The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-05-17
Defeating A CAPITOL
AUSTIN THRONGBD WITH TROOPS
AND CIVILIANS.

Distinguished Generals From Mexico
and Their Stats Present in Full
Uniform-The Procession Over
Nile Long-The Grand Lodge of
Masons and the Knights Templar
Participate Speechmaking and
Drilling for Prizes.
AUSTIN, TEX, May 16.-This was the
third day of the International and Inter
state Drill and Celebration. 1t was devoted
to the dedication of the magnificent State
capitol building. The military and civic
demonstration in honor of the event has
probably never been equalled in any State.
The day opened cloudy and threatening,
but as the hour approached for the great
procession to take up its march toward the
towering capitol, the sun burst forth on the
hammered city with its overlooking throng.
OPENING CEREMONIES
The ceremonies of the day opened at 10
o'clock, when the Masonic Grand Lodge of
Texas headed by Judge Arson Rainey,
Grand Master. and the Grand Commandery
of the Knights Templar, following Grand
Commander I. u. Lubbuck, arrived and
took up their position on the plaza immedi
the dedication ceremonies Wee held.
MAGNIFICENT PAGEANT.
At II o'clock the head of the procession
reached the foot of Capitol Hill, where
Gov. Ross, Gen. Stanley and Gen Mexia, of
Mexico the last two mentioned in full UNI
form, in the presence OF over 10000 per-
sons, reviewed the parade. The pageant
was truly magnificent The column was
nearly mile long, and represented the
youth and chiyalry of the South. The
great procession marched around the CAPT
tol grounds, and was again reviewed by the
distinguished guests
Gov. Ross opened the dedication cere-
monies with brief address in the immedi-
ate presence of about 5000 spectators,
among whom were many distinguished
| men of the Southwest. Several hundred
ladies witnessed the imposing ceremonies
from the windows and galleries of the
capitol
SOME OF THE NOTABLE GUESTS.
Among the most notable guests were
Gen. Henrique Mexia, of Mexico with a
brilliant staff especial y delegated to repre-
sent President Diaz and the republic of
Mexico; Gen. Santos Buenavidas, repre-
sentlng the government of Nuervo Leon {;
John " FGrwell and Col Abner TAYLOR, of
Chicago, representing the syndicate that
built the capitol, and Jeremiah Garrett and
Mr.. Aiken, large manufacturers of
Manchester, Eng. Many noted guests
from the South were also present. Judge
Alexander w. Terrell, of Austin, one of the
foremost orators of the Southwest, in a
classical and historical address, welcomed
the guests to the dedication. He was fol-
lowed by Col. Abner Taylor, of Chicago,
who spoke in behalf of himself and the gen
tlemen as embled with him in the construc-
ton of the capitol.
THE SPEECH OF THE DAY.
The great speech of the occasion, how
ever, was delivered by Hon. Temple Hous-
ton, youngest son of Gen. Samuel Houston
the famous Texas hero, who strikingly re-
semhleS his historic father. He was dele
gated to accept the building in the name of
the people of Texas. He ably reviewed at
length the settlement and struggles ofTexas
and Mexico for the last 300 years. picturing
Texas as the child of storms, a nursing
of revolutions, the twilight of her
history made her soil the battlefield of free
dom, her children crusaders of liberty.
The speaker acknowledged the Indebtedness
of the people of Texas to United States Sen
ator Charles b. Farwell and his brother,
John V. Farwell, and their associates not
only for constructing the best State
house in the United States, but more
especially for bringing the public lands of
the State into worldwide notice by agree
ing to build house for 100000 acres set
aside for that purpose.
THE COST OF THE BUILDING.
These lands, he said were offered for sale
at Soc an acre without attract ng purchas-
ers, while the building had cost three times
soc. an acre, and was really worth five
times that amount, if its value was
measured by the cash cost of similar
buildings in other States. He thought
the State and the Farwell syndicate were
both to be congratulated on the result as
demonstrating beyond power of successful
criticism the wisdom of the contract which
made it possible.
At the conclusion of the speaking the
Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas formally
dedicated the building with solemn cere-
mony.
The day was an event In the history of
Texas that will be perpetuated for genera
lions. In the afternoon 10000 people as
sembled at the Gryaldall grounds to wit
ness the competitive drills between the
various companies. The Sealy Rifles of
Galveston and Belknap Rifles of San An
tonic drilled in the interstate contest for a
5000 prize.
The Houston Light Guards will drill to-
morrow. The days programme closed with
a dress parade and the official reception of
Gen. Mexia by the assembled military.