*3 ^» ' ' ' ."m^^ '> J^ ^%i I :•-*'■'■ V5 *^ 7.^ »'. '-^^0^ A Ji««!k' PRESENTATION OF THE E OF TO THE CITY OF NEWBURYPORT. Printed by order of the City Council. 1879. WILLIAM H. HUSE A CO., PRINTERS, NEWBURYrOKT HERALD OFFICE. ftoturoe viUiJko^ CITY OF IS^EWBURYPORT. In Board of Aldermen, March 3, 1879. Ordered, The Common Council concurring, that a joint special committee, consisting of the Mayor and two members of the Com- mon Council, be and hereby are appointed for the purpose of pre- paring for publication in pamphlet form, a detailed account of the public proceedings on the occasion of the presentation of the statue of Washington to the city of Newburj'port, and that this committee be and hereby are authorized to publish an edition not exceeding one thousand copies, the cost of the same to be charged to Incidentals ; one hundred of these pamphlets to be for the use of the City Council and others who contributed to the literary ex- ercises of the occasion, the balance to be disposed of at private sale to parties desiring to purchase the same at their cost. In Board of Aldermen, March 3, 1879. Adopted. — Attest, Geo. H. Stevens, City Clerk. In Common Council, March 3, 1879. Adopted in concurrence under a suspension of the rules, and Messrs. Arthur C. Richardson and Wm. E. McQuillen appointed on the part of this board. Attest, Thos. E. Cutter, Clerk. ILLUSTRATIONS. HELIOTYPES. Statue of Washington with Pedestal Frontispiece. Statue of Washington Opposite page 16. Portrait of Daniel I. Tenney, Esq " "60. LITHOGRAPH. Bronze Lamp Posts with Lanterns Opposite page 73. Introductory Remarks. Among the many evidences of social progress in this country is the wide dilFusion of a taste for the liberal arts. The numerous ornamental public parks and gardens in our towns and cities denote a refined civilization. Such works and improvements, while affoi'ding pleasure to the beholder, assist in educating the people; and in some degree, like the public libra- ry, they supplement the school and promote the hap- piness of a community. It is common to adorn parks and public squares with statues and monuments of art, to commemorate the lives of great men and events of historical importance. Patriotism, philan- thropy, statesmanship, literary fame, scientific and mechanical genius, and many other instructive sub- jects, are personified by the art of the sculptor, and perpetuated in ideal forms. These works are 'some of the fruits of accumulated wealth; and in many in- stances they are the voluntary gifts of generous individuals to distinguish and benefit a favorite local- ity, native city or town. Moved by early recoiled ions and by the love of 6 STATUE OF WASHINGTON. birthplace, memory delights to recall the associations of youth. It is well known that N^ewburyport in- spires her children with sentiments of deep affection; and wherever their lot in life is cast, in whatever part of the country or world they make a dwelling place, their thoughts seek their native home with a feeling akin to that which turns the steps of the devout pil- grim towards the Holy City. Many substantial j)roofs of this attachment enrich the annals of JS'ewburyport. Among them may be named the elegant and massive gateway of Oak Hill Cemetery, donations to the Public Library and Read- ing Koom, bequests to the Old Ladies' Home and other charitable societies, and the recent munificent gift of a valuable work of art — a statue of Washing- ton in bronze — with an appropriate granite pedestal, which has been erected in a conspicuous place for the adornment of the city, and also as a memorial to exalted patriotism and public virtue. The erection of this statue adds a notable and interesting chapter to the historical records of our city. The subject was happily chosen. It links the present with the past, and reminds us of the important part taken by this ancient town in the Revolutionary struggle. It is the gift of one of her successful sons, whose re- peated acts of generosity associate his name with his native place, and manifest his interest in its welfare. The statue of Washington was formally presented to the city of Newburyport, February 22, 1879, by Daniel I. Tenney, of New York. By previously well dqvised arrangements, most successfully carried out, the public acknowledgment of the gift em- DTTRODUCTOKY REMARKS. 7 braced a variety of appropriate services of a marked and instructive charactci', Avliich properly united the ceIe])ration witli, and happily commemorated the an- niversary of, Washington's birth. This lent addi- tional interest to the proceedings of the day, which chiefly took place at City Hall. The donor, Daniel Ingalls Tenney, who has been for many years a resident of Xew York city, was born in Newburyport, May 2, 1800. He was the son of Richard Tenney and Knth Ingalls, who then lived in a house on Federal street, near Prospect, and afterward for a short period at the corner of Orange and Fair streets. At the early age of twelve years he was a clerk in the store of his nncle, Perley Tenney, on Market square, where he remained until the severe depression in business resulting from the war of 1812, led him to seek his fortune elsewhere. To Boston he turned his steps, walking the entire dis- tance, and with vague and unsettled plans for the future entered the ofiice of his maternal uncle, Dr. , William Ingalls. Finding temporary employment there, he sought and soon obtained a situation in mercantile life. After an apprenticeship of several years he removed to 'New York city to serve as clerk for his brother William, who, though younger in years, was well established in a jewelry store, at the corner of Murray street and Broadway. A co-partnership in the business soon followed, and was continued until his brother^s death in 18^8. Then assuming sole charge of the establishment he conducted its affairs prosperously and successfully until May 1, 1856, when, disposing of his stock 8 STATUE OF WASHLSrGTON. in trade, he withdrew from active mercantile life ; and since has, quietly and without ostentation, enjoyed the leisure, comfort and wealth which are the legiti- mate fruits of his industry. In the year 1875, induced by his interest in the place of his birth, and his desire to encourage and promote its commercial prosperity, he joined with others in the purchase of a ship then building in this city, by John Currier, jr., which when completed and fitted for sea was named the Daniel I. Tenney; — a compliment which he gracefully acknowledged by the presentation of a set of signal flags, and a generous supply of glass, china and silver ware. Mr. Tenney's first donation to the city was the sum of five hundred dollars to aid in the purchase of a building for the Public Library, that being one of many contributions by citizens and former residents towards this worthy enterprise. This was followed by a New Year's gift, in 1877, of the elegant and costly lamp posts with plate glass lanterns which now light the entrance to the City Hall. An account of the official action of the City Government relating to this last gift may be found in the appendix. It is worthy of mention here that his only sister, Mrs. Eliza Hanaford, who died, in Brooklyn, in 1872, leaving Mr. Tenney the only survivor of the family, made a generous bequest of five thousand dollars to the Society for the Relief of Aged Females in New- buryport. The announcement that Mr. Tenney intended to present a statue to the city, was formally made at a meeting of the municipal authorities, held Oct. 7, EN^TRODUCTORY REMARKS. 9 1878, in the following communication from one of its prominent citizens, a personal friend of Mr. Tenney : To His Honor the Mayor and City Council of the City of New- bur yp art: Gentlemen : — I have the lionor to announce to 3'ou that Daniel I. Tenne}-, of New York city, a native of Newbuiyport, feeling a veiT deep interest in his l)irthplace, has contracted with the cele- brated artist, J. Q. A. Ward, for a bronze statue of Washington, which, when completed, he proposes to present to this cit3^ As his representative I would respectful petition your honora- ble body for leave to locate the statue on the triangular spot at the east end of the Bartlet Mall, and for permission to occupy the ground during its erection. Respectfull}^ yours, Edward F. Coffin. The request in this petition was granted; and the laying of the foundation for the statue began imme- diately. At a meeting of the city government held November 4:th, 1878, Councilman J. C. M. Bayley. offered the following oi-der: Ordered, the Mayor and Aldermen concurring, that a joint special committee, consisting of His Honor the Ma3-or, two Alder- men, and as many as the Common Council may join, be ap- pointed to make the necessary arrangements for the reception and unveiling of the munificent gift of our former townsman, Daniel 1. Tenney, of New York ; said committee to have full power to make such arrangements as they deem advis'able, and that a sum not ex- ceeding one hundred and fifty dollars be appropriated to defraj- the expenses incurred, the sum so appropriated to be charged to the ac- count of Incidentals. This order was adopted under a suspension of the rules, and His Honor Mayor Smith appointed Alder- 2 10 STATUE OF WASHINGTON. men John P. Coombs and John A. L. Odd'e ; and President Bartlett appointed Councihnen S. A. Bridges, William Thurlow, J. C. M. Bayley, Law- rence B. Gushing and Charles H. Sargent. It was intended that the dedication should take place in December ; but owing to the lateness of the season, and to the fact that the artist desired his work to be exhibited in I^ew York for a short time, it was finally decided to postj^one the event until Washington's birthday, in the month of February following. At a meeting of the new city government, held Jan- uary, 22, 1879, a committee, consisting of His Honor Mayor John J. Currier, Aldermen Charles L. Ayers and William II. IS^oyes, Councilmen Joseph Hall, Thomas Huse, jr., and Thomas H. Boardman, were appointed to make arrangements on the part of the city for the reception of the monument. To the com- mittee, of which Mayor Currier was chairman, great credit is due foi* the satisfactory manner in which they performed the duties assigned to them. THE STATUE. This statue was designed and modeled by the well- known American sculptor J. Q. A. Ward, and was cast in bronze by George Fischer & Brother, of ]N'ew York city. It is of heroic size and is supported by a handsome, symmetrically shaped pedestal of granite. Washington is represented in the half military dress, in which he was accustomed to appear while Com- mander-in-Chief of the army. The coat is carelessly INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 11 fastened at the middle button and sweeps awa}^ on either side well up to the collai", showing the ruffles on the shirt, and downward falls away from the thighs. The silk lappets of the coat, and the dis- placement of the cords of the bullion on the epaulets caused by the position of the arms, are perfectly rendered. He stands firmly with nearly equal weight on both feet. The left foot is slightly advanced making a bend at the knee. The right hand is open and slightly extended showing the palm, while the left rests on the pommel of his sword, poised on the ground. The face wears an expression of mildness and benevolence, softening somewhat the gravity it usually has in other representations. Tlie marks of action are slight and may be those of salutation or of slightly animated conversation. The figure is picturesque and striking from all points of view. It faces southeast, and is placed in the open ground at the eastern end of the Bartlet Mall, near the junc- tion of High, State and Pond streets, a favorable position for public observation. This site was se- lected by the donor. THE PEDESTAL. The pedestal which supports the statue, is eight and one-half feet high, of a light gray color, and is wrought out of the finest granite by M. T. Jameson & Co., of Rockland, Maine, from designs drawn by Kufus Sargent, Esq., of this city. It rests on a substratum of stone extending five feet below the 12 STATUE OF WASHINGTON. surface of the ground. The first stone above the foundation, and resting upon it, is six feet four inclies square, and eighteen inclies thick. The next above has tapering sides, with mouldings and polished panels. These two stones form the base of the ped- estal. The body or die tapers upwards slightly and has upon it in raised letters the following inscription: PRESENTED DANIEL I. TENNEY, The ornamental cornice is handsome in design and finely wrought. The whole structure is enclosed by a heavy ornamented bronze rail, supported by twelve granite posts. Mr. Sargent had entire supervision of this work, from the preparation necessary to secure a substantial foundation to the selection of the mate- rials and the drawing of the plans required for the pedestal, and is justly entitled to great praise for the skill and taste he has displayed. HISTORY OF THE STATUE. When Mr. Tenney had formed a resolution to present a statue of Washington to his native city he selected Mr. Waid as the artist, and made a contract with him to furnish the statue complete within two INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 13 years. In this undertaking Mr. Ward was inspired to execute it in the best manner, not only on account of his reputation as a sculptor, but by reason of his connection with a once prominent family here. The favorable opinion that has been expressed of the merits of his work has been sustained elsewhere. In Harper's Monthly Magazine for April, 1879, a writer on sculptors, speaking of this statue, says: " In Mr. Ward we see one of the most vigorous and individual sculptors of the age. As an influence in our art his example is of great importance, because while placing at its true value the good that may be obtained by familiarity with the models of classic art, whether by the study of casts here or abroad, he recognizes the basal principle of all true art — that its originating force must proceed from within, and that culture can only supplement but cannot suppl}'- the want of genius in the artist or the people. And thus, while thoroughly conversant with foreign and antique art, Mr. AVard has worked at home, and drawn the sources of his inspira- tion from home influences. He has a mind overflowing with re- sources ; his fancy is never still ; he is ever delighting to sketch in claj', if the term ma}' be so used. Many are familiar with the noble statue of Shakespeare and the " Indian Hunter" in the Cen- tral Park. The latter, although not in all respects anatomically correct, is in spirit and design one of the most notable works pro- duced by American plastic art. But the statue of Washington, just cast in bronze, and intended for (now in) Newbur^'port, is perhaps the best existing specimen of Mr. Ward's skill. The sub- ject is not a new one ; in fact, it has been treated so man}' hundred times in one form or another that especial originalitj' was needed to treat it again with any degree of freshness and interest. But the eflbrt has been crowned with success. There is in this statue, which is of colossal size, a sustained majesty, dignity, and repose, and a harmony of design ver}'' rarely attained in modern sculpture, entitling it to rank as a work of pure genius by the side of such works as Powers's ' Eve' and Akers's 'Pearl-Diver.'" To this high praise may be added, that as a memo- 14 STATUE OF WASHrt^GTON. rial statue this work of art derives additional value from Mr. Ward's successful efforts in giving it a close resemblance in features, expression and figure to the great original. Mr. Ward was born in Urbana, Ohio, June 29, 1830. After a fitting preliminary education he be- gan the study of medicine, which he afterwards abandoned to follow the more pleasing paths of art. He became the pupil of Henry Kirke Brown, a distinguished American sculptor, and designer of the first bronze statue ever cast in this country. The statue of Gen. I^^athaniel Greene in the capitol at Washington is one his best works. Mr. Ward continued with his teacher from 1850 to 1856, when he went to Washington and engaged in modeling portrait busts. In 1861 he opened a studio in l^ew York; and in 1863 was elected a member of the j^a- tional Academy of Design, and president of that in- stitution in 1874. Mr. Ward is essentially an American sculptor. His subjects, whether real or allegorical, are almost always distinctly American. Prominent among his works are the statues of Commodore Perry, General Reynolds, General Putnam, and also his " Good Samaritan " group, commemorative of the discovery of anaesthetics, and his incomparable " Indian Hunt- er." Many of our readers who have visited Central Park, New York, will remember seeing his fine statue of Shakespeare, the unveiling of which was the occasion of a noted demonstration on the part of literarv men and other citizens. Mr. Ward is now engaged on a series of allegorical statues for the new State House at Hartford, Conn. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 15 They arc to symljolizc agriculture, law, commerce, science, music and equity. His equestrian Btatue of General Thomas (the writer alcove quoted says) is destined to occupy a high place in the annals of American art. It is of colossal size, and is to be cast in bronze. THE pkese:n^tatio^ a^d reception. The rigors of a Kew England winter usually pre- clude street parades. It was, thei-efore, wisely deter- mined by the Committee of Arrangements to confine the reception ceremonies, except the unveiling of the statue, to the City Hall. The day opened with a clear sky and a cold wind blowing from the north- west; but even the almost zero temperature of the early morning and the snow-covered streets of our city did not seriously interfere with the exercises of the day. As a public holiday it was observed in the customary manner, by the ringing of the church bells at sunrise, noon and at sunset, the display of flags from the shipping anjl from public and private build- ings, and by street decorations. At nine o'clock companies A and B, of the Eighth regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, marched to the Boston & Maine depot and were there joined by companies M of Lawrence, and F of Haverhill, the battalion being under the command of Major Edward F. Bartlett of this city, with Lieut. Henry Walsh as acting Adjutant. The battalion, preceded by the Haverhill Cornet Band, then marched to City 16 STATUE OF WASHINGTON^. Hall, which was soon filled to its utmost limit, the gallery, aisles, and every available inch of standing room being taken up. The rostrum was occupied by the City Government, ex-mayors of the city, clergy- men, and the committee appointed by the sons of ISTewburyport residing in 'New York. Back of the stand was Trumbull's fine portrait of Washington, presented to the city many years since by the late Caleb Cushing, surrounded by large American flags, constituting the only decorations. Soon after ten o'clock the ceremonies attending the presentation and reception of the statue commenced. ORDER OF EXERCISES AT City Hall, Newburyport, Mass., FEBRUARY 22, 1879. Grand Fantaisie, Bosquet. Haverhill Cornet Band. Introductory Prater, Rsv. Samuel J. Spalding, D. D. "Angel of Peace," to the music of Keller's American Hymn. Sung by a Chorus op Sixteen Voices. Address of Rev. Stephen H. Tyng, D, D., to the sons of Newburyport in New York City, with accompanying resolu- tions, presented b}- Rev. George D. Wildes, D, D. Original Hymn, By a Son of Newburyport. Washington — an original Sonnet, By Hon. George Lunt. Read by Rev. Geo. D. Wildes, D. D. Selections from "Martha," Arranged by Hartmaii. Haverhill Cornet Band. Address, Right-Rev. Thomas M. Clark, D. D. "Freedom, God and Right," J. Barnby. Sung by a Chorus of Sixteen Voices. Presentation of the Statue, By Edward F. Coffin, Esq. Acceptance of the Statue, By John J. Currier, Mayor. Musical Selections, Haverhill Cornet Band. Exercises at City Hall. After a grand fantaisie by the band, His Honor Mayor Currier, president of the day, stepped forward and said: The exercises here to-day commemorate events of national as well as of local importance. As citizens of this great republic, and es]Decially of this comnumity, we have reason to be truly and devoutly thankful. I ask you, therefore, in that spirit of devotion and gratitude which the occasion sug- gests, to unite, with the Rev. Dr. Spalding, of this city, in prayer. The Rev. Samuel J. Spalding, D. D., pastor of the Whitefield Congregational church, in response, then offered a fervent and eloquent prayer, substantially in the following words: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we invoke Thy blessing upon us in the exercises of this occa- sion. We thank Thee for all Thy favors to this community in years past; for giving to us an hon- ored and pious ancestry; for the planting of these churches and the establishment of our public schools. We thank Thee for the fruits of industry which the people of this community have been EXERCISES AT CITY IIA^L. 19 permitted to gather. We thank Thee for putting it into the hearts of so many to remember their native town by gifts to the poor, the sick, the unfortunate, and the aged. We thank Thee for our organizations of charity so beneficent and Christ-Hke in their work. We thank Thee for our Public Library, the noble gift of the generous hearted, which has contributed and is now contributing so largely to the intelligence of this community ; and we pray that it may continue to grow and be a constant spring of pure and healthy intellectual and moral influence through all the gen- erations. We thank Thee for the gift to this city which has brought us together to-day, and we pray that it may be the means of holding up before our children and youth, through all coming time, the lessons of patriotism, self-sacrifice, purity and truth which are to be learned from the life of our own Washington. May Thy blessing. Holy Father, rest upon Thy servant, who has made us the recipi- ents of such noble benefactions. Grant Thy care and blessing to all our sons and daughters scattered, as they are to-day, even to the ends of the earth. Whether upon the land or upon the sea, keep them, Holy Father, under Thy divine protection, grant them ever Thy divine guidance. Bless thy servant the honored executive of this city, and all those as- sociated with him in its councils. Bless him who is to address us on this occasion, and grant that his words and all the influences of these services may 20 SIATUE OP WASHINGTON. conduce to Thy glory and the highest good of this community. Remember this ancient Commonwealth, its Chief Magistrate, and all engaged in the State's service. Remember in mercy and in love our coun- try. Bless Thy servant the President and those as- sociated with him in council. Bind us more and more firmly together by the ties of common interest and common aims, that we may be that happy, united and prosperous people^ whose God is the Lord. These favors we ask in Christ's name. Amen. "Angel of Peace," to the nnisic of " Keller's Amer- ican Hymn," was then sung by a chorus of sixteen voices, under the direction of Mr. Edward McLaugh- lin. The choir was composed of the following ladies and gentlemen of this city: — Miss Julia M. Wells, Miss Carrie P. Lake, Miss Florence E. Lake, Mrs. Minnie S. Balch, Sopranos. Miss Rosa M. Smith, Miss Gertrude L. Cook, Miss Hannah M. Morse, Miss Clara M. Ballon, Altos. Edward McLaughlin, J. Lincoln Pearson, Charles Wilson, Frank Rundlet, Tenors. Leonard S. Choate, George H. Stevens, John B. Brookings, Walter Wilson, James W. Herve}', Bassos. Miss Mary E. Sumner, Accompanist. At the conclusion of the singing, Rev. Geo. D. Wildes, D. D., of Riverdale, I^. Y., after a brief word of introduction, expressive of regret that the venerable Dr. Tyng, chairman of the committee, was himself unable to be present, read the following call EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. 21 for a meeting of the sons of ]!^ewbnryport resident in 'New York, and the report of the meeting itself, which was hekl on the 29th of Jannary: New York, Jannary 27, 1879. You are invited to attend a meeting of the sons of Newburyport, to be holden at room 28, Cooper Union Building, on Wednesday, January 29, at 3 :30 p. m., to consider and act upon tlie subject of tlie presentation of a statue of \A'ashington to the Cit^' of New- bur3'port, by Daniel I. Tenney, Esq., of New Y''ork. Very respectfully, J. Nelsok Tappan. John S. Tappan. I. Denny Balch. John R. Hudson. C. Hodge Hudson. Daniel Foster. In accordance with the foregoing notice an enthusiastic meeting of the sons of Newburyport now resident in the cit}' and state of New York, was held in the Cooper Union Building, room 28, on the 29 th day of January, 1879. The meeting was called to order by C. Hodge Hudson, Esq., with a few appropriate remarks upon the gift of Daniel I. Tenney, Esq., to the City of Newburyport, of the beautiful statue of Wash- ington ; upon the admirable manner in which the artist had accom- plished the work, and upon the patriotism and public spirit of the good old town which made such a gift and her acceptance of the same eminently proper. Upon a motion, James Carey, Esq., of Brooklj-n, was chosen President of the meeting, and jMr. Daniel Foster, of New York, Secretar}-. , Mr. Hudson then offered the following resolutions : In consideration of the noble gift to our native city of Newbury- port, by our esteemed fellow citizen Daniel I. Tenney, Esq., it is 22 STATUE OP WASHINGTON^. Resolved, That we do most earnestly desire to mingle our thanks and congratulations with those of our early friends and as- sociates, and all the citizens of our honored home, upon the occa- sion of the presentation of the statue of Washington to the city of Newbur^'portw Resolved, That we do heartily congratulate the city of New- bur3'port upon its good fortune in possessing a statue which is so appropriate to her well known patriotism and public spirit. Resolved, That we hereby express to the artist, J. Q. A. Ward, Esq., our congratulations for his eminent success in producing a satisfactory representation, in all respects, of the father of his countr}'. Resolved, That our warmest thanks are due to Daniel I. Ten- ney, Esq., of this city, the noble donor, for his munificent gift. Resolved, That a committee be now appointed to prepare a brief but appropriate address and to communicate the same with the foregoing resolutions to the city authorities of Newburj'i^ort, and a copy of the same to Mr. Tenney, and a copy of the resolu- tions to the artist. Resolved, That the committee appointed upon an address be re- quested to appoint a delegation to visit NewburjiDort and to repre- sent us at the inaugurative services. After some thrilling, patriotic, amusing and instructive remarks from Mr. Hudson, of New York, Rev. Geo. D. Wildes, D. D., of Riverdale, John P. Adams, Esq., of Brooklyn, the resolutions were unanimousl}' adopted. A committee was then appointed to prepare an address and ap- point a delegation to represent the sons at the unveiling of the statue at Newburyport, on Fel)ruary 22ud next. Committee on Address — Rev. Stephen H. Tyng, D. D. ; Rev. Stephen H. Tyng, jr., D. D. ; Rev. Geo. D. Wildes, D. D. ; Rev. Samuel L. Caldwell, D. D. ; John S. Tappan ; J. Nelson Tappan ; I. Denny Balch ; John R. Hudson ; C. Hodge Hudson ; James Carey ; John P. Adams ; Clarence Cook ; Daniel Foster ; C. C. EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. 23 Adams; Geo. D. Lunt ; Phillip K. Hills, jr. ; James W. Currier; Alfred T. Bricher. A deep interest in the subject of the meeting was expressed by all present, and also an earnest desire that Rev. J3r. Tj-ng, senior, should prepare the address of the absent sons to the city of their birth. A true record. Attest. Daniel Foster, Secretary-. February 6th, 1879. Meeting of committee on address this dAy at Cooper Union Building agreeably to notice. Rev. Stephen H. Tyng, D. D. presided. Upon motion of Mr. Foster, the following resolutions were adopted : Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be tendered to Samuel J. Dennis, Esq., of New York. Having had the supervis- ion and sole charge of the construction of the beautiful statue of Washington, he has given his personal time and attention for two years, watching with the closest care its progress, and with much anxiety and responsibility, to its successful completion. Although having no personal interest in the cit^' of our birth, save through the love and devotion of his dear and tried friend, the honored son of Newburyport, Daniel I. Tenney, Esq., he has by his indefatiga- ble zeal, large experience, untiring labor, excellent judgment and taste, called forth our admiration, and his efforts should be recog- nized and acknowledged by every son of Newburyport. Resolved, That we recognize and appreciate the active services of P^dw. F. Coffin, Esq., of Newburyport, in aid of Mr. Dennis and the plans of Mr. Tenne}*. Voted, That Rev. Geo. D. Wildes of Riverdale, Rev. Samuel L. Caldwell of Poughkeepsie, George D. Lunt of Brooklyn, James W. Currier of New York, Philip K. Hills, jr., of New York, be certified as delegates to our native city on the occasion of the unveiling of the statue of AVashiugton, February 22d next. 24 STATUE OF WASHINGTON. The address of the sons of Newburj-port to the city authorities of Newburyport, prepared by the chairman of the committee, was read and unanmiousl}' adopted. Letters were read from Hon. Eben F. Stone of Newbur}T)ort, Rev. Geo. D. Wildes of Riverdale, N. Y., Rev. Samuel L. Cald- well, D. D., of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and Cltirence Cook, Esq., of New York. The meeting then adjourned. A true record. Attest. Daniel Foster, Secretar}'. New York, Feb. 6, 1879. This, said Dr. Wildes, brings me to the address " to the civic authorities of the city of IN^ewburyport, Mass., from the sons of ]N^ewbinyport resident in the city and state of Kew York," prepared by the Rev. Stephen H. Tyng, D. D., of ^ew York, and unani- mously adopted at a meeting' held in the Cooper Union building, Febi-uary 6th, A. D. 1879: — ADDRESS OP REV. STEPHEN H. TYNG, D. D. Honored GenUemen and Brethren: — We address you as the authorized representatives of an es- tablished corporation, which equally commands our respect, possesses our confidence, awakens our gratitude, and ap23eals to the warmest affections of oui- nature. We are the " Sons of I^ewburyport," and we look upon our native home with an affection undiminished by time, chei'ished by success, and oc- cupying the most earnest possession of our native, inherited and active being. In this relation, while memory shall abide, we can never forget whose we EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. 25 are, whence we came, a'nd to whom we are indebted for all that we have attained, or have been enabled to acquire in the multiplying years of an active, per- severing life. We owe all of acquisition or of reputa- tion to the principles, motives and ends of life, which were impressed upon us, and imparted to us from our earliest childhood. The beloved and revered individ- ual agents of this Gracious Providence may have long since dej^arted to their heavenly home; but our inborn love for them, and for the place of their dwelling, and the scenes of their active life, is undy- ing. Memory must fail, and affection become chilled and dead, before the persons and the place of our ancestral household can be separated from our daily thoughts, and our abiding gratitude and love: We, therefore, gladly embi'ace the opportunity and the honor of a grateful union with you in the accept- ance of a tribute of filial regard, so noble and so ap- propriate as is the splendid gift of our friend and brother of our adopted city to the possessors and representatives of our early and common home. The personal knowledge of this gift has awakened new pleasure in our conscious relation to this common home of our childhood and dwelling place of our parents. As children of that much loved birthplace we unite with you in new regard, gratitude and love for the brother who has thus invested his honorably acquired wealth in such a token of filial thought- fulness; a token so faithfully represented by the abid- 26 STATUE OF WASHINGTON. ing love which we all feel for the place hallowed to us as the abode of our fathers. He has expressed the imiversal sentiment of the sons of ]!*^ewburyport, wherever scattered and how- ever occupied in the cares and duties of this earthly life. But we also address you, Mr. Mayor and Gen- tlemen of the City Council, as citizens of " no mean city," when we congratulate you as being the posses- sors of a grateful tribute, so splendid and so appro- priate. You are the living representatives of a community which from its foundations has been thoroughly American, truly loyal, and inseparably united in the maintenance of national authority, and the dignity and majesty of established law, although occasionally suftering from special national policy and unfortunate national rule. But in all past expe- rience we cannot foi'get that we are parts of a com- munity truly national in its influence and purpose, and nobly thorough as American citizens and as de- fenders of the national constitution, and of the public authority and wealth of the American people. N^o state in our national union can present in these several aspects a grander front, from the very estab- lishment of our national constitution, than good old Massachusetts. 'No part of Massachusetts can more proudly point to its local history in this particular than its wide extended seaboard, and no town of that seaboard can show a higher record, or more continu- EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. 27 ous, united history than our dear old home, New- buryport. A statue of the immortal Washington could no- where be set up and greeted by heartier welcome, or seem to be more at home, or moi'c in harmony with the inibroken patriotic history of any municipality, than in ^ewburyport. As by our birthright citi- zens of l^ewburyport, we joyfully unite in receiv- ing this splendid gift of our honored fellow citizen, and feel an honest pride that our native home should have been chosen for its abiding location, and that our generation should hav>e been selected under a Gracious Providence for the period of its public in- auguration, and the maintenance of Amei'ican unity which it represents. In every aspect of this exalted transaction we find much for which we may be justly grateful, and of which we may be reasonably proud. This whole historical event will reflect unfadino- o honor upon the prospered son of JN^ewburyport who has thus consecrated the gains of his fjiithfiil business life, and by this honorable transaction nobly attached his own name to such a monument of fidelity in duty, — and of success in a public and unselfish devotion, — a monument which must stand so long as the life of the nation lasts. The pride, the honor, the prosperi- ty of the grand old Bay State are inseparable from the national histoiy, and the maintenance of the great principles of national life illustrated by the Hie and deeds of Washington, which met with no more con- 28 STATUE OF WASHES-GTODS". stant support than from the citizens of this old town of ours through the whole period of the Revolution. With this expression of the sentiments by which we are actuated on this occasion of deepest interest to all of us, we desire renewedly to express our united congratulations to our honored fellow citizen of ^ew York and son of ISTewburyport, whose filial gratitude has prompted him to this expression of his love for our early home, and of his thankfulness for blessings which he there enjoyed. So long as this noble monument shall stand, this honored citizen of our common native home will be remembered with it as an example of filial devotion and patriotic feeling in the generation in which he lived. We desire also to express our anited congratula- tions to the artist whose genius has originated, and whose skill has executed a statue so worthy, in a manner so grand and impressive. To this we add the conviction that while this noble illustration of his genius and skill shall abide, his own name cannot be forgotten in its association with the ennobling memo- ries of the name and fame of him whose majestic presence has realized at his hand one of its foremost art presentations. With such sentiments we gladly participate in the interesting ceremonies of the present occasion, as- sured that while time shall last the character and the memory of Washington will be cherished. May they become increasingly influential in all succeeding EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. 29 generations of the American people. We address- ourselves as sons of ISTewburyport to the accredited municipal representatives of this city of our birth; the old home for which we entertain undying affec- tion, beneath whose protecting shades we had our birth, and to whose watchful care we would commit not alone this memorial of the great, but in our own final departure from earthly scenes, the memory of whatever in the character of her sons, has illustrated the virtue and bravery of our dear and former home. Signed in behalf and by order of the committee appointed for the pur^^ose. Stephen H. Tyng, Chairman. Daniel Foster, Secretary. In responding to this address, of the Sons of i^ew^buryport residing in lS"ew York, Mayor Currier then said: — Reverend Sir: — In the name of the City Council here present, I thank you for the congratulatory ad- dress and the accompanying resolutions, expressing as they do sentiments that awaken a responsive echo in our hearts. AVe are happy to receive these evi- dences of remembrance from those who though sepa- rated from us still rejoice with us in the good fortune that has fallen to our common home. We desire you to accept for yourself, and to convey to your associ- 30 STATUE OF WASHINGTOI^. •ates ill the city of N^ew York, our hearty thanks for these cordial and affectionate greetings. We appre- ciate their kind and thoughtful consideration, and gladly unite their congratulations with our own on this memorable occasion. The following original hymn was then sung to the tune of Federal Street: God of our fathers ! thee we own ; Their strength, their courage and their stay ; Thou wast their help — and tliou alone — Didst give the issue to their da3\ Their children's children ask thine aid To save, the land they loved so well, And plead the promise thou hast made And bidden them their children tell : — That if they keep thy words and day, Thy wisdom own, thy love enforce. No night shall ever check their wa}'. But onward still shall be their course : — Accept the work this day we bring ; Give to the silent lips command, And bid th}- winds on willing wing This message bear throughout the land. " Forever sheathed be the sword ! The ploughshare be your constant l)oast ! A lasting union your reward, And God omnipotent ^-our host ! The poet, Hon. George Lunt, also a native of EXEKCISES AT CITY HALL. 31 ISTeAvbiiryport, being unal^le to be present, sent the following, which was read by Rev. George D. Wildes, D.D. :— WASHINGTON. A SONNET BY HON. GEORGE LUNT. Throughout the world, among the sous of meu, What fame like thiue, bejoud the reach of time? Heroes and Kings, by Historj-'s supple pen, Emblazoned stand, too oftenest for crime ; But th}^ pure record, generous and sublime, Reveals no stain nor blot, the light to mar That shines through all those living lines that show How honest Duty was th}' guiding star ; In the hard present, patient ; and afar Seeing the glorious future's radient bow ; Great in the field, and in the chair of State, Won for thy country's honor, simply Great ; Thy country saw thee chiefest citizen. The world proclaimed — "Behold, the chief of Men !" The Haverhill Cornet Band then played, with fine effect, some mnsical selections from "Martha," ar- ranged by Hartman, and after the last strains had died away, the Mayor, advancing to the front of the platform said: — Ladies and Oentlemen: — I now have the pleasnre of introdncing to yon a distingnished son of ]N^ew- bnryport, Eight-Rev. Thomas M. Clark, D. D., Bishop of Rhode Island. Bisho]) Clark was received with hearty applanse. Gracefnlly acknowledging the compliment, he then proceeded to address the audience as follows : — 32 STATUE OF WASHEN'GTON-. ADDRESS OF BISHOP THOMAS M. CLARK, D. D. Ladies and Gentlemen: — There are several things which combine to give special interest to the present occasion. It is the twenty-second day of February, Washington's birth-day; an anniversary that is hal- lowed in the heart of every true American. It is a sacred name that we commemorate to-day. There is but one other that carries with it more of solemn majesty and enkindles a higher glow of grateful aifection, and that is the name of One who was more than man. On this memorable anniversary, a loyal son of IS^ewburyport unveils a statue here, in his native town erected in honor of him whom we shall always delight to call the Father of his country. It is right and fitting that we should thus perpetuate in marble and bronze the forms of the great and good who have departed ; and it is a graceful and proper thing for us to show by our deeds the love and reverence that we cherish for the place which gave us birth and nurtured us in our childhood. He who, by a noble benefaction, honors his native town, brings much honor to himself. I congratulate you, Mr. Mayor, the other officers of the city, and the people at large, in becoming the recipients to-day of such a benefac- tion; and in your name, and in the names of those who have come back to their old home to keep the festival with you, I would thank Mr. Tenney for his EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. 33 beautiful aud most appropi'iate gift. It will perpetu- ate his own name, in connection with that great name which Americans most delight to honor. We are all more pleased than surprised at what he has done; for, whatever may be their lot, the sons of old ISTewburyport cling, in a very close and loving way, to their good mother, and can sing out of a full heart, "Where'er I roam, whatever reahiis to see, M}'' heart untravcrd fondly turns to thee." I do not believe there is a town on the whole conti- nent where the associations of birthplace have a stronger and more tenacious hold, especially upon the hearts of those who have been compelled to go forth into strange regions in order to earn a living there. I do not know how it may be with the boys and girls of this generation. I^ewburyport is not the same quaint and quiet, impassive and isolated place that it was fifty years ago, when some of us knew it best. Factories have come in, with their whirl of spindles and rattle of looms; railway trains thunder through the streets, morning, noon and night; telegraphic wires flash intelligence, hour by hour, and minute by minute, from the outside world, for which we had to wait patiently until the sound of the post-horn was heard on the turnpike; precious metals are im- earthed in soil from which the cows once turned away, disheartened at the thought of trying to get a 34: STATUE OF WASHDTGTON. living there. The town is now a city, with its Mayor and Aldermen and Common Councilmen; and the venerable Selectmen, with their humble associates, have passed away, to be seen no more. All is changed within half a century. The outside world has come in to disturb the repose of the town that used to sleep so peacefully on the beautiful banks of the Merrimac. I wonder if the old familiar haunts can have the same associations now which they had for the children a generation or two ago. Do the boys and girls roam over the Laurel grounds and seek for flowers, with the same throb and flush that once made life so pleasant? Do they wander about ancient Joppa, looking anxiously, as we used to do, for the house of "one Simon, the tanner by the seaside?" Is Plum Island the same wild desert, with its fantas- tic hillocks and hollows, its glamour of wrecks and strange rescue, its dry shrubs bearing sweet fruits after their kind, and that a kind to be found nowhere else? Do the light-houses change places mysteri- ously, after a great storm, as they once did? Are the Plum Island flies as large and venomous as they were? Does the great sea still send forth its wild moan and solemn baritone, through the dark watches of the winter night? Have the broad meadows, studded with hay-cocks, the same sweet, salt smell, and the same strange, incomprehensible, monotonous charm? Are 'peaceful countrymen, as they float lazi- ly up the river in their clumsy gondolas, laden with EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. 35 salt hay, and traditionally replenished with one special article of substantial 'New England food, still saluted from the wharves by unmannered boys, with the same contemptuous epithets? Do the up-towners and down-towners retain their ancient hostility, and drive each other through the streets with jeers and shouts and stone- thro wing and snow-balling? Do the good people go to meeting, night after night, with the same pious pertinacity, and wale familiar psalms "with the same judicious care?" On stormy nights, when the wind howls and the under roars, does the devil still preach in his stone pulpit at the mouth of the den, sig- nalled by the three tall poplars? Are the old chain bridge and dark bridge, with the little green island between, where the pines made such sweet and mel- ancholy music, as attractive as ever? Is Frog pond all that it was? Some of the surroundings of this placid, not to say inert sheet of water, have long since vanished, — the round powder-house, the square pound, the hay-scales, and the gun-house, marvel- ously carved with wooden cannon, that stood on the western bank; all these are now " Only a dream of things that were." And the men that lived in the days of the powder- house and the pound have almost all departed. The doctors, whom we boys knew so well — sometimes too well for our peace — have gone. Noyes and Atkin- son, Bradstreet and Prescott, Johnson and Brickett, 36 STATUE OF WASHINGTON. and Spofford and Yergnies — always pronoonced Yern — they have followed their patients into another realm, and now rest from their labors. They were, as a general rule, a most agreeable and genial class of men; many of them heroic in their lives, and all of them heroic in their practice. And the law- yers of the period, where are they? Wildes and Moseley, Marston and Parish, and Gerrish and Scott, with their green bags and stately tread and anxious faces, who nsed to gather in Conrt week at the temple of Justice on the Mall. Alas! even the wooden statue of Justice, with scale and sword, that once surmounted the pediment, is gone. Do you re- member the quick, sharp tones of the Harris street bell, as it summoned judges and lawyers and clients and culprits to the bar? rendered by us into rythmic words, "Run, boys, run, the Court's begun." The most renowned and learne^ of all this honored pro- fession lingered longest of all, and it is but yesterday that the name of Gushing was enrolled in the ranks of the dead. George Lunt, the silver-tongued scholar^ and poet, still lives, and adorns with his graceful pen the exercises of this memorable day. Shall I leave unnoticed the ministers of olden time, who, for the most part, abode in the vineyard until removed by death, untempted by the love of change and the hankering after broader fields, and undis- turbed by a restless people, longing for novelties and weary of the old familiar voice? Parson Andrews, EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. 37 gentlest and purest of men, who, everybody said, lived the gospel, — even those who doubted if he preached it; Parsons Giles and Boddily, both men of independent views, and rei)resentatives of a political party not very popular here in their time; Dr. Morss, the courteous gentleman and faithful pastoi", who lived and died in the place that gave him birth, known and respected of ail; Samuel P. Williams, to whose name titles did not readil}^ stick, the able and eloquent preacher, whose rich and impressive tones linger on my ear, like the sound of a great organ, and who never had the fear of man before his eyes; Charles W. Milton, also without the fear of man be- fore his eyes, who lifted up his voice like a trumpet, and spared not — an Englishman, who settled down into Newburypoi't ways as naturally as if he were " a native here, and to the manor born." Dr. Dimmick, who drew all hearts to his side, and fed his people with the choicest wheat; Mr. Miltimore, of Belle- ville, just outside the town limits, but one in heart with his bi'ethren here, the pattern of a gentle- man in dress and demeanor, and of a Christian in temper and s])irit ; and last, but by no means least, Dr. Daniel Dana, rich in English lore and a master of sentences, ttieologian of theologians, orthodox of or- thodox, as resolute of will as he was meek of deport- ment, and who was at last gathered in as a shock of corn fully ripe in his season. One of this noble band still lingers with us, of whom I might have much to 38 STATUE OF WASHES'GTON. say if he were not alive to read it ; but then he needs no eulogy in this presence. If the rarest and ripest scholarship, the most sincere and genuine manliness, and the purest and most elevated piety, ever entitled one to live in the memory of those who come after him, the name of Leonard Withington will be sure of a place in history, after he also is numbered with the departed, a numbering, which, we pray God, may be deferred for many a year. Other names come to me in battalions, of men and women in various spheres, which I would be glad to mention if the time allowed. I have already lingered, perhaps, too long, in a field which I can never en- ter, without some difficulty in finding my way out again; but those to whom I have spoken "household words " will be glad to have some of their old remi- niscences revived to-day; and my younger auditors, I am sure, will be patient with the garrulity of age. I must again congratulate you all, because of the form in which Mr. Tenney has seen fit to bestow his benefaction upon this, his native town. Beautiful for situation, and adorned with many a stately private mansion, this goodly city has never been distin- guished for its civic or ecclesiastical architecture, and public works of art have been almost entirely un- known. The only place where there is anything in this department to attract the eye, lies in the lovely city of the dead. There, as is perhaps most fitting, you have lavished all your stores of art. EXEECISES AT CITY HALL. 39 In onr 'New England towns, the value of art as an educator, and also as a source of the most refined pleasure, has not been fairly estimated. Fifty years ago, if we wished to get any idea of the Christopher Wren style, we were pointed to the Pleasant street church spire; and it is not a poor specimen of that order of architecture. Tlie brick church on Brown square was the only edifice that exhibited the lines and curves of Gothic. How it did this I need not say. The Court House in the Mall much more pic- turesque than it is to-day, was our idea of a grand hotel de ville; and the stone jail, near by, was oiu' ideal castle and fortification. The ponderous marble pile in the Federal street chiu'ch, erected in memory of Whitefield, was, alas, our oidy type of monumen- tal architecture. Of the far-famed Dexter images, — I never heard them called statues, — we can hardly speak as works of art, although I think they have been somewhat underi-ated. Whenever I recall the forms of Washington and Adams and Jefferson, I always conceive of them as they showed themselves over the arch of his lordship's door. I remember that the learned Fi-ench physician. Dr. Yergnies, who lived at the corner of Market and Washington streets, had a small carved figure over his outer door, Avhich led to the current belief that he was an idolator, when, in fact, he worshipped nothing. This is all the material which our blessed town furnished her children fifty years ago as an educator of art. If I 40 STATUE OF WASHINGTOI^^. were not likely to trespass iipoiirdangerous ground, I might go on to say that she has not clone much dur- ing the last fifty years to elevate art. Some of the more modern churches, in the style of their architec- tecture, have not improved very materially upon the past. I will not specify, for this might give offence. There is one somewhat stately ecclesiastical edifice, standing on the site of a very difiierent sort of build- ing, upon which I used to look down from my cham- ber window every day, — the little, low, unpainted shed, where Master Titcoml) administered mild dis- cipline and "taught the young idea how to shoot". That it should be otherwise was perhaps hardly to be expected. The early settlers of the town had as much as they could do to make themselves comforta- ble, without concerning their minds about splendid edifices and marble arches and bronze statues; and when the day of great commercial prosperity came, the superfluous wealth as was natural, found its first use in the erection of sumptuous dwelling houses. The tide of this prosperity soon ebbed, and after that there was no money to spare tor the adornments of art. In my boyhood, there wei'e very few buildings of any sort erected in the town, and "decay's efi'acing fingei's" was making sad havoc with many of the old- er edifices. I grew up with the impression that the world was finished a little before I was born, and that nothing more would ever be done to it. As a nation, we are just beginning to concern our- EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. 41 selves in the department of art; and it is not strange that, dnring this transition period, we should some- times be sadly imposed npon by incompetent archi- tects and awkward scnlptors. In nearly all our great cities there are costly and pretentious structures, which must, as long as they stand, be a nuisance and an eyesore. There are vast pictures, painted and paid for at the public cost, which distress the sight of one accustomed to the rich treasures of art in the old world. There are many funeral monuments, under which it is hard to conceive that the dead can rest in peace. There are statues, in bronze and marble, of our great men, in public parks and in front of public buildings, and at the corners of the street, which it is dreadful to look upon. In all these departments, however, there also noble works of art, of which no nation need to be ashamed; and such a work, I think I may assure you, will be unveiled in your presence to-day. Perhaps it is well that our city should have waited until the time came when we could be sure of something of this sort, in which we may all rejoice; and there is some comfort in the thought that we have no monuments or statues in our ]3ublic walks which we would be glad to demolish. I trust that other citizens at home and abroad may follow in Mr. Tenney's Avake, until this city becomes as famed foi- art as it always has been for the practice of moral and Christian virtues. But let us be careful not to honor, in bronze or 6 42 STATUE OF WASHINGTON". marble, any that do not deserve the honor. And here, for the third time, I congratulate you all, because of the fact that the first statue erected here is that of Washington. I shall not attempt to ana- lyze his character. The keenest minds that have tried to do this, always disappoint us. A man of such absolute symmetry and exquisite balance of faculties — nothing wanting, nothing in excess, no striking contrast of qualities, no erratic impulses, no splen- did antitheses, — cannot be satisfactorily dissected or described. His virtues may be duly classified and labelled, it may be said he was very wise, very pru- dent, very unselfish, very just, and still you do not feel that the man has been brought home to your ap- prehension. You look at his statue iu the Capitol at Richmond, which is not an ideal but a facsimile of his person, and you say, "He is not very formidable or stately, his features are far from being handsome, he has a retreating brow and an awkward mouth," and still there is something in that figure which transfixes you, there is a strange spell in the serene, impassive face, and involuntarily you uncover in the presence of the speaking bronze. You read his public and his private correspondence, his official papers, the diary of his life, and there are no recondite thoughts, no flashes of genius, no rhetorical embillishments. There is perfect clearness and accuracy of statement, great, good sense in all his suggestions, and the hand- writing indicates much deliberation. That seems to EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. 43 be all; but there is something in these records, even when they deal with the homliest matters, which im- press us more than logic or rhetoric. He was not an orator, not even a great talker, a man of few words in public and private; he was not a man of great learning and would have been puzzled to know what some of our modern philosophers mean; he was not a brilliant geniils, but he did the thing which ora- tors and poets and historians are proud to chronicle. His strength was in himself, and he moved the world by the power of his character. It is a marvel that one so calm and collected should have had such an electric and inspiring 'influence over those with whom he was associated. I have heard old men, with trembling lips and eyes running over with tears, speak of the thrill which a word or a glance from him shot through their veins, as they stood by his side amid the thunder and smoke of bat- tle. It was to them as the voice of an angel, and danger and death were forgotten. This man made our armies invincible. And when the strife was over, he stood by to guard and reconcile conflicting parties, and for the checks and balances of our constitution, which have protected us alike from the ravages of anarchy and the iron gripe of despotism, — we are in a great degree indebted to "Washington. Can we ful- ly appreciate what he has done for us? The grand- est problem ever committed to man, has devolved upon us — the experiment, on the mightiest scale, of a 44 STATUE OF WASHi:NrGTO]^. constitutional government, in which the humblest cit- izen may look upon his chief ruler as his peer. This ]N^orth American continent seems to have been re- served for a thousand years for the very pui'pose of testing this great problem. The chosen men of the chosen races were sent here by providence to solve this question. All nature has conspired to help us; the earth gives without stint its precious ores, and our valleys laugh and sing with their abundant fruit. Noble rivers float our rich granaries to the sea-coast, and landlocked harbors protect our ships. We can raise every thing that we need to eat, manufacture every thing that we need to wear; and no foreign foe can safely touch the hem of our garment. How the heart of the American traveller bounds, when, after wandering among strange people in foreign lands, he suddenly sees the stars and stripes floating at the masthead in a distant port ! What a feeling of security it gives him ! And how proud he is to say, — '-That is my flag, the ensign of the freest, grandest nation on the globe, stretching almost from the arctic to the equatoi", washed by two oceans, on the east and on the west, and enclosing within her own boundaries seas that are oceans on a smaller scale. That is my flag, the ensign of a land where more than thirty nations are confederated, united, merged in one, where there is less of abject poverty and a higher average of intelligence, more of thrift and in- EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. 45 dustry and enterprise, and a more rapid and snbstan- tial growth than was ever before known." What if this great repnblic, which called Wash- ington Father, were to-day broken in fragments! I have heai'd those who, nnder a mistaken notion of their wrongs and their rights, once fonght for its overthrow, rejoice in the fact of their defeat. Well may they rejoice, for the disruption would not have ended with one grand cleavage; the disintegrated rock would have crumbled into atoms, and a flock of little sparrows would have been a more appropriate ensign than the bald old eagle. What a calamity it will now be, if the Eepublic, retaining its nominal unity, should be permanently sundered in heai't and spirit — a solid I*^orth and a solid South standing face to fnce in no l^rotherly way, but with mutual hostility in their souls! If we have buried the hatchet, let us all agree to bury the handle of the hatchet out of sight. And shall this nation lose its place among the empires of the world, by the intrusion into her councils of men, who represent neither the intelligence or the morals of the people? — not even their best general interests, — men who crawl into power by tortuous passages and through slimy paths! When politics degenerate into a trade and the good of the whole is sacrificed to the interests of the few, — when our best citizens stand aloof from the conduct of civil affairs, and leave the ship of state to be piloted by men who will run her upon the rocks, 46 STATUE OF WASHINGTON". whenever they think they can secure abundant spoil out of the wreck, — it will be becoming in us to erect no more statues to Washington. After what it cost him and his compeers to establish the nation, it would be a mean and cowardly thing in us to allow it to perish. The more we study the conditions which surrounded the men who accomplished our indepen- dence, the more marvellous it seems that they could ever have succeeded. Never has there been a great struggle for freedom undertaken at worse odds and in defiance of more serious difficulties. Consider how formidable the foe with which they had to con- tend. Great Britain was then at the height of her pov>rer; we were an insignificant handful of colonies, without an army, without a navy, without a treasury, without resources, and without any visible bond of union. England possessed great armies, trained and disciplined, veteran soldiers familiar with battle, well armed, well clothed, well provisioned, and well offi- cered. Our volunteers had for the most part to learn the art of war after they reached the field. They suffered terribly for want of food and clothing and shelter, were mocked with promises of pay that were often broken, always tempted at the close of their brief term of enlistment to return to their homes, not unfrequently victimized by incompetent leaders, and sometimes fractious and rebellious, not without cause. The force against which we were arrayed was an established, consolidated, ancient kingdom, EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. 47 with its monarch and its parliament, a mighty ma- chine with every wheel in its place, moving steadily, harmonionsly, and propelled by a power, which one might have thought, must be irresistible. We had no central government, no source of authority but that which was devised for the occasion, no general system of taxation, no precedents of usage or law to which the people felt themselves bound to defer. The different sections of the land were jealous of each other, our best and ablest men were often thwarted by mean and paltry aspirants for office; traitors sprang up in every quarter, who played into the hands of the ene- my and gave them aid and comfort, and too many men made loud professions of patriotism only to sub- serve their own private advantage. The men of stand- ing, such as had held colonial offices; the wealthy class, which is always conservative and opposed to all change, whether for the better or the worse, '^ that tend to unsettle the tenure and value of property; and all religious people and clergy, who believed in the divine right of kings and the wickedness of re- bellion, were opj^osed to the war. When the radicals began to tallv treason and threaten armed resistance to King and Parliament, the ladies and gentlemen who moved in the best circles and represented the re- spectability of the country, shuddered in their hearts and marvelled not less at the folly than at the wiclv- edness of those unnatural and ruthless children, who talked of fighting their good old mother over the sea. 48 STATUE OF WASHES^GTON. With all this to contend with, it is somewhat doubt- ful whether without the aid of France, the American cause could have triumphed ; although, of course, the establishment of our indepeudence would have been a mere question of time. If the declaration issued in 1776 had come to naught, another would have been proclaimed, on some pretence, in the course of a few years, and sustained. But, whatever we may think of the degree in which we were indebted to the French for our success, it is certain we must have failed, if the good cause had not been sustained by the indomitable, self-sacrificing, persevering, untiring patriotism of a few grand and noble spirits, among whom we must alwaj^s rank as most conspicuous and most illustrious that man whose statue we unveil to- dny. When the hearts of others failed, he stood firm. When others talked of compromise, he responded, — " We will conquer or die, and we mean to conquer." After a storm at sea the shore is covered w^ith bar- nacles and weeds and rubbish of all sorts, which had been floating on the waves or buried in the sands. So every great political commotion, however salutary in its general results, is liable to bring to the surface a great deal of waste and miserable material. Men be- come prominent at such times, who would never have been heard of if things had continued quiet, and sometimes they prove to be just the men which the country needs; sometimes they are of that class which belittles and degrades the noblest cause. EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. 49 There are none so dangerous as those who affect political virtue for the sake of advancing their own interests. In civil affairs next to these we have most cause to dread incompetent men. All parties are more or less infected with both these classes. For this, and other reasons, many persons are losing con- fidence in all existing parties. At this moment, a large proportion of our best citizens are waiting the issue of events, before determining where they will cast in their political lot for the future. There is an intense longing to see a higher and better class of men in stations of power and influence, and to find or create some party ready to repudiate the pernicious doctrine that " to the victors belong the spoils," and establish a civil service upon some such basis as is re- cognized in the administration of our great commer- cial interests. The watchword of that party which deserves to triumph should be the sacred observance of every national obligation, full and jjunctual pay- ment of our just dues, proper economy in all public affairs, suppression of frauds and favoritism every- where, and the abolition of all tariffs and im^ioi'ts which tend to repress or destroy any branch of American industry or to build up great monopolies at the cost of the community. As, however, we have not assembled to nominate candidates for office, these remarks may not seem to be entirely in place, and I come back before closing, to the subject of art as an educator. The statue, 7 50 STATUE OP WASHINGTOlsT. which we are about to unveil, is not placed here mere- ly as an ornament to the city, but it is intended to be a monitor and a teacher. It stands in its place, to remind us of the duties we owe to our country, and to all who are oppressed within its borders. Let the citizen, as he passes under its shadow and looks up into the face of Washington, ask himself whether his politics are clean and his hands unsoiled by corrup- tion. If the bronze could become vocal, it might ut- ter some words that would make our ears tingle. It might break the silence by asking, "What does it all mean — this lowering of the standard of commercial integrity, tWs reckless trifling with solemn trusts, this getting of gigantic loans by false pretences, this re- pudiation of honest debts, this growing indifference to the public welfare? If men grow rich by fraud, how can the nation prosper?" If you deprive the hireling of his wages, and the widow of her little store, the Almighty hand that has swept into oblivion so many magnificent empires and left them only a name to live, will sweep you away, and the cry will go forth, " How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people !" But I must remember that the hero of Valley Forge Avas not a man of desponding temper, and if his voice could be heard to-day, it would utter notes of good cheer, as well as words of warning. It would remind us of our blessings, as Avell as of our perils. It would encourage us to lay aside the sins EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. 51 which most easily beset us, and press forward. With an extent of territory twice as large as that of the old Roman empire; with such variety of soil and cli- mate that we can produce everything which the com- fort or luxury of man demands ; with our inexhausti- ble stores of metal and coal and oil ; with our work- shops, mills and foundries filled with men whose brains are working even faster than their hands; with our system of public schools which gives to every child a good education without money and without price; with our free government where the highest office is open to the humblest citizen ; with our pure and holy religion, supported by the voluntary off'erings of the people, recognizing without reserve the sacred rights of private judgment, and always and everywhere holding up before the nation the example of "Him who knew no sin," — standing on such a height, if we fall, over our ruin will be tolled the death knell of civil and religious liberty throughout the world. But we must not fall. Standing around the statue of Washington, let us one and all pledge our best ser- vice to the KexDLiblic. From this day forward let our ancient town which never faltered in the dark and stormy days of the Revolution, with the august form of our national Father looking down and greeting you, rise to a loftier sense of its political responsibili- ties, and say to every selfish demagogue who seeks to intrude into our State or national councils, — " Stand back, there is no place for you there." 52 STATUE OF WASHINGTON. I now recall the memory of one dark stormy night, in my boyhood, when the boom of cannon and the peal of bells and stirring notes of trumpet and fife and drum, announced the arrival in IN'ewburyport of La Fayette, friend and companion of Washington. I re- member how, on the next morning, as I was with him in his room, he drew me towards him, and with his arm around my neck, said — " My son, if you live to be a man, you must be a patriot and always love your dear country." God grant that T may always have a country to love! And may that Almighty Being, who presides over the destiny of nations, bring to naught and dash in pieces the counsels of every traitor, who would rend the charter of our liberties, and every demagogue, who is willing to tarnish the honor of a republic, which owes its being, under God, to the toils and sacrifices of such men as La Fayette and Washington. Let us now go forth, with solemn ceremonial, to unveil the stately statue which a princely munificence has erected here, and upon which the eyes of our children will rest, generation after generation, with grateful and loving admiration. It will stand on yonder summit to greet the sun at its rising, long after we have passed away and been forgotten. The houses which you occupy will have ci'umbled into dust, while the wind and storm leave that bronze statue unscathed. I trust that it may be the symbol of a united, noble and perpetual republic. Let the EXERCISES AT CITY HA1.L. 53 drum beat and the cannon thnnder and the bells ring ont with gladness, let prayer and praise go up to heaven, in devout thankfulness to the good God, who, in the hour of our extremity, gave to us a Washington ! The address was listened to with marked attention, the speaker being frequently interrupted by hearty applause. The laughter which greeted his witty ref- erences to old time customs was a sure indication that they were fully appreciated and thoroughly en- joyed. At the close of the address the choir sang " Free- dom, God and Kight," to the music of " The March of the Men of Harlech," harmonized by Joseph Barnby. Mayor Currier then said : — Ladies and Oentlemen: — Owing to the unfavorable state of the weather, the presentation and acceptance of the statue will take place in this Hall instead of at the east end of the Mall as first contemplated. Edward F. Coffin, Esq., in behalf of the donor, addressed the Mayor as follows : — Your Honor Mayor Currier and . Gentlemen of the City Council of Newhuryport : Feeling great love for his native place, and desiring to express it by some ennobling work of art, Daniel I. Tenney, Esq., of I^ew York city, has erected here 54 STATUE OF WASHTN'GTON". a statue of Washington, the acknowledged represen- tative of the sterling qualities of manhood. It is an American work, designed and executed by American artisans. I now have the honor, in his name, to present it to jon — in trust — as the represen- tatives of the people of l!^ewburyport. His Honor Mayor Currier, in behalf of the City of I^ewburyport, received the statue in the following fit- ting words: — Honored Sir : — In my ofl&cial capacity I accept for the citizens of IN^ewburyport, whom I have the honor to represent on this occasion, the munificent gift which you have presented in the name of its gener- ous donor. These public ceremonies, congratulations and expressions of approval are inspired by the thought that one born and bred within the limits of this old town, though long a resident elsewhere, still remembers with affectionate interest the place of his birth, and to-day adds, to its many natural attractions, this beautiful and costly specimen of artistic skill. He has chosen well in thus presenting to our con- stant gaze, in enduring bronze, the form and features of one who is " first in the hearts of his countrymen," — the embodiment of those grand, heroic qaalities so dear to every lover of liberty and equality. Stand- ing here, a silent yet faithful monitor, it will con- stantly remind us of the struggles and sacrifices our EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. ' 55 fathers made to establish and perpetuate the prmci- ples of Republican Government. As we walk these streets, the courage, perseverance and strict integrity that characterized Washington, will stimnlate and nurture in our hearts the growth of like virtues. We feel assured that these lessons will not be for us alone, but future generations will also recognize and acknowledge their ennobling influences. It may happen in after years, that other statues will be erected here to men distinguished and honored at home and abroad. Perhaps our public squares and broad avenues may yet be ornamented and adorned with works of art like those that embellish the cities of Continental Europe, suggesting even to the hum- blest citizen the possibility of a higher life and nobler culture. It will be well for us, and for those who come af- ter us, if, in addition to the beauty of the surround- ing landscape, — the picturesque hills, the blue waters of the Merrimac and the majestic ocean beyond, — we can point to the sculptured monuments about us, symbolizing and expressing thoughts and aspirations that lie too deep for words. On those who dwell in this community no more ap- propriate gift could be bestowed than the one selected and this day publicly dedicated with military and civ- ic ceremonies. It will always be remembered with gratitude that the first public statue erected within the limits of this ancient sea-port was the gift of 56 STATUE OF WASHlNGTOlf. Daniel Ingalls Teiiney, and a constant source of pride and gratification that the life and character it repre- sents is noAV, and ever has been, dear to the hearts of our people. I desire, therefore, in their name, to extend to you the hearty thanks of this community for the personal attention and watchful care you have given to this work and to ask you to convey to him to whose liber- ality we are indebted for this faithful and artistic rep- resentation of Washington, the assurances of our high appreciation of the sentiments and motives that prompted this generous gift. While its granite base shall stand, and this statue of bronze endure, the name of its generous giver will be held in grateful remembrance; and the story of this day's ceremonies will be handed down from father to son, with increas- ing interest, to be henceforth a part of our local his- tory never to be forgotten. At the close of these remarks it was proposed that a telegram be sent to Mr. Tenney, in New York, thanking him for his munificent gift to the City of N^ewburyport. This suggestion meeting with the unanimous and enthusiastic approval of the audience, the following telegraphic dispatch was immediately forwarded : Newburyport, February 22, 1879. To Daniel I. Tenney, Esq., Metropolitan Hotel, New York City : B}^ a unanimous vote of the citizens assembled in City Hall, I am instructed to thank you, — their public benefactor. JOHN J. CURRIER, Mayor. EXERCISES AT CITY HALL. 57 To this message the following reply was returned: New Yokk, February 22, 187!). To Hon. John J. Currier, Mayor : Sincere thanks for yours. Accept cordial greetings, with assurances of continued love and esteem. DANIEL I. TENNF.Y. The delegation from Kew York also sent the follow- ing dispatch: Newburtport, February 22, 1879. To Daniel I. Tenney, Esq., Metroj^olitan Hotel, New York City : The statue was most enthusiastically and glorioush* re- ceived ; addresses admirable ; your noble gift fully appreciated. GEORGE D. WILDES, GEOKGE D. LUNT, DANIEL FOSTER. To this Mr. Tenney responded as follows: New York, February 22, 1879. Messrs. George D. Wildes, George D. Lunt and Daniel Foster^ Newhuryport, Mass. Acce})t my warmest thanks and good will for 3-our kind congratulations. DANIEL I. TENNEY. Some musical selections were then given by the band, which closed the exercises at the hall. THE UNVEILING OF THE STATUE. A procession was then formed, on Brown Square, in the following order: Detachment of Police, under charge of the City Marshal.' Chief-Marshal and Staff (mounted). Lieut. -Colonel Charles L. Ayers, Chief Marshal. members of his staff, William B. Porter, William R. Johnson, Arthur C. Richardson, Joseph M. Greeuough, W. H. Whitmore, Jr., Horace L. Balch. Haverhill Cornet Band. First Battalion, Eighth Regiment, M. V. M. Major Edward F. Bartlett, Commander ; Lieutenant Henry Walsh, Acting Adjutant. Company M (Sherman Cadets) , Lawrence ; Capt. Lawrence Duchesney ; First-Lieut. George W. Towne ; Second-Lieut. A. E. Towne. Company A (Cushing Guard) ; Capt. David L. Withiugton ; Fu'st-Lieut. Henry Walsh ; Second-Lieut. Thomas Huse, Jr. Company F (Haverhill City Guard) ; Capt. Marshall Alden ; First-Lieut. T. E. B. French; Second-Lieut. George W. Hanscom. Compan}' B (City Cadets) ; Capt. Samuel W. Tuck ; First-Lieut. Oscar C. Lougee ; Second-Lieut. Charles N. Satford. Carriages containing Mayor John J. Currier, Members of the Board of Aldermen and Common Council, Ex-Mayous and Invited Guests. imVEILmG OF THE STATUE. 59 The escort received the Mayor and nivited guests with a military salute, and the line of march was then taken up, through Pleasant street and State street, to the Mall. Here no ceremonies were, held, beyond the simple unveiling of the statue, which had been cov- ered with the flags of the nation. As the drapery fell, the Mayor, rising in his carriage, said : "I now propose three cheers for our benefactor, Daniel In- galls Tenney, of I*^ew York." These were heartily given by the assembled crowd, and were immediately followed by a salute of thirteen guns, while the band played "Hail to the Chief," and thus announced the unveiling of the statue and the close of the public ceremonies. The procession, under military escort, returned to City Hall, and the invited guests were then driven to the residence of the Mayor, where dinner was served. The military, again forming, marched through several streets to Essex, and Washington Halls, where they partook of an excellent collation, which was much en- joyed after their chilly parade. Great regret was expressed that the unfavorable state of the weather and the ill health of Mr. Tenney prevented him from joining in the public exercises of this occasion. It was considered imprudent, however, for him to make the attempt at this season of the year, consequently old friends and acquaintances were denied the pleasure of taking him by the hand and personally thanking him for his noble tribute of respect and filial love. 60 STATUE OF WASHrnGTON-. In this connection it is eminently just and proper that special attention should be called to the valuable services of two of his personal friends, who so es- sentially aided him in carrying out his generous plans. ^N^ewburyport has abundant reason to respond most heartily to the resolutions, which may be found in the preceding pages, (adopted by her sons in ]N^ew York,) thanking Samuel J. Dennis, Esq., of that city, for the personal attention he has given to this work, and to unite with them in the assurance that his services will always be gratefully remembered; nor will she forget the active part taken by one of her own citizens, Edward F. Coffin, Esq., to whom was confided the care and labor of providing a suitable lo- cation for the statue and of making the formal pre- sentation to the city authorities. Considering the season of the year, and the quiet and instructive character of the exercises, no public celebration in this city ever passed off" more satisfac- torily or with greater success. It was a memorable occasion; and, as a recognition of the donor's liber- ality, as creditable to l^ewburyport as it must have been gratifying to him. The possession of this val- uable work of American art, unrivalled as a faithful representation of Washington, gives distinction to the city, and notably adds to its many attractions. Cn/^- iU^ df. c/ .0 Ao^ > ^^^ h ^ V^ *^^^^- '^. c^ ^>V^^A^^ " ^ .^ ' ^^^ llJi!« ^'^-S^' c^ t* A o^ ^' ■f o ..- .'^^'^ ^^K^ /'\ 1-^" ^°-;^, *'?' <,x.v5*G^* %•■?•••/ ^