The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-09-18
CENTENARY OF THE CONSTITUTION.
Preliminary Steps in the Movement for q
Celebration of Its PRONUNCIATION.

PHILADELPHIA Sept. 17-As result of
movement upon the part of the chief magistrates
Of the thirteen original States, seven Governors
of as many Commonwealth met here to-day to-
arrange for fitting observance of the centen-
NAL anniversary of the PRONUNCIATION of the
Constitution of the United States. This cen
tenary will occur on Sept II. 1887 Ten States
were represented. New Hampshire, Massachu.
sets and North Carolina were not represented,
but probably will be by tomorrow The follow
ing Governors were present: Pattison, of Penn
sylvania; Lee, of Virginia; Lloyd, of Maryland;
Stockley, of Delaware Wetmore, of Rhode
Is.and Mcdaniel, Of Georgia, and Sheppard, of
South Carolina. New York was represented by
Acknowledgements JONES' New Jersey by
committee of the State Legislature, and Con-
necticut by Ex-Governor Bigelow. At the Cont
mental Hotel, Governor Pattison delivered
brief address Of welcome. There
were present, ALSO many other distin-
guished visitors from the various States,
and citizens committee of entertainments
After Governor Pattison's speech the party di-
vided into pairs and marched down Chestnut
street to the old State-house Here the party
halted IN the room whore the Declaration of In
dependence was signed, and, standing under a
canopy of red. white and blue listened to an ad-
ddress of welcome by Mayor Smith. Carpenters
Hall, the old hall where, in 1774, the first colo
NAL Congress met, eleven provinces being repre-
sented, was the next place visited AT this
place. ALSO meeting was held. The Governors
ranged themselves around the large table near
the center of the hail. Richard K. Belts, one of
the oldest members of the Carpenters Com
pany of the City and County of Philadelphia"
welcomed the visitors and briefly reviewed the
history OF the time worn meeting place. H. L.
Carson then delivered the GRAFTON.
The business meeting of the Governors was
called to order by Governor Pattison. Governor
Lee, of Virginia. was invited to take the chair,
and Mr. Carson was elected secretary. Letters
were read from the Governors Of North Caro-.
lima, New Hampshire and Massachusetts,, regret
ting their inability TO be present, and assuring
the Governors that they were in sympathy with
the movement Col j. E. Payton, who origi-
mated the idea of the celebration, and who has
charge Of the arrangements, was invited to the
stand to make any suggestions which might have
occurred to him. The Colonel, in reply, said that
it would be a good idea to have every State in
the Union represented at the celebration next
September by regiment of soldiers. 1t seemed
to him that the young in the various States
would gladly avail themselves of this opportunity
to participate in the celebration
On motion of Governor Pattison, the organiza-
ton was mads permanent. The Governor sug
gested, also, that committee consisting of the
Governors of the thirteen States and representa-
tive citizens from those States be appointed to
prepare plan for the celebration.
On motion of Governor Stockey, of Delaware.
the chair appointed committee consisting of
five members to draft plan. The Governors of
Pennsylvania, Delaware. Rhode Island, Mary
land and Georgia were appointed. A recess was
then taken to enable the committee to prepare a
plan.
During the session in Carpenters Hail. resolu
tons were adopted that each State and Terri
tory be invited to unite In preparation for a
proper national celebration of the adoption of
the federal Constitution, to be held in this city in
September of next year. and the President be
invited to formally communicate to Congress,
at their next meeting. the fact that
his administration closes the first century of
constitutional government, and to urge upon
that body the propriety of taking measures to
render the celebration worthy of occasion of
such dignity and Importance; that tine executive
of every State and Territory in the Union be
formally communicated with and urged to press
upon the attention of their people the fitness of
their hearty cooperation.
A resolution was also passed requesting that
delegates from the different States and Terrific
ries be sent here, to meet on Dec g. next, TO
ganize permanent organization worthy of the
event
Resolutions were also adopted looking to the
appointment of committee of citizens to CO.
operate with the permanent organization, ex
tending sympathy TO the earthquake sufferers in
South Carolina, and thanking the Carpenters
Company for the use of the hall.