The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-09-21
THECAPITOL CELEBRATION.

Centennial Observance of the Laying of
the Cornerstone of this Great Building.
1t was just hundred years ago on Monday
last when. according to our historians, the
Father of his Country, then President of the
United States, crossed the Potomac into Mary
land (meaning the 10 miles square decided by
Maryland and Virginia for the site of the
National Cspital), and escorted by Virginia and
Maryland troops, and Masonic and other civic
bodies, moved in procession TO Capitol Hill, and
there laid the cornerstone of the National
Capitol
For the Centennial celebration of this signif-
cant event not moro perfect day could have
been desired. The city aud the people were in
holiday dress, the hum of business was silenced,
and the day was ushered in by the ringing o {
Centennial chimes
at o'clock great parade in four divisions
started from Presidents square, as the park in
front of the White House whore the Lafayette
statue stands was called a hundred years ago,
marched down that broad street Pennsylvania
avenue to the Capitol, the civic organizations
four abreast. the military company front, with
brave display of civic insignia, much music,
and the applause of great gathering of people.
At the head OF the procession, Immediately
following Grand Marshal Ordway and his we'll
mounted staff, rode the President of the United
States in open barouche, attended by Mr..
Beriah wilkins, Chairman of the Reception
Committee, followed by carriages containing
the Cabinet officers, each attended by two men,
bers of the Committee of Arrangements. The
escort was squadron of United States cavalry,
which made q glittering Gathering show in
their full-dress uniforms. helmets and waving
plumes. In the carriage following the Presi-
dent came the orator of the day, Hon. William
Writ Henry, of Virginia grandson of Patrick
Henry. and attended by Mr.. Lawrence Gard
ner, Chairman of the General Committee.
After tho Cabinet officers came Bishop Paret,
..lo.. g.. ~.
copal robes. Then came Associate Justices
Brown and Field, representing the United
States Supreme Court. and after them the
joint committee of Congress, the Commissioners
of the District the Society of Cincinnati, and
the General Committee.
The organizations in line included in the
First Division, Odd Fellows Oldest Inhab-
itants, knights of Pythias Elks, and Noble
Red Men," The Second Division comprised
the Society of the Cincinnati, the GAR. and
Mexican Veterans. and the Sons OF the Amer
lean Revolution" The Third Division COM
prised the District National Guard, some
Regulars, and visiting militia from Virginia.
The Fourth Division was composed Of veteran
fremen and visiting fire associations, includ-
ing veterans from Brooklyn and New York and
Virginia and Maryland.
Arrived at the Capitol shortly after o'clock
the parade was dismissed and the ceremonies
of commemoration were commenced from the
stands erected on the east front and in
the presence Of an immense concourse Of specta-
tors.
Here was carried out the program of prayer
by Bishop Paret, address by the President of
the United States music by the Marine Band,
address by Hon. William Writ Henry, of Vir-
gnia, orator of the day, singing of THE Star
Spangled Banner" by the chorus of /, 900 voices,
address by Speaker Crisp, speaking to 1.-THE
House of Representatives" address by Vice
President Stevenson speaking to "the United
States Senate" the singing by the grand chorus
of "The Heavens are Telling" from Haydn's
" Creation" ajudicial address by Justice Henry
Billings Brown, of the United States Supreme
Court, closing speech by Commissioner Myron
NJ. Parker. for the District Government, and
the rendering of America" by tho Marine
Band chorus and audience.
The exercises of the day were interspersed
with a chime of Is bells, representing the
original States, mounted on the unfinished
wall Of the new Congressional Library build
ing, and operated by Prof. John K. Gibson.
In the evening concert was given on the
chimes, and another by the chorus of 1000
voices and the Marine Band.