The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1893-09-19
ORATOR 1tENRY's SPEECH.

| events OF our revolutionary QlSIoEy-
celebrations which have presented WV
idly to the present generation the cour-
age Of our ancestora in winning our lib
critics and their wisdom in forming q
system Of ofgovernment which has proved
a safeguard Of the invaluable possession.
For more than q century We have dem
onstrated Us no other people have ever
done before our capacity for self.gov-
ernment. Our federal system has been
tested in peace and In war and by view.
ing the forces from without and within,
yet every fiber has stood the strain and
its perfect adaptation to our needs un.
der all circumstances have been demon-
strated.
Il takes but cursory view Of the
present condition of the people OF
Christendom to recognize the liberals
iEing effect OF QUE government upon
their civil Institutions. It has been
well said by late writer that at the
close Of the American revolution there
was in the old world only one free nation
and no democracy. In Europe there
now remains but two strong monarchies
those Of Russia and Prussia-while
America, scarcely excepting Brazil and
Canada, Is entirely lat least in name)
republican. Since he wrote, Brazil has
dethtoned her king and adopted q re.
publican form ofgovernment, and there
is strong movement in Canada toward
union with the United States. But
while other nations have followed more
or less closely in our footsteps striving
to enjoy our freedom, how wonderful
has been our progress in all that makes
a nation great.
AN HISTORICAL PLACE.
With the hist ory Of this progress
this capitol has been intimately con-
nected. Here the chief executives Of
the nation have taken the oath Of of
fee and made their communication!
with congress. Here the wise men OF
the nation have discussed and formul.
ated the great measures Of internal and
external policy which have placed us
in the front rank OF the nations of the
earth. Here treaties with foreign na-
tions have been confirmed. Here terri-
tory has been annexed out Of which
new states have been constituted.
Here oursnprsmecoursh has been seated,
aud great iuriats have decided grave
| questions between the states and have
construed our system of government.
Here representatives Of foreign nations
have watched the working Of our free
institutions and have realized the capa-
city Of man for self-goyernment
Continuing, he reviewed the history
Of the, city Of Washington from the
time it was laid ont until the present
day. He also spoke OF the building OF
the capitol and the various additions
made TO It, and then went on with a
general review Of the nations history,
concluding as follows:
"Wheu We entered the family OF ma.
tions as republic it was predicted
that our government would be short
lived, but now the ablest writer's point
out evidences of permanency in our IN
stitutions. chief among which is the de-
yction Of our people to their form OF
governments Yes. the day freed from
the fears felt by Mr.. Webster in 1851,
We can repeat his noble words with IN
creased emphasis, BE it known that on
this day the union OF the United States
| Of America stands firm, that their con.
stitution still exists unimpaired and
with all its original usefulness and
glory. growing every day stronger and
| Stronger In the affections Of the great
body Of the American people and at
tracting more and more the admiration
Of the world" NJ
FOUNDATION OF our GOVERNMENT
aour torefathers trusted the per-
manency of the government they
| founded to the virtue aud intelligence
Of the people. Virtue and intelligence,
divine attributes given to man when he
was made in the image OF man. AS the
two cheruhs, with outstretched winga,
covered and guarded the holy oracle in
which was deposited the ark OF the
covenant; 40 may these guard and pro.
tect our constitution, in which has
been deposited the priceless jewel OF
liberty, as 1t is translated from genera
ton to generation till time shall end:
And, filled with the patriotic spirit OF
our founders, may those who administer
the government come year by year 70
this capitol, and by wisdom and counsel
do continued honor to their memory in
contributing to the happiness OF this
great people. Illustrious founders,
.'Ages on ages shall our fate admire.
whiisstands the capitol, immortal dome"
When the applause following Mr..
Henry's speech had ceased the "Star
Spangied Banner" was sung by the
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 aud enthusiasm 10
that accorded the President.
The Marine band played selection
when the Vice President had finished
speaking and then Hon. Charles +.
drisp. speaker Of the house OF repre-
/ sentatlves, delivered an address in be-
half OF that body. He said:
SPEAKER cRrsr's RlooURNcE.
aMa. GHAiaMAs:-tw when the corner.
stone Of this great capitol was laid our
constitution was not six years old.
Government by the people had barely
reached the experimental stage. There
were fifteen states in the union. Our
population was less than four millions,
and the house at represen ttves, for
which now speak. was composed OF
only 105 members. To-day, one hun-
dred years thereafter, our constitution
still exists unimpaired; government By
the people has been firmly eltiih-
lished; our population exceeds sixty
seven millions and tire house OF repre-
sentatiyes "a composed OF 1858 me hers.
Daring the century which has passed
since Washington stood where We noW