The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-10-13
BALLOON UNVEILS STATUE.
NOVEL METHOD OF DISCLOSING
VERDI MONUMENT.

Ceremapy I'm sherman Square witnessed
by Thousands Select From Com
pOser's Operas sung by Metropolitan
Chorus PROCESSION Up Fifth Avenue.
At exactly half past 3 yesterday after
noon the balloon to which the yelling Of the
Verdi Statue was attached went up; dis
closing the monument Of the musician,
which was erected by the Italians Of Amer
lea. Four-year-old Gertrude Emilia Gahr-
mann, granddaughter Of Chevalier Charles
Barsotti, the originator Of the movement
fort memorial, was chosento set in motion
this latest Of unwilling modes.
The grand stands roun the statue in the
square at the intersection Of Amsterdam
avenue and Seventy-second street were
thronged by those who came to listen to
the speeches. Others gathered in the
streets to hear selections from some Of
Verdi's operas, rendered by the full chorus
and orchestra from the Metropolitan Opera
House.
A procession of several thousand Italians
composed Of seventy-five societies and fifty
bands started at ! O'Clock from Washington
Square and marched up Fifth avenue to
Fifty-ninth street and then across to Column
bus Circle. After being reviewed there by
Admiral Cali of the Italian cruiser Fiera-
mosca, which was sent here by the Italian
Government for this occasion, and after
leaving a wreath on the statue OF Columbus,
the parade proce eded up Broadway to the
monument.
Speeches were made by Chevalier Charles
Bafsotti, Commentators Montague, Italian
Charge d'Affaires in Washington; Conts
Massiglia, Italian Consul-General in New
York, and President MCGOWAN of the Board
Of Aldermen, who represented the municipal
Government.
Conte Massiglia said that Italians had
honored not only Verdi by this statue, but
also the great country which had been so
hospitable to their compatriots..
After the statue had been unveiled and the
Italian national hymn had beer played
President MCGOWAN made a speech of ac-
ceptance on behalf Of the city and the Italian
band burst forth with The Star Spangled
Banner"
The statue, which was made by Pasuuale
Civiletti, n well known Italian sculptor of
Palermo, represents Giuseppe Verdi stand
ing with a cloak thrown over his left arm.
Around the pedestal stand four figures
in costume representing characters from
four of his operas, Aida" ~OtellO," -Fal-
star" and Fora del DeStino." These
figures, as well "a the principal figure,
are in a brilliant white stone and the pedcs-
tai is Of brown marble.
Among the guests Of honor were Leon
caVallo, the Italian composer; most Of
the foreign consuls in this city, Park Com
missioner Herman, Herr Conried, Oscar
Hammerstein, Assistant Corporation Coun-
sci Gahrmann and Coroner Acritelli.
Ever since the death of Verdi the Italians
in this country have been collecting money
for q memorial TO him. Contributions
came from poor coal miners and laborers
all over the country until SIS, 600 was d.
tanned. This sum was spent on the statue,
which was brought to this country free
OF cos: last August on the steamship Sannio
Of the italian line. The cornerstone was
laid September % and the erection was
completed only a few days ago.