STATUES FOR THE FOUR PEDESTALS ON LONDON BRIDGE.
TO THE EDITOR OF TilE SPECTATOR.
Isliniton,1411 February I7.
Silt—Some years ago I made a faint effort, through the medium Of your journal, to draw the attention of the public to a plan or idea for embellishing the New London Bridge, by placing a statue on each of the four unoccupied pedestals at the corners of that edifice; and I ventured to suggest four cele- brated individuals of different nations, each teerhom was remarkable in his way fur the benefits his labours have conferred upon mankind at large, viz. Co. LUMBUS, MARTIN LUTHER, HUMBOLDT, and LINN.EUS. NIA long after this idea had been sent forth, the question of erecting a statue in honour of the Duke of WELLINGTON, near the Surry side of the Bridge, was agitated ; and sub- scriptions have poured in from all quarters for carrying this object into effect. I stated my reasons pretty fully iu my former letter to you on this matter, why I objected to the hitherto exclusive commemoration of persons of note who were natives, and added the reasons why I preferred selecting foteigners for a distinction of this nature. Finding, however, that so large a number of per- sons of weight and influence had joined in the project of erecting a statue to the noble Duke near a spot which I had wished to dedicate to views and feel- ings of a different kind, I of course gave up all hope of seeing them rea- lized. The announcement in the papers that the site for the intended statue has been changed from the foot of the Bridge to opposite the Mansionhouse, and that the effect which I contemplated is, therefore, not likely to be destroyed by the intrusion of an unsuitable object, my hopes are revived, and I request per- mission to renew the suggestion I formerly threw out. I have only to add, that should the idea be taken up with a prospect of its being carried into effect, I shall most cheerfully add my mite to others. I am, respectfully, Sir, your constant reader, J. R. T.
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