The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-07-28
TIE DETENs MEMORIAL.

No more appropriate site could be Sc
lected for the Devens statue than the
space afforded by the improvements
properly modelled and placed, it should
add UNNECESSARILY to the dignity and
beauty of the approach to the building
for the broad expanse of granite ma
sonry, crowned by the semi-classic
structure on the hill, needs to be re-
lieved by just such conspicuous orna
mentation as a statue of heroic pro-
portions would afford.
But architectural fitness is not the
only matter to be considered. There
are reasons why the court house
grounds are a peculiarly fitting place
fora memorial of Charles Devens. How
ever high his soldierly qualities may be
rated, and whatever valuation may be
put upon his military services, these
are exceeded by his reputation as a
jurist and orator. Justice and the law
were his vocation. war only his avo-
cation. He turned from the one to
the other because of the emergency call
of duty, and when his work in the field
was done, he returned to the practice
OF his chosen profession.
Without doubt, any true memorial of
him must make due account of his mill
tary achievements, for he was the most
distinguished soldier the city sent forth
to battle for the republic. Born under
l1a ba5 Of IL
onel of the Fifteenth Massachusetts,
regiment, grievously wounded at Chan
cellorsyille, commended for bravery by
Grant and made a major general by
brevet after the fall of Richmond, and
finally appointed military governor of
the eastern district of South Carolina
| at the close of the war, Gen. Devens
had record for valor and efficiency
that challenges the admiration.
| Yet his career at the bench and bar
and his exalted reputation as an ora
tor are even more brilliant For two
| terms, aggregating fourteen years, he
| served upon the Massachusetts supreme
bench, tribunal of unexcelled stand
ing, and for four years was attorney
general of the United States in President
| Hayes cabinet, one of the ablest ever
organized, containing as it did Will
| liam M. Eyarts, John Sherman, Rich
ard w. Thompson and Carl Schurz. 1t
was a time when the best minds and
broadcast craftsmanship the party or
the nation could supply were demanded
for the conduct of public affairs. Sell
dom In the history of the republic was
there greater need of tact, ability, hon
esty and the purest patriotism, and it
was at such a juncture that Charles
Devens was summoned to the head of
the national department of justice, to
become the chief legal adviser and at
torney of the administration.
| No argument is needed to demon
strate the propriety of memorializing
such man in imperishable bronze.
His comrades in arms showed their APP
probation Of his character when they
elected him commander-in-c chief of the
Grand Army at a time when the most
distinguished leaders of the war had
|
were still in the flesh. Worcester does
not lack sons who deserve recognition
similar to that which is to be bestowed
upon the soldier-jurist George Ban
croft is but a single example. Ours is
a city of natural beauty, but many OF
the opportunities which nature has
given us for adornment remain to be
improved. If the spirit OF progress
and civic pride which has always ami
mated our people shall survive, the
Devens statue will be but the first OF
many works OF art that will embellish
the public streets and squares give
distinction to the municipality and tes-
tify to its enduring appreciation of Its
sons who have won fame for them.
selves and conferred great benefits
upon city, state or nation.
"Eh. Phillbrick. just heard from your
wlfe?"
Yes"
We'll what are you looking so sour
about? Is she coming homer