The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1893-12-20
FOURTH'S GREAT DAY
Governor Werts Lays the
Cornerstone of the New
Armory.
"PRIDE AND PoMP OF WAR;"
Crowds Cheer and Cannons Boom as
the Block Is Lowered Into
Place-The Procession.


the Fourth Regiment was laid by Governor
Werts this afternoon, amid the booming of
cannon and the cheers of large concourse
OF patriotic citizens who had gathered to
witness the elaborate ceremonies. There
was an unusual stir about the old
armory on Newark avenue this morning
The Stars and Stripes snapped in the
brisk breeze over the building in highly en-
ergetlc manner as if conscious that something
unusual was going on Men in uniform were
hurrylng in and out; arms were being bur-
nlshed up and general preparations were
being made for the greatest event in the an
nails of the Fourth Regiment
About two o'clock the regiment was drawn
up in front of the Armory with the right
resting on Warren street. Fifteen minutes
later Colonel Abernethy drew his sword and
gave the command to march The band
struck up lively march and the troops
moved down to Taylor's Hotel.
ESCORT TO GOVERNOR wERTs
The regiment drew up in front of the
hotel and Captain Bumstead and two officers
went in by the ladies' entrance and soon re-
appeared escorting Governor Werts The
regiment presented arms and the band
played ''Hail TO the Chief" while the crowds
on the street cheered. The Governor
acknowledged the salute and quickly entered
one of the carriages in waiting.
He was followed by his staff: f:-Adjutant-
General Stryker, Quartermaster-Gene
Donnelly, Surgeon-G General McGill, Inspec-
Advocate General Meaney, Colonels Meredith
Dickinson, Bedle, Asa Dickinson, Clark,
and Leon Albeit jr., Maj or-General Plume
and his staff, Brigadier- General Sewell,
Brigadier-General Wanser, Colonel John A.
Parker, Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, Major
Boltwood, Major Lewis H. Broome, Captains
Wallace and McClave, Colonel Guy Walker,
of Burlington, and John c. Owens, of Tren-
ton.
THE PARADE.
When these gentlemen had taken their
seats in the carriage the line of march was
taken up to the Armory, led by the regi-
ment, acting as escort to the Governor
and other military guests. Up Montgomery
street to Newark avenue to Grove street to
| Mercer to Varick street to Grand street to
Fairmount avenue to Storm avenue to Ber-
gen avenue to the Armory the procession
| moved. The streets were lined with specta-
tors and the business houses and many of
| the private residences displayed flags.
AT THE ARMoRY.
In the meantime, large throngs had
gathered in Bergen avenue and Church
street, about the site of the Armory A de-
tachment of the regiment under command of
First Lieutenant Evans was on guard, and
saw that those invited to the ceremonies
were given seats.
The stone is at the corner of the building.
In front of it stood table with seat be-
side it for Colonel Abernethy, who presided
over the exercises. Arranged in senli-circle
back of this was a row of seats
which were occupied by Governor
Werts and those who took part
guests was stationed the band, which played
during the afternoon. Along Church
street there was a stand which
was reserved for military guests while
the civilians were seated on another stand
extending along Bergen avenue Away in
the field howitzer from which the salute was
fired
The derrick with which the stone was
lowered into place was decorated with small
flags and the national colors, while the Stars
and Stripes hoated from tall poles from
various parts of the incomplete building.
When the procession reached the ArInory
site one battalion deployed into Church
street and the other took up its stand on
Bergen avenue. The troops stood well back
to the curb of the sidewalk opposite to
the building, leaving the street clear. They
presented arms as the Governor and the
other guests took the places assigned them
upon the Armory floor, the band playing
patriotic airs.
THE EXERCISES.
When all had been seated the exercises be-
gan with the playing of Thieles 1.-THE
American Republic" by the band.
CHAPLAIN sCUDDER's PRAYER
The Rev. DR.. Scudder, Chaplain of the
Regiment made prayer. He said:-
''Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we
gather together in thy name and invoke thy
benediction as we approach the ceremonies of
this hour and lay the corner stone
of this institution, which is now to
be dedicated to our country and is to stand
as an evidence of our patriotism, a bulwark
of republican Institutions and the as
surance of law and order in this com
munity. In all our ways we would
acknowledge Thee, for Thou art the author
of all good We thank Thee for this aus
picious occasion, this crisp air and clear
weather; for the health we enjoy and the
in these exercises We bless Thee for the
land in which we dwell and the high grade
of civilization which we enjoy. We give
Thee praise for our citizenship in this free
and enlightened country; for freedom
of thought freedom of speech, freedom of
conscience and all the privileges and inn
munities which constitute the birth
right of our people. Help us to appreciate
the sacrifices made by our forefathers
to secure civil and religious freedom, uni
versal education and universal suffrage.
May we love the principle and institutions
for which they fought and bled.
''As good citizens and soldiers may we
maintain and perpetuate these
inherited blessings and stand
up for the right in all the walks of life. De-
liver US from discord and contention, and
from the various peoples knocking at our
doors enable us to build unique nation.
We pray for one common humanity, one
broad-minded homogeneous, patriotic peo-
pie, who realize their grand mission in the
development of civilization and the progress
of the world. a6 Si
"Help us, who compose the rank and file
of this nation, to do our duty firmly and
conscientiously; as citizens may we secure
pure government and honest officials, and as
the sovereign people may we demand from
our rulers and representatives wise and just
legislation and the prompt enforcement of
salutary laws.
1--WE invoke Thy special benediction upon
the Governor of this commonwealth and
all who are associated with him in authority.
Give them wisdem and grace to direct the
affairs of this State in such manner as to
secure Divine appreciation and the best in
terests of the entire people
Grant thy favor to the National Guard
of New Jersey to its distinguished officers
and every member of this great brotherhood
May we all be good soldiers, ready to respond
to our country's call ready also in private
capacity to fight the battles of righteous
ness and advance the interests of the King
dom of God
'sAnd now, Lord, smile upon us from on
high, as we dedicate this noble e1ifice to the
welfare of the people and the maintenance of
peace. May the knowledge and discipline
acquired within these walls be con-