The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-11-04
The Yorktenn CentsnnIaI.
To the Editors Of the Dispatch'

from pcISOnai tApihlttioh, " INefH'b 80
print such reflections, and in more promi-
nent form, which the momentous occasion
and incidents so justly merit.
Yorktown itself was but a locality,
around which, however, clustered remini-
scenes and associations OF 100 years, cut
minating in occurrences Frightening the
past with prcsages OF future brilIiancy ana
appreciation. All Of grandeur had to be
carried there, rendering success more diff
cult, and consequently more credlfaDle.
may first refer to the eloquent ana ap-
propriate addresses of the Governor OF VIZ
ginia and Senator Johnston, not only wei
coming associate Governors, but the ma
tions OF the earth, making all feel that,
though on tho soil OF Virginia, 1t was bul
an integral part OF the mighty Union with
omen arms and hearts for the oppressed OF
all the earth approaching such blessings
I NAV next refer to the laying OF the cor
ner-stone by the distinguished Masons
OF the different States. forming cir
cuIar column, in glittering array, one hun
dred feet in diameter, with symmetri-
cal simplicity, regularity, devotion, obh-
tions. and significant manipulations and
earnestness far exceeding the imagination
of the uninitiatcd, eliminating in an ami
mated and eloquent address by Judge Well
ford, Of Richmond.
The identical Masonic apron used by
General Washington was in use, and 1t was
said that ont Of fifty-iour Revolutionary
generals tiity-three were Masons-the fifty
fourth. Benedict Arnold; and thus these
exercises by such fraternity were pecu-
liarly appropriate.
The next introduction may embrace the
President OF the United States and men,
bers OF the Cabinet-the former in an APP
propriate address abiding ieelingly to the
recent lamentcd national bereavement, the
English nation and her noble Queen, and
TO the descendants OF the gallant foreigners
present. 90 conspicuous in the successful
achievements. This brought out the
French Minister in an address OF eloquent
and elegant English, rendered more in
teresting by a slight foreign accent, inter
mingled so appropriately with the incidents
Of tie occasion. The other foreign adj
dresses were in their native languages, but
their manner well indicated thoughts that
breathed and words that burned, the bright
manifestations and destinations OF their
ladies greatly enhancing the interest OF the
scene.
Then may he exhibited the magnificent,
patriotic address Of Mr.. Winthrop, worth
all the paraphernaIia incident to its pro-
duction and polished delivery in Itself, ST.
lencing all efforts at description; as wei
as the corresponding poems Of James Bar
ron Hope, Esq, an ode OF Paul III. Hayhe,
ESQ. attuned TO the reyerberatiOns OF hun
dreds OF voices and thrilling strains OF the
highest instrumental music. L may here
refer to the presence OF the flower OF the
American army, under the magnificent
Hancock. and graced by the presence OF
other distinguished army generals and the
local generals Of the States, not only sub
DUNG all criticism, but far eclipsing the
highest Imagination Of superiority, with
the best representatives OF the American
navy, admirals, etc.
Why need | say more, or why so much,
TO confirm grand success and agRrandizo-
ment without even referring to the bril-
liant display Of fireworks at night, the mu-
sic. and the dance, the wonderful eXecu-
tive ability on lines OF conveyance:
And still there arc some incidents and con-
comitants it might not be just and proper
TO omit, especially the steaming in OF the
aforementioned French ship, perhaps
the handsomcst Of the feet, somewhat be
hind time, but coming in maiestically
amidst the thunders o. American artillery
on land, gracefully anchorlng, and reyer-
bcrating from the water the highest intona-
lions Illustrative OF Rochambeau and De
Grassc. and all in combination, deiying the
rest OF creation, but in amity and sincere
respect, saluting the flags OF other nations
in token and aspiration for the peace and
incidental prosperity which should per-
wade the whole earth.
And now, il have secured any favor or
federation, l only claim the personal in
diligence i'm referring to the presence Of
the venerable and yenerated philanthropist
w. W. CorcOran, of Washington, who,
though nearly eighty-four years Of age, re-
tains the appreciation and encouragement
OF the grand and excellent, and whose
presence alone fully compensates for the
absence of all disposed to criticise or dis
parage, or any who expected more. Dust
better than STORMY
At the PHILADELPHIA Centennial the most
magnificent OF the shade-trees which sur
rounded the Virginia building was called
the " Corcoran tree" because in the Au-
gust suns it was dispensing such comfort
and blessings to suffering humanity. II may
DC little remarkable, and liberation for
this ebulition, that at this subsequent Cen
tennial he should have been similarly pro-
tecied, aflording TO the iairest Of the fair an
opportunity OF homage and devotion for
disinterested benefits conferred on the aged
and destitute OF their sex. All unite in
the aspiration and hope that he may have n
centennial OF his own-the third in time
but in some respects not inferior TO any
predecessor-"P Peace having her victories
more renowned than war;" enhanced by
the surrounding pomp and circumstance OF
war. And now, as r palliation iorany FUR
Their trespass or continuation, can only
plead this first occurrence never to rccur.
The imposing pageant has passed, but The
principles are just implanted-to flourish
i'm unfading Yerdure. This cornerstone
Is but the foundation on which Will be
erected a superstructire pointing up 10
Heaven, and, like the century plant,
blooming one hundred years hence, spread
its fragrance through our nation OF ma
tions, and all the nations OF the earth the
appreciations of these worthy descendants
OF gallant ancestry spreading through
Europe as seed in good ground coming UP
as armed men in similar emergencies, but
only desirable in preservation OF "peace
on earth and good will to man."
L. G.. BOOTH.
We are sorry to have to admit that BENE-
DICT ARNOLD was Mason. The fact was
established very few years ago.