"The base of the Monument is 55 feet square, the top will be 34 feet 6 inches square, and it will be crowned with a pyramidion, or roof, 50 feet in height. The proportions of the parts of this obelisk are in exact accordance with the classic proportions of parts of this style of architecture, as determined after careful research by the Hon. George P. Marsh, American Minister at Rome."
The recommendations of the Joint Commission, of the Engineer, Colonel Casey, and of the Society, as to plan and proportions of the shaft, were happily sustained.
The prediction in the Society's last memorial to Congress was fully realized in the completed Monument, which has ever since attracted "the admiring gaze of the most distant observers in the wide range over which it is visible." None are found to regret the form of the Monument, which was firmly adhered to as most fitting to perpetuate the name and fame of Washington.
Congress making the required annual appropriation for the purpose, the work proceeded and the Monument was finally completed on the 6th of December, 1884, on which day its capstone was set in place.
By joint resolution of Congress, approved May 13, 1884, a commission was created, consisting of five Senators, eight Representatives, and three members of the Washington National Monument Society to make arrangements for the dedication of the Monument. The following persons composed the Commission:
| Hon. John Sherman, Hon. Justin S. Morrill, Hon. William B. Allison, Hon. Thomas F. Bayard, Hon. Lucius Q. C. Lamar, Hon. William Dorsheimer, Hon. John Randolph Tucker, Hon. John H. Regan, Hon. Patrick Collins, Hon. Nathaniel B. Eldredge, Hon. Henry H. Bingham, Hon. Joseph G. Cannon, Hon. James Laird, and Hon. W. W. Corcoran, President James C. Welling, Dr. Joseph M. Toner. |
Pursuant to the order of proceedings adopted by the Commission the Monument was dedicated on the 21st of February, 1885. The ceremonies, began at the base of the Monument at 11 o'clock, Hon. John Sherman, Chairman of the Commission, presided. After music, prayer by the Rev. Mr. Suter, of Christ Church, Alexandria, Va.; an address prepared by W. W. Corcoran, the First Vice-President of the Washington National Monument Society, read by Dr. James C. Welling, Mr. Corcoran being unable to attend; Masonic ceremonies by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, Grand Master Myron M. Parker; remarks by Col. Thomas L. Casey, the Engineer of the Joint Commission, delivering the Monument to the President of the United States, the Monument was dedicated by the President of the United States, Chester A. Arthur, in the following words:
"Fellow Countrymen: Before the dawn of the century whose eventful years will soon have faded into the past—when death had but lately robbed this Republic of its most beloved and illustrious citizen—the Congress of the United States pledged the faith of the Nation that in this city, bearing his honored name, and then, as now, the seat of the General Government, a monument should be erected to commemorate the great events of his military and political life.
"The stately column that stretches heavenward front the plain whereon we stand bears witness to all who behold it that the covenant which our fathers made, their children have fulfilled.
"In the completion of this great work of patriotic endeavor there is abundant cause for national rejoicing; for while this structure shall endure it shall be to all mankind a steadfast token of the affectionate and reverent regard in which this people continue to hold the memory of Washington. Well may he ever keep the foremost place in the hearts of his countrymen.