Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-10-20

the skies where her nag nas noateu, lac
left ineffaceable marks OF her grand and
ciyilizing spirit; we come to celebrate
the glorious date when the heroes OF In.
dependencs were able to set their hnal
seals to the solemn proclamation OF the
fourth OF July, 1776; we come also 70
salute that era Of prosperity when, leo
by her great men, America permitted
the intelligence of her people to soar and
their energy to manifest itself, and thus
the power Of the United Stated mas
strengthene and every year has advanced
to the prestige which surrounds her
star-spangled banner. When France
brought from beyond the seas
the cooperation Of her army
and navy to this valiant people engaged
in a war for independence; when Lafay-
cite, Rochambesu, Degrasse and 80
many others drew IN their
footsteps, the young and brave
scIons of our most illustrious families,
thew Welded to generous impulse and
came with disinterested courage to sus-
tain the cause OF liberty. bless
ing went with their endeavors,
and gave successes to their arms, Tor
when one hundred years ago as to-day,
the French and Americans grasped each
otnsr's hands at Yorktown, they real
lied that they had helped to lay
The Corner stone ofs Great Edihce.
But surely the most foresighted among
those men would have started had ne
been able to look down the long
vista of a century and see at this end
this republic, then young and struggling
with all the difficulties which surround
ed her, now calm, radiant and bearing
with her halo OF prosperity. 7 le
great Washington himself, whose genius
foresaw the destiny OF this country,
could not have predicted this Truly
the United States have made, especial
ly in these latter years, gigan-
tic strides along the route to still
greater progress by showing the world
what can be accomplished by an ener-
getic and intelligent nation. Always as
respectful of its duties, as jealous OF its
rights, America has given a great exam
pie and has been the cause OF rejoicing
to all the lovers of liberty. France is
proud OF having contributed to form
this great republic, and her
wishes for your prosperity are
deep and sincere. Mutual friendship
founded on many affinities OF taste and
aspirations which time caunot destroy,
and future generations, trust, will as
sist again in this same place
at q spectacle unprecedented in the his
tory OF two great nations, renewing
from century to century the compact OF
iraternal and imperishable affection.
/ will not close without thanking the
Federal Government and the different
States OF the Union, OF which the dele.
CATION have been guests, also the people
of America, for the sympathy and well
come extended to the representatives
of France. Each OF US will
Treasure the Recollection of American
Hospitality,
and the friendly sentiments which have
been manifested 10 us in every place
and in every sphere"
A Centennial ode was sung by cho-
rus. Harrison Millard, OF New York,
sang "God Save Our President from
Harm" with good effect.
Robert q. Winthrop, OF Massachu-
S6LLS, ln6L ucllNeIcu ulo Oiatipu, nhiI'
was listened to with great attention. At
the conclusion, Mr.. Winthrop was loudly
cheered, the band playing "Star Span
gled Banner"
James Barron Hope, of Virginia,
then read the centennial poem with
fine effect.
Music by the band concluded the GER
emonies. About two thousand peo'
pie were present at the
stand, but there we're none
outside of the line. The day, which
opened with q clear sky and decline
in the temperature of some 20 degrees
was yquite comfortable. Governor
Ludlow, OF New Jersey, and stall,
accompanied by many ladies, arrived by
steamer this morning, also the Pennsyl-
vania troops accompanied by Governor
Hoyt and General Hartranit.