Engineering Wonders of the World
Volume III

256 ENGINEERING WONDERS OF THE WORLD This was necessary to prevent the corrosion which would otherwise be caused by the action of electricity induced by the damp salt air. This gigantic statue is justly admired for its majestic proportions and the benevolent calm of the countenance. The pedestal, too, is quite an artistic creation. The Pedestal. . . At its summit is a balcony, 3 feet 7 inches wide in the clear, running round its four sides. It has also a loggia 26 feet 7 inches high. Around the base is a terrace, 15 feet 6 inches wide, to which a staircase leads. Shields bearing the coat of arms of the several states of the American Republic are arranged round the base. The statue alone weighs 100 tons, its com- position being three-fifths iron and two-fifths copper. Its cost is estimated at £50,000. To this sum we must add £70,000 for the base and pedestal, making £120,000 in all. Both pedestal and monument can be ascended, and the trip from the Battery to the island for a view of New York from the pedestal balcony or from the torch is regarded as one of the things that should be done by every visitor to New inauguration. The Inauguration Ceremony. York. The torch, at the extreme height of the extended arm, is reached by a staircase in the monument. Fifteen people can easily find accommodation around the torch balcony. Just above this balcony is an electric light, which illuminates the statue every night. October 28, 1886, was the day fixed for the unveiling of the statue, or, to speak more correctly, for its ceremonial A grand military and civil pro- cession took place on shore. Then the President of the Republic and the most dis- tinguished personages boarded thirty-seven steamers for the island. After a prayer and some music, M. de Lesseps delivered an ad- dress. This was followed by an address by Senator Ewarts announcing the presentation of the statue by France to the United States. The face, which had been shrouded by tri- colour flags, was then unveiled amid the ter- rific din of cannon, steam whistles, and hooters. President Cleveland then formally accepted the monument, and the ceremony closed with the singing of the Old Hundredth.