HISTORIC SKETCH OF THE
MONUMENT ERECTED IN WASHINGTON CITY
TO THE HONOR OF SAMUEL HAHNEMANN
Compiled by the Rev. B. F. BITTINGER, D.D.
Presented
by Sylvain Cazalet
THE FOREWORD
HISTORIC SKETCH
OF THE MONUMENT
ERECTED IN WASHINGTON CITYUNDER THE
AUSPICES OF THE
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMŚOPATHY
TO THE HONOR OF
SAMUEL HAHNEMANN
AND FOR THE ORNAMENTATION OF
THE NATIONAL CAPITAL
DEDICATED, JUNE 2 l, 1900
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
AND WITH THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS
CIVIL AND MILITARYCOMPILED FOR THE MONUMENT COMMITTEE BY THE
REV. B. F. BITTINGER, D.D.
WASHINGTON, D.C.FROM MATERIALS COLLECTED BY THE LATE HENRY M. SMITH, M.
D., SEC’Y
* * * * *
THE FOREWORD
THIS Memorial Volume is presented to the twenty-five
hundred or more contributors to the Hahnemann Monument Fund with hearty
greetings and congratulations. It is with their practical co-operation
that the work entrusted to the Committee has been brought to successful
completion.
Dr. Henry M. SmithAll will rejoice that our faithful Secretary during all
these years, the lamented Dr. Henry M. Smith, who labored early and late
for the success of the Monument, devoting time and energy without stint,
was permitted to view the finished work, and join in the ceremonies of the
dedication. So gratified was he at the glorious termination of his
unwearied labors that he might with Simeon of old have exclaimed,
“Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace!” And in peace he
departed, his eyes having seen the fulfilment of his heart’s desire.Other members of the Committee, noble, earnest men,
heroes of our faith, Dake, Talbot and Mitchell, were not even permitted to
see the fruition of their hopes, although sure of the triumphant day.In securing a suitable design for the monument the
Committee is largely indebted to the following well known artists and
architects, who gave their valuable time entirely without compensation,
viz., Messrs. Daniel C. French, George E. Bissell, Olin N. Warner, Thomas
Hastings, and Russell Sturgis. They have our unqualified thanks.
J. P. Dake, M.D.With regard to this historic sketch, it may be stated
that our late Secretary had gathered together the materials, in the shape
of magazine articles, newspaper cuttings and official reports, from which
to prepare the volume, but failing health prevented his making any
considerable progress with the work. It therefore devolved upon the
remaining members of the Committee to take up the task. The Chairman and
Secretary, not having time to devote to the preparation of the manuscript,
prevailed upon the Rev. B. F. Bittinger, D. D., of Washington, who took
part in the dedication, to arrange the matter for publication.The Monument Committee with this assistance now has the
honor of presenting this volume, which gives in detail the events of that
day, together with a sketch of the life of Hahnemann, a description of the
Monument and, so far as possible for them to obtain, a correct list of
subscribers.
T. S. Verdi, M.D.The Committee takes this occasion to make grateful
acknowledgment to all who assisted in the great work. The people heartily
joined the profession – gifts came from rich and poor, old and young many
little children gathering up their pennies – that a great benefactor might
be honored. Their names are suitably inscribed and will remain for ages in
the receptacle securely placed in the granite block which forms the base
of the statue. It would be an agreeable but wholly impossible task to name
all those who took part in this noble enterprise; national, State and
local organizations joined in generous rivalry. We cannot refrain,
however, from mentioning the good work of the Finance Committee of the
Institute during the final effort. The indefatigable labors of its
Chairman, Dr. Geo. S. Shelton of New York, and his colleagues, resulted in
substantial additions to the fund and increased enthusiasm everywhere. And
what shall be said of the noble woman, Dr. Nancy T. Williams, of Augusta,
Maine, who gave almost her all for love of Hahnemann and his work? Say of
her, “She hath done what she could.” which is the limit of human
endeavor. The next largest contribution was also by a woman, known far and
near for her intelligent and generous support of great enterprises, and it
was a most welcome addition to the fund at a critical period. The efforts
of Mrs. Dr. Jos. T. Cook of Buffalo, President of the Ladies’ Monument
Association, are well known. By untiring and persistent appeal, a very
handsome sum was realized for the Monument. The Meissen Society, by the
earnest work of Mrs. Emily Talbot, then President, and the Secretary, Miss
Emily Paine, made a most acceptable addition to the fund.
J. S. Mitchell, M.D.The special thanks of the Committee are due to the Hon.
John Dalzell of the national House and the Hon. J. H. Gallinger, Senator
from New Hampshire, who had charge of our bill in Congress. We are greatly
indebted to Senator George Peabody Wetmore, Chairman of the Joint
Committee on Library, and the Hon. Amos Cummings, of the House, for their
several favorable reports on our bill. In connection with the securing of
legislation we also make grateful acknowledgment to Colonel J. M. Guffey
of the National Democratic Committee.It is needless to say that our gratitude to President
McKinley will ever remain. Not only did he cheerfully sign the Monument
Bill, but with utmost cordiality accepted the invitation to the
dedication, and exhibited the friendliest interest in all of the
exercises. His gracious presence on that day must always remain as a
precious memory to those who joined in the dedication.Our acknowledgments are due and are cordially made to
Brig.-Gen. John M. Wilson, U. S. A., Chief of the Corps of Engineers, who
with Senator George Peabody Wetmore and the Chairman of the Monument
Committee, constituted the Commission created by act of Congress to select
a site for the Monument. To General Wilson we are particularly indebted
for the magnificent site upon which the Monument stands, as upon his
suggestion it was unanimously chosen. Thanks are also due to Colonel
Theodore A. Bingham, U. S. A., Engineer Corps, who had charge of the
erection of the ‘Monument, and accepted it for the Government on the day
of dedication.
I. T. Talbot, M.D.It is with sincerest pleasure that the Committee refers
to the eloquent and scholarly address upon this occasion made by the Hon.
John W. Griggs, Attorney-General of the United States. It was noted that
President McKinley frequently applauded during its delivery, and
afterwards expressed himself in warm terms of approval. The large audience
also received the address with great enthusiasm, and it will undoubtedly
be read with special appreciation by every follower of Hahnemann.Nor should we forget the delightful music furnished by
the United States Marine Band, which added charm to the occasion and fully
sustained the national reputation of this famous organization.With gratitude for all help from all sources, the
Monument Committee herewith concludes its labors.J. H. McCLELLAND,
WILLIAM TOD HELMUTH,
J. B. GREGG CUSTIS.
J. H. McCLELLAND
WILLIAM TOD HELMUTH
J. B. GREGG CUSTIS2000
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