Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-06-10

George Washington a. grand master OF Vir-
ciHia Lodge. -. of MasOns. not less tEan Pres
i.ien; o. tue United States, was the leading
spirit of LIE occasion 1hs procession, under
command of Cio:so-thy Stephenson. marched
1.-TWO abreast in the greatest solemn dignity,
wish colors iviug, music playing. drums beat
ing and spectators re nicing from the "Presi-
dents square" to the site Of the Capitol In
the line were the surveying department. of the
CITY of WaShing;ca, the mayor and corporation
of Georgetown. the Virginia artillery. the Com
nissiOaers OF the District and attendants, stone
maso1s anil mechanics. Masons OF the first.
second and third degrees from Maryland and
Virginia. deacons With stalls Of Office, stewards
with waI.tls. wardens with truncheons, sec-eta-
-ies with tools OF afice. past masters with their
reca.ia and treas1rers with their jewels: bands
OF music the Eibie. borne grand cushions;
corn. vine and oil and grand master, sword
bearer. &c. After performing the usual Ma
sonic ceremonies the grand marshal delivered
to the commissioners aud the commissioners
TO the President, who dsposited in the corner
s.oae, o Large silver pate bearing this inscrip-
ton:
This southeast corner stone Of the Capitol Of
the United States o! Americs. in the city Of
Washington. was laid on the 18th day of
September. IN the year 1875. in the thirteenth
of American Independence, In the first year of the
second term of the presidency OF George Wash
ington. whose virtues in the civil administra-
ton Of his country have been as conspicuous
prudence have been useful in establishing her
hbss ties. in the year OF Masonry 5793. by the
Grand Lodge Of MARYLAND. several lodges under
its jurisdie lion. aad Lodge No. - Of Virginia.
from Alexaadria- Thomas johnson, David
Stewart. Daniel Carroll, commissioners; James
Ho6ar, stephen Hallette, architects: Joseph
Clark, p. W. q. NJ. p. T., Coilen williamson.
n Mason"
Ciotworthy Stephenson is reported as having
delivered an address, "punctuated BY fifteen
salvos Of . cannon from the Virginia artillery"
and then. after Solemn and beautiful prayer"
succeeded by Masonic chanting and another
sslvo Of artillery. the company retired to a
booth. where an OK Of 500 pounds weight was
barbecued. of which they generally partook,
with every abundance Of other recreation"
DESIGNS YoR TIE CAPITOL BUILDING.
The duty Of erecting suitable buildings at
the permanent seat Of government had been
:ntrusted by Congress in Philadelphia to Presi-
dent Washington and three commissioners
selected BY him The first board of commits
sioners was composed Of David Stewart, Daniel
Carroll and Thomas johnson. rs named above
on the silver plate, and the second. appointed
In 1875, of Gus:avus Scott, William Thornton
and Alexander White The advertisement for
designs for the Capitol stated that it should be
of brick, with a conference room and q room
for the Representatives, each to accommodate
800 persons, with a lobby ante-chamber; q
senate room Of 200 square feet area a lobby
and twelve rooms Of 800 square feet area each
for committees and clerks Offices.
On the date when plans we're to be handed
in. July Is, 1872, no designs had been received
q sufficient merit to meet approval. Those