Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1885-02-23
Wnp garen @ailg ga1orning gonrnal and Gnnrier.

1889, he took the oath of Office as the first
President of the United States; the "Great
Light" belonging to the Alexandria-W Wash
ington lodge No. 90, of Alexandria, Va, up
on which he, as Worshipful Master, received
the vows of initiates; the apron worn by
him, which was made by Mme Lafayette; a
golden urn containing lock of his hair, be-
longing to the Grand lodge of Massachu-
sets; the Lesser Light" one of the
three sperm candles borne in Washingten's
funeral procession, were exhibited. The adj
dress of the Grand Master concluded as fol
lows: "Know We all ye people, that we be
Freemasons, loyal and true citizens, ODE
concerned in plots and conspiracies against
true government. The immortal Washing
ton, himself Freemason, devoted his hand,
his heart, his sacred honor, and,
if need be, his life also, to the
cause of freedom of conscience, of
cessful leading has arisen this nation. To
him and the memory of his deeds grateful
people have erected this memorial in the cap
ital which he founded and which will bear
his name to remotest ages, monument tow
ering above other monuments as he lowered
above other men, brief prayer by the
Grand chaplain asking the blessings of nour-
ishment, 1efreshment and joy upon all who
were assembled, and a response by the breth-
rem, so mote it be. Amen" brought this
part of the proceedings to an end.
Colonel Thomas L. Carey then presented
the part taken by the general government in
the construction of the monument and de-
ivered it to the United States, his address
being succinct historical account of the in
ception and elimination of the project. The
monument was received by President Arthur
in the following address:
Fellow Countrymen- Before the dawn of the CEN
fury whose eventful years will soon have faded into
the past-when death had but lately robbed this
Republic of its most beloved and iustrous citizen
the Congress of the United States pledged the
faith of the nation that in this city bearing his hon.
ored name and then as now the seat OF the gen
ito commemorate the great events of his military
stretches heavenward from the plain whereon we
stand bear witness to all who behold it that the
have fulfilled In the completion of this great work
of patriotic endeavor there is abundant cause for
national rejoicing, for while this structure shall
dure it shall be to all mankind steadfast token of
the affectonate and reverent regard in which this
We'll may he ever keep the foremost place in the
hearts s Of his c our The faith that
in schools, the courage that sRranf from no peril
kept ali selfish purposes subordinate to the demands
of patriotism and honor, the sagacity that display
that harmonious union OF moral and intellectual
qualities which has never found its parallel among
the Intelligent thought of this century sscribes to
the grandest figure of the last. But other and
eloquent lips than mine will to-day rehearse TO
you the story of his noble life and its glorious
achievements. To myself has been assigned q sim
pier and more formal duty, In the fuhlment of
which do now President Of the United States
and in behalf of the people, receive this monument
from the hands of its builder and declare IL dedi-
Gated from this time forth to the immortal name
and memory of George Washington"
This ended the ceremonies ut the monu-
ment and Immediately the route was
taken up to the Capitol. In the parade
was noticed the Governors Foot Guard of
Hartford, Conn, organized in IT'D Major
j. G. Kinney commanding. This company
was handsomely uniformed in black and
scarlet, marched we'll, and altogether pre-
scented very creditable appearance. It
claims the honor of being the only militia
organization that has preserved an active
existence of IA years.
1t was shortly after one when Speaker Car
Isle called the assemblage to order The
great hall of the House of Representatives
had been prepared into grand amphithea-
ter, and thousands of the leading people of
the nation were present Senator Edmunds
called the people to order, and after prayer
and music Congressman Long read the ora
ton of Mr. Winthrop, of Massachusetts,
which was a grand and most eloquent trib-
ute to the occasion.
Evening closed the ceremonies with a
grand display of fireworks, which were wit
messed by thousands of prominent people,
and the monument which has been years in
building has reared its head with a grand sa
lutte to the great and united nation.