Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1907-06-04
THEDAvIs MONUMENT.

lu ii JOu OF Drllllhut buucniuc thO
greatest reunion in the history of the
United Confederate Veterans came to a
close in Richmond yesterday, when an
imposing granite and bronze monument
to Jefferson Davis, the first and only
President Of the Confederate States OF
America, was unveiled in the presence OF
q multitude of enthusiastic people. As
the draperies, drawn by Mrs. J. A..
Hayes, daughter OF the Confederate presl-
dent, assisted by two of his grandchild-
ern, fell from the stately statue, the
presidential salute of q guns was thun-
dered from tie throats of long line OF
cannon on one side and great cheer
that went echoing far up and down the
beautiful avenue purst from the assem- !
bled thousands. The veterans of the
Confederate army, who composed the
great body of the splendid procession
swung their hats in the air, yelled and
cheered in ecs;asies OF joy.
Distinguished men and women from
mary of the States OF the union, beauti-
full young girls and battle-scarred old
soldiers, white men and black men joined
in the enthusiasm. The leading figures
10 the picturesque procession we're Gen.
Stephen d. Lee, commander OF the vet
Grams; Governor Swanson, of Virginia,
William Jennings Bryan, Ms Stone
wall Jackson, Mrs. Simon b. Buckner,
Mrs. Swansea, the wife of the Governor
of Virginia; Mr. Hayes, daughter Of
Jefferson Davis; Governor Warfeld, of
Maryland, and Miss Mary Gusts Lee.
To each and every one OF them were
hurled cheers and hurrahs. AS stated
yesterday the principal speakers were
Gov. Swanson and Gen. Clement h.
Evsns.
When the addresses bad been conclnd-
ed the benediction was pronounced by
Chaplain General Jones and chorus of
amens swept over the multitude that
marked the actual close OF the greatest
reunion of Confederate Veterans that
ever has been or will be held. 1t is said
that there never has been, since the war
ended, so many of the actual surviving
soldiers of the Confederate army together,
and it is realized by everyone that this
number will never be equaled again.
Death has within the last few years rap
idly thinned their ranks. 1t is officially
estimated that there were in Richmond
during the reunion between 10000 and
II, 900 veterans.
The monument of Jefferson Davis is
the work OF Z. V. Valentine and Will
lam G. holland, Of Richmond. The me-
mortal consists of semicircular colon
made, terminating at each end in square
pier, with large column or shaft rising
from the inclosed space. The semicircle
is about 90 feet across, with depth of
80 feet, and stands 81 feet in total
height. The monument typifes the vim
dication of Mr.. Davis and the cause Of
the COnfederscy, for which be stood be-
fore the world, the leading inscription
being "Deo Vindice." The colonnade,
composed Of Is D3ric columns, besides
the 2 end piers, rises about Is feet above
the walkwsy and has its frieze decorated
with broDzo seals of the IL states
that seeded and the three others
that sent representatives and troops.
In the center of the space iu-
closed by the colonnsde stands large
Doric column over FIVE feet in diameter.
This column forms background for the
bronze figure of AIR. Davis, and also
carries ON it's top an allegorical bronze
figure, whose tight hand points TO heaven,
and whose title. "Vindicatrix, repre-
sents the whole spirit of the move
ment. The large column bears the seal
of the Confederacy 10 bronze, and has
the inscription, Jefferson Davis, Presi-
dent of the Confederate States Of Americs,
186l-lS65."
The bronze figure of Mr.. Davis stands
on q great block Of granite ia front OF
the column, and about II feet above the
roadway. The president is represented
in standing position, as though ad-
dressing an audience, with his right
hand resting on the open book of his
tory.
Around the mOlding is traced note
worthy extract from Mr. Dsyis's farewell
speech when he resigned from the United
States Senate on the secession Of MiSsis-
sippi.
Not 10 hostility to others, not to injure
any section of the country, not even for
our own pecuniary benefit, bot for the
high and solemn motive of defending
and protecting the rights we inherited,
ard which it is our duty to transmit I'M
shorn to our children"
On the points of the colonnade stand
bronze tablets-one to the army and one
to the navy of the Confederacy. The
army tablet is inscribed: "From Sumter to
Approximations years OF unhinching
struggle against overwhelming Odds"
The navy tablet is inscribed: Solving
new examples of heroism, teaching new
methods of warfare, it carried the flag OF
the South to the most distant seas"
Robbery and Arson.
Short in his counts and expecting |
IL Il IL.