The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-07-28
Now Is the Time To
Move For the
Memorial.
SENTIMENT is STRONG.
-s-
What Prominent Citizens
Have to Say
About 1t.

Prospects of a statue of Gen. Charles
Devens appear brighter now than at
any time since the inception of the
movement, five years ago With the
committee with whom the furtherance
of the project was left 1t appears that
the plan was but slumbering awaiting
the proper time for decisive action, and
it has become apparent that the time
has come.
The expression of opinion of promin-
ent men in yesterdays Spy was enough
to convince the promoters of the com
mendable plan the opportunity of real
izing the object and Of raising the nee
essary money for a fitting memorial is
at hand. The statue should be placed
in position as soon after the completion
OF the new court house as possible. The
once warm argument over the question
of site has entirely abated, and the sem
timent is unanimous that the Court
hill location is the proper place for a
memorial to Gen. Devens.
The committee has recently consult
ed on the matter and had practically
agreed that if ever the move is to be
taken the time is now. Senator Hoar
who has been one of the prime movers
in the project, is in Europe, but his
views on the matter are so well known
that 1t Is believed his return need not
be awaited before action of decisive
kind is taken. The statement of the
situation as outlined in The Spy was a
revelation to many interested promot-
ers of the enterprise and yesterday its
accomplishment appeared an easier
matter than 1t ever has before A
plain statement that only $4,000 stands
between the desire and the accomplish
ment of the purpose convnces prom
lnent q. A. r. men and lawyers. both
of whom are DESTROYS of honoring Wor-
cester's jurist-soldier, that the erection
of the statue is task easily done. If
the committee will take active steps for
raising this fund and take them now,
there is scarcely an interested man in
Worcester but believes Gen Devens
viii stand in inperishable bronze near
the new court house shortly after it's
dedication.
The call for action in this favorable
opportunity meets with general appro-
val among prominent Worcester bust
ness and professional men. Talk of the
Devens memorial was rife on the street
yesterday. Discussion of the appro-
priateress of immediate action was ia
vorable in the extreme. The project
has suddenly sprung into prominence
as marked as when it was first sug-
gested. Sentiment appears ripe for the
execution of the desire of every soldier
and lawyer in Worcester as we'll as
every man who holds the name of Gen
Devens in honor.
Here are few expressions of opinion
given The Spy yesterday
Gen. Rockwell Hoar, treasurer Of the
committee appointed some years ago,
said: 1.-The committee recognizes that
completion Of the court house will
mark favorable opportunity for sue
cessfully carrying the project to COM
pletion, and we mean to do it. The
county commissioners stand ready TO
do their part on the assurance that the
balance of the $4,000 necessary is pro-
vided for. The sentiment of The Spy's
attitude is that of the committee, / be-
lieve, and the project will not lack of
accomplishment"
Col E. B. Stoddard, chairman of the
committee on a Devens memorial, re-
viewed the history of the movement
from its inception, and believes with
the preparation of the court house site,
make move. He would not have the
matter approached prematurely, but he
will work for the accomplishment OF
the object, as he has since its begin
ming.
Gen Josiah Pickett was a member of
the committee made up of old soldiers
and civilians, who were called together
when the matter of erecting a memo
rial to Gen. Devens was first brought
up in this city. He attended the meet
ings held by this committee, and was
sorry to see the matter drop from ap-
parent lack of interest.
While the committee was in exist
ence, numerous sites and designs fole
the statue were advanced. The spot
where the fiatiron building stands at
Franklin square was favored by some,
while others held that the memorial
should be placed near the armory
Others still argued for the court house
location. Opinion was about equally
divided as to whether the statue should
be cast in his character of soldier or
judge.
In an interview with a Spy man yes
terday, Gen. Pickett said TN the past
/ have been open to conviction as to
the best location for a memorial to
Gen. Devens, but at the present day |
consider the location near the court
house the most appropriate. 1t is a pub
lie place and location sufficiently dig
nified for the reception of memorial
to such a man. consider the revival of
the movement most commendable one
and one that viii meet with approval
of all old soldiers. The question Of
what character the statue should be
cast in is an open one. Gen. Devens
was not only prominent as a soldier,
he was lawyer and judge as well,
and while 1t would be the sentiment
of all soldiers to see him cast in the
figure In which they knew him still
at the same time his prominence rs a
jurist Is entitled to consideration.
Zen. Devens was one OF the most
distinguished figures in army life, Il
scholar and gentleman OF the highest
type"
Capt. Charles H. Pinkham was also
a member of the committee who con-
sidered the subject originally. He has
given the matter little thought for
some time past, and was not ready to
express a decided opinion off-hand as
to which would be the best location for
a memorial to the illustrious soldier
and jurist He is Of the opinion, now
ever, that If statue Is to be erected
in front of the armory, 1t should be In
his character as a soldier, while If 1t
is to be placed In front of the court
house. 1t should be as the judge rather
than the soldier,