The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-08-12

beauty. Mrs. Charlotte Ouisconsin
Van Cleve, who as a girl picked wild
Strawberries near her present home in
the east division, before single cabin
had been zen built W Is could tell yo4. il she
Gd nss Which, reac 81 1ne TO epi the
distant bluffs on either side Of the
river, framed in the glorious picture Of
the waterfall. But the lucky gentle
men who got possession Of the river
banks Gin one case by a footrace) did
not acquire them for scenery they
understood the value Of the power Of
gravitation, and strung dams across
both channels. Their successors have
races, and aprons and the objectionable
robbery Of Spirit island, not a single
vestige of the sprimeval beauty Of the
Falls of st. Anthony can be discovered.
Ought we not to drop the honored
name9 81
Penance for sacrilege.
"For the sacrilege I mention we
must first repent in sackcloth and ashes
and next, we people Of Minneapolis
must bring forth works meet for re-
pentance. .s~.5ssh
eve can never restore the lost
beauty and grandeur of the Falls Of ST..
Anthony, but we can and must build
here city which shall be as beautiful
as city can be.
"Let the erection Of this statue Of
the River God be the first beginning Of
long line Of works which shall at the
least testify to- our sense of an irrepar-
able loss to the world.
"General Washburn, the donor Of
this statue Of the Mississippi, now ask
you representing your city hall and
courthouse commission, to accept it as
is their glad contribution to move
ment which they trust will at length
plan and group our civic structures on
a noble scale, give them ample fore
grounds and adorn them within and
without with the works of the brush
and the chisel. e.
"Sir, the statue is yours .. :.
The Veil Is Removed.
At the close Of D.. Folwell's re-
marks the big canvas cover, which con-
was raised. AS the beauty of the work
was revealed there was spontaneous
outburst Of applause and general muir
muir Of admiration.
''It is an interesting and unique oc-
casion which brings us together" said
General Washburn, when the audience
had given him it's attention, "and am
mission is proud Of this building and
this hall and every man, woman and
child in the city should be proud. It
was built without graft, without the
faint Of corruption and without any in
timation Of robbery. Every penny has
been honestly, economically and care
fully expended.
'fIt is especially proper that the dedi--
cation of this magnificent entrance anc
should come together, and it gives me
great pleasure on behalf Of the court
house and city hall commission to re.
ceive this gift which the donors have
50 generously bestowed. However, !
am to act only as an intermediary.
extend our hearty and earnest con-
gratulations to the donors and thank
every one most heartily: Having thu!
received this statue I take the greatest
| Minneapolis, which we all love.'
Accepted For the City.
These words were, directed to Mayo,
| David P. Jones, who replied after 9
| prolonged applause:
"This is a gala day for the entire
! city Of Minneapolis. I wish that
could say all that i would like IN refer.
ence to what brings us together today
But after listening to the eloquent anc
| beautiful words Of DR.. Folwell there i!
| little to be added. We are reminded
| by his words and those Of Mr.. HerricA
| that rare and unusual opportunities are
presented to us, as residents Of Mime
apolis. 4; pew era in. the city's ad
yancement - opening to us and w
should be alive to the call. We should
remember our duty and should
see to It that systematic effort
be made to attain a higher standard
Of citizenship. higher standard Of ar1
and culture, and this that municipality
may, have that civic beauty which we
admire elsewhere: In behalf of all the
people Of this city and as their agent
I am the most happy to receive from
you this splendid statue.'
| Mr.. Gale closed the exercises by
| voicing the sentiment of the gathering
| In extending thanks to the courthouse
commission for the magnificent outcome
| Of it's long and continued labor. The
| entrance was a noble hall in strength
and refinement and a fitting back.
ground for the statue.