The herald., 1893-09-19
Celebration of the Laying Of
the Corner Stone.
A Big Parade and Patriotic
Exercises.
Government Officials Participate In
the Demonstration.
President Cleveland and Other Digni-
taries Deliver Addresses-The
Masons Do Not Take Part
in the Ceremonies
BY the Associated Press.l

By the Associated Press.1
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18.-Another cen.
tennial anniversary, that OF the laying
OF the corner-stone of the national cap
itol, was commemorated this afternoon.
One hundred years ago today George
Washington, as worshipful master of
lodge % of Virginia, with Masonic rites,
laid the cornerstone of the building
which. by slow stages for rs years
thereafter, grew into one OF the most
magnificent structures of the world.
Washington on that occasion wore q
sash and apron woven by Lafayette's
wife. The city then was mere village,
but escorted by small band OF patriotic
citizens and troop of soldiers, the
father OF his country proceeded from the
White House, along Pennsylvania ave-
nue. to the east front of the capitol. over
the same route taken today by President
Cleveland and great parade OF officials,
civic and military. The procession was
led by Chief Marshal Ordway and staff,
with a squadron of cavalry, acting
as an escort to the president.
followed by the orator OF the
day, William Writ Henry, descend
ant of Patrick Henry, governors of vari-
ous states, Chairman Laurence Gardner
and invited guests in carriages, troop
of the district national guard bringing
up the rear as further escort. Then.
in the parade proper, came division OF
civic societies and organizations then q
division composed of the Society OF
Cincinnati, Sons of the Revolution,
Aztec clubs, veterans of the Mexican
war, the Old Guard. the Grand Army of
the Republic, Sons OF Veterans and
National Rifles; then a division of
United States regulars, district and
visiting militia, and last tho Veteran
Firemen of the district and similar or
ganizations.
The streets were thronged with peo-
pie, who cheeYed the preaiurst
as he's passed. Arriving at tire
capitol the parade disbanded ani
a vast throng witnessed the ceremoniee,
including membera Of both houses OF
congress, judges of the supreme court,
members OF the cabinet and other high
dignitaries. who occupied places on the
stand. The exercises began with music
by the Marine band, then Bishop Paret
of Maryland offered a prayer and q
chorus of 1900 sang the Te Deum, after
which Chairman Gardner delivered
brief address, succinctly sketching the
remarkable growth and development OF
the United States during the past one
hundred years. closing by introducing az
chairman ofthe ceremonies the worthy
successor Of Washington" the president
of the United States. Grover Cleveland.
The president spoke as follows:
while / accept with much satisfac-
tion the part assigned me in this occa-
sion, cannot escape the sober rehec-
tion which these ceremonies suggest.
Those who suppose we simply engage in
the commemoration of the beginning of
a magnificent structure devoted to i'm
portant uses, overlook the most useful,
improving lesson of the hour. We do,
indeed, celebrate the laying OF corner
stone from which has sprung splendid
edifice whose grand proportions have
aroused the pride of every American
citizen; but our celebration is chiefly
valuable and significant because this
edifice was designed and planned by
great good men as q place where the
principles OF free representative govern.
ment should be developed in
patriotic legislation for the benefit
Of free people. If the represen-
tatives who here assemble to make
laws for their fellow countrymen forget
the duty of broad and disintereBtad
patriotism, and legislate in prejudice
and passion or in behalf of sectional
and selfish interests, the time when the
corner stone OF our capitol was laid, and
the circumstances surrounding it, would
not be worth commemorating. The
sentiment and traditions connected with
this structure and it's uses belong to all
the people of the land; they are most
valuable reminders OF patriotism in the
discharge of public duty and steadfast-
ness in many struggles for the public
good. They have also furnished stand
ard by which our people may in meas.
ure Judge the conduct of those chosen
to serve them. The inexorable applica.
tion of this standard will always supply
the proof that our countrymen resli6e
the value OF the free institutions
designed and built by those who laid the
corner stone OF their capitol. and that
they appreciate the necessity OF con-
stant and jealous watchfulnese as con-
dition indispensable to the preserva-
tion of these institutions in purity and
integrity. believe our fellow-citizens
have no better nor greater cause for re-
joicing ON this centennial than those
halls which watch and guard the Henti-
ments and traditione that gather round
this celebration; that in daya to come
those who ehall again celebrate the
laying of the cornerstone of their ma
tion's capitol will find in their recital OF
our performance of public duty no less
reason for enthusiasm and congratulate
ton than we find in recalling the wis
dom and virtue Of those who preceded
u.s."
The rugged, healthy glow in the pres
ident's cheeks and the firm, strong, up-
right pose of his bearing did much to
allsy any anxiety on the part of those
who have been troubled about the re-
cent rumors concerning the presidents
health. His voice was strong and pene-
trating and bis gestures were vigorous.
This wac especially the case when he
turned fiill and fair on the assembled
hcnae and senate and told them: III