Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 April 1901 — THE LOGAN STATVE. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE LOGAN STATVE.

When Stephen B. Elkins was secretary of war he asked Mr. Franklin Simmons, who chanced to be in Washington at the time, if he would kindly give him (Elkins) his ideas in regard to a monument to be erected in memory of Gen. John A. Logan, congress having appropriated $50,000 for such work. Mr. Simmons replied that as there were half a dozen statues in Washington, all on plain granite pedestals, and all of nearly the same size, he would recommend, for the sake of variety, that this one be entirely different, and that the pedestal, as well as the statue, be wholly of bronze; that, furthermore, the pedestal be decorated with life-size figures in high relief of historical interest. The sculptor was asked to make a small model illustrating his idea. He did so, and his conception was adopted without competition. As a result, we have today in Washington one of the finest equestrian monuments that has ever been erected in this, or, for that matter, in any country. It is unique

in being the only monument in America constructed entirely of bronze. On this account the pedestal of the Logan monument was a novelty even in Italy. Great crowds flocked to see it while it was on exhibition in Rome, and the then king, Humbert, was so impressed by the beauty and originality of the work that he straightway knighted Mr. Simmons. The pedestal is about twenty-five feet in height. On one side is a group representing Gen. Logan in consultation with the officers of his command. There are portraits of the leading generals of the Army of the Tennessee, namely: Dodge, Hazen, Slocum, Leggett, Mower and Blair, and of Cap:. Strong. On the opposite side of the pedestal Gen. Logan is represented as taking the oath of office as senator of the United States before Vice-Presi-dent Arthur. Grouped around are Senators Cullom, Evarts, Conkling, Morton, Miller, Voorhees and Thurman, of whom there are now living only Gen. Dodge and Senator Cullom.

On the front of this beautful pedestal is an ideal figure, about life-size, representing the “Defense of the Union,” and on the other end a figure of the same size representing “Preservation of the Union.” These allegorical figures are beautifully and appropriately draped and are stately and imposing. Surmounting the pedestal is the equestrian figure, which measures fourteen and a half feet in height. Gen. Logan is represented as riding along the line of battle, his sword unsheathed and the horse moving forward at a gentle trot, slightly held in check. The general’s appearance exhibits great force and energy, and the whole impression given by the statue is one of dignity, beauty and power. A feature worthy of special notice is the harmonious relation of the statue to the pedestal, which contributes much to the success of the work, and the observer feels that in every part of it is the work of a master hand. It was unveiled last week with imposing ceremonies.

THE EQUESTRIAN STATUE OF GEN. JOHN A. LOGAN AT WASHINGTON, D. C.