The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-07-06
GOV. ROBES ADDRESS
Anent the First National Bank.

Fello1o Citizens Of the State of Maine.
The ancient custom of laying the corner
stone OF public buildings with masonic services
continues to meet with favor throughout the
civilized world; the usages of the venerated
and respected Order of Masons do not permit
the corner stone OF buildings of the character
OF the one to be erected upon the spot where
we now stand to be thus honored. This con-
templated building, however, will be partially
built by contributions from religious and
benevolent associations; but more largely by
the capital of business and mercantile men
1t is to be, therefore, an edifice erected in the
interests OF the great public, and OF such a
character as to merit its respect and honor.
The Board of Directors of the "First Ma
tional Bank of the City of Portland repre-
sentlng one OF the largest banking establish
ments in New England, contemplate building
the most costly, commodious and convenient
building for banking purposes that has ever
been erected in our State; its appearance in
style OF architecture, when completed, will be
an ornament to this beautiful CITY and its
ample accommodations will materially increase
its business capacity.
1t has been delegated to me, as one of the
Directors OF the Bank, and representing other
important interests, to perform certain cere-
monies appropriate for this occasion.
now have the honor to, and do, in accord
ance with venerated usages, deposit the usual
variety OF distinguished mementoes of the
present aud past periods, uuder the base of
what is to be beautiful and serviceable struc-
ture. This day would seem to be fitting one
for such an act, even if effected without elah-
crate and extended ritual services
This contemplated edifice, better than spoken
words, represents the goal arrived at, by the
onward march of improvement during the
past two and one-half centuries. In practical
and significant manner this building will be a
representative monument of what has been
accomplished in the interests Iof commercial
aud mercantile men. AT the close of the next
two hundred and fifty years, it will bear the
distinguishing features of the advance artistic
and useful work of the present period; and
may IL thus stand as centennial monument
for future observation and comparison.
The foundation stone of the building is to be
laid; the superstructure completed, and its fu-
ture use dedicated to the interests of the COM
mercial, mercantile and agricultural people of
our State and city. On this glorious Fourth
OF July let us all rejoice that among SO many
great blessings we have a sound and uniform
currency.
The name OF Hon. William Pitt Fessenden.
the late Secretary of the united States Treas
ury, the distinguished Senator and Statesman,
should eyer live in the hearts of his people;
his wisdom and financial ability secured our
national credit in the day of its peril.
Our present banking and financial success
is largely due to his comprehensive mind and
continuous labor.
This locality was familiar and dear to him as
the spot wi ere he and his distinguis he'd father
won their professional laureis. 1t will always
he historic.
We mournfully regret that his steadfast
friend and co-laborer in the interest of sound
national fiuance, the Hon. Lot M. Morrill,, is
not permitted to enjoy the lessons of the hour
We also sadly miss the presence of our for
mer distinguished associate directors, the late
Hon. st. John Smith, and Hon. John b. Brown
who, for so many years, were the patrons of all
public improvements, and the representative
men OF our State in that which constitutes an
honorable and successful business life. We
regret that they cannot enjoy with us the RI
pened fruits of their early labors and enter
prise.
The city and State mourn the departure of
such men, and will ever honor their memories
Finally, rejoicing in the great prosperity of
the city, state and nation, in the interests of
broad, generous and reciprocal business policy,
this corner stone Is now laid. And when the
beautiful structure is complete, and occupied
by one of the great corporations of the nation
and State. may its future business policy be