Evening star., 1909-05-02

on the monument, the committee deciding
to have the pedestal as free from or
namentation as possible.
The pedestal was designed on low broad
lines, to harmonize with the general
architecture OF the new Municipal build
ing in the rear.
Origin Of the Project.
The project Of erecting statue Of en-
during bronze or marble in some conspic-
uous spot in the heart Of the city for
which former Gov. Shepherd worked so
hard and accomplished so much originated
in q suggestion made by Commissioner
Macfarland the day after the news of
Gov. Shepherds death reached the Ma
tional capital. which was September Il,
1902 It struck a popular chord among
the people of the District, and within a
short time, without solicitation of any
kind, several thousands Of dollars formed
the nucleus of the Shepherd Memorial
fund. The elimination Of that suggestion
was the aroused general feeling that a
fitting memorial should rise to the man
who started the National capital on it's
way to becoming beautiful.
Urged Erection Of Statue.
"A statue of Gov. Shepherd" said Com
missioner Macfarland. after he learned
the news which caused general sorrow
throughout the District, should be
erected in the city Of Washington by
popular subscription. Much Of the
wealth. as well as much of the beauty
of the National capital, we owe to Gov.
Shepherd, and it is appropriate that we
should show our gratitude in tangible and
permanent form. 1t was proposed to
erect a statue of Gov. Shepherd before
his death, but there was an indisposition
to make an exception to the rule against
giving such an honor to a living man.
There can be no possible objection to
giving him this honor now.
''rThe news of Gov. Shepherds sudden
death came as a shock which increases
it's sorrow 1t suggests strikingly the in
completeness of all things in this life.
Gov. Shepherd was looking forward to
coming home to stay, and we were hop
ing that he would soon have that con-
summation of his desires. when he is
suddenly cut off, far away, In his self
imposed exile, before his wife can get
to him. Their Homecoming will be very
different from that which they planned.
But 1t will doubtless be attended with
honors such as can only be given to the
dead. Although a new generation has
grown up and new population has come
into the District in the thirty years since
Gov. Shepherd began his great work here,
/ think there is no man whom the people
of the District hold in greater honor or
in greater gratitude, and they will doubt
less show II in every possible way. The
new interest in the National capital so
marked since our centennial celebs sation
Of two years ago, has given the people
of the whole country new interest In
Gov. Shepherd, who Is now generally rec
ognized as the man who made the new
Washington possible"
The suggestion that monument to the
former governor of the District should
be erected met a ready and general
approval on all sides.
Capital His Monument
the Board of Trade, said:
II think we ought to have another mon
ument erected to Gov. Shepherd besides
the one we have, for as every one
knows. Washington itself is a memorial
to his worth. But we should have a
monument OF some kind, erected by pop
ular subscription, and | shall be glad to
help support such a movement by voice
and contribution. Congress should not
be importuned TO appropriate for such
purpose. / would rather give per-
sonal subscription, and if the people ap-
preciate what he has done they should
be willing and anxious to pay for that
appreciation. They should not hesitate to
put their hands in their pockets for such
a purpose.
The first contributions to the fund were
made by H. A. Willard and W. p. Van
Wfckle. both OF whom sent checks for
800 to Commissioner Macfarland
MIR. Willard wrote the Commissioner,
that I'm expressing sorrow at the death
of Gov. Shepherd you suggested a statue
TO his memory TO be erected in this city
and by popular subscription. This seems
eminently proper. and i am sure there is
no one in the history of our capital who
so richly deserves this honor"
In response to suggestions made by sew
eral prominent citizens, Commissioner
Macfarland asked the board of Commits
sionere 10 appoint committee To take
charge of the project. and they decided
thai 1t was best to appoint small ex-
ecutive committee with power to APP
point additional members or subcommit-
tees. The committee was designated to
be composed of Crosby S. Noyes. chair
man: John K. wilkins. Frank A. Munsey
Thomas w. Smith. president of the
Board Of Trade; w. F. GUIDE, president
of the Business Mems Associate
The executive committee met September
Is, 1902. and organized by electing John
F.. Wilkins vice chairman, c. j. Bell
HreSident of the American Security and