The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-10-05

| to the Continental armies Nathaniel
Greene, an officer second only To WASH
ington. The independent spirit OF her
people which prompted her to be the first
TO renounce allegiance to. the mother
country, caused her to be cautious in en-
terlng the uncertain restraints OF the
confederacy. but once having thtown
in her lot with the Union no state
gave more fr, ely OF her life blood
aud treasure for its preservation than
Little Rhody." Among her honored
dead is intrepid Commodore Perry. who
after scattering the English squadron In
Lake Erie, wrote upon the records Of
American beroism those inspiring words.
I'VE have met the enemy and they arc
ours" Half century later she sent
forth gallant Burnside, aud that brave
band OF blue that rose from ner farms
and factory villages as promptly rs the
country called.
Rhode Island Today.
Many times since its settlement has
the life of our little commonwealth been
in jeopardy. Her faithful and friendly
attitude towards the Indians. however,
preserved not only her own existence but
also that Of neighborinR colonies who
were anxious to share her territory.
The wine press Of the revolution bruised
her bitterly, and left her with
commerce shattered and farms abandoned,
but she welcomed TO her midst Samuel
Slater who little more than century
ago started the cotton industry which to-
day Is one OF the principal sources Of the
states wealth. Her contribu ton to the
civil war left her burdeued with a heavy
l.Ist III O..
wiped out.
What Rhode Island is today we invite
you Co see for yourselves. Our modest
little building on these grounds speaks
but OF the size OF her territory Visit the
machinery hall, and the noise of the en-
gines aud the whrl of the wheels from
Rhode Island shall greet you at every
turn. In the magnificent pavilion OF
manufactures you will see her ia
nous workers in silver and
you will find the choicest handi-
work of her army OF jewellers. and your
attention will be attracted By the prod
ucts OF our states industry in woven
goods OF cotton, wool. and other fabrics
Her women are vel repr sented in their
departments aud her hardy fishermen
display the methods OF their toll. You
are also invited TO examine what she is
doing for tho youngest generatio OF her
children ia the direction of educating
hand aud mind. She has baken ~ her
best and sent it thither in friendly rivalry
with all the world, aud her exh bits
not only reflect ere lit upon her
people, Tut are necessary compli-
ment OF the growing Industries Of this
mighty nation.
1t is my pleasurable duty as governor
to welcome you all to join Ia our cele-
bration. You, who have traversed the
thousand miles which separates us from
home. need no utterance OF mine TO as
sure you that you are welcome. Tho
laudable desire to sustain the reputation
of our state which has prompted so
many OF you 20 come at this time is
greatly apprecia'ci.
A Large-Hesrted Welcome.
To you, sons aud daughters OF Rhode
Island, who have sought In these glorious
western lands wider sphere for your
ability and energy. extend to you that
large hear,e ed welco ne with which you
were familiar In your early days. We
know the honor OF your native state has
been carefully guarded In your new found
homes aud that your lore fer the banner