Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-09-21
THE CAPITOL.
Centennial of the Laying OF the
Foundation Stone.
CELEBRATED WITH MUCH CEREMONY.
The PrcsIdent's Address-The Parade Fol-
lows President George Washing
tons Old Line of
March.


WASHINGTON, Sept lo.-The hun
drcdth anniversary OF the laying of the
corner stone of the capital was cele-
brated yesterday with imposing cere-
monies When the corner stone was
laid this magnificent city was village.
Escorted by n small band of patriotic
citizens and troop OF soldiery, WASH
ington. accompanied by his cabinet
and many of the illustrious men OF
his day, rode TO the forest-crowned hill
ON which the capitol now stands
to lay the corner stone Of that giant
structure. Over the same route. Presi-
dent Cleveland was escorted by dash
ing cavalry, marching infantry, blaring
bands and vast multitude of people.
The parade started from the White
house. The procession proceeded along
Pennsylvania avenue TO the east front
OF the capitol, over the route taken 100
years ago Gen. Ordway, the chief
marshal and his staff, with squadron
Of United States cavalry, acting rs an
escort for President Cleveland In a car
riage, led the way. As the chief execu-
tive's carriage passed, the crowd greet
ed him with loud applause. The presi-
dent was followed by the orator of the
day, William Writ Henry, of Virginia,
the governors Of the various states,
Chairman Laurence Gardner and the
specially invited guests Troop A,
Of the District National guard.
/ bringing up the rear. After this
escort came the first division proper,
] ~ ~ ,tyi, ,,.,ra ., Ion Lone Nh.
second division included the Society of
Cincinnati, Sons of the American Rev
olution, the Aztec club OF is4T, vete-
rams OF the Mexican war, the Old
Guard, the Grand Army OF the Repub-
lie, the Sons of Veterans and the Ma
tional rifles The third division was
composed entirely OF United States
regulars and District of Columbia and
visiting militia. The fourth and last
division was composed OF the veteran
firemen Of the District OF Columbia and
similar organizations from other parts
of the country.
Arriving at the capitol the parade
was disbanded and the ceremonies were
begun. RI Rev. William Paret, bishop
Of Maryland, invoked the blessing of
God, after which the TIE Dcum was
sung by chorus OF 800 voices Then
Laurence Gardner, the chairman, made
the opening address A. he concluded,
DIR. Gardner turned toward President
Cleveland and introduced him az tho
next Speaker. The president was given
u most enthusiastic greeting.
The following Is President Cleve-
lands address;
While I accept with much satisfaction the
part assigned TO me on this occasion, I cannot
escape that which those ceremonies suggest
Those who suppose we arc simply engaged In
commemorative the beginning OF q magnificent
structure devoted 10 public uses have over
looked the most useful and improving lesson
Of the hour We do, indeed, celebrate the lay
Ing OF q corner stone, from which has sprung
tho splendid edince whose grand proportions
arouse tho pride OF every American, but our
celebration In chiefly valuable and significant
because this edihcc was designed and planned
by great and good men as place where the
principles Of q free representative government
should be developed in patriotic legislation for
the benefit OF FREQ people
II tho representatives who here assemble to
mako laws for their fellow countrymen forget
the duty Of broad and dbinterosted patriotism,
and legiAlate ia prejudice and passion or In
behalf Of sectional and selfish interests the
time when the corner stone OF our capital was
laid aud the circumstances surrounding IT, will
not be worth COMMUNICATING
The sentiment and the traditions connected
with this structure and It's uses belong to
all the people OF tho land They are most val
liable as reminders OF patriotism In the dis
charge Of public duty and steadfaAtness Ia
many struggle for the public good They
also furnish IA standard by which our people
may measure the conduct Of those chosen to
serve them. Tho memorable application OF this
standard will always supply proof that our
eountrymen realize the value OF the free insti-
tutions which were designated and built by
those who laid the corner stone OF their cap
toll and that they appreciate tho necessity OF
constant and jealous wAtohfulness as u condl
ton Indispensable TO tho preservation OF these
Institutions In their purity und integrity.
believe our fellow citizens have no greater
nor better cause for rejoicing on this centen.
NAL than is found IN the assurance that their
public servants who assemble Ia these halls
Will watch and guard the sentiment and tradi-
tions that gather around this alton, and
that In the days 70 come those who shall again
commemorate tho laying Of the corner stone OF
their nations capitol, will lnd In the recital OF
our performance Of public duty, no less reason
for enthusiasm and cOngra ton than We
lind In recalling the wisdom and virtue OF those
who have preceded w.
| Following the president the orator
Of the day, William Writ Henry, II de-
scendent OF Patrick Henry, the revolu-
tionary statesman and patriot was in
troduced, and he delivered an eloquent
address. When the applause follow
ing Mr. llenry's speech had ceased,
"rhe Star Spangled Banner" was sung
by tho grand chorus, The next speaker
was Vice President Stevenson, who
spoke in behalf of the United States
senate, The audience honored Mr.
Stevenson with greeting equal in
volume and enthusiasm TO that accord
cd the president When he had fin
ished Hon. Charles f. Crisp, speaker Of
the house Of representatives, delivered
an address In behalf of that body, The
grand chorus sang THE Heavens Are
Telling" after Mr., Crisp had spoken
In behalf of the judiciary Henry Bill
lings Brown, of the supreme court OF
the United States, spoke
A severe earthquake shock was 10
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