
General Grant is to be seen. This sar-
cophagus was made from one piece OF
Wisconsin porphyry. which Is said to ex-
eel in beauty the Finland porphyry from
which the sarcophagus of Napoleon was
chiselled.
Beside this sarcophagus Is place for
another. Here an exact duplicate will
some day hold the remains Of Mrs.
Grant.
The sarcophagus for General Grant ar
flNtu from W IStOHSlll II IL" aHsH dEOs II
Is of "A dark red color and highly polished.
The capstone simply bears the inscrip-
ton. Ulysses s. Grant The sarcOpha-
gus weighs ten tons. IL Is l0i feet long.
80 feet wide and as feet high.
The total height above the fioor of the
crypt will be ~ feet. The block for the
sarcODhagus Of Mrs. Grant has been
quarried. but not trimmed The coffin Of
General Grant Is now hermetically sealed
in a steel case. and this will be set into
the great sarcophagus without opening.
The bronze doors of the tomb weigh
1000 pounds, and were cast in New York.
They are massive ana imposing, and were
hauled to riverside Drive on specially
prepared trucks.
The largest flag in the United States Is
TO be uHfurled the day of the dedication.
4 huge steel hagpOle Is to he raised near
the monument. and this Is subsequently
TO be taken in charge by the park depart
ment. with an agreement to keep an
American flag flying from it daily begin
ming April 2.
The ceremonies attending the dedication
of the Grant monument have been
planned upon magnificent scale. The
city appropriated $4,000 TO pay the pre-
liminary expenses.
This was done upon the suggestion of
General Horace Porter. who appeared
before the board of estimate and Oppor-
tionment and stated that the French peo-
pie had expended $4,000 upon the 'sec-
ond funeral of Napoleon, when his re-
mains were deposited in the Invalides
upon their return from ST. Helena. That
ver-memorable pageant in honor of one
Of the worlds greatest warriors should.
said General Porter, be eclipsed when
the remains of General Grant We're
placed In their last resting place.
Mayor Strong then appointed COM
mittee Of 100 prominent citizens of New
York. and these have been divided among
numerous subcommittee, to which diff
ferent parts OF the ceremony have been
aDportioned. While the final details have
not yet been arranged. it is now certain
that the event in its scope and execution
will exceed any military display in time
of peace hitherto witnessed in the New
World.