The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-09-06
VILLARD'S EXCURSION.
The Guests Assist in Laying the Corner
Stone of the Capitol of Dakota.

BISMARCK, D. T., Sept. 5.-The occupants
of section three of the Willard train were
awakened atan unreasonable hour this morn
ing by a hideous noise resembling an Indian
war-whoop and the discordant sounds of a
war-dance. If the startled journalists felt
fear for moment it was only for moment,
as it became apparent that the cries resem-
bled more the Cultural notes of Harvard
and Yale than the music of Sitting Bull and
his braves. 1t was discovered that the salut-
ing Indians were Noah Brooks, of the New
York Times J. H. Smalley, General H. V.
Boynton, Varney, of Frank Leslie's, and
Graham, of Harper's. 1t was voted to take
their scalps and Brigdeman, Lloyd and Glib
son were detailed to see it done.
The ceremonies of laying the cornerstone
of Dakota's capitol were announced to take
place at an early hour, and the streets were
already filled with decorated carriages and
wagons in which were the beauty of the city
and prairie, numbering not less than 5000
The Willard party were taken possession of
and escorted to the grounds where no time
was lost in prelminaries. Governor Ordway,
i'll addressing President Willard and his
guests said that the agreeable duty de-
volved upon him, as the chief executive of
Dakota, to welcome them to Bismark, the
capital of Dakota, the largest and most pros
porous Territory in the Union. Mr. Willard
responded as follows:
The fortunes of the corporations over which
have the honor to preside, so absolutely
Identified with The prosperity of Dakota that we
need feel an interest in every step in its prog
ress. 1t was a source of no ordinary satisfao-
ton to be permitted to conduct the ex-
traOrdinary host who accompany Inc on this
march across the continent over the rolling
pralrles OF your Territory. MY guests were IN
formed in advance that they would see wonder
full sights along our line of progress through the
Territory, but | believe reflect the sentiments
of all of them, when l say that what they have
seen has far exceeded their expectations They
share with me the consciousness that great
tory, and they join with ne in sincere wishes
for It's welfare. We all glad to participate in
this auspleious event, and feel person t%dt
it Is my good fortune to 20
permitted to assist i'll laying this cornerstone.
VIII you, Mr.. Governor, express to the citizens
OF Bismarck and to the people OF Dakota Terri
tory, our heartfelt thanks for the generous and
! unstinted hospitality that we have received
since we entered the Territory. Allow me to
add one more word on behalf of the representa-
tIves of my native land. They, l am assured,
feel particularly proud to be able to assist at
this ceremony IN town that bears the name OF
the greatest living statesman, and, am sure,
feel particular pride in being permitted 10 have
given them this opportunity.
Governor Ordway presented the German
minister, Baron Esendecker, with an en-
crossed copy of the resolutions of the citi-
Zens of Bismarck in honor of the German
Chancellor, after whom the city is named.
Baron Eisendecker said:
Mr. Governor accept this token of esteem
for the German Chancellor with deep gratitude.
am glad to he here myself, the representative
of the German empire, to take from your hauds
this testimony. shall not fail to forward it to
Prince Bismarck and can assure you that he
will esteem IT, and feel highly honOred that you
have thought on this memorable occasion of the
Prince whose name your capital bears. can
only say that wish that the city of Bismarck,
the capital of your Territory, may make it's
name sound in your land as highly as the name
of its good father sounds in my land. Loud
cheers
Hon. VIM. NJ Evarts was introduced, and
! spoke briefly. There were calls for General
| Grant, and that distinguished guest stepped
| to the front and said:
Ladies' and Gentlemen-Tt is with some re-
| luctance that respond to your kind request.
AS you are aware from your reading, when get
| To talking before a crowd scarcely know when
| to quit. GLaughter.l | sure were l to stop
| to tell you of my feelings and the sights / have
seen the train would not get off tonight. [
never sat foot in Dakota till yesterday. l heard
much of yOnr country, but was not prepared
| Mr. Evarts, predict for you prosperous fu-
tnre. In few years you Will rank far above
the best OF the states, and perhaps their repre-
| sentatives, unless Congress hasten to admit
! you, when the next census is taken.
Remarks were made by Hon. Carl Schurz
who was warmly received, MIR. Billings
Hon Carter Harrison and Secretary Teller.
Mr.. Willard then introduced Sitting Bull,
whose remarks were translated to the as
| sembled thousands by the government inter-
prefer. With few more words Mr. Willard
| closed the ceremonies and he and his guests
departed. The Willard tram crossed the river
to Mandan, where another handsome wei
come was accorded.