The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-02-22
AT THE MONUMENTS BASE.

AT THE MONUMENTS EASE.
The Exercises Conducted Under Discourag
ing Circumstances.
WASHINGTON, Feb 21-With the mercury
down almost to zero, and with northerly breeze
which bore a suggestion OF its arctic origin the
sprinklng of ticket-bearers, who began to fill up
the seats i'll the grand stand at the base of
the Washington monument at 10 o'clock
this morning, did not appear to be bent upon
pleasure, but, with their up-turned collars,
muffied chins and quick. nervous movements,
seemed as if inspired by stern sense of duty
alone. A rough board shed, bedecked with
bunting, opening upon snow covered feld a
shaft Of marble as simple and as unspotted, ma
jestc and towering as the character of the man it
man it commemQrates, were the elements of the
earthly scenes. The first distinguished arrival
was an old gentleman with long, white hair,
whose firm, clean-cut features betray possible
relations to the Father Of His Country.
Tickets" said the attendant.
II am one of Washington's kindred hut will
show my ticket" responded the old man. He
was E5enezer Burgess Ball, of Loudon county,
Virginia my grandmother" ne said to re-
porter, was George Washingtons niece my
grandfather Ball was OF the family of General
Washington's mother Mary Ball"
The military arrived; the brass bands were
marshaled to their places, and the troops came
to rest Senator Sherman, chairman of the
joint e..sgresslonal commission, from tho center
of the stand, at II o'clock called about 800 peo-
pie to order, and said something about people
keeping their hats on. These remarks were
greeted with lively stamps, for the opportunity
was good one to restore the circulation to
chilled limbs and extremities
SENATOR sHERMAN's SPEECH.
Senator Sherman then proceeded to speak as
follows:
"The commission authorized by the two
houses of Congress to provide suitable cere-
monies for the dedication of the Washington
monument directed me to preside and to an
nounce the order of ceremonies deemed proper
on this occasion. / need not say any
thing to impress upon you the dignity of the
event you have met to celebrate. The monu-
ment speaks for itself. Simple in FORM ad-
mirable in proportions, composed Of enduring
marble and granite, resting upon foundations
broad and deep, 1T rises into the skies higher
than any work of human art. 1t is the most i'm
posing, costly, and appropriate monument ever
erected in honor of man. 1t had its origin In
the profound conviction of the people, irrespect-
i've of party, creed or race, not only of this coun
try, but of all civilized countries that the name
and fame of Washington should be per-
peetuated, by a most imposing testimonial
of nations gratitude to it's hero states
man and father This universal sentiment
took form in movement of private
citizens associated under the name of the Wash
ington National Monument Association, who,
on the 2lst of January, 184S, secured from Con
gress an act authorizing them to erect the pro-
posed monument this ground which was
selected as the most appropriate site by the
President of the United States. Its corner stone
was laid on the 4th of July, 1848 by the Masonic
fraternity. with imposing ceremonies in the
presence of the chief officers of the government
and multitude of citizens 1t was partially
erected by the National Monument Association
with means furnished by voluntary contributions
of the people of the United States. On the 5th
Of July 1876. one hundred years after the declara-
ton of American independence. Congress, in
the name OF the people of the United States,
formally assumed and directed the completion of
the monument Since then the foundation has
been strengthened, the shaft has been steadily
advanced, and now the completed structure
stands before you 1t is a fit memorial of
the greatest character in human history
1t looks down upon the scenes most loved by
him on earth. 1t is the most conspicuous object
in landscape full of objects deeply interesting
to American people, and all eyes turn to it. and
all hearts feel the inspiration of it's beauty sym
metry and grandeur Strong as it is, it will not
endure so long as the memeory of him in whose
honor it was built. But while it stands it will
be evidence to many succeeding generations of
the love and reverence of this generation for the
name and fame of George Washington first in
war, first IN peace and first in the hearts of his
countrymen more, even, than this--the proto-
type of purity, manhood and patriotism for all
lands and all time Without further preface. |
proceed to discharge the duty assigned me-"
The Marine Band then played short piece of
music, which was rendered almost inaudible by
the continued stamping of the shivering open air
audience. Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr..
Luber, of Christ Church. Alexandria, Va.
w. w. Corcoran then described at length the
part taken in the initiation of the project and the
construction of the monument by the Washing
ton National Monument Society, and in conclu-
sion said:
ut is glory enough for the Washington Monu-
ment Society that its pious labors, as put to the
proof OF time. have resulted In the majestic
structure which stands before us to-day, and it
is glory enough for the legislative and executive
departments of the government that in assum-
ing and directing the completion Of the monu-
ment, on the foundation laid by the people, they
have at once redeemed sacred national pledge
and fulfilled sacred national duty by giving to
this great obelisk the elimination and crown
with which its towers above the earth and scars
heaVcnWard. like the fame 1T commentaries"
The remarks of the various speakers were in
audible, but the puffs of steam from their
mouths was evidence that Che proceedings were
being CARED Oh according to programme and at