Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1891-05-22

SPRINGFIELD, H., May 14.-President
Harrison spoke to-day at Lncoln's monu-
ment. He said in part:
Gov. Fifer and Fellow citizens-The in
terest of this journey eliminates to-day, as
we stand here about the tomb OF Lincoln.
AS ! passed through the southern States
md noticed those great centres OF busy In
dustry which have been built since the war;
as ! saw how the fires of furnaces had been
klnded where there was once solitude,
could not then but think and say that it
was the hand that now lies beneath these
stones that kindled and inspired all that we
behold all these fires of industry were light
ed at the funeral pyre of slavery.
The proclamation of Abraham Lincoln
can be read on all these mountain sides,
where free men arc now bending their ener-
GIGS to the development of States that have
oeen long under the paralysis OF human sla-
very. / come to-day TO this consecrated and
,acred spot with heart filled with emotions
pf gratitude that God, who wisely turned
towards our eastern shores a body OF God
fearing and liberty loving men, to found
this republic, did not fail to find for us III
the hour OF our extremity one who was
competent to lead the heads and sympathies
and hold up the courage Of our people III the
time of our greatest national peril. That
sense of justice, that love Of human liberty
which dominated all his life is character
istic that our people will always love.
You have here in keeping most precious
trust. Toward this spot the feet of the
reverent patriots OF the years TO come will
bend their way as the story Of Lincoln's life
is read, his virtues will mold aud inspire
many lives. / have studied 1t ana been tll-
ed with wonder and admiration. His life
was an American product; 10 other soil
could have produced it. The greatness OF
it has not yet been fully discovered or meas
ured We will all again and again read
the story OF Liucon's lite and will find our
hearts and mind enlarged our lives AMI
charities brosdened and our devotion to the
constitution, the hag and the free govern
ment which he preserved 10 Us intensified.
shall 70 from this tomb impressed with
new thoughts Us TO the responsibilities OF
those who bear the responsibilities, though
il less troublesome times than that man to
whose memory my soul responds this morn
Ing. applause.
When the president closed he was present
ed by Gov. Fifcr on behalf of tho citizens OF
Petersburg, ILL.,, with gold headed cane
made from the Lincoln store building u,
New Salrm
Speeches were made by Postmaster Gener
al Wunamaker and Secretary Rusk, during
which the president and Gov. Fifer proceed
cd to the State house where large crowd
was collected.
AT the state House the president made the
following address from his carriage; 1.-THE
demand for my presence in Washington
Is such that | cannot protract the stay here
with you this morning. l beg all to be
lieve that most heartily and sincerely
thank you for this cordial welcome from
Illinois for the interesting moments that We
have spent about the tomb of that man
who would have made the fame Of Illinol;
peri.hable and Springfield mecca fol
patriotic feet, if no other man in the history
of the State had ever come to eminence
Abraham Lincoln Cheers In his life
you have treasury of instruction for your
children, a spring of inspiration for YOU
people that viii be lasting. Cheers.