Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-02-22
4 VENERABLE RELATIVE.

The first distinguished arrival was an
old gentleman with long white hair,
whose firm, clcar-cut features betrayed
a possible relationship to the Father OF
his Country.
Ticket, sir.
g am of the Washington kindred,
but will show my ticket"
1t was Ebenezcr Burgess Ball, Of
Loudoun county. Virginia. My grand
mother" he said to a reporter. "was
George Washington's niece. My grand
mother Ball was Of the family of Gen
eral Washington's mother, Mary Ball" "
The military arrived betimes. The
brass-bands were msrshalled to their
places. The troops came to a rest,
and Senator sherman, chairman Of the
Joint Congressional Commission, from
the centre stand. at II O'Clock, called
about 800 people to order and said
something about the people keeping
their hats on. These remarks were
greeted with lively stamps, for the OPP
portunity was good one TO restore
circulation TO chilled limbs and extrem-
tiles.
SENATOR SHERMAN SPEAKS.
Senator Sherman then proceeded TO
speak as follows;
/" The commission authorized by the
two houses OF Congress 10 provide suit
able ceremonies for the dedication of the
Washington monument direct Inc to pre-
side and to announce the order Of eere-
monies deemed proper on this occasion.
] need not say anything to impress upon
you the dignity Of the event you have
met to celebrate. The monument speaks
for itself. Simple in form, admirable in
proportion, and composed Of enduring
marble and granite, resting upon a
foundation broad and deep, it rises into
the sky higher than any work Of human
art. II is the most imposing, costly,
and appropriate monument ever erected
in honor of one man. Ii had its origin
in the profound conviction Of the peo-
pie. irrespective of party, creed, or race.
not only of this country, but of all
civilized countries, that the name and
fame of Washington should be per-
petuated by most imposing testimonial
of the nations gratitude to its hero,
statesman. and father.
This universal sentiment took form
in a movement of private citizens un-
der the name Of the Washington Ma
tional Monument Association. who, on
the Slst day Of January, lS4S, secured
from Congress an act authorizing them
TO erect the proposed monument on this
erounG-selcctcd as the most appro-
pirate site by the President Of the
United States. It's cornerstone was
laid OH the 4th day of july. lSis. by
the Masonic fraternity with imposing
ceremonies, in the presence of the chief
officers of the Government and null
titude Of citizens.
at was partially erected by the
National Monument Association with
the means furnished by voluntary con-
tributions Of the people OF the United
States.
"On the jth day Of July, 1876. one
hundred years after the declaration 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 strength
ened, the shaft has been steadily adj
vanced, and now the completed struc-
ture stands before you.
1T was fit memorial of the great
est character in human history. 1t
looks down upon scenes most loved by
him on earth, the most conspicuous OBJ
Jiect in the landscape, full of objects
deeply interesting to the American
people. All eyes tum to it, and all
hearts feel the inspiration Of its
beauty, symmetry, and grandeur.
Strong as il is, il will not endure
30 long as the memory OF him
in whose honor il 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,
a. First in war, first in peace, and first
in the hearts Of his countrymen,r more
even than this, prototype Of purity.
manhood, and patriotism for all lands
and for all time. Without further pre-
face, proceed to discharge the duty as
signed me-
The Marine Band then played a shor
piece Of music, which was rendcre !
almost inaudible by the continu u