Alexandria Gazette

HOUDON'S STATUE OF WASHINGTON.-Senator Anderson, of Pittsylvania, writing to his paper, the Danville Register, speaking of the recent action in regard to Houdon's Statue of Washington, says: "The joint special committee having under consideration the proper disposition of this valuable work of art, which has been removed from its place in the Capitol, on account of the cracking of the wall underneath it, have made their report through Mr. Gilmer of the House, and recommend that a suitable fire-proof building be erected on the public square for its preservation. The idea is to have a small and simple Grecian edifice of granite, in the centre of which the statue shall be placed and which shall give space enough inside for persons to pass around the iron railing enclosing it. This statue is not only by far the most correct and faithful representative extant of the Father of his Country, but it is at the same time a master work of art, being scarcely surpassed by the finest productions of the chisel in ancient or modern times. Valentine, who is himself an artist of exquisite taste, and who has seen the most valued art treasures of the Old World, being particularly familiar with those of Paris and Berlin, says that if this statue had been dug up from the ruins of Herculaneum or Pompeii, it would be ranked among the foremost works of ancient statuary. The desire now is to place this marble form of Washington where it will be safe from destruction by accidental fire, and where, while protected from damage by atmospheric changes, at the same time it will be accessible to all who may wish to view it. The Capitol having several times taken fire, the statue may be in danger, if restored to its former position; though this will probably be its destination should the Assembly refuse to provide a suitable building for it."