The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1886-11-03


The vessels presented beautiful sight as
they steamed down the Hudson On reach
ing Bedloe's Island, they passed astern of the
men-of-war anchored below the island, then
up between them and the island they came
too abreast of the statue head on she tide
where they remained at anchor until the
end of the ceremonies at that point A
gap was left directly abreast of the flag ship
Tennessee to permit the passage of the boat
containing the presidential party.
The scene at Bedloe's Island was one that
beggars all description; one that is unprece-
dented in all past history, and we may almost
say that it is which in all probability will
never be counterparted in future history.
New York harbor was fairly alive with boats
and shipping craft, small tugs and govern
ment cutters darting TO and fro on errands
of haste and importance, while the silent,
solid forms of the men-of-war lay quietly
at anchor In semicircle, to the south Of
Bedloe's Island were anchored the seven men
of-war, Tennessee, Minnesota, Jamestown,
Saratoga, Yantic, Portsmouth and Lance
They were decorated with flags of all nations,
and had on their gala dress for the occasion.
The island was surrounded all the morning
by rowboats. yachts, sailing vessels, tugs,
steamers and craft of every propelling power
imaginable, steam, sails and oars contribut-
ing TO satisfy the national curiosity, and the
laudable ambition to be on this great day
within hailing distance of the colossal statue.
When tine naval parade was over and the
boats that participated in it at the end of
their journey, the water about the island had
the appearance of a thick settlement of Curl
Gus buildings, so close and so compact were
their ranks. On the island itself was a peace
full and quiet scene until the arrival Of the
guests.
Liberty, the center of attraction, stood
with her face covered by the French tri-color
ready to reveal her placid countenance to
the world when the proper time should come
Great clouds of mist drove by her, obscur-
ing the graceful lines of her beautiful form
from all those who were at her feet,
The island was guarded by 200 police Off
GERS under Capt. Clinchey, who with the de-
tachInent Of the soldiers under Col. Miller.
commanding the barracks on the island, rem
dered efficient service during the day in pre-
venting confusion and preserving order.
At about half past the din of whistles and
firing OF cannon announced the arrival of the
French guests, and soon NJ. De Lesseps, &C.
companied by his daughter and Nine. Bar
tholdi, followed by the other distinguished
visitors, mounted on the platform. They
were met by the American committee who
escorted them TO seats arranged for them di-
rectly in front Of the speakers stand. NM
Bartholdi, De Lesseps, LaFaivre and Admit
raj Jaures were conducted TO the stand
While waiting for the presidential party,
Gilmores band played national airs, and
made the disagreeable waiting in the rain as
pleasant possible.
After half hour Of waiting, deafening
din Of whistles, booming Of cannon, ringing
of bells and shouts Of people sent the news
that President Cleveland and his party were
nearing the island
Gen. Schofield came to the front OF the
stand and raised his hand to stop the whist
ling, which was resounding from all the
steamers in the harbor, but the attempt to
begin the ceremonies was futile, and for
fully fifteen minutes longer the noisy demon
stration was kept up.
DR. Stores, however, began bis prayer in
the midst OF il all, and by the time he had
finished the salvo had ceased
Gen Scholeld then introduced III De Les
seps who spoke in French.
When ~ De Lesseps had finished his adj
dress there were loud cries for Bartholdi,
who came forward and bowed and waved
| his hat 70 the audience, and when the people
| insisted Upon a speech from the sculptor,
! Gen Schofield abruptly cried out, Mr..
| Bartholdi has nothing to say. 50 there Is no
use of talking about it; and announced SEN
ator Evarts, who presented the statue in the
name of the American committee TO the
| president CT the United States
When Mr.. Evarts had delivered about two
/ thirds of his address he mentioned the name
| of Bartholdi, which was the occasion Of the
| audience breaking forth into loud cheers.
| This was mistaken On the part of those who
| had charge for the conclusion of the address
| when the unvsiling was 20 take place. Ac-
| cordingly the flag was withdrawn from the
face of the statue. This was the signal &c
the steamers and batteries, and they iinue-
diately began mighty salvo Of cannonading
and whistling amid which Mr.. Evarts hope
lessly took his seat.
The saivo was continued without cessation
| for fully twenty minutes. When this had
ceased and Gilmores band had played the
Marseillaiss hymn, Yankee Doodle and the
Star Spangled Banner, President Cleveland
| stepped to the front and said:
@AR- CHAIRMAN AND FELLow-CrTIzESs
The people of the United States accept with
gratitude to-day from their brethren of the
French republic the grand and compieted
work Of art we here inaugurate. This tokez
of affection and consideration OF the peopie
of France demonstrates the kinsphip = re
publics, and conveys to Us the assurance tna'
in oar efforts to commend 70 mankind rs
excellence Of government resting upon pop
uIar VII. We still have beyond the American
continent . steadfnst ally
awe are not here TO-DAY 70 bow n@ofe
IL reprssnfation q aerce erd werRka