The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1885-02-23

Ai'lNS NJ I ION
Of the monument. reviewed the work done
under his Ieiintendence, and then Presi-
dent Arthur delivered tie dedication cd
dress, uslng the following words:
FELLOW COUNTRYMEN: Before tas dawn
Of the century, whose eventful years will
soon have faded into the paSt-whsa desth
had but lately robbed thus republic Of its
most beloved and illustri0u> citizen
tie congress CT the United States
piedgel The faith OF the nation that
II this city bearing his h0rnred
name, and then, as now, the sea Of the gen
eral government, y monument shcuh tie
erected to commemorate tho great events
OF his military and political life. The
stately column that stretches heavenward
from the plain Wherein We stand bears wit
ness to ali who behold it that the Covenant
which our fathers made, their children have
fulfilled. In the completion q this great
work OF patriotic endeavor there IL alum ant
cause for national rejoicing For rhiio this
structure snail endure it shall bs t. al man
Kind n steadfa7t token II tbs affectipnate
and reverent regari IN which this people
continue TO hold the memory Of Washing
ton. Well may lie ever keep tue
foremost place in the hearts of
his countrymen. The faith that never
fsItcred-the wisdom that was broader and
deeper than any learning taught in schools
the courage that shrank from no peril and
was damaged by no defeat, the loyalty that
kept all selfish purpose subordinate to the
demands of patriotism and honor-the ga
gacity that displayed itself in camp
and cabinet alike--and above all
that harmonious union Of moral
and intellectual qualities which has
never found its parallel among men; these
are the attributes of character which the IT.
teliigent thought of this century ascribes to
the grandest figure of the last. But other
and more eloquent lips than mine will to-day
reheacse TO you the story of his noble life
and it glorious achievements. To myself
has been assigned simple and more formal
duty, in fulh!meat of which I
United States and in behalf OF
the people receive the monument from the
hands Of its builder and declare 1t dedicated
from this time forth to the immortal name
and memory of George Washington.
THE MASONIC CEREMONIES
by the Grand Lodge of the Diatrict of Col
uInbia, which then followed were
brief The prcppr functonasios declared that
the square, the level and th9 plumb hal
been applied to the ebeiisk aud
that its corners were found
10 De suudfe, lbs COuFS9 lSFsl, kbs WIAtIn sstlE
fully erected, according tho plan. Grand
Master Myron NJ. Parker scattered corn and
poured out wine and oil, the emblems Of
nourishment, refreshment and Joy, and tha
course of the mystic ceremonies brought into
use certain historic relics with which Gen.
Washington was intimately connected TIE
gavel used was one prepared for and used
by General Washington a. Grand Master
pro tenn. i'll laying the cornerstone Of the
national capitol on Sept 16 1893; the
sacred volume belonging to Freiericks-
burg lodge, No. 1, Virginia, upon
which Washington took the first vows Of
Masonry; that belonging to st. Johns
Lodge, No l, Of the city OF New York, upon
which on the S0th of April, 1889, he took the
oath Of Office as first President Of the United
States; the "Great Light belonging to
Alexandria--W Washington Lodge, No. a.
Alexandria, Va-upoa which he, as
Wolshipful Master received the VOWS OF
initiates; the apron WORN by him which was
worked by Madame Lafayette, golden urn
containing a lock of his hair belonging tc
49, H"a"d 'ge Of MASSACHUSETTS; and TIE