The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-08-10
KEYS MONUMENT
MEMORY OF THE AUTHOR OF THE
STAR SPANGLED BANNER"
A GRANDDAUGHTER TRIBUTE
The Monument Magnificent Work of
Art-The Ceremonies of
Unwilling
Associated Press Special Wire

FREDERICK CITY, Md, Aug 9.--The
monument to the memory of Francis Scott
Key, author of the Star-Spangled Banner,
and unveiled today in Mount Olivet Gene
terry, in Frederick City, Md, by his great
granddaughter, Julia McHenry Howard
of Baltimore consists of circular pedes-
tai of gray granite on series of wide
spreading bases The height of this pedes-
tai Is fourteen feet nine inches, and its
breadth at Nhe base is fifteen feet
making the base forty-five feet In cir
conference.
1t Is exceedingly simple in design. The
whole effect is one of elaboration, owing to
it's sculptures. These consist of a bronze
statue, nine feet high surmounting the
granite pedestal-a portrait of Francis
Scott Key. Key Is represented on ship
board by the dawn's early light and
Upon the band that girdles the pedestal
beneath his feet is the inscription, This
is .he Star-Spangled Banner" His atti-
tude is one of exultation and inspiration. as
with the right arm he indicates TO his COM
panions the fact and with the other he
holds aloft the hat that he has just
snatched from his head In an action of
reverential salute to the starry banner.
The pose of the heroic figure of Key is beau
tiful, graceful, full of spirit and life. The ex-
preston of his face is characteristic of
the calm joy of the inspired soul upon be-
holding "At the dawn's early light" the
beloved flag of "the land of the free and
the home of the brave" The costuming is
correct, historically, and finely poetic.
The pedestal and base unite originality
and rarity with chaste and classic sim
plicity and charm. The group,
meant an ornament to the
statue, Becomes, under perfect treat
ment, a charnii. story within itself, a
study that cannot help but educate the
young as we'll as the old-the republic, the
proud, imperious dauntless mother, pro-
tecting her two children with fearless and
loving embrace beneath the folds of the
flag that has inspired the poet above their
heads with the glowing melody of his
deathless thought.
Beneath the group on the face of its
base is carved the seal of Maryland. sur
rounded by laurel and resting on palm
branch that extends across the face or the
stone
In the rear of the monument, resting on
its base, is tablet bearing the text of the
Star-Spangled Banner.
The corner stone of the monument was
laid on flag day, June IA last, with imposing
ceremonies by the Hon. Thomas J. Shryeck,
Grand-master of Mnsons of Maryland, and
the other State officials of that body. In
honor &C the occasion, a grand street page
ant was held, participated in by civic and
military organizations. In a crypt deeply
sunk In the eight-foot foundation of the
monument repose the remains of Francis
Scott Key and his wife Mary Taylor Key.
They were removed there from their form
eli resting place In an obscure section of
the cemetery by the association by per-
mission of his two daughters Mrs. Howard
and Mrs. Steele, prior to their death, which
occurred only recently.
The Ceremonies
The preliminary ceremonies included a
parade in which military and civic organ
izations from all parts of the State took
part, and which was witnessed by thou
sands of visitors The buildings along the
line of march were gaily decorated with
the national colors.
When the procession reached the foot Of
the monument the order of exercises was
proceeded with. These included an ora
ton by Hon. Henry Watterson of Ken
lucky; an address of Mrs. Donald Mclean
Of New York, and an ode by Folger Nc
Kinsey of Baltimore. The cord which re-
leased the drapery uncovering the monu-
ment was then drawn by Miss Julia Nc
Henry Howard. granddaughter Of Fran
els Scott Key.
Following is an abstract of the oration
of Mr.. Watterson:
Since the Star Spangled Banner was
written nearly century has come and gone.
4 Inc drums and tramplings of more than
half Its years have passed over the grave of
FRANCIS Scott Key. Here at last he rests
forever. Here at last his tomb is fifty made.
Wnen his eyes closed upon the scenes Of
THIS life, their last gaze beheld the ensign
OF Inc republic. Full high advanced; its
: arms and trophies streaming In their orig
: mai lustre, not stripe erased or polluted.
: not single star obscured."