Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-12-10
rHE CHICAGO AUDITORIUM.

ond regiments Illinois National guard, with
number OF veteran soldier societies acted
as escort. and soon as the pres
ident's party had been seated in
carriages the line of march was taken up,
two military bands enlivening the pageant
with patriotic music. The procession was
watched as it proceeded by thousands of PEG
pie who lined the streets. and throng gath
cred at Mr.. Peck's residence called loudly for
a speech, which was not given them. During
the morning and afternoon the president was
shown over the Auditorium and attended
receptions at the Union League and Tippe-
canoe clubs.
The Auditorium Dedication.
But the great event, and that which brought
the nations executive to this city, was the
dedication of the Auditorium last even
ing, and it was brilliant af-
fair. Nearly 1000 people witnessed the
ceremonies. The distinguished visitors
President Harrison, Vice President Morton,
Secretary Halford. Assistant Postmaster Gen
eral Clarkson, Governor Merriam and Gov
ernor Hoard, were all present. Governor
Fifer, Mayor Cregier and prominent Chi
cagoans occupied honorary boxes with the
visiting guests. The interior Of the big
building was tastefully decorated and the
toilets of the ladies were magnificent
Mr.. Clarence Eddy opened the exercises
with a grand organ fantasia composed by
Dubois for the occasion, and his rendition
clearly showed his mastery of the colossal
organ.
The address of welcome was delivered by
Mayor Cregier. Ferd W. Peck was called
for and made few appropriate remarks,
after which he introduced President Harri-
son to the vast assemblage
President Harrison's Speech.
The president was received with great ap-
plause, and spoke as follows:
LADIES AND OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES of nv
newspaper friends have been puzzling them
selves in order TO discover the reason why /
had left Washington to be present here to-
night. i do not think need to set out in order
the motives which have impelled my presence.
Surely no loyal citizen of Chicago who sits
here tonight under this witching, magnificent
scene, will ask for any other reason than that
which Is here presented. lApplausel
do most heartily congratulate You upon the
completion aud inauguration Of this magnifi-
cent building, without an equal in this coun-
try, and, 80 far as I know, without an equal
in the world.
Education and Inspiration Combined.
We have here about US tonight in this grand
architecture, in this tasteful decoration that
which is an education and an inspiration Ap-
planse.l IL might well attract those whose
surroundings were altogether pleasant Ia make
a longer journey than have made To stand
for an hour here. lApplau~e.l And if that he
true, surely there il reason enough why the
president may turn aside for little while from
public duty TO mingle with his fellow citizens
in celebrating an event so high and 80 worthy
as this. Applause Not speech-certainly not
the careless words of eNtempore speech-Can
fifty interpret this great occasion. Only the
voice of the immortal singer can bring from
81. l. ~
true purpose OF their construction. iApplauSe,1
You will permit me then to thank Won, 10
thank the mayor of Chicago. TO thank all those
good citizens with whom ] have to-day been
brought i'll personal contact. for the kindness
and respect with which they have received me:
and you will permit me to thank YOU, my fell
citizens, for the corliality which v,u
have Witnessed here tonight | hope that this
great building may continue TO be. 10 all your
population. that which il should be- opening
its doors from night to night, calling Your Keo-
pie here away from the care OF business to
those enioyments and pursuits and entertain
ments which develop the souls OF men Zap
plausel; which will have power to inspire those
whose lives are heavy with daily toll. and in
this magnificent and enchanted presence lift
them for time out of these dull things into
those higher things where men should live.
Entranced by the Diva
After the app ause which follow ed the
presidents remarks Mime. Patti came for
ward and delighted the audience with her
wonderful singing. She had chosen the
familiar song, Home, Sweet Home and
when she finished the applause was deafen-
ting. She was obliged to bow her acknowl-
edgements several times amid the roar of
clapping hands
Mr.. Eddy gave a scholarly Interpretation
Of a fantasia by De Ia Tombelle, composed
expressly for the dedication of the big or
gan, and after the Apollo club had given a
selection from Hayden's creation, The
Heavens Are Telling" the ad dress of dedica
ton was delivered by Governor Fifer.
Gounod's opera, Romeo and Juliet will
open the grand opera season with Mime
Patti as Juliet, tonight