The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-05-11

cities. the people of the Nation have
seemed to say to New York: You have
secured the honor of entombing within
your borders the ashes OF Americas great
Captain; the superb memorial to be reared
will be the chief ornament Of your city. Pill
grimages will be made from all quarters
Of the globe to visit that SMecceya. You
are the metropolis and the monied centre:
you must unaided build the structure
New York has accepted the challenge and
will make good her word. While this struc-
ture will be thoroughly national in It's char
acter and purpose, it will stand in history as
a tribute Of the greatest of American cities
to the creates Of American soldiers"
When General Porter finished he pro-
ceeded promptly with the programme by
reading list Of the contents Of the copper
box to be placed under the corner
stone and elected more general cheer
ing and waving as he announced that the
chief function OF the day would be per-
the list led to cheering as each item was an
nounced, the Loyal Legion and Grand Army
posts rising as he said that their insignia
would be included in the contents. This is
the list he read:
Constitution Ut the United States.
Declaration of Independence.
Articles Of Confederation.
The Bible, printed by the American Bible
Society.
Memoirs otGeneral Grant.
Memorial Day pamphlet, May 90 and 81,
1856, containing among other things list OF
contributors Of flowers, prayer by the Rev.
r. S. Stors, and address by General John A.
Logan.
A copy Of Mayor Grants proclamation,
dated April 8. 1892, to the citizens Of New
York, calling attention to the Grant Monu-
ment.
Insignia Of the Military Order Of the Loyal
Legion. ....
insignia of the Grand Army Of the Re-
public.
A new American flag, made of silk.
Medals and coins from United States Mint
as follows: One Major-Geueral Grant, by
1858; one u. 8. Grant Presidential, one
Pacific Railway head Of Grant, one
Grants Indian piece one "Let Us Have
Peace" one Washington and Grant medal
cite, one Lincoln and Grant, one Grant re.
ception, December 16. 1879; one Grants
Birthday, 1890; one Grants Birthday. 1892;
one complete proof set OF United States gold
coins, one complete proof set of United
States silver coins, copies Of New York City
and Brooklyn daily afternoon papers April
26. 1892, and of New York City and Brook
lyn daily morning papers, April q, 1892:
illustrated and weekly papers OF New
York City.
At the close Of his speech, General Porter
escorted the President to the spot where
the huge corner stone of granite hung
on chains from the derrick. Some work
men distributed the cement, and Presi-
dent Harrison, with a gold trowel. COM
pleted this simple duty and the stone was
slowly lowered to its permanent resting
place. Then the President, with General
Porter, returned to the stand and General
Porter, facing the great mass OF people be-
low, said:
The service of laying the cornerstone
having been performed, | will request she
Rev. Dr. John Hall to offer prayer and to
pronounce blessing"
DR.. Hall arose from the chair which ne
had occupied, and those around him on the
stand followed his example,.
After the prayer. General Porter said: ~
| now have the honor Of presenting the Presl'
dent of the United States"
There was prolonged cheering as president
Harrison arose. When silence was restored
| he spoke as follows:
MIR. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen
My assignment in connection with these e1.
ercises is connected with mechanics rather
than with oratory. The pleasant duty OF
| bringing to our memories to-day those bril-
( liant public services aud those persona
manly virtues which have placed the name o.