The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1891-10-15

blessed evidence of that charity
which is the keystone to our temple.
In choosing as the emblem of our
order, the Elk, our founders were in
spired with poesy. In all natural his
tory there is no animal more beauti-
ful, and it is here that we go back to
nature, majestic of mien, swift of foot,
timid and shy, an eye as soft as child
hood, the Elk is nevertheless resolute
in the defense of its rights; prey
of many, it brings no grief to any
child of the forest. 1t is neither rapa,
cious or revengeful; its home
is sylvan and it's ways are the
ways Of pleasantness; its existence is
idyllic and in measure pathetical.
Here, then, in this silent city, upon
this beautiful spot where the dews
fall softly, the flowers bloom and the
birds sing, we erect and dedicate this
emblematic monument. So long as it
may stand it will sacredly proclaim to
all the world that those of our breth-
rem who sleep here shall have tribute
paid to their memories; that they
shall have spread upon their green
mounds rosemary for remembrance,
and they shall here find rest after
labor, but not oblivion.
The band followed with the well
known hymn, Nearer My God to
lhee," at the conclusion of which
Exalted Ruler Charles F. Joy ac-
cepted the monument and the statue
in behalf of st. Louis Loo gs No. 8. Mr..
Joy said:
GAS the representative today of the
Elks of st. Louis and in their behalf l
desire to express to you, sir, not only
their deep appreciation of the magnif-
icent testimonial hcre erected and
about to be dedicated to the purpose
of making final resting place of our
dead, but also to express in their be-
half their personal appreciation of the
generous spirit which has prompted
this gift. 1t shall be our pleasing
duty to guard well this sacred spot
and see that it is forever maintained
as place of sepulchre for the worthy
dead of our order. 1t is unnecessary
at this time or on this occasion to re-
press the feelings of high personal re-
gard of every member of this lodge for
yourself, or to state that your name
will be ever held in grateful remem-
brance.
One 10y one other little mounds arise
in this circle to mark the resting place
of brother after brother as death shall
claim him and while those who par
ticipate in the solemn services of his
interment stand with bowed heads
around this pile with tears for the
dead, there will be mingled feelings
of gratitude in their hearts toward
him who has 50 generously contribu-
ted to beautify this burial place.
. The quartette sang Cardinal New
mans Kindly Light, and then were
begun the ceremonies Of dedication.
They consisted of prayer by District
Deputy Exalted Grand Ruler John
w. Norton, and the placing of wreaths
of flowers by four officers of the order
at the north, south, east and west
corners of the base Of the monument
In the center of each wreath in q
background of white carnations
were in raised letters the words;
CHARITY, Justice, Brotherly Love and
Fidelity" Subsequent to the placing
of the wreaths as above, the district
deputy exalted ruler accepted the
monument for the grand lodge in ac-
cordance with the ritual of the order.
Eloise Ware, the little 6-year-old
daughter of Col. Ware, a prominent
member of the local lodge, had been
selected to pull the cord which would
cause the stars and stripes to fall
from the statue and reveal it to those
present. This she did in the following
words:
"It gives me great pleasure to un-
veil the statue presented by Col. John
A. Cockrell. May this symbol of your
order ever lead you in the path of
right, and when your work on earth
is done mark your last abode"
All present joined in singing "Auld
Lang Syne," led by the band. A
benediction was pronounced by the
district deputy exalted grand ruler,
and the ceremonies were at an end.