American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1881-10-29


played an appropriate air, the military Of
fcers, Senators, Congressman and other
persons OF distinction greeting them as they
passed. At the end of the hall the Presi-
dent met the distinguished guests, and an
informal interchange Of courtesies took
place. In a few moments the party started
for the grand stand, President Arthur and
Secretary Hunt leading. They were re-
ceived with cheers as they appeared upon
the platform. Next came Secretary Blaine,
cscorting the French Legation. General
Sherman with his staff, in uniform, were
next in line, General Hancock and staff fol-
lowing.
After a general handshaking, the proceed.
ings were opened by prayer by Bishop Har-
ris. He invoked Divine blessing upon the
United States and the Republic of France,
and in conclusion asked Gods blessing upon
all the crowned heads Of the world.
The Poindexter Centennial Hymn was
then sung by choruses from Baltimore,
Richmond and Washington.
President Arthur was then introduced by
Secretary Blaine. and delivered the follow
ing address:
.'Gpon this soil. one hundred years ago,
their heroic struggle for independence.
Here and then was established. and, as we
trust, made secure on this continent for ages
yet to CO me, that principle of government
which is the very fiber of our political sys-
tem-the sovereignty of the people. The
resentments which attended and, for the
time, survived the clash Of arms have long
since ceased 20 animate our hearts. 1t is
with no feeling of exultation over
defeated foe that to-day we summon
up remembrance of those events which
have made holy the ground whereon we
tread. Surely no such unworthy sentiment
cOll6 harbOr n - nj
ly thrilled with the expression of sorrow
and sympathy which our National bereave-
ment has evolved from the people of En-
gland and their august sovereign. but it is
absolutely fitting that we should gather here
to refresh our souls with the contempla-
tion of the unfaltering patriotism, the sturdy
zeal and the sublime faith which achieved
the results We now commemorate; for so,
IL We learn Alright the lesson of the hour,
shall we be melted to transmit to the gen.
erations which shall follow the precious
legacy w hich our fathers left to us-the love
of liberty, protected by law. or that his
tOric scene which we here celebrate no
feature is more prominent and none moro
touching than the participation OF our gall
liant allies from across the sea: It was the
fresh and vigorous impulse to the
hopes of our countrymen, when
well nigh disheartened- by long series Of
disasters. 1t was their noble and generous
aid, extended in the darkest period Of the
struggle, which sped the coming OF our tri-
umph, and made the capitulation at York.
town possible century ago. To their de-
present rs honored guests of the Nation it is
my glad duty TO offer cordial welcome. You
have right to share with us the associa-
tions which cluster about the day when your
fathers fought side by side with our fathers
in the cause which was here crowned with
success, and none OF the memories awakened
by this anniversary are more grateful to us
all than the reflection that the National
al
outlasted the mutations of 4 chan2eful GEN.
tliry. God grant, my countrymen, that they
may ever remain mistaken, and that ever
with ourselves and 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 the close.
Max Outrey then, In behalf of tine French
was introduced by Secretary
Blaine, and delivered an address, in which
he said:
1.-THE French Government has felt much
touched by the friendly sentiments which |
inspired tho United States with the thought |
Of asking France to participate in the cele- |
bratiOn Of the Yorktown Centennial, and |
heartily desires to respond in manner |
worthy of both the Republics to the invita-
lion sent by the President of the United
States in behalf Of the people OF America. |
The manifestations Of public sympathy fol- |
lowing the initiative taken by The Congress
IF the United States. bidding France to this t
National festival. has been looked upon by |
rs not only as an act OF the highest courtesy.
but especially as a mark of affectionate re-
gard, having the noble aim of cementing
yet more closely the ties which unite the
.wO Republics. In commemoratiOn Of this
lay. which represents one of the grandest
" ents in the political existence Of
his country, the French Government
mas sent mission composed of special del
,gates from the different departments. and
he French President, wishing to mark his
personal sympathy, has sent one of his own
Aides de Camp. They thus desire to show
their appreciation Of the grace
ul compliment paid to our country. Each
md all Of us are proud of having been called
o the honor Of representing France on this
lere to be erected will not only recall
glorious victory; it will perpetuate recollec-
ions of an ever-faithful alliance, faithful
hrougb the trials and vicissitudes of an
ventful century; and, as the President Of
he French Republic has SO truly said, it will
the union sprung from generous
md liberal aspirations. and which the
must necessarily strengthen and
Ievelop for the good of. both countries.
n coming to this Yorktown Cen
enlial, we come to celebrate the day which
he long and bitter struggle against a great
Nation, now our mutual ally and
riend, who here, as under all the skies
where her flag has ioated, has left the ipef-
aceable marks Of her grand and civilizing
pirit. France is proud of having
contributed to found this great Republic,
nd her wishes for your prosperity are deep
nd sincere. Mutual friendship is founded
n many affinities, tastes and aspirations,
which time cannot destroy; and future gen.
trust, will assist again, in this
anne place, at the spectacle, Unprecedented
a history, of two great nations renewing,
rom century to century, q compact of fra
ernal and imperishable affection. 1 will
OF close without thanking the Federal
Government. the different States of the
Inion of which the delegation have been
be sympathy and welcome extended to the
Of France. Each OF us will
-easure the recollection Of American hos
itality and friendly sentiments which have
cen manifested to us In every place and
very sphere"
Marquis de Rochambeau then followed
nth graceful response in French, after ,
'hich Baron Steuben responded, in Ger ,
ian, In an appropriate speech, which was ,
,udy applauded. ,
Vociferous cheers were then given for the ,
guests of the Nation. ,
A Centennial ode was sung by the chorus.
Harrison Willard, of New York, sang I
God Save Our President from Harm" !
18th good effect. .
Robert G. Winthrop, of Massachusetts,, !
len delivered his Grafton, which was !
stoned to with great interest. At the con- 8
usion Mr.. Winthrop was loudly cheered, i
lie band playing ''The Star Spangled Ban :
er."
James Baron Hope, of Virginia, then !
ad the Centennial poem with fine effect. !
Music by the band concluded the ceremo- ;
es.
During the celebration the following order !
as read by Secretary Blaine:
lin recognition of the friendly relations