I am aware that what is called "advanced art" looks with scorn on anything so simple and bald as an obelisk, more especially when it is made up of a thousand pieces, instead of being a monolith shaft. Yet the Bunker Hill Monument, of which the design was furnished by one of our earliest and best artists, Horatio Greenough, is one of these complete obelisks, and Webster was proud to apostrophize it as "the true orator of the day," when he was pronouncing his own incomparable oration. I recall other obelisks, at home and abroad, which tell their story most impressively; and when I look around to see what "advanced art" has done for us and done for itself to the myriad soldiers' monuments which have been recently erected, I fall back on the simple shaft as at least not inferior to any one of them in effect and as free from anything tinsel or tawdry. A grand arch, which I believe you once proposed, would be a noble monument of our Union, and might well be the subject of independent consideration in season for the centennial of the organization of the Government in 1889. I have repeatedly urged such an arch as commemorative of our Constitutional Union, in Boston. But it would have still greater propriety in Washington. I cannot help hoping, however, that it will be erected with new stones, and without any disturbance of the Washington obelisk. Pardon me for so long a letter and for so frank an expression of my views. I have heard nothing on the subject of late from any of the Commissioners or of the Association, but have taken it for granted that the whole matter was decided. If, however, it is to be reopened, I shall be very glad to see Mr. Story's designs, and to consult with you agreeably to your friendly invitation. Believe me, dear Mr. Morrill, respectfully and truly, ROBERT C. WINTHROP. Hon. JUSTIN S. MORRILL, _United States Senator_. ACTS OF CONGRESS RELATING TO THE COMPLETION OF THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT. Act of August 2, 1876, 19 Statutes, p. 123. Joint Resolution, June 14, 1878, 20 " p. 254. Joint Resolution, June 27, 1879, 21 " p. 54. Sundry Civil Act, June 16, 1880, 21 " p. 268. Sundry Civil Act, March 3, 1881, 21 " p. 444. Sundry Civil Act, March 3, 1883, 22 " p. 615. Sundry Civil Act, August 9, 1886, 24 " p. 245. Sundry Civil Act, February 28, 1887, 24 " p. 424. Sundry Civil Act, March 3, 1887, 24 " p. 509. Sundry Civil Act, October 2, 1888, 25 " p. 553. LIST OF BLOCKS CONTRIBUTED FOR INSERTION IN THE INTERIOR WALLS OF THE MONUMENT.