History of the Washington National Monument and of the Washington National Monument Society — John Shaqi
History of the Washington National Monument and of the Washington National Monument SocietyHarvey, Frederick L. (Frederick Loviad)
History
History of the Washington National Monument and of the Washington National Monument Society
Harvey, Frederick L. (Frederick Loviad)
Washington Monument (Washington, D.C.); Washington National Monument Society
With reference to the area embraced by the foundations and basement
of the Monument and the uses to which they may be applied, the
underspace outwards, occupied by the lower terrace and colonnade,
may be appropriated to the accommodation of the keepers of the
Monument, or those having charge of it and attending on visitors.
These apartments, which are arched, are well lighted and aired, as
they are all above ground, the light being disposed in the sunk
panels of the stylobate (base). The principal entrance to all these
apartments will be from the rear, or opposite side of the portico
entrance. The _inner_ space, or that under the grand gallery or
Rotundo, may be appropriated to catacombs for the reception of the
remains of such distinguished men as the Nation may honor with
interment here. This subterranean gallery is so large and lofty that
it would accommodate many catacombs.
In the centre of the Monument is placed the tomb of WASHINGTON, to
receive his remains, should they be removed thither, the descent to
which is by a broad flight of steps lighted by the same light which
illuminates his statue.
The feature of the pantheon surrounding the shaft was never formally and
finally adopted by the Society as a part of the Monument. The first
purpose was to erect the shaft and to secure funds to that end.
In this year (1838) the Society addressed a memorial to Congress praying
that a site be accorded the Monument on the public mall. For this
purpose a bill was reported in the Senate, which, being under
consideration in that body, June 15th, caused much debate and adverse
criticism of the Society and its work.
Mr. Roane, replying to an inquiry of Mr. Allen (Ohio), stated that the
sum collected by the Society was about $30,000 which was put out at
interest.
To this Mr. Allen answered that he believed they had collected more than
that sum in his own State.
Mr. Bayard thought that to erect the Monument on the place proposed
would be to destroy the whole plan of the mall, and that as far as the
prospect was concerned, nothing could be more unfortunate. Besides the
means of the Society were very insignificant compared with the object in
view, for as they had agents all over the United States collecting
simultaneously it was to be presumed they had collected all they were to
get.
Mr. Norvell was satisfied that they (the Society) were incapable of
meriting the imputation impliedly, he hoped not intentionally, cast upon
them by the Senator from Ohio. He presumed extensive subscriptions had
been made to the work, but not yet collected, and that considerable
expense must have been incurred in the employment of agents. As to the
location of the site he could say nothing, but he was certain that such
a monument as proposed ought long since to have been erected to the
memory of the illustrious Chief under whose guidance this Nation had
been led to victory, liberty, and independence.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account