The record-union., 1891-07-06
LITERARY EXERCISES.
Impressive Ceremonies at the State
Capitol Building.

Impressive Ceremonies at the State
Capitol Building.
About thousand people assembled at
the Capitol and crowded the Assembly
Chamber when the procession was dis
missed.
Mayor Comstock, Trustees Mclaughlin
and Conklin, and Judge Armstrong es-
corted the orator, reader and chaplain to
the platform, where a detail from the
Sons of Veterans displayed the beautiful
silken national banner of that command.
mayor Comstock called TO order, and, in
a few well-chosen words, introduced
Judge Armstrong as President of the
Day. The Judge delivered a neat, inn
pressive and patriotic address, rapidly
sketching the rise of the republic, the
event OF the ringing of the Liberty bell,
the growth of the Union and what it
guarantees in religious and civil liberty,
broad tolerance, and the conservation OF
human rights.
The orchestra, led by c.. A. Neale. then
played Hail Columbia"
Rev. }. l.. Levy then pronounced the
invocation of the day in these words:
Our Father in Heaven, who art worshiped
by Thy children OF all creeds and colors.
though under varying forms and names we
draw nigh TO Thee thiS morning with grateful
hearts. Weapproach Thee with our gratitude
Aor the past; for the light that was granted
our fathers Tor the heroism that made them
claim their rights. assert their independence
ring out the signal Of liberty and free them
selves irom an oppression whose CALLING yoke
had become unSupportable. We pour out our
hearts in thankfulness that we are thus able
N'l commemorate the conquest of right over
might, of justice over tyranny, of "a struggling
out righteous minority over q domineering
and unrighteous majority. We thank Thee
Tor the occasion that enables US TO devote this
Say gay 10 the incubation of the principles OF in
dependence; day on which we can celebrate
the sacred cause OF liberty. In the present,
We thank Thee for Thy manifold mercies.
thdnk Thee for our abode of freedom, that
our land is peaceful, that we have been spared
lrom sickness or that sickness has not led to
Netth, or that death has not led 10 deSola-
ton. We thank Thee that we are being led
more ana more into Thy light, that tolerance
~ sltG IoEe are spreading, that we VINO
Sowed IN tears are reaping in Joy.
. Ana especially we thank Thee for
the peace, union and harmony that
prevail throughout this land For the future,
we invoke Thy guidance. more of Thy light
Al1 Hluch oI my blessing. We pray that Thou
Nll heip us 10 build up those causes which
are 10 the interest OF all men that Thou will
strengthen US TO cleanse public morals and
keep pure an laws. We pray that Thou wilt
inspire TINS people with a tender regard for
their institutions and deep love for the land
Of their birth or adoption We invoke Thy
blessing SO that this vast Republic may grow
in truth ana honor, in uprightness and in
tegrity, IN prosperity and goodness, in virtue
and duty.
We pray lnee 10 help us 10 expand our
thoughts and elevate our aspirations. SO that
wo recognize that material wealth and com
mereal greatness are as naught without
Righteousness; that without moral nobility
they are no better than jewel in the snout of
a s[yine or gem IN the forehead OF a skull
We pray Thee, therefore, to so be with us that
we take Thee for our model, that we form our
lives after Thy divine pattern, so that we
prove that there indeed is in this world a
6oWer that makes for Righteousness.
Aid US to remember that the liberty we to-
day3so highly commend does not mean liberty
10 10 wrong unpunished but liberty 10 listen
10 the dictates OF conscience, experience and
moral law-lberty to choose Thee for our
mas6er-llberty 10 excel in knowledge which
shall bring with ii truth, purity, holiness.
Wel pray that this nation may not stand