The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1898-06-16
FRANCIS SCOTT KEY.
The Author of the Nations Hymn,
Another Monument to His rlemory.
(Atlanta COnStitutiOn.(

just at the time when the eyes of
the entire country, North, South,
East and West, are riveted upon the
Stars and Stripes, there comes the
announcement that on June 14th,
instant, Maryland will unveil in
her great metropolis one of the hand
soonest of shafts in memory of Fran
els Scott Key, the illustrious author
of "The Star Spangled Banner"
While Maryland has allowed more
than fourscore years to elapse before
fifty commemorating the genius of
her departed singer, she neverthe-
less intends to make splendid re-
paration for her apparent neglect.
She has reared at great cost the
marble pile which she will formally
unveil in Baltimore next week, and
she has furthermore planned to make
the approaching occasion one of
national interest. With respect to
the design of the structure. it con-
sists of circular pedestal of granite
resting upon series Of spreading
bases and rising fifteen feet upward.
On this solid mass of rock is mounted
the marble figure of Francis Scott
Key himself, SO posed in mid air as
to interpret the opening of the inn
mortal poem: ''Oh. say can you see
by the dawn's early light" At the
foot Of the pedestal, in front, is a
bronze group of figures. representing
liberty teaching the lessons of pa
triotism to her young offspring. In
the rear of the pedestal is a tablet con-
tanning the full text of the great
American poem. The superbly ex-
ecuted conception is the work Of
New York's famous sculptor. Mr..
Alexander Doyle. Instead of being
located at some central point within
the city limits, it occupies one of the
commanding sites of Mount Olivet
cemetery.
To review the circumstances under
which '.The Star-Spangled Banner"
was written. the British forces in
1914 invaded Washington, at which
time the poet was taken prisoner
and put on board of the frigate
Surprise. While on board this yes
sci he witnessed the attack which
was subsequently made upon Fort Nc
Henry, and on account of the posi-
tion which the flag hoisted over its
battlements occupied, he could
distinctly see it at night through the
glare which the conflict produced.
Before the arrival of dawn the firing
ceased entirely, but the poet enjoyed
the satisfaction OF seeing. when the
light returned. the ripping folds Of
the ensign. and knowing that the
British forces had failed to haul it
down. Under the inspiration which
came from this disclosure he sub
squently produced the poem which
is today priced as one of the most
sacred treasures of the nation.
Toward the erection Of the pile
which will be unveiled in Baltimore
next week, the Maryland Legislature
contributed the paltry sum Of 5000.
while the remainder Of the fund ex-
pended in the work was raised by
popular subscription. In evidence OF
the fact that the memory Of Francis
Scott Key belongs to the entire ma
ton, monuments erected to his mem
ory abound in various parts OF the
United States, California having one
| which cost not less than $50. 200.
But the best monument to the
memory OF the great poet is found
to-day in the allegiance which eighty
million people offer to the Stars and
Stripes.