Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 December 1884 — UP IN. THE CLOUDS. [ARTICLE]

UP IN. THE CLOUDS.

Completion of the Great Washington Hational Monument [Washington special.] The booming of cannon and shrieking of steam whistles this afternoon announced to the people of Washington that the capstone of the Washington monument had been successfully laid. Shortly afterward the aluminium block which forms the apex of the pyramidal roof of the highest structure raised by human hands was set in its place, ivnd an American flag was seen floating from the head of the staff above it The mortar in which the capstone rests was laid by Col. Casey and his assistants in the presence of a few spectators who had braved the storm of rain and wind to see the finishing touches given t 6 the great obelisk which rears its head 555 feet above the earth. Col. Casey has been in charge of the work during the last six years, and no accident cansing loss of life has happened during that period, owing to the great care exercised. It was suggested that the laying of the capstone be deferred until the 14th inst., the ninety-fifth anniversary of Washington’s death, but as that day might be too inclement for work at such a height, and as it will fall on Sunday, and as well as for other reasons, it was thought best that there should be no delay. The official ceremonies to mark the completion of the obelisk will take place Fob. 22, the 153 d anniversary of Washington’s birth. They will be under the direction of a joint commission of the Senate and Honse of Representatives, consisting of Senators Sherman, Morrill, Allison, Bayard, and Lamar, and Representatives Dorsheinier, Tucker, Reagan, Collins, Eldredge, Bingham, Cannon, and Laird. The commission will hold a meeting next week to arrange a programme for the occasion. When the corner-stone of the monument was laid, July 4, 1848, in the presence of President Polk, the Vice President, members of the Cabinet, Senators, Representatives, and a host of other distinguished persons, Robert C. Winthrop, then Speaker of the House of Representatives, delivered the oration. It is expected that he will deliver the inaugural address on the completion of the shaft next February. In 1854 the funds of the monument society were exhausted, the shaft having at that time reached the height of 175 feet, after an expenditure of $230,000. Subsequent difficulties with a rival society defeated efforts to obtain an appropriation from Congress, and the disappearance of a stone contributed by the Pope during the Know-Nothing excitement shut off, to a great extent, contributions of money from private souraes. It is expected that about two years more will be required for the final completion of of the interior and base of the obelisk. The monument itself, with its total height of 550 feet, far overtops every structure by human hands. The aluminium apex monument is engraved with inscriptions.