Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-02-21


the presiding officer, called the assemblage to
order with a gavel made of piece of the cap
wood from Brazil, which Colonel Casey pre-
sented to him. He prefaced his remarks by
saying nobody is expected to take off his hat
not even the speakers. Mr.. Sherman then de-
livered the following address:
Senator Sherman's Speech.
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 to announce the order
of ceremonies deemed proper on this occasion. l
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, composed of
enduring marble and granite, resting upon
foundations broad and Deep, it rises into the
the most imposing, costly and appropriate mon
ument ever erected in the honor of one man.
1t had its origin in the profound conviction 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 Washing
ton should be perpetuated by the most impos-
Hero, Statesman and Father. This universal
sentiment took form in a movement of private
citizens associated under the name of the Wash
ingtOn National Monument Association, who,
on the 31St day of January, 1S4S, secured from
Congress an act authorizing them to erect the
the most appropriate site by the President OF
the United States. Its cornerstone was laid on
the fourth day of July, 1S4S, by the Masonic
presence of the chief officer of the government
and a multitude Of citizens. It was partially
erected by the National Monument Association
with means furnished by the voluntary contri-
buttons of the people of the United States.
On the fifth day of July, 1876, one hundred
pendence, Congress, in the name of the people
of the United States formally assumed and di-
rected the mpletion of the monument Since
then the foundation has been strengthened, the
shaft has been steadily advanced, and the now
completed structure stands before you.
human history. 1t looks down upon scenes
most loved by him on earth, the most conspicu.
GUS object in a landscape full Of objects deeply
turn to it, and all hearts feel the ss Of
its beauty, symmetry and grandeur. Strong as
him, in whose honor it was built, but while it
stands it will be the evidence to many succeed
ing generations OF the love and reverence of this
generation for the name and fame Of George
Washington.
"First in war, first in peace, and first in the
hearts of his countrymen." More even than
this, the prototype of purity, manhood and
patriotism, for all lands and for all time
Without further preface proceed to discharge
After music prayer was delivered by Rev.
Mr. Suter, Of Christ church, Alexandria. Every
thing was IN &c and scarcely
fill up, and those seated involuntarily kept
their feet moving to keep warm. During the
Marshal McMichael, and followed by Secretaries
Frelinghuysen, McCulloch, Lincoln and Teller.
At the eonclIsien1 1sa Of the ne prayer the pavilion
form were the President, his cabinet, Senator
Sherman, Senator Bsyard, Mr.. Corcoran, Mr..
Colonel Casey. Among those I'm the
pavilion were Admirals Simpson and Carter,
Commodores Semmes, Kimberly Ghirardi,
Paymaster General Smith, Gen. Miles, Gen.
Hazen and Surgeon General Murray, all In uni
form Col. Wilson, Director Of the Mint Burch-
ard, the Russian, Chinese, Swiss and Spanish
ministers, Judges Schofeid, Drake and Mott, OF
the Court of Claims; Rev. DR.. Elliott, Of Ascen-
sion church; Supervising Architect Bell and
his predecessor, Mr.. Hifl Mr.. U. II. Painter,
and Director OF the Mint Burchard, The chilled