The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-09-13

conveniently and beautifully located, i'm a northwest
direction from the Mansion House, and about one
hundred yards distant from the building. Large
numbers OF people were already on the ground to
mone WScR were looked 'o owpPd To- WITH SGe the
greatest interest When the procession had reached
the site OF the monument, and been disposed ac-
COrding to previous arrangements, a chorus OF six
hundred singers, under the leadership of Mr.. Will
liam Hartmann, and comprising the musical
procession, sang the hymn, "The Heavens Tell"
Remarks of the Chairman.
William j. Iorstmann Esq, Chairman OF the
Committee Of Arrangements then addressed the
assemblagc as fOllOws:-
We have assembled, my friends to commemorate
the birth and, in our humble way to perpetuae the
memory OF the man whose varied learning aud vast
contributions TO science enttle HIM to the gratitude
of the civilized nations OF the world.
Though German by birth, he was so truly a cos
mopoan that students ana patriots in all countries,
ana almost every city, VIII celebrate the centennial
anniversary Of the birth Of Alexander Won Hum
bOldt.
The scientific and learned societies of Philadelphia
will celebrate the occasion with becoming ceremo-
nes and doubtless bring freshly to the attention of
the present generation the extent the various leds
and the invaluable results of his abOrs.
We have assembled in response to an invitation
from our German fellOw-citiaens who propose to
commemorate the virtues and services of their Illus
t1ous countTyman by erecting monument u ms
memory in the land OF ther adoption, ana | nave
been requested by them to express their thanks to
the gentlemen of the Park Commission for granting
to them so appropriate site for their testimonial to
one who was truly citizen of the world and lover
OF mankind. In my judgment, nothing could be
more appropriate than that the first monument
erected in this grand and beautiful park, in which
through centuries the denZcGs Of a crowded city
will come 10 enjoy communion with nature should
be ia honor OF man like llumboldt who had ira
veTsed all countries, that he might reveal natures
secrets 10 his iellow-mcn,
The modest work Of which we are about to lay the
cornerstone will not long stand alone. Gratitude
for patriotism and reverence for wisdom and good
ness will soon surround il with more elaborate me-
MORALS, by which those who come to enjoy the
beauties OF The park viii be drawn by the genius OF
art to study the lives Of the great and good men Of
other days.
Gentlemen of the Park Commission: In the name
OF the German citizens of Philadelphia, thank you
for the appreciation of Humbodts life and abOrs eX
pressed by your grant Of permission to erect his
monument in Fairmount Park.
The orchestra then performed an air.
General Meade DisappOimis.
At this point it was expected that Alajor-Gcneral
George G.. Meade, a member OF the Park Commits
sion, would respond, but he prevented by illness
from being present. sending in his stead the follow
ing letter.
Dear Sir:-I find myself confined TO my bed with a
severe cold, and my physician says that it will be
Impossible for me to go into town tomorrow in an
early train. | will therefore be prevented from at
tending the laying OF the cornerstone of the Hum
boldt monument, as had promised, and must there
fore ask you to call some of the gentlemen of
the commission to make the necessary remarks in
reply to yours. The commission yesterday decided
to meet at the Mansion House at 1920 O'Clock, so
that note from you to any one Of them can be de-
lvered in time, before the arrival of the procession.
AS Mayor Fox will accompany you, and is not only
a member OF the commission, but also the executive
representative OF the city of Philadelphia, to whom
the Park belongs he will be not only the most suita
Gated with, but this leave to you, with the express
sion of most sincere regret that am not able to be
present Respectfully yours,
GEORGE G. MEADE.
W. j. Torstmann, Esq, Chairman Executive Com
mittee.
Address by the Mayor.
Hon. Daniel NJ. Fox, Mayor Of the city, was then
introduced. He said:-
1t gives me great pleasure TO participate in these
ceremonies. The name Of Frederick Henry AleXan-
der Humboldt is confined to no nation or scarcely
any country Although born in Prussia, and receiv-
his extraordinary proficiency in philosophy and
science, and to turn his remarkable travels in then
comparatively unknown countries, and especially so
on this American continent, to good account-in-
deed, the results of which have been profitable
people have right, and it becomes their duty,
TO make some, note of his life, his services, and
the memory he has left for their admiration
and emulation. IL is proper that the example
of this eminent philosopher should be presented in
some marked and impressive manner to the youth
OF this generation and by us to those Of this city
a stimulant to induce them to excel i'll useful study
and when acquiring talents to give to the people at
large the benefit of that information of which they
may thereby become possessed. regard 1t as very
suitable that the city of Philadelphia, noted for its
superior facilities for acquiring classical and scen
titC education for its many medical and polytechnic
colleges, and its eminent and distinguished men Of
learning should take part in recognizing this occa-
sion and therefore, one OF its authorities, seev
ing and feeling well assured that it meets with the
hearty approval OF the Others my colleagues in mu-
nicipal representative position, most cordially par
tcipate IN it.
The life and character of this extraordinary man
TO follow, and therefore all need venture TO add
is express my satisfaction that beautiful spot
has been selected in this magnificent park for the
erection Of the monument to the memory of Hum
bodt and that my friend, General George G. Meade,
us President of and on behalf OF the Park Commits
sion, had consented to be the medium of presenting
the plot for the purpose. regret to be obliged to
announce that General Meade is confined to his
house i'll Montgomery county by illness, Il note hav-
ing just been received giving the Information. In
his absence, and on behalf OF the Park Commits
siOners, do with great pleasure appropriate the
monument.
will always be happy to have their grounds orna-
mented with works of art commemorating the lives
and deeds Of great and good men, not only Of our
own country, but those OF the world at large.
The Masonic Ceremonies
connected with the laying of the cornerstone OF the
monument of the most elaborate and impress
siVe character. At eleven O'Clock the procession
formed at the Mansion House in the Park, the Grand
Lodge of MasOns and the Grand Lodge Ohcers
attired in their gorgeous regalla, taking the posi-
tions assigned them according to the rules of the
Order. The procession moved slowly from the Man
sion House TO the site Of the monument, when the
ceremony of laying the cornerstone was proceeded
with in the following manner:-
The X. w. Grand Chaplain opened the exercises
by the delivery of the following prayer
we come before Thee, Thou Great and Eternal
God and Father, maker of worlds and ruler of men,
to offer to Thee our alteration and praise, our
prayers and thanksgiving. We pray Thee to bless
the work now begun, with the corn Of strength the
wine OF refreshment, and the oil OF joy We implOre
Thee to bless the great brotherhood OF Free Masonry
here, and everywhere. and all men. We ask Thee OF
Thy great mercy to preserve and protect us, and
have compassion for those who suffer, and be the
God of the widow and the fatheress. BE pleased to
teach us our work, that we may ever re-
we're Thy holy name and obey Thy my divine
may nave respect to those in authority over us, as
they and are accountable TO Thee, the only wise
Thy dwelling place, o Thou who created the earth
and the sea- the sun, moon, and stars and pour out
upon us IKE 0esshgs o wom nioIeIe nGu alGst
and omnipresent God hear us, be with u.s. and grant
al,Or m a Eat Of HfrI1t