Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1881-10-27
YORKTOWN CELEBRATION
The Speeches and Ceremonies of
the Dignitaries of Three
Great Nations.

On entering, the marine band of Wash
lngton played an appropriate air. Th
military officers, senators, congressmer
and other persons of distinction greete
them as they passed. At the end O
the palla the President met the distin
guished guests and an informal inter
change of courtesies took place. In ,
few moments the party started for th,
grand stand, President Arthur ane
Secretary Hunt leading. They wer,
received with cheers as they appeared
on the platform. Next came Secretary
Blaine escorting the French delega
ton, followed by the German delega
ton. Gen. Sherman with his staff were
the next in line, Gen. Hancock anC
staff following. Gen. Hancock was
given three cheers. After a genera
handshaking the ceremonies opened
by prayer by Bishop Harris. He in.
voked the divine blessing upon the
United States and the erepublic of France
and IN conclusion asked Gods blessing
upon all crowned heads of the world. :
The Polndexter centennial hymn was
then sung by the chorus from BaIti-
more. Richmond and Washington.
President Arthur was then intro.
duced by Secretary Blaine and deliver.
ed the following address
Upon this soil one hundred wears
ago our forefathers brought to success
ful issue their heroic struggle for inde-
pendence which here and then was es-
tabllshed, and as we trust may be Sc
cure upon this continent for ages to
come. The principles of government
which is the very fibre of our political
system, the sovereignty of the people,
the sentiments which attended and
for a time survived the clash
OF arms have long ceased to animate
our hearts; it is with no feeling of ex-
ultatlon of defeated foe that, to -dav.
we summon up a remembrance of
those events which have made holy the
ground whereon we tread. Surely no
such unwnrthu ~~-74.-.---L -L>1z,a1,Id f;,,d
expression of sorrow which the natTUEl ii5ir
al bereavement has evolved from the
people of England, and their august
sovereign; but it is altogether fitting
that we should gather here to refresh
our souls with the contemplation
of the unfaltering patriotism, the
sturdy zeal and the sub
lime faith which achieved the re-
suits we now commemorate, so we may
learn a right lesson Of how shall we be
melted to transmit to the generation
which shall follow, the precious legacy
which our fathers left to us, the love of
liberty protected by law. OF that his
toric scene which we here celebrate, no
feature is moIe prominent and none
more touching that the participation of
our gallant allies from across the
sea. 1t was their presence which gave
fresh impulse to the hopes of our
countrymen, when well nigh disheart-
ened by long series of disasters. 1t
was their aid extended in the darkest
period of the struggle which showed
coming victory.
1t is my glad duty to offer a cordial
welcome. You have a right to share
with us the memories which cluster
about the day when your fathers fought
side by side with our fathers in
cause which was here crowned with
success, and none of the memories
awakened by this anniversary are
more grateful to us, than the reflection
that the national friendships so closely
connected have outlasted the mutila
tions Of changeful century.
God grant, my countrymen, that they
may ever remain unshaken, and thai
ever henceforth with ourselves anC
with all nations of the earth, we may
be at peace.
The president was not interrupted
during the delivery of the address, but
there was great enthusiasm at its close
Max Outrey then, in behalf of the
French delegation, was introduced by
Secretary Blaine and delivered an ad
dress.
Outrey said the French governmen
felt much touched by the friendly sen
timents which inspired the United
States with the Thoughts of askin,
France to participate in the celebration
of the Yorktown centennial, and heart
lily desire to respond in a name
worthy of both republics to the invita-
ton send by the president of the Unit
ed States IN behalf OF the people Q
America. Manifestations of publi
sympathy, following the initiative take
by the congress of the United State
bidding France to the national festiva
have been looked upon by the Unite
States not only as an act of the highes
courtesy but especially as a mark {
afectionate regard, having the nobl
) aim of cementing yet more closely th
!; ties which united the two republics. /
$ commemoration of this day, whic
, represents one OF the grandest event
: in the political existence of this cour
y try, the French government has sent
d commission composed of special del,
e gates from the different department
/ of France. The president wishing I
; mark his personnel has sent one CT b
: own aides-de-camp. They thus desil
k to show particularly their appreciate
of the graceful compliment paid to OIL
country, which each and all of us al
ir proud Of having been called to homo
\. representing France on the auspiciol
y day. The monument which is
be erected will not only reca
the glorious victory, but it W
perpetuate the recollections of an ev
faithful alliance, faithful through Il
y trials and vicissitudes of the EVENT.
II century, and as the past French repu