The Dillon tribune., 1885-02-28
WASHINGTON MONUMENT.
Grand Pageant and Patriotic Speeches a
the Dedication Ceremonies.

the l}cttlCaJlOn ceremonies.
A Washington dispatch of the c2d says
Eighteen hundred people gathered in the
seats on the base of the Washington Mon
ument to-day to listen to the formal cere-
monies attending its dedication and deliv-
erance to the nation by the Monument
I Association. The day was very cold and
raw. The spectators sat with their hats on
and their coat collars turned up. The pro-
ceedings were opened by music by the
Marine Band, the militia standing at rest
and the audience taking such opportunity
to stamp in order to restore circulation to
their feet. The Masonic ceremonies by
the Grand Lodge Of the District of Col.
umbja were conducted under the direction
Of Grand Master Myron w. Porter, in
which certain historic relics with which
Washington was intimately connected were
brought out and used by him.
The gavel used was one prepared and
used by Washington as Grand Master pro
tenn. in laying the corner stone of the Ma
tional Capitol on September IS, 1893 The
sacred volume belonging to Fredericks-
burg Lodge, No. 4, Of Virginia, upon
which Washington took his first VOWS Of
Masonry; that belonging to St. John
Lodge, No. 1, City Of New York, upon
which, on April &c. $780, he took the oath
of office as first President of the United
States; the great light belonging to the
Alexandria Washington Lodge, No. +, of
Alexandra, Va, upon which he, as Wor
shipful Master, received the VOWS of En-.
tered Apprentice; the apron worn by him,
which was made by Madame Lafayette;
golden urn, containing lock of his hair,
belonging to the Grand Lodge Of Massa-
chusetts; the "lesser light" ore of the
three sperm candles borne in Washington's
funeral procession, were exhibited.
Then Colonel Thomas L. Casey, of the
Engineers, in appropriate words, delivered
the monument to the President of the
United States.
President Arthur, in accepting the mon
umement, said: "Fellow- -Countrymen:
Before the dawn of centuries whose event
full years will soon have faded into the past,
when death had but lately robbed this re-
public of its most beloved and ilustrious
citizen, the Congress Of the United States
pledged the faith of the Nation that in this
city, bearing his honored name, and then,
as now, the seat of the General Govern
ment, monument should be erected to
commemorate the great events of his mill
tary and political life. The stately column
that stretches heavenward from the plain
where we stand bears witness to all who
behold it that the covenant which our
fathers made their children have fulfilled.
In the completion of this great work-this
| patriotic endeavor there is abundant
cause for national rejoicing, for while this
mankind steadfast token of appreciation
and reverent regard in which this people
continue to hold the memory of Washing
ton. Well may he ever keep the foremost
place in the hearts of his countrymen-the
faith that never faltered; the wisdom,
wider and deeper than any learned in
school; the courage that shrank from no
peril and was destroyed BY no defeat; the
! loyalty that kept all selfish purposes sub
ordinate to the demands of patriotism and
honor, and above all, that harmonious
union of moral and intellectual qualities
which mas never found parallel among
men. These attributes of character which
the intelligent thought of the country as
cribe to the grandest figure of the last CEN
tury. But other and more eloquent lips
than mine will to-day rehearse to you the
story of his noble life and its glorious
achievements. To myself has been as
signed more simple DUTY, in the fulfill
ment of which l do now, as President of
the United States and in behalf of the peo-
pie, receive this monument from its build
ers, and declare it dedicated from this time
forth to the immortal name and memory OF
George Washington"
The President read his address in a firm |
and clear tone, and at its conclusion cheers
broke forth, which we're hearty and pro-
longed.
AT 2:1o o'clock the National Washing
ton Monument Association entered the
hall of the House of Representatives,
which had been closely seated by the re-
moval of members desks and appropri-
ately decorated. The Association marched
in, and took seats assigned them in front Of
and little to the left Of the Speakers