The Detroit times., 1912-07-16
MEMORIAL TO GEN. AlGER
/. is ENDORSED ON ALL SIDES
PASTOR cRITICISES CITY
Too Few Monuments Erected
Here to Famed and Honored
Dead, Says Rev. Pence
so RICH AND YET so POOR
Many Citizens Pay Tribute to
Gen. Alger in Expressing
Favor of Statue
so RICH AND YET so POOR

That Detroit has too few monu-
ments In honor of her famous citi-
zens Is the statement of the Rev. T..
II. Pence, pastor OF the Fort-st. Pres
byterian church, when commenting
on the plan launched In the council
for a memorial for the late Gen. Rus
sell A. Alger The Rev. Mr.. Pence
said: "On the side OF quick anec'
ton, the entertainments OF the inner
sentiments, few public men have
loved a people and a commonwealth
as Russell A. Alger loved Detroit ana
Michigan. The man Of brilliant and
solid achievements and high honor OF
soul was known to the public; he
never concealed, neither did he ever
cheaper the tender feelings he felt
for loyal friendships, friendships OF
the masses, as well as OF INDIVIDUALS
by making display Of 1t.
Detroit has been historically ricn
In big personalities, whose powers Is
sued In civic and national services OF
high order. We are as poor inemonu-
ments as we are rich In the worth OF
them. Ranking high among American
cities In the numbers OF foreign birth
and extraction, many OF whom ere
coming to America, learned their his
tory and drank their patriotism from
monuments, In which the old world
Is rich in numbers and art, we or Dc
troit miss one of our greatest Ameri-
canizing influences upon these people
and their children, In not placing be-
fore them the efiigies OF the great
achievers OF our civilization
'T would consider 1t pleasure to
contribute "a widows mite to the
building OF memorial for the late
Gen. Russell A. Alger," said Jeremiah
Dryer, president OF the Michigan
Stove Co. 81 believe 1t Is an admir-
able idea. There Is not man In the
history of Michigan to whose memory
we owe more allegiance. | would re-
ioice at the early and successful con-
clusion of the plans. Gen. Alger was
a magnificent type Of American,
whose private and public record were
a credit and honor to this city"
Henry B. Ledyard took time from
his urgent duties as chairman OF the
board of directors of the Michigan
Central railroad to speak enthusiasts.
tically of the plan. Il think it q very
good thing, indeed" he said.
"A memorial to the late Gen. Rus
sell A. Alger would be an inspiration
to the growing generation" said
Mayor William B. Thompson. I'VE
would be putting the final seal OF
our approval on his worth and by our
actions let all the living know how
highly we prize and cherish the mem
DRY OF those traits and characteristics
which made Gen. Alger famous. We
will be paying our best tribute to the
dead as we'll as holding forth an ex-
ample for the living. ! think II would
work for better citizenship. To know
and offer proof that the people of this
city do not forget the good and last
ing qualities OF a great man IL to
promote those qualities in our citi-
Zens.
II am heartily in favor Of the plan
and am glad to see the enthusiasm
which, 1t seems to me, should result
in the erection In the near future Of
a handsome memorial. believe the
city should aid in this matter, to the
extent Of supplying a pedestal, at
least, and furnishing the site.
Gen. Alger represented all that 10
best in American>citize He had
the character, the ENERGY and deter
mination which sufnount innumer-
able obstacles and only make their
possessor greater for these obstacles.
OF humble parentage, he won fame.
honor and fortune by dint Of his own
resources. He use from the level Of
a farmland to the rank OF soldier,
capitalist and statesman. The coun-
try's history has few more interesting
examples OF human achievement.
His life was without blemish. He
was charitable. giving freely in pub
lie, and lavishly In secret. Many
men, successful in various business
pursuits in this city, can tell you that
they owe a great measure OF their
success to Gen. Alger.
II we'll remember the time OF his
death when the city and the state
we're in mourning, and words Of
eulogy were on every ones lips. A
substantial tribute to his memory,
believe, would meet with universal
approval"