Omaha daily bee., 1889-05-01

the Articles OF Confederation, which were
founded on the doctrine OF states, right
They reversed the Declaration of Indepen-
dence, and instead OF entrusting power to
the people, conferred IL On the state legisa-
lures. All states had an equal voice with
out regard to population, and any five of
them could block the wheels of gov
ernment. This was a fatal weakness. Con-
gress could neither levy taxes nor impose
duties nor collect excise. Anarchy threat
ened It's existence at nome and contempt met
its representatives abroad. But even through
Cimerian darkness shot a flame which illu-
minated the coming century and kept bright
the beacon fires of liberty. The architects
OF constitutional freedom formed their nsti-
tutions with wisdom which forecasted the
future. The moral and intellectual forces
forming the foundation OF the nation as.
sented to the limitation Of the boundaries Of
states, aud gave congress the power to levy
and collect taxes. The patriotism which had
been misled, but never faltered, rose above
the interests of states and the iealousies of
jarring confederates to find the basis for the
union. The corner stone Of the edifice whose
centenary we are celebrating was the ordi-
nance of 1871 1t was constructed by the
feeblest of congresses, but few enactments
in ancient or modern times have had more far
reaching and benefcent effect 1t is one of
the sublimest paradoxes of history that this
weak confederation OF states should have
welded the chain, against which. after sew
enty- -four years OF fretful effort for release,
its own spirit frantically dashed and died.
The experience of 100 years has demon
strated for us the perfection of the work, for
defense against foreign foes ana for self
preservation against domestic insurrec-
tion, for limitless expansion in popula-
tion ana material development, and for
steady growth in intellectual freedom and
force. Its continuing influence upon the
welfare and destiny of the human race can
only be measured by the capacity of man to
enjoy the boundless opportunities of liberty
and law. The eloquent characterization Of
r. itQ n
American constitution is the most wonderful
work ever struck off at given time by the
brain and purpose of man,
The speaker then reviewed at length the
struggles following the inauguration of
Washington, the various amendments TO the
constitution, the creation and perfection of
the various departments of the government,
the inception of the supreme court which de-
fined and confirmed the enlarged power of
congress and the rights of states, the wise
and conservative counsels of the first presi-
dent and the great debt posterity owes to his
administration. After briefly sketching the
wonderful growth and development of the
country, Mr.. Depew concluded Cs follows:
"Tle sun of our destiny is still rising, and
its rays lllumne vast territories as vet un-
occupied and undeveloped, and which are to
be the happy homes of millions of people.
The questions which affect the powers of
government and the expansion or limitation
of the authority of the federal constitution
are so completely settled, and so unani-
mously approved, that our political divisions
produce only the healthy antagonism of par
ties which is necessary for the preservation
of liberty. Our institutions furnish the full
equipment of shield and spear for the battles
of freedom, and absolute protection against
every danger which threatens the welfare of
of the people will always be found IN the
intelligence which appreciates their
value, and the courage and morality with
which their powers are exercised.
| The spirit of Washington fills the executive
Office. Presidents may not rise to the full
measure of his greatness, but they must not
| fall below his standard of public duty and
| obligation. His life and character, con-
scientiously studied and thoroughly under
stood by coming generations, will be, for
| them, a liberal education for private life and
| public station, for citizenship and patriotism,
| for love and devotion to the union and lio-
| erty. With their inspiring past and splendid
present, the people of these United States
| heirs of 100 years maryelousy rich in all
| which adds to the glory and greatness of a
nation, with an abiding trust IN the stability
and elasticity of their constitution. and an
aboundng faith in themselves, hail the COM
| ing century with hope and JOY"
Gerry then introduced President n Hirri-
| son, who arose from his seat and advanced
| to the front of the platform. This was the
| signal for grand outburst of che inR.
Dozens OF cameras was pointed at him from
| the surro unding house tops. He stood still
| for a mo oment unconsciously giving the pho-
| tographers an excellent opportunity. He
spoke as follows:
"These proceedings are of very exacting
| character and make it quite impossible that
| should deliver an address on this occuSion
| At an early date notified your committee
| that the programme must not contain any
address by me. The selection of MIR. Depew
| as the orator on this occasion made any
further speech not only difficult but super.
| tiuous. He has met the demand of the occa-
| sion on its own high level. He has brought
| before us the inciuents of the ceremonies of
| the great Inauguration of Washington.
We seem to be part OF the admiring
and almost adoring throag that flled this
| streets, 100 years ago, to greet the always
| inspiring presence of Washington. He was
| the incarnation OF duty, and teaches us, to-
| day, the great lesson that those who would
| associate their name with events that shall
| outive a century can only do so by the
| highest conservation to duty. He was like a
| captain who goes to sea, and throws over
| board his cargo OF rags that he may gain
safety and deliverance for his imperlled fell
| low men. Washington seemed to come to the
| discharge of the duties of his high Office i'm
| pressed with great sense of his unfamiliar
ity with the position newly thrust upon him,
| and modestly doubtful of his own ability, but
| trusting implicitly in that God who rules the
| world and presideS in the conscience of ma
| tions, and his power to control human
| events.
We have made marvellous progress in
material events since then. but the stately
| and enduring shaft we have built at the
| national capital at Washington symbolzes
| the fact that ne is still the first American
| citi2en.n
The remarks of the president were fire.
| quently interrupted with cheers, and when
| he sat down there came cries for Morton"
! But the vice president merely responded by
| rising and bowing to the throng.
Archbishop Corrigan, attired in his pontih
| cial robes then pronoun ced the benedction.
THE PARADE.
The Trinity chimes rang out and the music
| already started. The presidential party en-
! tered the carriages ana started for the re-
| viewing stand at Madison Square. From
| Pine street. the point from which the parade
started up Broadway, us far as the eye could
! reach, the sidewalks were literally blocked
with people, while the windows, do0rways,
and roofs were simply mass of humanity.
| AS the procession moved cheers rent the air
| and handkerchiefs ana banners were thrown
to the breeze on all sides.
| The dense throngs and the pressure OF
/ course caused numerous fainting fits along
the ro lte. AT 1880 the president ana the
other guests were driven past the city hall
| in open carriages, at brisk pace, the mill
tdry bodies having been drawn up in salut
ing columns on the east side Broadway.
| President Harrison kept his head uncovered
and nodded TO the right and left in acknowl
cdgcment OF the wild applause which greeted
him all along the line. Men shouted them
selves hoarse, ladies waved flags and hand
kerchiefs. The cabinet officers and the other