The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-07-06
Glorious Celebration OF the Fourth, and ths
Laying Of tho Cornerstone.

1 Laying Of tho Cornerstone.
We had no time yesterday TO collect the particulars OF
,he ceremonies of the day In TRUTH could not have
had for them this morning. our columns de-
voted to the ratified treaty with Mexico. The great
feature of the celebration of this
Iday in this city, the laying OF the omerstone OF
the National Washington Monument
We may say, in the general that never have wit
messed more agreeable more brilliant spectacle. The
day was as fine if could have made it to own
taste The rain had laid the dust and infused delicious
freshness in the air The procession extensive and
beautiful ltembraced many volunteer military companies
of our own and sister cities-varous associations
with their characteristic enbems-the President and
cabinet and various officers of the executive govern
ment-nany OF the members of Congress- number
of citizens, and of strangers, who had poured into
the city When the heightened procession had reach
ed the site OF the monument they were joined by a
whole cortege of ladies and gentlemen; and we are
free to say that behed SO magnificent specta
Gle in our lives From 900 to 10000 persons are es
dmaed have been present. stretched over large area
of ground from the southern hill gradually slopng down
O the Presidents house, and the executive Offices, the
Observatory, and most of the conspicuous points of
Washington. This large multitude embellished
with the varegated coors of the emblems of the asso
cations the splendid attire of the military, and the
tunes of the ladies' Wherever you cast your eye, you
were arrested by the appearance of some distinguished
man in civil in military lfe and many of the last from
the late glorious batte-ieds of Mexico
The ceremonies of the day very imposing AS
as the procession arrived at the cornerstone,
and came order, the Throne of Grace was addressed
by the Rev. Mr. McJton, in an impressive and appro-
pirate manner.
Old Hundred" was then sung and every heart, and
should think, almost every voice was lifted up In
the performance OF that grand and solemn harmony
An Grafton repete with eloquence and patriotism was
then delivered by the Hon. Robert c. Winthrop, Speaker
Of the House of Representatives which was listened TO
broken by bursts Of applause.
Mr. Winthrop occupied about one hour After he had
concluded Mr. Benz B. French, the Grand Master of the
Masonic Fraternity, delivered very beautiful and APP
poprate address, occupying in the delivery about
twenty minutes The Grand Master then descended from
the stand to the and performed the appropri
masonic ceremonies of laying it, accompanying them
with explanatory and interesting remarks
Apatriotic song written by Robert Treat Paine was
then sung by Mr. Eddy, and the multitude joined in the
chorus.
The benedicton was pronounced and the procession
again formed and returned to Pennsylvania avenue,
where il was dismissed
brighter and more glorious day never shone Every
thing seemed to be arranged in the most happy manner
and the day closed without any accident that has come to
our knowledge
We congratulate the National Monument Association
on this suspicious of their patriotic I'M
dertakng From very heart of hearts, we wish them
success
We learn that the Grafton Of Mr.. Winthrop, the ad-
1ress of Mr. French and the remarks made by him upon
aging the corner. stone, in the hands of our
neghbors of the Intelgencer and will appear in their
paper of to-day. We shall give them a place in our
columns as soon as it is possible
We have never more orderly assembly. The
fireworks, exhibited on the same theatre and prepared
by the pyroechnsts of the navyyard, admirable be-
yond description. They witnessed and enjoyed by
an immense multitude. The Presidents reception at
night, in the east room, very numerously attended
Thus passed Of the most splendid and agreeable
lays which Washington has ever witnessed.
We respectfully suggest TO the National Monument
Association, whether it would not be we'll to publish
history OF the of the day. with the addresses
n pamphlet form. The occasion was one of intense in
crest to this whole nation; and believe copy of the
would be most acceptable in every dwelling
)f the land.