USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > One hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and Independence Square and the three main buildings thereon, in Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania > Part 2
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Very respectfully, your obedient servant, and fellow- citizen,
JOSEPII LEEDS,
No. 1614 Summer Street.
PHILADELPHIA, June 1, 1871.
NOTE .- Since the above was written, the design has been made known to the people more or less in seventeen State- of our Union, and all have approved and expressol earnest wishes to have it carried out.
PHILADELPHIA, November, 1872.
J. L.
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ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE,
And Independence Square, and the three Main Buildings thereon, in Philadelphia,
AS A MONUMENT OF MEMORIALS SACRED AND FOREVER.
The following, written by JOSEPH LEEDS, of Philadelphia, was, by invitation, read by him before a meeting of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, September 12, 1870 :
One hundred years will soon complete their rounds since the Declaration of Independence was first read to the people, and its meaning from Scripture, Leviticus xxv, 10, cast on its bell twenty- three years previously, as if prophetic, was sounded, "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land, unto all the inhabitants thereof." The civil eloquence, the masterly writings, the patriotie voice and the military thunders of that period, carried out that dec- laration, breaking down the gates, bars and doors which opened the broad fields of freedom to man and humanity, revealing to our country and the world a Washington, who, with his com- patriots, led on and fought under toils, trials and hardships, on that long line, till the last battle finished the victory. But a crowning victory followed, when that great and good man, be- loved by the army, its officers, and the people, standing high in authority, and invited to supremacy, promptly repelled the latter, and without delay resigned the former, that the country might rest, and rise in the united ability of a new nation.
For liberty and law, for freedom, industry and peace, for education and Bible religion, and for moral greatness and gran- deur, no event has taken place on earth, the advent of Christ excepted, equal to the American Revolution, in itself and in its results. By it the ensign of civil and religious liberty through the ages hidden or obscurely seen was for the first time triumph- antly unfurled, elevated and displayed among men. Under it the best constituted government man has ever known was estab- lished, carried on, and is now in full success, and with it, thus far, is, and has been, the blessing of heaven, while on earth it is celebrated by the most prosperous country and people the world has ever seen. And if our goodness increased equally with our greatness, the future would realize more than human expecta-
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tions ever looked for in every thing that can elevate and adorn the children of men, and render life on earth desirable and happy. If there is a place in the march of humanity which claims a last- ing monument; if there is a field where patriotism deserves an immortal shrine ; if there is a ground where civil and religious liberty should have an altar of light "burning and shining," it is where the American Revolution can be most vividly portrayed, and its grand results most clearly impressed on human memory.
Behold the monuments in our own and other lands ; those lofty and expensive structures to commemorate great events, noble deeds and distinguished men ; and with all their elaborate work- manship and immense cost, and stately appearance, what instruc- tion do they give, excepting that each one tells the single purpose for which it was erected, and perhaps a grand view may be had from its summit, but nothing more, only the display of its well- wrought dimensions. The Bunker Hill Monument cost one hun- dred and fifty thousand dollars or more. In the prospect room near its top are two brass cannon, three pounders, named Han- cock and Adams, fastened to the wall. These were used through the revolutionary contest, and are looked on as our country's friends. They draw more attention, examination, sympathy, tenderness and interest, than the monument itself, with all its surroundings. For all the hill is covered with dwellings and streets, excepting a small oblong square on the summit, faced with stone, from the centre of which rises the monument, silently saying, "This is Bunker Hill." But the two cannon tell of patriots, contests, revolution, victory and freedom. The former is a symbol of loftiness, the latter of liberty.
The monument here proposed would probably cost less than some single monument now standing, but in moral value and influence on our people and all people who may visit it, or hear of it, it would surpass all the great monuments known in the world. Relics, portraits, mementos, coins, engravings, photographs, monuments, &c., have ever been dear to the human heart, and sometimes to a nation's heart, and many such become so valuable that, if only one should be lost, almost any price would be paid for its restoration. Merely to illustrate this value, suppose the Independence bell and the two cannon spoken of could be sold in memento-pieces, more than four hundred thousand dollars would soon be the result, which clearly proves that the memorials intended for this monument would be invaluable. Could such an apparent impossibility as a sale of them take place twenty- five years hence, with proper previous notice over our country, they would bring millions of dollars. But nothing of the kind will ever be done, for they would belong to immortality.
The work here proposed would be a living monument, for it would live in the respect and affection of the people of all seets and all parties, parents and children, old and young, in our land, and all lands for all time. And whatever trouble, calamity, or extremity might ever come, it would be watched by every eye,
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would be sacred to every heart, and would be guarded by every hand. It would be replete with interest, instruction and informa- tion, showing, as far as practicable, who declared our Independ- ence, who made it victorious, and who framed our Constitution, organized our Government, and put it in successful operation. And it would comprise a house and a household, in silent elo- quence declaring these words from Scripture, "The glory of children are their fathers."
No children of any country ever had such a glory left to them as the American people. For industry, temperance, honesty, enterprise, intelligence and uprightness, courage and patriotism, and morals guarded by the sanctions of religion, our ancestors, in their times, stood preeminent, and with such character they were strong in right, to suppress wrong, firm in the spirit of independence, and decided to spend "millions in defence, but not a cent for tribute." Their wisdom is seen in their writings and State papers, in the constitution and forming of our government, in their forbearance under oppression united with respect for all lawful authority, and in the Declaration of Independence, that immortal document which has become a light for the nations, a lamp on the pathway of liberty.
Already the notes of preparation are being sounded to have the one hundredth anniversary of our National Independence, viz., July 4, 1876, celebrated in the best and happiest manner, and to make it so full of interest to thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, who may then be in Philadelphia, besides her own people, so grand in music, meetings, eloquence, processions, festi- vals, and other appropriate observances, and so glorious for the best good of mankind, that its moral light will irradiate our land and all lands, and its voice be heard as a welcome herald to all people responsive to heaven's peerless anthem of "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men."
The patriotism of our city is enough and superabundant to adopt and carry out every patriotic measure to make that day a golden page in our history. To have all places for rational en- joyment open, to have eloquence and songs in our halls, grateful services in our places of worship, sociability and hospitality in all our dwellings, and if the monument of memorials here pro- posed should be added, and the ringing of the bell of Independ- ence to greet the morn, noon and sunset of the day, truly all the people will anticipate its coming with delight, and every voice would be ready to speak of it in the words of the ancient Seer in "Israel," "Joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody."
The people of Philadelphia doubtless will vote to have all public offices moved from Independence Square; also, let the new Court House be taken away, and the two wings on the sides of the central building, called the State House row, and those on . the rear and west side of Fifth street corner edifice, leaving Inde- pendence Hall and all the central edifice to stand in its primitive
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style, excepting to make it fire-proof as far as practicable, and its internal arrangements so as to be convenient for the purpose here named ; but externally to appear as it is to this and advancing generations, that all may see the architectural style of our fathers. The building at the corner of Sixth street (once the capitol of our country for nearly ten years, now a defaced monument of his- tory) and that on the corner of Fifth street are both indispensable for carrying out this design. They conform in style to the centre edifice, and the three are dear to the American heart. They are reminders of excellence that has been. Let them become its portrait.
Where Liberty and Union had their birth, Let full memorials rise and ever stand ; A light to all the nations of the earth, A glory to our City, State, and Land.
Let an approved wall, surmounted with an iron fence or rail- ing, surround the Square below the buildings, with suitable gate- ways, and only as many paths as may be indispensable for public convenience. All else of the surface a grass green, excepting that occupied by trees. Let the wide front on Chestnut street be faced with handsome slabs of stone* and near the curbstone a border of thirteen trees, named for the original thirteen States, and an iron fence around cach, the Keystone State in the centre, and each State to furnish its most enduring and beautiful tree, which, no doubt, each State would promptly do .; On the east side of the Square, below the front buildings, have fifty-six trees, named for the fifty-six signers to the Declaration of Independ- ence, each tree, perhaps, to be somewhat characteristic of the man it represents. As many trees on the west side as will repre- sent, in like manner, the first full Congress under the Constitu- tion, including President Washington, his Cabinet, and the Chief Justice. Over the square and front. let such other memorials be added as will comprise a beautiful simplicity and grandeur becoming our City, State, and Nation, and have the entire Square and buildings forever sacred to Independence, Liberty, and Union, with a law, sanctioned by the people of all parties and made irrevocable, that no political meeting or election of any kind whatever, nor the sale, gift, or use of intoxicating drinks, shall ever be allowed or held on the Square, the buildings, the front, or in or on any part or parts thereof, forever.
* Since this was written, the slabs of stone have been laid in front.
+ Other States a tree in like manner, on the other three sides of the square.
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THE DESIGN.
First .- INDEPENDENCE HALL, first story in centre edifice. Let it have life-size portraits of each signer of the Declaration, in handsome frames, John Hancock at the head, and the others around the walls. Under cach, his own table, his Bible, his cane, if he used one, his musical instruments, if he used such, his favorite books, his diary, and any other appropriate mementos of the man and the time. The original draft of the Declaration of Inde- pendence, in a suitable frame ; the table, now there, on which it was signed ; the Hancock chair ; other chairs, if they can be found, which other signers occupied; the pen or pens they used ; also letters, manuscripts, and all other memorials connected with that great work and those great men. Let the room opposite Inde- pendence Hall be fitted up in corresponding style with the Hall, and take such memorials as the Ilall cannot well receive, for, doubtless, both will be needed to display the portraits and all else to proper advantage ; but always, in all time, have it clearly understood that the west room is only an aid to Independence Hall.
Second .- HALL OF THE REVOLUTION, in second story of centre edifice. Let it portray as far as practicable, the men and means which carried the Declaration of Independence to victory. Have a full-length, life-size portrait of General Washington, in military dress, at the head, his camp equipage and dress now in Patent Ottive, his table, sword, saddle, bridle, diaries, and other things of interest used or worn by him during the revolution; also, the commission he received to be commander-in-chief, his reply of acceptance, his letter repelling an inducement to supremacy, his letter of resignation of all authority after victory had been ob- tained, and, after giving to his country eight years of devoted service freely, refusing pay ; also, the manuscript of his farewell address, said to be in his own handwriting, with such other mementos as may be of interest in relation to that preeminent patriot and man. Around the walls full-length portraits of his chief officers, including the distinguished naval officers of that period, with similar memorials to each; also pictures of all the important battles on land or sea, and the flags, arms, cannon, drums, fifes, trumpets, pouches, powder-horns, letters, diaries, &c., of importance and interest in the revolution, all classified and historically labelled, so as to be understood by every beholder.
Third .- CONSTITUTION HALL, in second story of Fifth street corner edifice. Here have life-size portraits of the members of the convention that framed and signed the Constitution, with all memorials of interest pertaining to same.
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The convention that framed the Constitution met in May, 1787, in this centre edifice, probably in Independence Hall. General Washington was chosen, unanimously, its President. After four months labor and deliberation, of five to seven hours each day, (Sundays excepted, and ten days adjournment for committee to arrange business,) the Constitution was signed September 17, 1787, by all the forty-two members present but three, sent with a letter to Congress, and by that body to the States, and by the States it was ratified. Under it General Washington was unanimously chosen the first President of our country, in his 58th year of age, and was inaugurated in New York, April 30, 1789.
Fourth .- GOVERNMENT HALL, in second story of Sixth street corner edifice. Here have life-size portraits of President Wash- ington, members of his Cabinet, Chief Justice, and those of the first full Congress with memorials, as heretofore named.
Fifth .- UNITED STATES HALL, in first story of edifice corner of Sixth street. Here let each State and Territory be represented by a picture of its capitol and coat of arms in frames around the wall, adding any striking matter of historic importance. Then let a beautiful chain, having a link for each State, pass directly over them and between each all around, hand joining hand, the one an emblem of union, the other of brotherhood ; and at the end wall a picture of the capitol buildings of our nation, dates of erection, with some account of their rooms and their appropriate uses, including the presidential mansion. And in this hall have the best and most competent men from any and all the States invited at appointed times to give public lectures, never on party or politics but on the nature and tendencies of our government, on the duties of all persons in office, from lowest to highest, on the great importance of truth, integrity and right, on the dangers of corruption and wrong, on the principles and acts of our fathers, on the exalted character of Washington, to keep his example and counsels before the people, and adding such instruction and advice as will strengthen correct principles and promote union, welfare and happiness among all.
Sixth .- ROOMS FOR BUSINESS, in first story of Fifth street corner edifice. Have the first story and basement arranged with rooms for business offices, records, &c .; also, as a residence for a gentleman of intelligence and ability, who may be chosen as chief officer for the whole, with a competent salary, and who, with a chosen committee, will see that neatness, order, propriety, and every other requisite shall prevail throughout the whole and every part thereof as nearly to perfection as may be possible.
NOTE .- In this edifice the first complete Congress under the Constitu- tion met. Congress here held sessions about ten years, the House in first story, the Senate in second. In the latter, President Washington was inaugurated for his second term, March 4, 1793; in the former, bis successor, John Adams, March 4, 1797.
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Seventh .- ENTRANCE HALL, in centre edifice. Let the front entrance through, with its ancient stairs, be as they are, except- ing to paint them and make them neat throughout. Have the Independence Bell repaired by fusing a few pounds of like metal into the crack or breach, to blend perfectly with the metal of the bell, which will render it as it was originally, so as to give its original sound. It is said this can be done. If so, and it is done, let it be hung on its original frame, (now in the loft;) to rest on rollers and placed in the entrance, protected by a wire screen, with its tongue replaced, so that on suitable occasions it could be rolled out on the Square and rung. Every Fourth of July and every Birthday of Washington, let it welcome the morn, noon, and sunset of the day. Thus, from generation to genera- tion, will the same tones be heard by millions of listening ears and earnest hearts, more dear to all as years roll on, linking a past, a present, and a future in a continuous chime of liberty, associated with its original proclamation and the last words of a distinguished patriot, " Independence forever."
So will the children be taught to know it, so will all understand it, and its tone will ever be recognized as the music of freedom and a response to the Declaration of Independence.
Also, in this entry, the carriage in which President Washing- ton rode when residing in our city. It is now owned by a citizen of Philadelphia. Many travellers and others have visited it; on several public occasions it has attracted marked and profound attention and respect ; large sums have been offered for it, and are still offered, but refused. The owner says he will give it and present it freely for the purpose here named, to be placed and preserved accordingly ; and there is no doubt that numerous and very valuable memorials, held sacred and dear in many families, besides autographs, important letters, diaries, &c., would be given for this purpose if applied for by a person properly authorized to receive them. In this front entrance on each side have Statues of all the Presidents of the United States as a Committee to welcome the people in behalf of the Nation. And at entrance in second story, Statues of all the Mayors of Philadelphia to welcome them in behalf of the City.
Eighth .- Have two corridors of appropriate architecture run from second story of Fifth street to centre building, and thence to Sixth street building, that visitors may pass through all with- out going outside. Besides ample passage ways, these would give room for a library for all publications touching our country, and reading rooms to seat five hundred persons. Give notice to the original thirteen States, that each can have a certain space in the east corridor on its walls, requesting each to occupy it with pictures and memorials portraying our country previously to 1750. In like manner every State and territory for the west cor- ridor to portray our country since 1800. The intervening fifty years are included in the design.
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Ninth .- FEDERAL ARCH. To have at the wide gateway on Walnut street, a handsome granite pillar each side, supporting an arch of thirteen stones, one from each of the original thirteen States. Each State to have its name, with any device it may choose, cut deeply in each end of its stone, that both may be seen on Walnut street and on the Square. No doubt, each State would furnish a stone, according to style and dimensions given, wrought in the most perfect manner.
Tenth .- WATERMAN MONUMENT. In 1851 this was brought to public notice by Albert G. Waterman, Esq., a noble, patriotic citi- zen of Philadelphia, and in 1860, had been acted on by ten of the original thirteen States. (The other three would have done the same.) A committee of delegates from all came here, the centre of the Square was chosen and granted as a site. and measures taken to lay the corner-stone July 4, 1861. The war came on. Subsequently, Mr. Waterman died, and nothing since has been done. Let this monument rise on its intended site, its base sixty feet in diameter, having on its centre a pedestal of thirteen sides, with the Declaration of Independence in solid stone, surmounted 'by a tower or shaft of thirteen sides, each to have tablets, &c., from each State, bearing such inscriptions as each may desire. Let some inscription be added to honor the man who for ten years labored for this noble object.
Eleventh .- Place in front of this monument nine granite pedes- tals, supporting nine statues of the most fearless and prominent advocates of Independence, like James Otis and Patrick Henry, who, as pioneers, proclaimed it years before the declaration, from North, South and Middle States of the original thirteen, three each; directly in front of the monument a statue of Thomas Jefferson ; on each side of it two others-Adams, Franklin, Sher- man and Livingstone-making the committee of five who pre- sented the Declaration to Congress, and in the rear thirteen statues. General Washington in the centre, and six each side of him of his chief revolutionary men from North, South and Mid- dle States of the original thirteen, four each.
Twelfth .- Thirteen Lamps, each having the name of one of the thirteen original States. Place one on the keystone of said arch, and six on each side of the avenue leading from said arch to Independence Hall. They would be emblematically like a guard of honor to the statues and monument.
Thirteenth .- TREES AND LAMPS. In front on line from inner corner of Fifth street to inner corner of Sixth street building, have thirteen historical lamps marked Bible, Lord's day, School,
NOTE .- The author is indebted to Mr. John G. Waterman, son of the late A. G. Waterman, for all the official documents, letters, papers, and records, relating to said intended monument, its site, architecture, in- scriptions, &c .; and it is believed that what our unhappy national strife prevented will only prove a delay, to render the work more perfect.
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Press, Independence, Victory, Peace, Liberty, Constitution, Union, Government, Freedom, Prosperity. On front, near curb- stone, from Fifth to Sixth street, thirteen trees, one from each of the original States. Around each, an iron fence, and on it the name of the State whence the tree came. In like manner, a tree for each of the other States, on the other three sides of the Square. And for said other States, a lamp for each, with its name thereon, to extend around the four sides. Thus, all the States would be represented emblematically, as sentinels on the front, the rear, and the flanks, with these lamps, watching their palladium of Liberty.
Pennsylvania is most appropriately the Keystone State. When the Declaration of Independence was being considered, each State was by its delegation in front of the Speaker's chair, on the right six, on the left six, with Pennsylvania at the centre like a key- stone. The vote was taken by States, and a majority of delegates from a State carried that State ; and it was deemed very desirable to have the vote unanimous, in adopting the Declaration. On Monday, July 1st, 1776, in Committee of the Whole, all the States excepting Pennsylvania and Delaware voted in the affirmative, the former in the negative 4 to 3, the latter a tie vote.
July 2d, Lee's celebrated resolution in favor of Independence was adopted in Committee of the Whole, according to McKean.
July 4th, all the States but Pennsylvania voted in the affirmative on the Declaration of Independence, and so stood. Pennsylvania had but four delegates present. Two voted for and two against the Declaration. One was expected to come in who had been called out by friends and others, to urge him to vote in the negative.
Here was a momentous pause in a time when men's souls were tried to their very centre, the arch of union standing hazardous, with the keystone suspended over it by a tie vote, and all in deep anxiety looking for the one Pennsylvania member to come in by whose vote the great decision would be made. That man was John Morton. It is said that John Hancock, anxious for his arrival, instead of declaring the vote as it stood, occupied the time by speaking until he saw him enter the door. Here was a man, having adverse influences, outside and otherwise, urging and pressing on him with almost crushing weight to vote against the Declaration by scores of friends and others who viewed it as direct rebellion to British rule, and apprehended a failure that would end in dreadful punishment. Yet that noble patriot and man, with love of country in his heart rising above all, came in and took the responsibility of deciding the great question, not only for Pennsylvania, but as umpire for the whole country. John Morton voted. Simultaneously the Keystone was in its place, the arch was complete, the States were unanimous, the grand Declaration sprang into life, the fountain of freedom flowed, Independence, Liberty and Union were baptized, and a Lation was born.
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