The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-12-15
BEAUTIFUL WORK OF ART
pr. Rosser of Dallas Principal Orator. Statue Accepted By Alderman For ney for City and Gov. Gun
 nIngham for State.
BY ANNIE kENpRlcK WALKER.

day morning at Il: 80 o'clock.
 The programme, as outlined by the monument committee was carried out without change
 through the streets.
 It might have been king that was be- ing laid to rest.
 The silence was wonderful Somewhere out on the wintry air only the music from the band fioated and the military marched through the streets with meas ured steps.
 The whole atmosphere was touched with sadness. The sky was a dull gray and a few drops of rain fell upon the white folds yelling the monument, upon the bright colors about It's base.
 Crowd In the Park.
 Hundreds of people filled the park and stood during the entire ceremonies. Equipages were not allowed beyond the park entrance, but the whole of Park avenue was a line of carriages. The throngs in the park extended toward the Eighth avenue entrance and reached out on the West Twentieth street side, and In immediate proximity to the monument the way had to be cleared for the mili- tary line drawn up on either side. A platform for the accommodation of the Davis family, and for those who were to take part in the exercises, had been erected about the monument.
 The Procession.
 Tn the procession that formed at the city hall immediately upon the adjourn ment of the mornings session of the as- sociation, the city was represented by many of It's officials, the Alabama Ma tional Guard had a detachment from the Brandon Light artillery and Troop D, Captain E. J. McCrossln commanding, presented a brilliant military spectacle. The entire cadet corps of Howard col- lege attended the ceremonies.
 MemolPs band led the parade. Follow ing the Alabama National Guardsmen were the visiting surgeons and members of the Birmingham Medical association Never in all the history of the surgical so many distinguished fellows.
 An unbroken line of military passed through the crowds. The monument was flanked by men in uniform, their guns at rest. The fellows of the associ- ation made a striking group. Those on the platform barred their heads to the keen winds sweeping through the park.
 The Ceremonies.
 Then the formal ceremonies began. The opening prayer was made by the Rev. Dr. L. s. Handley. There was a song by the pupils of the High school. The monument was unveiled by Marga- ret Elizabeth Davis, the little daughters of the beloved physician, the band play ing Rossinis "Cujus Aninam" during the unveiling. There was another song by the pupils of the High school. The pre- sentation address was made by Dr. Charles M Rosser of Dallas, Tex. The statue was accepted for the state by
  John c. Forney, the representative of Mayor Drennen, made the speech of ac- ceptance on behalf of the city. Amer lea" was sung and the closing prayer was made by the Rev. Dr. P. T. Hale, president of the Southwestern univer- sity, and former pastor of the distin- guished physician.
 The ceremonies were concluded at 12:p o'clock.
 The action of the association in erect ing the Davis memorial is without pre- cedent in any society in this country
 Dr. Richard Douglass of Nashville was chairman of the monument committed Signor G. Moretti, the distinguished Ital- ian sculptor, received the commission to execute the Davis monument several months ago. The monument was de- signed in his New York studio and the plaster caste was made from a photo graph. After months of work on the part of the sculptor the statue was ap- proved by the family of MT. Davis, and the figure was put In bronze
 The Statue.
  and rests on a granite pedestal nine and half feet in height. It Is very impos- ing. Even more than other impressive monuments to be in the park, the Davis monument possesses characteristics that will always make it striking, and that will always give it distinction. The sculptor has indeed, given to his work a masterful touch. The statue Is not impassive. ex- pressionless. It isnot figure in repose but rather one in action. The pose ia re- markedly characteristic. With that won. derful alertness, that elasticity in ev- cry movement that calmness of strength the nervousness of energy, that uncon- scious greatness of power, that familiar and lovable manner, the fine clear-cut mouth and chin, the strong outlines. the brow of intellect. the eyes of the far view. the whole personality of the man stands out in the sculptured bronze.
 Over the shoulders is thrown a long overcoat, its folds giving classic beauty to the monument. The left hand of the statue clasps roll of manuscript, and the right is in a natural easy position. Viewed from any part of the park the