The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1909-07-08
THE CAPITOL STATUE
Heroic Figure That Surmounts
the Dome In Washington.
THE MODEL WAS CHANGED.

JeneTS9n OavtS OpJeCIe0 10 Snc 0Ti9'
inaI as Designed by Crawford, and II
Was Altered to Symbolic "Armed
Liberty" as 1t Now Stands.
ARMED Liberty" the splendid statue
that crowns the come of the capitol
is by far the most symbolic Of all the
statues In Washington. Beautiful and
rcposeful. yet with an air Of vigilance.
1t is perhaps the least appreciated of
the city's statues. possibly because OF
It's being placed at such an altitude
that 1t cannot easily be studied. The
original plans Of the capitol called for
statue to surmount the dolue, but no
title was then given it, and compare
lively few people know the real name
of the statue.
Seeking this Information Il Post re-
porter !nterrogatel number Of PEP
sons whose daily occupations keep
them almost constantly beneath the
shadow Of the great statue. To the
| question what is the name Of the
statue above the dome of this build
ing:" came these widely different opin-
ions:
THE name Of that statue? Why. It's
the Goddess Of Freedom"
Yes; / can tell you the name. 1t is
| the Goddess OF Liberty"
Several declared it to be the statue
Of Independence. Others said. ut Is an
Indian woman"
at is the God of Justice aud Free
DOM" declared portly man in a tone
that deficd questioning.
1T represents an American woman.
but am not sure Of her name"
well, now. never inquired what
lady that statue commentaries" re.
marked n politician from q not very
| distant state. but it is fine work of
art"
ut Is a statue of the god Of war.
Mars
Gan you tell me something about
! that statue above the dome?' was
asked man whose knowledge is we'll
| known
"Why. certainly. 1t is woman of
colonial days. Can't you see the trim
ming around the mantle and the curls
about the face? And the features are
delicately nodded You see, ! have
studied the model at the museum 1t
| surely is woman. | think you can
safely say it is an American woman"
One who always tries his best to
help others said: Now. all statues. as
you know, bear the names OF the pco-
pie they represent, and if you will just
step over to the library of congress |
think you can easily find some book
| Oh statues that will tell you all you
want to know. 1t Is woman. am
sure, so look for the female statues"
A younger member of the house re-
piled to the question about the statue
| most suavely and confidingIy. ut is
the god Of progress; you know his
name" Several Of the colored men in
the various parts of the building were
nearly all quite sure It was the Cod
dess of Freedom. One of them knew
the year. 1868. when 1t was placed
above the dome, and he affirmed. at
| is the Goddess of American Liberty
! Before the War;"
You want to know the name of that
statue? Well. just wait a minute and
| will get it for you first hand" And
most accommodating guide passed
| into the senate chamber. Directly he
returned.
THAT is statue of Pocahontas"
Every one had different name for
the statue, not one giving the real
name, ARMED Liberty"
The statue was modelled by Thomas
Crawford, father of the novelist, the
late F. Marion era wford. 1t was cast
at Maryland foundry. Jefferson Da-
Wis was secretary Of war when the
model was first presented In the war
department. The statue then wore
liberty cap and carried a bundle Of
rods. Davis objected to the liberty
cap as being emblematic of the
emancipated slaves. while Americans
were freeborn. He also thought the
bundle of rods. suggesting the func-
tons of the Roman lictor, had lost its
symbolic character. Because OF these
criticisms Of Secretary Davis the mod
Ell was changed, and ARMED Liberty
was evolved.
| The statue is nine feet six inches tall
and weighs 1895 pounds. 1t was put
In place on Dec. 2. 1868 The head is
| thrown back and adorned with eagles
beak and plumes. The right hand rests
Oh sword, and the left holds an olive
branch and shield. The mantle is
gracefully draped and is held by
brooch bearing ''U. S." on it's face. The
helmet is encircled with stars. The
supporting globe bears the legend sc
Pluribus Unum." -Washington Post.
Grecian Food For Dreamers.
Iln0hoool, h. CT.