“The vase, which is of silver gilt, and the stand, in the form of a votive altar and of the same metal, is about four feet high. The handles are formed of two strong vine-stalks, attached at one end to the edges of the neck, and supported at the other by two lions’ heads. The neck is enriched with a civic crown, and the bottom of the vase is ornamented with leaves of aquatic plants, separated by stems of the sugar-cane and coffee-tree. On one of the sides of the vase, the genius of the fine arts and the genius of industry, surrounded with their attributes, support a drapery, on which may be read, ‘FRANCE TO GENERAL LA FAYETTE.’ “On the other side, surrounded with a glory, is the date 1830. The pedestal is square, with splayed-off corners, and is decorated with four statues and four bas-reliefs, which may be regarded as so many masterpieces of taste and historical illustration. The statues, which represent Liberty, Equality, Force, and Wisdom, are placed upright on a projecting ledge prepared to receive them. Liberty is represented under the form of a young woman in full drapery, and with a Phrygian cap on her head. In one hand she holds the national flag, and in the other, the sword to defend it, whilst she tramples under foot a set of broken chains. Equality is represented by a goddess holding in her right hand the levelling-plane, while she leans with her left upon a table of laws, thus presenting the symbol of constitutional equality. Force is represented by a female in the prime of life. Her head is covered, and she is partly clothed with a lion’s skin, which falls on her back and her left shoulder. She leans on a bundle of rods, to indicate that her strength depends on union. Wisdom is represented under the form of a young female of severe aspect; her drapery is tasteful, and her head is covered with the helmet of Minerva. Her calm and grave attitude indicates reflection. “The four sides of the altar are ornamented with as many bas-reliefs, well chosen, and representing the following events connected with the life of La Fayette. The first bas-relief represents the capitulation of Lord Cornwallis. La Fayette, with the generals and the respective staffs of the French and American army, receives General O’Hara, as he delivers the sword of Cornwallis to Washington. The second bas-relief represents La Fayette taking the civic oath to the French Federation, July 14, 1790. “The third bas-relief represents the visit of the Duke of Orleans, lieutenant-general of the kingdom, to the Hôtel de Ville, July 31, 1830. “The fourth bas-relief represents the distribution of the standards to the National Guard at Paris, Aug. 29, 1830.”