The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-04-28
AT THE TOMB OF GRANT.
THE CORNER STONE LAID AT THE
SITE IN RIVERSIDE PARK.

A@ - 4AN 40 HANAoAOh ann
Thousands of People in Attendance.
The Ceremonies Not Made the Occa-
sion for a Military Display-Presi-
dent Harrison Takes Part in the
Exercises-Chauncey NJ Depew the
Orator.
NEw YORK, April 27.-The first stone of
the great mausoleum which is to perpetuate
the memory Of Gen. Ulysses s. Grant was
laid in Riverside park at 3 O'clock this
afternoon. President Harrison, in the pres
ence of his cabinet and thousands Of citi-
zens, laid the granite block upon viii ch is
to be built a tomb worthy of the nation
aud the nations hero. The ceremonies
were impressive, AMI the weather favored
them. Long before the hour set for the
ceremonial the park presented an animated
appearance. As early as 10 O'Clock the lit
tie knoll upon which the enduring monu-
ment will stand was surrounded by thou
sands of civilians. Hour after hour the
great throng was augmented. 1t was
peaceful. orderly, decorous gathering. The
best people of the metropolis were conferred
around the site of the mausoleum that is to
be.
President Harrison arrived at | 80 O'Clock.
de entered the park, and when the crowd
beheld his coach the chief magistrate OF the
nation was given an ovation. The Presi-
dent was accompanied by several members
OF his cabinet. There was no marked mar
tial display attending the ceremonies, save
the presence of sprinkling here and there
OF officers of the army and navy and the
troops which accompanied the President to
the park. The whole ceremony was civil
from every point OF view. Notable among
those who gathered around the bier of the
hero of Appomattox were Gems. Howard,
Slocum, Schofield and Dodge, a quartet
composing the only living generals who
we're associated with Gen. Grant in the
great civil struggle.
Around the space where the monument
will be reared was arranged d platform.
On this were gathered President Harrison,
Mrs. Grant and family and the committee
through whose efforts the fund was raised.
Near by was another platform, which 40
commodated 300 members of the Loyal
Legion. Four minutes before O'clock the
United States marine band made the air
resound with the national air, Hail to the
Chief
OPENING THE CEREMONIES.
After the strains had died away Rev. Dr.
John Hall of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian
church offered up a prayer. Then Gen.
AASAoSS 4 Vi PAbsAuoub VI ku6 OThub
ment Association, spoke. He said:
We gather here to lay the cornerstone of a
temple OF the dead, TO celebrate an event which
will be forever memorable in our history. This
day has been selected for the occasion because
1t Is the anniversary of the birth of the nustri-
GUS soldier and citizen whose ashes will rerose
in the structure. We meet here TO perform this
ceremony in the presence of people who honored
him and brave men who followed him to victory.
Although the fund required for tho completion
OF this monumental tomb is large IL was de-
cided TO lay the corner stone to-day
in the confident belief that this patriotic
work once begun will never be allowed
to stop until completed. The organization Gre
ated for the completion of the fund proposes
to complete its laboTs before next Decoration
day, May 80, so that when the floWera of spring
are laid on yonder casket IL can be proclaimed
to the world that our debt has been discharged
When the structure shall have reached compile
tion its dome will point the path of loyalty to
children yet unborn. The hallowed memories
which cluster about it will remind US of the he
roic age of the republic. Its mute
eioquence will plead for equal sacrifice
should again threaten the nations life.
The blending OF its chaste lines and massive
proportions will be typical OF the hero who
sleeps beneath it's granite. and will recall the
childke simplicity which was mingled with the
majestic grandeur of his nature, Its crypt will
hold the ashes Of one who had filled TO the very
full the largest measure of human greatness and
covered the world with his renown. Here will be
entombed his body; his name will be eternally
embalmed in the hearts of his countrymen.
his services will attest his greatness. He did
his duty and trusted to history for his need of
praise His name will stand immortal when
epitaphs have vanished utterly and monuments
have crumbled into dust Throughout all the
ages, vessels upon the noble stream which flows
at the base Of his sepulcher viii, in passing,
sound their chimes in token Of salute, and the
echo of his guns Of war will have given place to
the tolling Of the bells Of peace.
THE CONVERSIONS SWUNG IN PLACE.
When Gen. Porter had concluded the
cornerstone was swung into place and
President Harrison placed the first cement
upon it with a trowel made of gold.
Chauncey M. Depew then delivered the
Grafton OF the day.
The ceremony was concluded by the
firing of O. salute of twenty-one guns by
the monitor Miantonomah, which lay In the
waters of the Hudson adjacent to the scene
of the ceremonial.
BANQUET AT DRLMoNlCO's.
To the memorial events of the day the
Grant birthday banquet at Delmonicos to-
night. was fitting climax. To each of the
$50 guests present was given as souvenir
two Indian proof etchings of Grant and
Lincoln, Other souvenirs took the form
of bronze medal, having on the diverse the
Grant tomb and on the reverse profiles of
Washington, Lincoln and Grant To the
four generals at the table OF honor, Dodge,
Schofeld, Swayue and Porter, were pre-
sented memorial spoons. GeD. Greenville
VI. Dodge presided. and after he had deliv~
cred brief Introductory address Secretary
Stephen B. Elkins responded to the toast,
1.-THE Secretary Of War"
Secretary Elkins sat down amid great
applause, and was followed by Gen. Horace
Porter, who delivered an eulogy on Gen.
Grant, and gave history Of the work which
eliminated in the ceremony they had at
tended few hours previously. The order
Of the toasts was altered considerably from
what had been determined on owing TO the
absence of Gen. Breckinridge and Chauncey
NJ Depew.
Senior Romero, the minister from Mexico,
paid high tribute to Gen. Grants devo-
tion, patriotism aud statemanship.
A permanent committee was elected to
arrange for an annual celebration Of Gen.
Grants birthday.
New Rule Against the DanvilIe.