The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1881-10-28
THE YORKTOWN CENTENNIAL.
Anniversary Of the Surrcnder Of
Yorktown.

YoRKrowS, Oct. 10.
Yesterdays proceedings in the celebration
now in progress may be briefly described as
follows
At 10 o'clock salutes were fired from Cen.
Hancocl's camp. The steamer Excelsior, with
the Yorktown Congressional Commission on
board. arrived, and was received with salutes
from Gen. Hancock's camp and the war vessels
in the harbor. Shortly after the Dispatch and
Tallapoosa hove in sight, and were saiuted by
the camp and gunboats.
President Arthur left the Dispatch at IL 80
and proceeded TO Lafayette Hall, where he was
received by the Governor of Virginia.
The distinguished guests including the de-
scendants of Lafayette and Steuben, Govern
ors Of States and Congressman, began 70
arrive at Lafayette Hall about I o'clock. Gen.
Hancock arrived at noon and paid his respects
TO the Governor of Virginia.
At about 1890 President Arthur, accom-
panied by Secretaries Hunt, James and Lin
coin, was driven to the entrance Of Lafayette
Hail. and was received by Master Of Ceremo-
nles Corbin. The President shook hands with
the distinguished persons present. The hne
was then formed, and the party marched 10 the
grand stand, where the ceremony OF laying the
corner stone of the monument Was to take
place, under the auspices Of tho Masonic fra
ternity.
President Arthur was loudly cheered by the
crowd during lDS maTcn 10 tie grand eJdnu.
When all had taken the places assigned them
the ceremonies were opened with prayer by
Rev. Robert Nelson. grandson of Gov.
Nelson, who commanded the Vir-
ginia militia at Yorktown. He thanked God for
100 years OF blessing vouchsafed this country,
for Washington, for our allies and for our
victory, and prayed that the people of the
land might not pride themselves too
much upon their own achievements and pros
perity, but that they might thank and trust the
Lord He prayed for peace among all nations
and for fraternal concord among the sections
of our 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" with ar
tlllery accompaniment.
Gov. Holiday, OF Virginia, then delivered the
address OF welcome. The Governor has fine
presence Gear voice and earnest manner, and
was frequently applauded, especially by the
distinguished gentlemen who sat around hum.
His illusions to the unity Of sentiment, purpose
and destiny of all sections of our common
country were greeted with enthusiastic APP
plsuse.
United States Senator ]. w. Johnston, Of
Virginia. Chairman of the Congressional Com
mission, then made few appropriate remarks
in which he sketohed the history of the sur
render, read from original documents an ac-
count Of the action OF Congress at tho time,
exhibited the sword voted 10 the messenger
who bore the news OF the surrender, and al
luded to the fact that w. W. Henry grandson
OF Patrick Henry, and the Rev. Dr. Nelson
grandson OF Gov. Nelson, were on the stand.
In conclusion, he said that the column, now
to be erected, was to commemorate not only
the victory of the colonies, but the part taken
in that victory by France. Recognition and
acknowledgment OF aid given by France TO this
country in tho hour of Its need WAS solemn
duty left by the Continental Congress to its
SUCCESSORS, and now, after the lapse Of 100
years, tho Congress of thirty-eight States
and 5C, 600, 900 OF people, tho Congress of
Atlantic to the Pacific, is fulfilling
that duty. Three millions OF people and
thirteen colonies accomplished the great work,
and now 50,000000 of people and thirty
eight States arc celebrating 1t. Participating
In this celebration are the representatives, OF
the French nation, here at the invitation OF
this Government. Again French soldiers tread
American SOIL and French vessels again ride
York river. Tho model of the monument
TO be erected is here before ue. Thirteen
female figures representing the thirteen col
onies seem 10 support on their shoulders
column inscribed with the names OF thirty
eight States, and crowned with figure of
Liberty. This embodies the idea that from
the thirteen colonies grew thlrty-eight
States, and sprung the truest and most thor
any people. On four sides of the base. and
carrying out the original design of the Con-
tinental Congress, are enlblems OF the ALI
ance between the United Stated.and his Most
Christian Majesty, and suceinct narrative Of
the surrender OF Earl CORVALLIS and now, as
an appropriate opening OF our celebration, the
cornerstone OF the monument will be laid with
oil the grand and solemn ceremonies betting
so great an occasion by the order of Ancient,
Free and Accepted Masons, of which Washing
ton himself was chief member.
The workmen, under the direction of the
Grand Master of Virginia then laid the corner
stone according to the ancient and honorable
rite. The chair occupied by the Grand Master
on the occasion was one which Lord Boutetort,
when loyal Governor of the Old dominion,
presented TO the Grand Lodge OF Virginia,
and ia which George Washington sat when
Grand Master OF Virginia Masons. The
sash and apron worn by Grand Master
Peyton ). Coles, of Virginia, were worked by
Mrs. Lafayette, and wore presented to Wash
ington in 1884 at MI. Vernon. Aiterwsrd, in
1872, they we're given To Washington Lodge,
OF Alexandria, Va, by Maj. Lawrence Lewis
The gayel was made from portion of the
quarterback or the United States frigate
Lawrence, the flagship OF Commodore
Perry at the battle and victory Of
Lake Erie, Sept. 10, 1918, and was pro-
sented to tho Masonic Veterans Association by
a venerable brother OF the Rev. Marshall Il.
Shlltn. June Z. 1851
Judge B. r Wexford, Of Virginia, Masonis
orator, then made an eloquent address, at the
conclusion OF which the ceremonies ended.
Immediately afterward President Arthur and
party left for the steamer Dispatch.
The steamer bearing the French Com
mission, Secretary Blaine and others,
was in the stream somo two hours and half
before they were first discovered from shore,
and while the corner stone was being laid Sec
rotary Blaine came to the Government dock and
sent word to the authorities in charge but it
was too late, as the ceremonies were complet-
ed, and the party returned to the Tallapooea.
The scene on the river front YVES on inspiring
one. Men-of-war, steamers, tugs, yachts sail
ing vessels, all decked with flags and stream
ers; salutes to arriving dignitariee, gay
uniforms, military, Knights Templar, etc;
the music of bands and drums and flies as
the troops landed and marched to quarters
and the crowds OF people Of all nationalites
and conditions who gathered at the batteries
or wandered over the grounds--a combined
to mike scene OF deep interest. There were
the usual drills at the camps all day, and they
were Witnessed by thousands of spectators.
The pyrotechnic display at night was suo-
CO.'S. All the war-ships were brilliantly illu-
minated, presenting a beautiful sight On the