The republic., 1851-07-07
THE REPUBLIC.


civilization.
In the distance on one side is the log cabin; on
the opposite the wigwami the flag waving over
all, indicative Of the protection il affords both to
the white and the red man.
There also similar medals Of Presidents JKF-
FERsoS and JACKSON, executed in bronze, furnish
ed by the Treasurer of the United States Mint at
Philadelphia.
The following are the editorial remarks con-
tanned In the London Telegraph of November
30, 1896, on the Farewell Address of General
Washington, an original copy of which is de-
posted in the cornerstone
"The resignation of General Washington has
taken place, and he has addressed to the people Of
America a letter repete with judicious observa-
tons, the result Of much thought and long expert
ence, tending to inspire them with system Of po-
ltical maxims far conducive to the peace
and happiness of their country than that which has
been of late pursued by the old government of Eu-
rope. This ID paper of great curiosity and i'm
portance.
"It marks the greatest era in the American his
tory since the Declaration of Independence.
General Washington retres full of years and
full of honor. He will be recorded in history
one of the greatest men of the present century.
EVERY circumstance lnueeuS considered, VIC
know not whom to place against him.
"Hs resignation, too, is important in this
spect, that it will try the soldity of the Republic.
"Hs successor, be who he may, must be de-
void of that personal respect which the present
race of Americans must ever feel towards General
Washington, and which, may think, gave
him more constitutional claim upon their obe-
dience. Their future Presidents can be esteemed
only for the faithful discharge Of delegated trust
which ii is but little III their power to violate"
This curious and interesting relic was pre-
sented by Mr.. JOHN SKIRvING to be deposited
in the cornerstone.
The ceremonies of laying the cornerstone
being concluded, the President, the Heads Of
Departments, officers of the army and navy,
and others, moved in procession in the order in
which they came to the platform at the eastern
front of the Capitol.
The steps were densely occupied-almost
exclusively by ladies, who, on this occasion,
were accorded gallant precedence. In front
other distinguished auditors, the Orator Of the
Day, (Mr. WEBSTER and the high officers Of
the Masonic Fraternity. Below, in the front Of
the Capitol, were thousands of human beings
of both sexes. From the dome of each wing Of
the building waved the national flag, and one
high over the Secretary of State. On all prom
inent points, including those of the Capt.
tol, were spectators. The scene was remark
ably beautiful, enhanced by the circum-
stances which had attracted so large a con-
course, and on the seventy fifth anniversary of
our country's independence.
1t may here be stated that the Mechanical
Artillery, under the command of Capt. George
Duffy, arrived at about eleven O'Clock, and in
conjunction with a detachment of Captain
Buckingham's artillery, fired salutes.
The ceremonies on the platform were com
menced by an
ADDRESS FROM B. B. French, esq.,, the
Grand Master Of the Masonic Grand Lodge of
the District of Columbia, who preceded Mr..
WEBSTER, at his own special request, and as
follows:
on this occasion, deeply oppressed with the cir
cumstances which surround me.
Standing, as do, in the presence of some of the
most exalted men of this nation, and to be fol-
emphatically the orator of his time, and of whom
can truly say, ''He it is who, coming after me- ia
preferred before me, whose shoes latchet am not
worthy to unloose,' you will believe me guilty
of no atfectation when say feel difidence
which is to me unusual.
Still, as your Grand Master, have duty to
perform, and shrink from no duty, under any
circumstances As has been the custom of our
revered Order, on such occasions, shall proceed,
briefly, to address you.
am unable to conceive Of a more interesting
occasion than this, upon which we are here assem-
bled, on this anniversary of the birthday of Ame-
rican Freedom.
Here we are-the proud dome of our own Capitol
towering above us-assembled together from the
North and the South, from the East and the West,
to perform duty indicative, in itself, of the
growth and prosperity of this mighty nation.
On the 18th day of September, 1893, was laid, by
GEORGE WARRINGTON, President of the United
States and Grand Master Of Masons, at least on
that occasion, the corner stone of the magnificent
ediice before us.
1t was, doubtless, supposed that, when com
pleted, according to the plan then adopted, it
would be of ample dimensions to accommodate all
the wants of the people by whomi to be erect
ed for ages then to come.
Fifty eight years have elapsed, and, in that COM
paratively brief space in the ages of governments,
we are called upon to assemble here and lay the
cornerstone of an additional edihce, which shall
hereafter tower up, resting firmly on the strong
foundation this day planted, adding beauty and
magnitude to the Peoples house, and illustrating
b
hearts Of the principles of freedom, and the rapid
growth of those principles on this Western Cont
nent.
Yes, my brethren, standing here, where, fifty
eight years ago Washington stood, clothed in the
same Masonic regalia that be then wore, using the
identical gavel that he used, have assisted in
laying the foundation of new Capitol of these
United States this day, Solomon of old laid the
foundation of the temple of the living God "Now,
therefore," says the historian Josephus, "the king
laid the foundation of the temple very deep in the
ground, and the materials were strong stones, and
such as would resist the force of time;" and we,
following this sublime example, have laid here,
deep in the ground, and of strong stones that we
trust will resist the force of time, the foundations
of house wherein we hope for heightened years
the representatives of mighty people shall iegis
late for the glory, the happiness, and the good of
that people!
When the corner stone of the edifce before US
was laid, in 1898, the Government was Justly con-
sidered an experiment, and the prediction was
again and again made, by those who thank God,
turned out to be false prophets, that it would fall
"the wish was" doubtless, "faher TO the thought;'
but it did not fall The first census Of the United
States, in l79l exhibited population Of less than
four millions Of souls; at the time of laying that
orner-stone there were, probably, something over
four millions; and now, in less than sixty years.
he nutnhrr ba iucreased IN unwarda ~ tvaptv