Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-10-29

vi tue He6G dHcQOTeu 10 Tue
southeastward OF Liberty Island.
sells that can be better imagined than
described. All manner OF craft were at
anchor in the waters about the great
statue. There was no feeling except that
OF patriotism.
THE MEN OF WAR.
The war vessels came in for their share
OF attention, with their black muzzes
protrudng from either side. Tnev lay in
a line that extended north and south, and
were the Alliance, Tennessee, James
town, Yantic, Saratoga and Portsmouth.
Shortly before O'Clock the United States
steamer Dispatch, with President Ceve-
land and Cabinet aboard, hove in sight,
and az it did the yards of the war ships
passed each vessel the naval salute
was given by the sailors, and
they descended TO the deck and
President Cleveland was rowed ashore.
Then whistles were blown, the guns of
the men-of-war beIched forth and the
colors were dipped. For exactly half an
hour this kept up. Another salute was
given when tue French flag was removed,
and the face Of the immense statue re-
vealed, and a third aud last when the
President was again taken aboard the
Dispatch.
THE BELCHING OF CANNON.
Then smoke curled forth from the
mouths OF the cannon, followed by sheet g
of flame and then laundering reports
This was the order all along the line, and
the sight OF the flames from the broad
sides oI the war squadron was beautiful
and most impressive one. Thus closed
one of the greatest days in the his
tory of the republic. The naval display
and procession was the largest ever seen
in the waters of this port, that at the re-
cent International yacht races sinking
into insignincance. The balcony-like
structure from which the addresses we're
to be made was handsomely decorated
with the tri-color and stars and stripes.
THE PLACE OF HONOR.
Policemen stood on guard at
the two STAIRS leading TO it,
and no one except those OF the
the Presidents party, the French visitors
and the speakers were allow d to go on it.
On the parapet surrounding the base of
the headstall were alternately fixed
French and American colOrs. Inside
this bearers of red tickets were not ad-
mitted. ln the meantime the big fleet of
water craft OF all size, from a punt to
maD-Of-war, was every minute increasing
on the side OF the island which the statue
faces till very little of the water was
visible.
THE MARSEILLAISE.
Between them the Twenty-second Regi-
ment Band, under the leadership OF
Gilmore, marched up to tue outer edge of
the platform playing the Marseillaise.
This was followed by "Yankee Doodle"
The Star Spangled Banner" "St.
Patrick's Day." "Garry Owen.'
V.NnJra Nv - A
Laurie" british Grenadiers," Last
Rose of Summer," the Minstrel Boy"
''Gillie Galum" and America" The
French visitors arrived about 2:30 O'Clock,
and were greeted with enthusiastic
cheers. They modestly walked to seats
on the general platform and sat there
until the members OF the committee came
and escorted them to the balcony.
HAIL TO THE CHIEF.
At O'Clock the band struck up "Hail
to the Chief" and all eyes were turned
towards tue direction in which the Presi-
dent was expected TO appear. When be
did come into view the immense gather
ing recognized him with "a perfect storm
OF cheers that lasted for several
minutes. The steamers took up the shout
with their whistles and the war ships
with their guns. When Rev. DIR. Storrs
arose IO give Jib prayer OU Lu6 Openlng
exercise, every effort to have the noise
stopped was Intellectual. The whistle
kept on blowing, guns firing, and
the crowds on the boats shouting
Finally, when all means appeared
useless, the reverend gentleman went
on with the prayer, but not even those
who were within a few feet could hear
him. The shadow of the colossus ex-
tended over him as with his hands out
stretched and his eyes cast heavenwaTd
he sought the blessings of the Almighty
upon the event which betOkened the
friendship of nations and a promise OF
peace which would be lasting and glori-
Gus between the two great republics. Dr..
StOrrs' prayer was brief but exquistely
pathetic.
DE LEssEPs' PRESENTATION SPEECH.
A moment alter DR.. Storrs retired
Count Ferdinand de Lesseps walked in
front OF the party of gentlemen on the
platform ana in a clear and s0nOrOus
voice, despite his many years, made ID
brief presentation speech in behalf OF the
FrancO-Amerlcan Union. He spoke ol
the conception OF the statue, the work
OF the committee, OF which ho
was a member, to bring the mat
ter TO the attention OF the French
government, the popular contribution
10 Tue COsL Vi lOuHNiuE lue VIZ anu ltS
final departure on tue lsere. As the aged
gentleman bowed In response to the ap-
pause which greeted his remarks he
waved his hand toward Senator William
NJ. Evarts, who took Count de Lesseps'
place before the audience.
Mr.. Evarts SAID: "The scene upon
which this vast assemblage is collected
displays q transaction Ia human affairs
which linds no precedent or record in the
past. nor in the long future, we may feel
part or parallel.
A TOKEN OF FRIENDSHIP.
"W What ornaments OF speech, what elo-
uuence OF human voice. what costly gifts
OF gold, irankincense and myrrh of our
hearts tribute can we bring TO the cele-
bration Of this consummate triumph OF
the genius of skill and OF labor which
speaks to-day. and will speak forever, the
thoughts, feelings andiriendships of these
two populous, powerful and free republics,
kult together In their pride aud JOY at
their own established freedom aud In
their hope aud purpose that the glad light
OF Liberty snail enlignten the world. For
this arduous theme the American COM
mlttee has the good fortune 10 present an
eminent citizen ana accomplished orator
from grateful and pleased attention to
whose eloquence the simple Office the COM
mittee mas asked me 10 discharge Will not
long detain this eXpectant multitude.
declare in your presence ard IN the
presence of these distinguished guests
from France, and Of this august assem-
blaze OF honorable and h0norsd men our
land, and OF this countless multitude, that
ii