Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-05-15
PRESIDENT HARRISON
Nearing Hem.---A Grand ReCep-
tion At Springfield, Ill.
Hs Makes q Psslins Speech at the Non.
umant Of Abraham Lincoln.
citizsns ofPstsTsburs,II Present Him
with a Gold Hsadsd Cane.

SPRINGFIELD, H., May l4.-President
Harrison and party arrived today and met
an enthusiastic reception. At Lncoin's
monument the President made feeling
speech in the presence of large assem-.
blage. BE said in part:
Governor Fifer and fellow citizens-The
intsres. of this journey eliminates today,
as we stand here about the tomb Of Lincoln.
As passed through the Southern States
and noticed those great centres Of busy in.
oustry which has been built since the wsr,
SIS saw how the fires Of furnaces hal been
kindled, where there was once solitude,
could then bu. think and say that it was the
hard that now lies beneath those
stones that kindled and inspired all that
We behold, all these fires Of industry were
lighted at the funeral pyie of slavery.
Tne proclamation of Abraham Lincoln can
be read on all these mountain sides, where
free men are now bending thei, energies to
the development of state that has loug
been under the parslys sis Of human slavery
come today 10 this consecrsted and sacred
spot with hesr. filled with emotions Of
gratitude that God. who wisely turned
towards our eastern shores bcdy Of God
fearing and liberty loving men to found
this republic, did not fail to find for US in
the hour Of our extremity one who wAs
competent TO lead the hearts and sy sympssnies
and hold up the coursge Of our people in
the times Of our creates st national period.
That sense of justice, that love of human
liberty which domiDsted ali his life is
characteristic tbst our people will always
love. You have here in keeping a most
precious trust. Towards this spot the feet
Of reverent patriots Of years to come will
bend their wsy. As the story of Lincoin's
is read, his virtues will mold and inspire
many lives. l have studied it ard have
been filled with wonder and admiration.
His life was an American product; no
other soil could have produced it.
The greatness Of it has not yet
been fully discovered or measured.
| shall go from this tomb impressed with
new thocghts as to responsibilities of those
who bear responsibilities, though in less
troublesome times than that man to whose
memory my soul bows this morning. Ap-
plsuse.
When the President closed he was pre-
sented by Governor Fifer, on behalf Of the
citizens of Petersburg, H.. with 8 gold
headed cane made from the Lincoln store
building at New Salem. Speeches were
made by Postmaster-Geueral Wanamaker
and Secretary Rusk, during which the Pes
dert srd Governor Fifer proceeded to the
State House, where large crowd collected
AT the State House the President made
the following address from his carriage
THE demand for my presence in Washing
ton is such that | cannot protrsCt my stay
here with you this morning. l beg all to
believe 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 Illinois
imperishable and Springfield Mecca fer
patriotic feat, If no other man in tho story
Of the state had ever come to emineuce-
Abraham Lincoln. Cheers In his life
you have treasure of instruction for your
children and spring of inspiration for
your people shst will be lasting. ICheers.