Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1881-10-29
YORKTOWN.


town, Va.-Laying Of the Corner.
stone of the Monument CONNIE m ora.
tive Of tho Surrender Of Lord Corn.
wallis Interesting Addresses by
President Arthur, Max Ontrey, Mar
quis de Roehambeau and Others
HOnors TO the British FIag-Etc.
YORKTOWN, Va, October IS.
The boom OF cannon at the camp near the
old Moore House at an early hour an
nounced the dawn of the first Centennial
day. A light rain had fallen during the
early night, and in measure laid the dust.
AS the sun rose, the harbor presented
grand and imposing spectacle. The river
at this point is one Of the broadest ahdmost
beautiful on this coast, and magnificently
calculated to display the grand 1otilla
which now floated in peace where the feet
of DE Grasse lay at anchor one hundred
years ago. .rtE mimi
The distinguished guests, Including the
descendants Of Lafayette aud Steuben, the
Governors Of the States and Congressman,
began to arrive at Lafayette Hall about
eleven O'Clock. General Hancock arrived at
noon, and paid his respects to the Governor
OF Virginia. The two passed some time in a
pleasant chat, and then many persons were
presented TO the General, aud he warmly
shook each by the hand. At about 1890
President Arthur, accompanied by Secre-
taries Hunt, James and Lincoln, was driven
to the entrance Of Lafayette Hall, and they
were received by Master of Ceremonies Cor
bin. The President shook hands with the
distinguished persons present. A line was
then formed, and the party marched to the
grand stand, where the ceremony Of laying
the cornerstone of the Monument was to
take place, under the auspices Of the Ma
sonic fraternity.
The Masonic procession looked imposing,
with tylers with drawn swords, stewards
bearing white rods, Master Masons, Dea-
cons, Secretaries and Treasurers, six abreast,
followed by visiting brethren and the Grand
Communicates Of Virginia and other States.
All these were but the escort to the Presi-
dent of the United States, Cabinet officers,
Congressman, National guests, and army
and navy officers, who were attended also
by all the troops Of all arms Of the service
in camp. President Arthur was loudly
cheered byG1thecrowd= during the march 10
the grand stand.
When all had taken the places assigned
them, the ceremonies were opened with
prayer by Rev. Robert Nelson, grandson of
Governor Nelson, who commanded the Vir-
ginia militia at Yorktown. He thanked
God for one hundred years of blessing
vouchsafed this country, for Washington,
for our allies, and for our victory, and
prayed that the people Of this land might
not pride themselves too much upon their
own achievements and prosperity, but that
they might thank and trust the Lord. He
prayed for peace among all Nations and for
common country. He prayed for the rulers
of the land, that they might be pure, and
for the people, that they might learn to love
and serve the Lord.
AT the conclusion Of the prayer the band
played "The Star Spangled Banner,p with
artillery accompaniment Governor Holli-
day, OF Virginia, then delivered an address
of welcome. The Governor has q fair
presence, a clear voice and an earnest man
ner, and was frequently applauded, espe-
cially by the distinguished gentlemen who
sat around him. His illusions to the unity
of sentiment, purpose and destiny of all
sections Of our common country were greet
ed with enthusiastic applause.
Uni ed States Senator.J. w. Johnston, OF
Virginia, Chairman Of the Congressional
| Commission, then made few appropriate
remarks, in which he sketched the history
Of the surrender, read from original docu-
! ments an account of the action OF Congress:
ut the time, exhibited the sword voted to Thu
messenger who bore the news Of the surren'
der, and alluded to the fact that w. W.Henry
grandson of Patrick Henry, and Rev. DR.
| Nelson, grandson of Governor Nelson
were on the stand. In conclusion, he salt
that the col umn now to be erected was t.
commemorate not only victory Of the Colo
MES, but the part taken in that victory b.
France. Recognition and acknowledgment
of the aid given py France to this countr
in the hour Of its need was solemn dut
left by the Continental Congress to its sue
cessors; and now, after the lapse of on
hundred years, the Congress Of thirty eigh
States and fifty millions OF people, tn
Congress Of Nation which stretche
from the Atlantic to the Pa1ifc, is fulfill
ing that duty. Three millions of peopl
Z and thirteen Colonies accomplished tn
great work, and now fifty millions Of peopl
and thirty eight States are celebrating ii
Participating in this celebration are repre-
sentatives of the French Nation, here at tn
invitation OF this Government. Agai
French soldiers tread American soil an
French vessels again rlde York River.
model of the Monument to be erected
here before us. Thirteen female figures
representing the. thirteen Colonies, SCENT
support ON their shoulders the column IN
scribed with the names Of thirty eigl
States and crowned with the fgur
Of Liberty. This embodies the ide
that from thirteen Colonies grew thirty
eight States and sprung the trues
and most thorough and genuine liberty eve
enjoyed by any people. On four sides of tn
base, and carrying out the original design Q
the Continental Congress, are emblems G
the alliance between the United States an
his most Christian Majesty, and succinC
narrative OF the surrender OF Earl Cornwall
iiP' NAhu INV, 40 ',h aPpiOPii"tOO pOhiuSN
our celebration, the cornerstone Of tn
Monument will be laid with all the gran
and solemn ceremonies betting so great a
} occasion by the order Of Ancient, Free an
Accepted Masons, OF which Washingto
, himself was chief member"
Workmen, under the direction Of tn
Grand Master Of Virginia, then laid tn
cornerstone according to the ancient an
, honorable rite. - q q 49, sssf l@fE !
Judge b. II. Wexford, OF Virginia, I'll
, Masonic orator, then made an eloquent I'D
dress, at the conclusion OF which the cere
monies ended.
Immediately afterward President ArthJ
and party left for the steamer Despatch
Thn r,nnn hnnri,,r. H. L,rnr,nh Can, nj,