Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-04-30
THE LITERARY EXERCISES.
Eloquent Words Uttered from the Plat
form In Front of the Sub-Treasury.

New YORK, April 30.-In front of the plat
form Of the sub-treasury building. where the
literary exercises connected with the centennial
celebration took place, sea of heads greeted
the eye, and all about the spot, from Broadway to
William street, and as far one could see down
Broad street, eager, thronging humanity was
packed. 1t was next to impossible for one to
make his way through the crowd that was
struggling for places of vantage near the
platform.
The platform and canopies extended all the
way from the eastern line of the assay Office
| along the front of that building and the sub
treasury on Wall street, and also around on the
Nassau street side of the sub-treasury The deco
ration OF the sub-treasury was most elaborate
and certainly has never been equaled before in
the memory of any New Yorker
National colors in silk and bunting. shields
eagles, notices, portraits of revolutionary
characters and many other devices contributed
to the grand display and made most superb
effect. The special stand from which the speak
ers addressed the people was built directly in
front of the statue of Washington, which stood
majestically forth above ALL
wAsHINGToNs STATUE ITSELF
stands in a bower Of national colors and de-
vices. One especially noticeable feature of the
decorations is a large presidential flag sent
from Washington, where it was made for the
occasion at the Navy department. The flag is
lOxl7 feet, and is artistically draped on the
front of the building.
While the services in St. Paurs chapel were
being held the twenty-second regiment band,
under the leadership of Patrick s. Gill
more, gave concert at the sub-treasury.
The band began the program at about 9 O'clock,
and continued until the literary exercises COM
menced.
The President and his party were due at 10
o'clock, but it was a little later when they ar
rived. The literary committee escorted the
President from st. Paurs down Broadway to
Wall and down Wall to the sub-treasury
As the Presidents carriage passed along the
crowded thoroughfare the waiting multitude
on the sidewalks cheered again and again until
his way seemed to be
TRIUMPHANT PROCESSION
greeted with one prolonged roar of cheers.
The Presidents reception at the sub-treasury
was most enthusiastic. As soon Gilmore
caught sight of the Presidents carriage he
lifted his baton and the full 22d regiment band
played Hail to the Chief @
During the playing of this the President
alighted and was escorted to his seat on the
platform. The members of his cabinet grouped
themselves about him. and the other invited
guests were seated near. As soon as all were
arranged and quiet was gained, Mr. Eibridge
7. Gerry, chairman Of the committee on lite
rary exercises, stepped to the front of the plat
form and addressed the assembly as follows:
ELBRIDaE t. eERRYs ADDRESS.
FELLOW CITIZENS: One hundred years ago on
this spot George Washington, as first President
of the United States, took his oath of Office
upon the holy Bible. That sacred volume is
here to-day, silently attesting the basis upon
which our nation was constructed and the de-
pendence Of our people upon Almighty God.
In the words, then, OF one OF the founders of
the government, with hearts overfowing with
gratitude to our Sovereign Benefactor for
granting to us existence for continuing it to
the present period, and for accumulating IN ne
blessings, spiritual and temporal, through life,
may we with fervor beseech Him so to continue
them as best to promote His glory and our
welfare"
Rev. DIR. sroRRs PRAYER.
The Rev. DR.. Richard 8. Storrs then made an