Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1889-12-12
OUR CENTENNIAL DAY
CELEBRATION OF WASHINGTON ISAU-
DURATION
In the Hall Of the House, Yesterday y-CongTtss
D.yolss Session TO Memorial Exercises.
Chief Justice Rullr Makes the Address.
General News

WASHINGTON, December lin pur-
suaDce of a resolution adopted by Congress
in February last, the two houses met in
the Hall Of Representatives today to hold
centennial exercises, in commemoratiDg
the Inauguration Of the first President.
This was in the nature OF supplemental
proceeding to the great centennial celebra-
tiOn held on the 3Olh Of April in the city
Of New York, where President Wash
ingtOn first took the oath Of
high ofice. II was literally
gathering Of the nations. Through the
foreign legations, resident in Washington,
all were officially represented, added 20
delegates from the Central and South
American Republics, accredited 10. Pan
American Congress, now in session, and
the members of the Maritime conference.
There were also present the Governors of
about twenty States, drawn hither for
consultation in regard 10 memonalizing
Congress for the erection Of a centennial
memorial building at Philadelphia, a mat.
ter that was first suggested al the meeting
Of the Governors Of the original thirteen
States in 1856.
A BRILLIANT AssRMBLAGE.
The galleries were packed. Shortly be.
fore one o'clock the House Of Representa-
tiyes notified the Senate that il Wss in ses-
sion. In few minutes the Senate, pre-
ceded by the President and Vice Presi-
dent, the members OF the Diplomatic
Corps in their brilliant uniforms, and the
Justices Of the Supreme Court OF the
United States in their official robes, enter
ed the Hall Of the House. They were e.
corted TO the feits reserved for them in
front OF the Speakers desk. Yice-ple.i-
dent Morton took the Speakers chair and
houses TO order in joint session. The
Marine Band, which was stationed ia
the sOuih corridor rendered appropriate
music. Rev. J. G.. Butler, the Senate
chaplain, opened the services with prayer
Chief Justice Fuller Of the Supreme Court
of the United States, then delivered his
Grafton on the Progress of America.
CHIEF JUSTICE FULLER's oRArIoS.
In beginning his Grafton, Chief Justice
Fuller said "By the terms OF that section
of the Act of Congress under which We
have assembled in further commemoration
of the historic Inauguration OF the first
President OF the United States. George
WashingloD,' the 3Oth OF April, A. ID.
1899, was declared a rational holiday
and in the noble city where that
event took place its centennial anniver-
sary has been celebrated with magnd-
cence OF speech and song, Of multitudi-
nous assembly, and OF naval. military and
civic display, accompanied by every mani
festation of deep love Of country, Of pro-
found devotion to its institutions, and Of
intense appreciation OF the virtues and
services OF that illustrious man, whose a.
sumption Of the chief mag stracy gave the
assurance of the succeseinl setting in mo-
tion Of the new government.
Washington, the orator continued.
'had become first in war, not 30 much
by victories over the enemy or by sue.
cess in strategy "A the irinmphs Of a con
stancy which no reverse, no hardship
no incompetency, no treachery coul
shake or overcome. He had hecom
first in the hearts Of his countrymen b,
cause the people oomprehended the grea
ness Of their leader and recognized
in him an entire abslinercs from per
sonsl ambition and absolute love
OF country, Of themselves and Of man
kind. He had become Grst in peace by
bringing to the charge Of the practical
working Of the system be had participated
in creating, on behalf Of the people whose
independence he had achieved, the same
serene judgment, the same ssgacity the
same patience, the same sense ofduty, the
same far-sighted comprehension Of the end
TO be attained, that had marked his career
from its beginning "
Rev. W. Ii. MilbuD, the House chap
lain, delivered benedction, aud while
the marine band played national airs the
assemblage dispersed.