The Cecil Whig., 1885-02-28
THE IMMORTAL NAME.
A NATIONS TRIBUTE TO ITS FAITH
Err, WASHINGTON.
Dedication of the Monument at the Capt.
tal-The Addresses of tho President
and Others and the Grand
Military Display.
THE SACRED PLEDGE FULFILLED

The Washington Monument was
dedicated to the people on Saturday
last with impressive ceremony. The
executive, legislative and judicial Ge-
partments of the Government, the army
and navy, representatives of foreign
governments and men of distinction in
civil life united honor to Washing
ton. The formal presentation of the
monument was made at the base Of the
grand obelisk while the dedication GER
emonies proper took place in the hall
OF the House of Representative
y raw, penetrating wind blew across
the Potomac Flats in the morning and
chilled to the marrow about 5000 peo-
pie who had assembled around the
monument and within the temporary
grand stand built for the comfort of in
vited guests. Promptly at II O'Clock,
Senator Sherman, in a huge ulster with
high fur collar which completely COW
cred his head and neck and left cx-
posed to the cutting air nothing below
the tip of his nose, which wore a cherry
ripe hue, raped for order and opened
the services with the following remarks
The commission authorized by the
two Houses of Congress to provide
suitable ceremonies for the dedication
of the Washington Monument direct
me to preside and announce the order
of ceremonies 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 proportions, COM
posed of enduring marble and granite,
resting upon foundations broad and
deep, it rises into the skies higher than
any work Of human art. 1t is the most
imposing, costly and appropriate mon
ument ever erected in honor of one
man.
1t had its origin in the profound con-
viction of the people, 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 pcrpetuated by the most
imposing testimonial of a nations
gratitude to its hero, statesman and
father. This universal sentiment took
form in movement of private citizens,
associated under the name of the
Washington National Monument Asso-
ci,tion, who, on the 5Ist day of Janu-
ary, 1913, secured from Congress an
act authorizing them to erect the pro-
posed monument on this ground, Sc
leCted as the most appropriate site by
the President of the United States. Its
cornerstone was laid on the 4th dav
of July, IS4S, by the Masonic fraternity
with imposing ceremonies, in the pres
enCe of the chiet officer. of the Gov
ernment and multitude of citizens. 1t
was partially erected by the National
Monument Association with means
furnished by the voluntary contribu-
tons CT the people of the United
States.
On the 5th 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
strengthened, the shaft has been stead
lily advanced and the now completed
structure stands before you.
1t is a fit memorial of the greatest
character in human history. 1t looks
down upon scenes most loved by him
on earth, the most conspicuous object
in a landscape full Of objects deeply
interesting to the American people
All eyes turn to it and all hearts fee
the inspiration of its beauty, symmetry
and grandeur. Strong as it is, it will
not endure SO long as the memory o.
him in whose honor it was built, but
while it stands it will be the evidence
to many succeeding generations of the
love and reverence of this generation
for the name and fame of George
Washington, "frst in war, first IN peace
and first in the hearts of hi. country
men," More even than this, the pro
totype of purity, manhood and patriot
ism for all lands and for all time With
out further preface proceed to dis
charge the duty assigned me.