Morning journal and courier., 1884-08-06
News by Telegraph FROM ALL QUARTERS. THE STATUE OF LIBERTY. A Link Between France
 and America. THE CORNER STONE LAYING. An Impressive Ceremony
 On BedlOe's Island. DOINGS OF THE HEPOLITICIANS cIeVeIand's Letter Not Vet
 Ready.
DOINGs OF THEPOLITICIANs.
THE STATUE OF LIBERTY.

THE STATUE OF LIBERTY.
 A Bond Of Fraternity Between France
 and America-The Corner Stone Laid
 on BedIoe's Island While Thousands
 Stand Around in the Rain.
 NEW YORK, Aug. 5.-Grand preparations were made by the committee of the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the Bartholdi statue on Bedloe's Island to-day. A great many boats were chartered to run to the foot of Whitehall street, besides the Staten Island ferryboats which touch at the island. The bad weather broke up the arrangements somewhat and only three boats beside the ferryboats did service. These boats were gaily decorated with flags, the French tri- color being very conspicuous along with the stars and stripes. The first boats to leave carried reporters, artists for the different pa pers, photographers and few veteran sol diers who wished to be on hand early. By one o'clock the large base of the statue was literally covered with American and French colors. Small flags, shields and streamers hoated from every angle. Above them all foated two large flags plainly visible from New York, the French and American. In the front face of Governors Island, six large black cannon were surrounded by a corps of artillerists putting them in good order for the twenty-one rounds which were to be fired at 3 o'clock. At 1 o'clock the United States Army band arrived and enter tained the crowd with popular music. Shortly after o'clock General Stone with a military escort and quite number of invit- ed guests arrived. The march to the foun- dation then commenced, and by 2 o'clock the top was filled with notables and the ceremo- ny began.
 On arrival at the pedestal the Masonic cer- emonies were begun with prayer. The United States department band played the Marseillaise and Hail Columbia and State Grand Master of Masons Brodice organized the officers of the Grand lodge around the corner stone. Grand Secretary Ehlers read the list of articles to be placed in the cavity and they were deposited by Grand Treasurer Boyd and the proper officers caused the cor ner stone to be placed and tested 'as true and trusty, square, level and plumb" The grand master struck the stone thrice with the gavel and declared it laid in due and ancient Masonic form. The elements of con seeration were presented in gold in vessels and coin, wine and oil, emblematic of nourishment refreshment and joy, were be-
  upon the work was then evoked. These cer- emonies closed by the singing of an ode to the great architect of heaven and earth.
 Deputy Grand Master F. R. Lawrence then delivered an address appropriate to the nota- ble occasion and was followed by M Albert LeFaivre, minister plenipotentiary in charge of the consulate of France in New York city, who expressed the qualification of the repre- sentatives of France upon witnessing the spectacle of so large and distinguished an as semblage gathered for 8 ceremony which tes- tifed to the friendship existing between the two nations. In 8 few weeks he said the statue of liberty transported by a French ship of war would raise it's radiant head on this spot and illuminate these beautiful shores. That symbol will give to this harbor new and singular majesty. The European setting foot on American soil will discern in this beacon a protection more effective than fortresses, protection residing in the fellow feelings of fifty million freemen It will be the emblem and foredawning of new era of international fraternity, of emancipa- tion and of peaceful arbitration.
 MT. William Allen Butler was the next speaker. His address treated the historical aspect of the fraternal event now celebrated. The exercises were then concluded by the ''Star Spangled Banner from the band and a benediction from Assistant Bishop Potter of New York
 The rain fell constantly during the cere- monies and increased in violence toward the close, causing the audience to thin out no- ticeably after the close of LeFaivre's elo- quent speech. Among those present were delegates from the various French societies General w. T. McMahon Eugene Kelley, the commanders of G. A. R. posts and the for eign consuls. No city officials were present