Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1890-02-24
A MONUMENT TO LIBERTY.


Gov ernor BiRgs's speech in Philadelphia
Selecting the Site.
The initial steps toward the erection
OF memorial to perpetuate the memory
OF the events leading to the Foundation
of the United States Government were
taken IN Philadelphia last Saturday in
the presence and with the cooperation OF
large and representative gathering of
Congressman and state authorities.
Enthusiasm marked the entire day s
events. The eloquent G. r Breckenridge
of Arkansas, spoke the first patriotic
words.that stirred the visitors. and when
Governor Biggs of Delaware had con-
cluded his appeal in Common Council
chamber enthusiasm and patriotism
prevailed the whole party and flowed the
entire day until night time.
The meeting was called tosorder in the
Continental Hotel Then the delegates
proceeded to Carpenters Hail. where the
first Continental Congress was held.
General Banks was elected presiding
officer.
At the conclusion of General Banks
address it was decided that the states
should be called in order Of their ad-
mission to the Union, and Governor
Biggs, OF Delaware, responded for his
state. The long. haired and handsome
governor was received with considerable
applause and in a short speech made the
nit Of the day. He said; ''If / measured
my remarks according to the size of my
state they would not be very long. !
shall, however, be very brief. / did not
expect to be called upon for a speech,
but | have responded because my old
friend in Congress- General Banks, has
called upon me and years ago learned to
honor him. / know what he does is
generally right. This meeting is called
for the purpose of aiding financially, as
well as morally, in order that we may
show our respect to our ancestors.
Gentlemen, we have assembled here
to do something to commemorate those
who gave their labor, their time and
their lives to this country. We have as
sembled from every part of the country,
without regard to party or section.
eve have party strife, but when the
election is over the excitement is over.
''My little state voted against the
present occupants of the White House,
but | say to you now, they are our Presi-
dent and our Vice-President and we shall
respect them until the end Of their
terms. But four years from now we will
endeavor to take them out of there down
in our own state If we do not succeed
we will respect them as much as ever
Delaware is proud of its position il
the national events that led to the foun-
dstion of this government. 1t was the plac
ing Of the name of Cesar Rodney on ths
Declaration of Independence that carried
it through the Congress. 1t was Della
ware that first signed the Constitution
Delaware's all three delegates signed tbs
Declaration.
1T was delicate thing for those sign
ers to do. The halter hung over theil
heads, and it is fitting that here, in I
city where these events took place, tina
we should erect monument to them.
The spirit of liberty is not confined Il
North America. We have heard from il
in Brazil and we have heard from it il
Europe. | expect to see the day whan al
Irish Parliament shall rule over Ireland
LET us erect this monument so tina
our posterity shall honor US for doing it
Let 1t be enduring as marble and brass
for our country and America will stanC
as long as it viii, for it viii not moulder
For liberty is engraved upon tablets more
durable than brass 1t is upon the hearts
Of our people
AT the conclusion of Governor Biggs'
address, the distinguished party pro
ceeded to Independence Hall, wher
similar exercises were held.
At 2 o'clock carriages were taken a
the hotel and the visitors Were drive
through Fairmount Park to examin
sites for the proposed memorial.
banquet was rendered the visitors thi
evening, at which Governor Beaver pre-
sided. On his right was ex-Governo
Green and on his left Governor Biggs.