Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1909-05-14
Official Paper OF City and Count,
UNVE|L POET SHAFT
STATUE OF LoNGFELLoW Ac.
cEPTED FOR THE NATION
BY TAFT.
ADDRESSES BY EMINENT MEN

Monument Made Possible by contrlbu-
tions from Rich and Poor-Poet
Honored by England Before Native
Land Took Up the Matter.
Washington, May 8. - President
Taft and other high officials were pres
ent yesterday at the unwilling Of a
monument to Henry Wadsworth Long
fellow, whom majority Of the Amer
lean people hold to have been the
greatest poet the country has pro-
duced.
The statue of Longfellow has
place at the intersection of Connect
cut and Rhode Island avenues. one of
the most prominent points in the resi-
dence section of the capital city.
When the flags yelling the memorial
were removed yesterday the figure Of
the poet was disclosed seated in an
armchair. The pose Is restful and dig
nified, and the face of the poet has
the strength that belonged to 1t in
life The statue is of bronze. and not
Of Parian marble as was stated err
at the inception of the movement to
raise the funds for the memorial.
Justice Fuller Presides.
At the ceremonies yesterday Chief
Justice Melville W. Fuller of the Unit
ed States supreme court presided. JUS
tice Fuller has been president of the
Longfellow National Memorial associ
alton since its formation during the
administration Of President Mckinley.
The invocation was by Rev. Charles
Wood, d. D., The Right Rev. Alexander
Mackey-Smith, coadjuter bishop OF
Pennsylvania, delivered an address
giving the history of the movement
to raise the money needed for the
memorial to the poet.
Dr. Smith told of the countrywide
interest and sympathy that had been
manifested in the plan to honor Long
fellow. The contributions came from
men, women and children, from the
rich and the poor, each according to
his means. The people provided the
representatives in congress, acting for
them, provided the pedestal.
Addresses by Eminent Men.
Maj. Gen. A. w. Greedy United
States army, retired. who for some
time has been secretary Of the asso-
cations executive committee, spoke
on "Longfellow the Man" Prof Bliss
>P vi
of the Atlantic Monthly, spoke on
"Longfellow the Citizen" and Hamilton
w. Mabie, one of the editors Of the
Outlook, followed Prof. Perry with an
address on "Longfellow the Poet"
Brainard Fl. Warner, LII. D., one Of
the most prominent and most public
spirited citizens of the city of Wash
ington, made the speech of presenta-
ton of the statue to the national CAPT
tai. DR.. Warner has been one Of the
foremost workers in the cause of do.
ing honor to the New England poet.
AS soon as the statue was unveiled
President Taft said a few words of
acceptance in the name of the people
of the country. The benediction was
pronounced by Rev. u. G. B. Pierce,
pastor of the Unitarian Church of All
Souls. of which President Taft is q
member. At intervals during the cere
monies the Marine band played. the
first number being America" and the
last 1.-The Star Spangled Banner"
Gift Of the People.
In the membership of the Longfel
Ill Z Il
found the names of men in all the
callings of life and of every shade o.
political and religious faith. Attempts
were made years ago to secure from
congress an appropriation for a monu
ment to Longfellow, but the efforts
failed for one reason or another
Finally the Memorial association came
into existence and the national legis
lature lent its aid to the project, the
people, however, bearing directly and
willingly the greater part of the ex
pense.
1t was considered grave reproacf
to this country that Longfellow wal
honored publicly in England's capita
before he was honored publicly IL
Americas capital. The New England
poets bust was given place some
time ago In Westminster Abbey. Final
ly the people of America in the chic
legislative city of their nation hav.
raised monument Ito testify the at
lection and pride with which millions
regard one who is beyond all others
the poet of the American home ant
fireside."
Road Officials In Thrilling Escape.
Chicago, May 8.-High officials O