The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1885-02-25
WASHINGTON MONUMENT.
Memorial Shaft Reared by Grateful
Nation to Its nlustrious Founder
Dedicated.
Structure Formally Received by President
Arthur In tho Name OF the Nation
Procession and Proceedings
Mt the Capitol.
THE PROCEEDINGS.


dedication Of the Washington Monument,
which has been in the course of erection for
the past thirty-seven years, took place here
Saturday, and the ceremonies, both at the
monument grounds and at the Capitol, were
Of the most imposing and impressive char
acter. Unfortunately for the comfort Of the
thousands who participated and witnessed
the outdoor exercises, the weather was in
tensely cold, the thermometer at eleven q. m.
ranging fourteen degrees above zero, but the
sky was clear and bright and the event
proved memorable one In the list of Wash
ington pageants.
The near approach Of the Inauguration
ceremonies swelled the crowd Of visitors and
at an early hour the streets presented an un-
usually animated appearance, with the nu-
merous military and civic organizations and
the crowd OF spectators, marching toward
and converging near the base Of the grand
shaft, 555 feet high, which looks down upon
all other constructions upreared by the hands
of man.
The outdoor ceremonies began at the foot
of the monument at precisely eleven o'clock
The grand stand was filled with distin-
guished guests, President Arthur, his Cabl-
net visiting Governors Of States, Senators
and Representatives, the Diplomatic Corps
and members Of the Monument Commission,
all participating in the presentation, dedica-
ton, religious and Masonic exercises.
Senator Sherman presided and opened the
exercises with brief address, reviewing the
history Of the monuNent and paying an elo-
quent tribute 10 Washington.
SENATOR sHERMANs SPEECH.
The Commission authorized by the two
Houses OF Congress TO provide for suitable
ceremonies for the dedication OF the Wash
TO announce the order of ceremonies deemed
proper on this occasion. need not say any
thing 10 impress upon you the dignity OF the
event you have met TO celebrate. The mon
ument speaks for itself-slmple in form, ad.
mirable in proportions, composed of endur-
ing marble and granite, resting upon founda-
tons broad and deep, II rises Into the skies
higher than any work of human art. II is
the most imposing, costly and appropriate
monument ever erected In honor OF ono man.
IT had Its origin in the profound conviction
OF the people, irrespective OF party, creed or
race. Not only in this country, but in all
civilized countries that the name and fame
of Washington should be perpetuated by the
most imposing testimonial OF q Nations
gratitude to Its hero, statesman and father.
This universal sentiment took form in this
ated under the name of the Washington
National Monument Association who secured
from Congress an act authorizing them
20 erect the proposed monument on
this ground, selected as tho most
appropriate site by the President of the
United States. Its corner stone was laid on
the 4th of July, 1SlS, by the Masonic frater-
nifty with imposing ceremonies in the pres
ence Of tho chief officers of the Government
and multitude of citizens. 1t was partially
erected by the National Monument Associa-
tion with means furnished by tho voluntary
contributions of the people of the United
States. On the 9th OF July, 1875, one hundred
years after the Declaration OF American
independence, Congress, In the name OF tho
people Of tho United States. formally as
sumed and directed the completion OF tho
monument. Since then tho foundation has
been strengthened and the shaft has been
steadily advanced, and now tho completed
structure stands before you. It is ft mo-
mortal or tho greatest character In human
memory. II looks down upon the scenes
most loved by him on earth, tho most con-
spicuous object In landscape, full OF objects
deeply Interesting 10 the American people,
and all eyes turn to II and oil hearts feel the
inspiration of its beauty, symmetry and
grandeur. Strong as II is Il VIII not endure
so long as tho memory OF him In whose honor
Il was built, but while II stands 10 Will be evil
denco TO many succeeding generations of
tho love and reverence this generation cher
ished for the name and fame OF George
washington, first in war, first in peace, and
first in the hearts OF his countrymen; more
than even this, the prototype of purity, man
hood and patriotism for all lands and all
time. Without further preface proceed 10
discharge the duty assigned 10 me.
The Marine Band then played q short
piece Of music, which was rendered almost
,inaudlble by the continual stamping OF the
shivering open air audience. Prayer was
offered by Rev. Mr. Luther, of Christ Church,
Alexandria, Va, and w. w. Corcoran
fhereupon read his address.
Mr. coRcoRAH's ADDRESS.
W. w. Corcoan then described at length
the part taken In the initiation Of the project
and the construction Of the monument by
the society, and in conclusion said: ....
II Is glory enough for tho Washington
Monument Society that It's pious labors, as
put 70 the proof OF time, have issued In the
majestic structure which stands before us
to-day, and IL IL glory enough for the Legis-
lativo and Executive Departments Of the
Government that in assuming and directing
tho completion OF tho monument on the
foundation laid by the people, thoy have at
onoe redeomed n sacred National pledge and
fulhlled n sacred National duty by giving 20
this great obelisk its elimination and tho
and soars hoavcnward, like the fame il com.
memorates. .HUL ..f.i f.s..HF
The remarks Of the various speakers were
inaudlble, but the puffs Of steam from their
mouths was evidence that the proceedings
were being carried on according TO pro-
gramme, and at every little intermisslon the
auditors stamped approvingly.
THE MASONIC CEREMONIES
by the Grand Lodge Of the District Of Col
umbla, which then followed, were brief.
The proper functi0naries declared that the