River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1889-12-12

him. Another moment and President
Harrison entered bowing to a cheer
which penetrated every nook of the
vast structure.
Mr.. Clarence Eddy opened the eXer-
cises with grand organ fantastic com
posed by Dubois for this occasion, and
the rendition clearly showed his mas
terry of the colossal Auditorium organ.
The address of welcome was delivered
by Mayor Cregier. Ferd W. Peck was
called loudly for and made few appro-
pirate remarks, after which he intro
duced President Harrison to the vast as
semblage. The President was received
with great applause and spoke as fol-
lows:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: Some OF my news
paper friends have been puzzling themselves in
order to discover the reason why left Wash
ington to be present here tonight. l do not
think need to set in order the motives which
have impelled my presence. Surely no loyal
citizen OF Chicago, who sits here tonight under
the witching, magnificent scene, will ask for
any other reason than that which is here pre-
sented.
II do most heartily congratulate you upon
the completion and Inauguration Of Il mag
nificent building, without equal in this coun-
try and, so far 1 know, without an equal in
the world. We have here about us tonight
in this grand Architecture, in this taste
full decoration, that which is an educa
tion and an inspiration. IL might well
attract those, whose surroundings were
altogether pleasant to make a longer journey
than / have made TO stand for an hour here
And II that be true surely there is reason
enough why the President may turn aside for
a little while from public duty to mingle with
his fellow citizens in celebrating an event so
fuh nd co worthy = this Not gORaeh-ppr
tainly not the careless words Of extempore
speech--can fifty interpret this great occasion.
Only this voice Of the immortal singer can bring
from these arches those echoes which will tell
US the true purpose of their construction
you will permit me, then, to thank you, to
flank the mayor OF Chicago, to thank all those
good citizens with whom l have to-day been
brought in personal contact, for the kind
ness and respect with which they have re-
ceived me; and you win permit me to thank
you, my fellow-c'Jizens, for the eordiality
which you have Witnessed here tonight. / wish
that this great building may continue TO
be- TO all your population, that which it should
be- opening its doors from night to night, call
ing your people here away from the cares OF
business TO those enioyments and pursuits
and entertainments which develop the souls OF
men: which will have power to inspire those
whose lives are heavy with daily toll, and in
this magnificent and enchanted presence lift
them for a time out OF these dull things into
those higherthings where men should live"
In the midst of the hearty applause
which followed the remarks of the Pres
ident the orchestra struck up Amer
| lea" the fun chorus of 500 voices joining
| in the fine old hymn. The Apollo Club
sang a cantata composed for the occasion
by Frederic Gleason. The club was ac-
companied by the chorus, under the lead
| of Prof. TOmlins.
| Hon. John ). Runnells followed in an
| address in which he prophesied some