Architect - Thomas Hastings of New York.
Architecture - Italian Renaissance with Byzantine features.
This great Tower of Jewels symbolizes the Panama Canal, the jewel today
that is most resplendent.
It is 433 feet high. In cold weather, owing to the contraction of the
steel, it is said to be four inches shorter than in warm weather.
The arch is 110 feet high and 60 feet broad.
The tower is in seven lifts, surmounted by the earth with its shimmering
jewels. You are reminded that the whole earth is affected by this
stupendous piece of engineering (the Panama Canal).
The figures on the pedestals of the arch are by John Flanagan of New
York, and they represent:
1. The Adventurer, the type of man of the 16th century who pushed out
into the wilderness of the southwest.
2. The Priest, the type of man who came to convert the country in the
16th century.
3. The Philosopher, who by his fine knowledge of the Greek and Latin
manuscripts was able to disseminate knowledge in the 16th century
thruout the new regions.
4. The Warrior, the type of 16th century soldier who came to conquer the
country.
On the first tier you meet the Armoured Horseman by Tonetti, the type of
colonizer of the 16th century.
Now look at the equestrian statues that stand on either side of the
Tower. That on the right is Cortez (by Chas. Niehaus), the conqueror of
Mexico - the man who wrested Mexico from Montezuma for the kingdom of
Spain.
On the left Pizarro (by Chas. Rumsey), the conqueror of Peru, who gained
for Spain the land of the Incas.
The country north of the Panama region was conquered by the Spanish.
That on the south of Panama was also the Spanish land.
It is time now to read the inscriptions on the south side of the tower:
1501
Rodrigo de Bastides, pursuing his course beyond the West Indies,
discovers Panama.
1513
Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, crossing the Isthmus of Panama, discovers the
Pacific Ocean.
1904
The United States, succeeding France, begins operations on the Panama
Canal.
1915
The Panama Canal is opened to the commerce of the world.
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The United States has put thru the canal, so the American eagle with
outstretched wings is seen as a decorative motive on either side of the
Tower - with telling suggestions.
The hand of the law is governing the commerce of the Panama Canal, hence
you receive that gentle reminder in the Roman insignia, the fasces.
In the old Roman days of the kingdom, as well as in the days of the
Roman republic, the lictor marched in front of the head of the State
carrying the fasces, those twelve birch rods with the ax, indicating
punishment and then death if the laws were not obeyed.
The fasces are seen at the extreme ends of the wings of the tower.
It is interesting to see this same device used in the Liberal Arts
Palace and in the Educational Palace - especially in reform exhibits or
such exhibitions as the New York Educational Exhibit, where the hand of
state is suggested.
The laurel wreath on the tower is another speaking motive.
The vessels push out in all directions from the Panama Canal. You get
that suggestion at the corners of the third lift.
Don't lose sight of the beautiful turquoise green columns in the temple
forms of the Tower. At night the aquamarines follow out the same
beautiful color.
Watch, when the Tower is first illuminated with the blood glow, and you
will see that it almost pulsates with life. It should, for is it not the
vital part of this great Exposition?
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