The Lamar register., 1893-09-23
ONE HUNDRED
Celebration Of the Laying
Stone OF the Capitol at wa

uiB piatAothi cAtcholuk Out itOm tut
front Of the capitol into the spacious plaza "
A tremendous crowd swarmed over and
about the capitol Cavalry, infantry, artil-
lery, and civilian companies made the scene
bright with color.
The procession started from the White
House to the east front Of the capitol over
the same route taken 100 years ago, when
George Washington laid the corner stone Of
the capitol. General Ordway, the chief
marshal, and his staff, with squadron of
United States cavalry acting escort for
President Cleveland in a carriage, led the
way, and as the chief executives carriage
passed through the streets the crowds of
watchers honored him with loud huzzas
President Cleveland, accompanied by the
Cabinet the speakers and the members of
the committee on arrangements, arrived
early. Mr.. Cleveland was instantly recog
nized and was greeted with great cheer.
which he acknowledged by lifting his hat.
The presidential party was followed by the
members Of the House and Senate, the judges
of the Supreme Court and other dignitaries
of the government.
The marine band directed by Professor
Fanceulli, and swelling chorus of 1900
trained voices under the direction of Profess
sor Dushane Cloward, rendered the musical
selections, which included In the course Of
the programme all the national airs.
The presidents speech was delivered, as all
of his speeches are, without notes He stood
with his glasses carelessly held behind him in
his right hand, his left resting easy on the
stand in front. AS he faced the vast audience
with his head barred the lock of hair which
curls upon his forehead was lifted like q
feather and blown to the rear. The rugged,
III. - -.
strong, upright pose of his bearing, did much
to allay any anxiety on the part of those who
have been troubled about the recent rumors
concerning the presidents health. His voice
was strong and penetrating and his gestures
vigorous. This was especially the case when
he turned full and fair on the assembled
House and Senate and told them: "If the
lawmakers disregard the duty of broad and
disinterested patriotism, and leglslate in
prejudice and passion, or in behalf Of SEQ
tional and selfish interests. the time when the
corner stone of our capitol was laid, and the
circumstances surrounding 1t, will hot be
worth CONNIE noratlng." The added tone Of
defiance and warning with which Mr. Cleve--
land said this, and the ringing applause that
! greeted II, gave peculiar Significance to his
words.
He spoke as follows:
while accept with much satisfaction the
part assigned to me on this occasion cannot
escape what these ceremonies suggest Those
who suppose we are simply engaged In com
memoratlng the beginning of magnificent
: structure devoted to public uses have over
looked the most useful and improving lesson
of the hour.
'.We do indeed celebrate the laying OF q
cornerstone from which hss sprung the
splendid edifice whose grand proportions
arouse the pride of every American, but our
celebration is chiefly valuable and significant
because this edifce was designed and planned
by great and good men, as place where the
principles of a free representative govern
ment should be developed in patriotic legisla-
tion for the benefit OF a free people. II the
representatives who here assemble to make
laws for their fellow countrymen forget the
duty of broad and disinterested patriotism,
and legislate in prejudice and passion, or In
| behalf OF sectional or selfish interests, the
time when the cornerstone of our capitol
! was laid and the circumstances surrounding
it. will not be worth commemorating.
1.-The sentiment and traditions connected
with this structure and site as used belong to
| all the people of the land. They are most
valuable reminders of patriotism in the dis
many a struggle for the public good. They
I also furnish a standard by which our people
| may measure the conduct of those chosen to
! serve them. The memorable application of
this standard will always supply proof that
! or countrymen realize the value of the free
( institgtions which were designed and built by
/ those who laid the cornerstone of their capi-
| sol, and that they appreciate the necessity OF
| constant and jealous watchfulness as condi-
.ion Indispensable to the preservation OF those
institutions In their purity and integrity.
| II believe our fellow citizens have no
! greater nor better cause for rejoicing on this
! centennial than is found In the assurance
| tha. their public servants who assemble fa
these halls will watch and guard the sentf-
| ment and traditions that gather round this
| celebration, and that In the days to come
| those who shall again commemorate the lay
| ing of the cornerstone of their nations capf-
| tol will find in their recital of our performance
| of public duty no less reason for enthusiasm
| and congratulation than we find in recalling
| the wisdom and virtue of those who preceded
! u.s. - ,,r
Speeches were also made by William Writ
Henry, a descendant Of Patrick Henry, Nioo
President Stevenson, Speaker Crisp Justice
Brown of the United States Supreme Court
and Myron Parker, commissioner of the Dis
trict of Columbia.
AS a consequence Of some trouble between
the Catholic organizations and the Masonic
-, tal-ar In, tho