Morris tribune., 1892-10-26

nau participated In Lne procession were
escorted totheir seats upon the platform
with the utmost dispatch, Vice Presi-
dent Morton being seated in front, with
President T. w. Palmer on his right,
President Higinbotham on his left, and
Cardinal Gibbons, Bishop Ireland,
Bishop Fowler, Mayor Washburne,
Henry Watterson, Chauncey M. Depew
occupying seats on either side. To
the east and west upon the same plat
form were seated the members OF the
cabinet, the diplomatic corps, the
judges of the supreme court, governors
of the states, and other distinguished
guests. Mind cannot conceive, nor Pom
Gil describe the scene that was presented
when the last Of those who had partici-
pated in the parade were seated. On
the platform were representatives, of
every country on the civilized globe;
before them the largest audience that
has ever assembled since that day upon
which the Creator said "Let there be
light" Little time was occupied in
preliminaries. Without waiting for a
signal the orchestra broke forth with
the opening strains of the Columbia
March," arousing the audience to a high
pitch of enthusiasm. AS the strains Of
the music died away Bishop Charles II.
Fowler, of California, one OF the most
eminent divines Of the Methodist church,
arose in his place. The immense audi
ence, which stretched back as far as the
eye could reach, followed his example.
And heads were bowed and hands
clasped, while the eminent divine gave
thanks to the Almighty for what had
already been accomplished, and be-
sought the blessing of the great ruler of
all upon what remained to DO done. A
hundred and fifty thousand Threats
voiced fervent amen as the bishop re-
sumed his seat. The task of making the
formal announcement that the work of
preparing the buildings and grounds had
been completed, had been assigned to
Hon. George R. Davis, director general,
and who was received with a burst Of
applause that went up to tho roof Of the
structures and reverberated as from the
firing of cannon in the distance.
After Mr.. Davis came Mayor Wash
burne with welcome On behalf of Chi
cago. The Columbian ode was read by
Mrs Sarah G. LIE Moyne, interspersed
with choral selections from the same.
Mrs. Potter Palmer made a brief ad-
dress on the part of the board of lady
managers, and President Higginbotham
then rendered the buildings on behalf
of the exposition to President Palmer of
the Columbian commission. President
Palmer responded briefly, and then Vice
President Morton was introduced Ito
dedicate the buildings on behalf of the
United States.
The conclusion of Mr., Morton's speech
was the signal for loud and long con-
tinued applause, and when the vice
president stepped forward to bow his
thanks one eighth of million men and
women rose to their feet and gave him
salvo Of applause that he is likely to
remember SO long as he has breath and
life. The "Hallelujah Chorus" was
rendered at this point.
A good old-fashioned reception of
cordially was extended to Henry Wat
terson when he came to the front Of the
stage to deliver the dedicatory address.
When the eminent Kentuckian had
resumed his seat, and the applause that
greeted his peroration had subsidized the
choir rendered the "Star Spangled
Banner" and Hail Columbia" with
orchestra accompaniment. This incen-
tive to patriotic o1tburst was not
needed to serve as an introduction the
next speaker. When Chauncey M.
Depew stepped forward the audience
went into ecstacies, and would not be
quoted, Comparative silence at last
was restored, however, and the eminent
national orator proceeded with his
pration.
The grafton was repeatedly punctuat-
ed with applause, and when it was con-
cluded three cheers were called for and
responded by all of those within hearing.
After the chorus had rendered Beetho-
ven's SIN Praise Of God," Cardinal Git.
bons arose, a wave of his hand and
every head was bowed at the throne of
grace, while the eminent prelate deliv-
cred himself If a fervent supplication.
After this there was more music. The
audienoe, Which had been remarkably
still and patient, began TO manifest |
tokens Of fatigue at this point, and an
exodus from the south door was inaug-
uraed. The exercises, however, wero
close to an end. A blessing was pro-
nounced by Rev. Dr.. A. P. Cook. of the
First Presbyterian church of Philadel- |
phia, and almost before his closing
words had d away the band struck
up the familiar stYains of "America"
IND the audience Joined in the second
st&nza.
In the evening Archbishop Ireland, of
St. Ranl, delivered az address upon the
aims and ends Of the various congresses
which will meet during the worlds fair.