McCook weekly tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 188?-1886, 1885-03-05
TILE noxUursr TO wAsu1So1ox.

Formal Ceremonies Attending Its Dedfca-
fion--1hs Reception Speech Of President
Arthur-Mr. Winthrop's ADDRESS.
The ceremony attending dedication OF the
Washington monument took place on the 2lst
About 500 assembled at the base OF the monu-
ment, when Senator Sherman delivered an ora
ton. followed by w. w. Corcoran.
Masonic ceremonies by the grand lodge OF
the district Of Columbia then took place. Dur
ing these proceedings there was brought into
use certain historic relies with which wash
ngton was intimately connected. The gavei
used was prepared for and used by General
Washington, as grand master pro tenn. in lay
ing the corner stone of the national capitol on
the 18th of September, 1893, sacred volume
belonging to Fredericksburg lodge, No. 4, OF
Virginia, upon which Washington took his
first vows In Masonry; that belonging to st.
Johns lodge, No. /, of the city OF New orK,
upon which, on the Both of April, 1859, he
took the oath of office as the first president OF
the United States; the ''Great Light" be-
longing to Washington lodge No. 4, OF Alex
andria, Virginia, upon which he, as worship
full master, received the VOWS OF initiates; the
apron worn by him, which was worked by
Madame Lafayette; a golden urn, containing
lock of his hair, belonging to the grand
lodge of Massachusetts,; the 'Lesser Light,
and one of three sperm candles, borne In
Washington's funeral procession: were exhib-
ted.
Col Thomas Casey formally delivered the
monument to the president, who, on accept
Ing, spoke as follows:
Eelio,o ou,,trunaen-Before the dawn OF the
century whose eveutful years will soon have
faded into the past, when death had but latelY
robbed this republic of its most beloved and
tlustrous 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 government,
A monument should be erected to com
memorate the great events of his military and
life. The stately column which stretches
heayenward fr III the plane whereon we stand
bears witness to all who behold it that the COW
enant which our fathers made, their chiidren
have fulfilled In the completion of this
great work of patriotic endeavor, there is
abundant cause for national rejoicing, Tor
while the structure shall endure, it shall De TO
all mankind steadfast, token OF affectlon
and the reverend regard in which these people
continue to hold the memory OF Washington.
Well NAV he ever keep foremost IN place In
the hearts of his countrymen. The latin that
never faltered, the wisdom deeper and broad
er than any taught in school, the courage
which shrank from no peril and was disnayed
by no defeat, the loyalty that kept all selfish
purpose subordinate to the demands OF patri,
Dtism and honor, the sagacity that display e1
Itself in camp and cabinet alike and above all
that harmonious union of moral and inteiiee
tual qualities which has never found It's parai-
eel among men, These are attributes which
the intelligent thought of this century ascrlDes
70 the grandest figure of the past. But other
Ind more eloquent lips than mine Will To-Day
-ehearse to you the story of his noble life and
is glorious achievements. Iomysell mas peen
assigned the simple and mere formal duty IN
he fuiflment of which | do now, as the pres
dent of the United States and III Denall Oh
he people, receive this monument from tue
lands of its builder and declare 1t dedlcated
rom this time forth to the immortal name
md memory of George Washington"
The president read his address In nrm,
lear tone and at its conclusion cheers broke |
orth and were hearty and prolonged.
The assembly then Withdrew to the city, re-
pairing to the chamber of the house, Where |
he dedicatory address OF Hon. hoDer1 y.
Winthrop was read. The address covered
detailed review of the work of building the |
the &C rner stone of which was lald |
hirty-seven wears ago; the life and puonc ser
ices of Washington and its beneficial ellect
IN the future of mankind, as shown py tne
wonderful progress OF the nation when LE uiu
o much to found, and closed VIII Tic ioho"-
ng brilliant peroration:
"Our matchless obelisk stands proudly De-
ore us oday, and we hail it with the e4ulta-
ions of united and glorious nation. IL may
r may not be proof against the cavlls OF
rites but nothing of human construction Is
gainst the casualties OF time. The storms OF
inter must blow and beat upon IT.: Inc &C
ion of the elements must soil and dlscoior IL.
he lightnings of heaven may scar and blaeken
/. An earthquake may shake its foundation.
ONE mighty tornado, or resistless cyclone,
lay rend its massive blocks asunder and Lurl
uge fragments to the ground. But the char-
cfer which II commentaries and illustrates
secure. 1t will remain unchanged and un,
Manageable. in all its consummate purity ana
plendor, and will more and more command
ne homage of succeeding ages in all regions
the earth.
"God be praised, that character is ours Tor
YER"
The ceremonies we're appropriately CON
uded by fine display of fireworks at night
the monument grounds. An immense crowd
as present