Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1893-09-22
.I793--OUR HOME--IS9S.
MUCH POMP AND PATRIOTISM
AT WASHINGTON
At the One Hundredth Anniversary of the
Laying of the Cornerstone of the Ma
tional Capitol-Speeohes, Etc.

Washington special: The centennial
anniversary of the laying of the corner
stone of the Capitol was celebrated,
solemnly and impressively, on the
broad plaza that stretches out from the
east from the Capitol. One hundred
years ago, to the day and hour, Wash
ington, the first President of the re-
public, as grand master of the Free
and Accepted Order of Masons, wear
ing an apron and sash woven by the
wife of La Fayette laid the foundation
stone of the great marble pile that is
now the admiration of the world. The
city was then a village, its broad,
sweeping avenues, magnificent build
ings and beautiful parks were yet un-
marked upon the map. Escorted by a
small band of patriotic citizens and a
troop of soldiery, Washington, accom-
panied by his cabinet and many of the
illustrious men of the day, rode to the
forest-crowned hill ON which the Capt.
toll now stands to lay the cornerstone
OF that giant structure. Over the same
route 100 years later President Cleve-
land was escorted by dashing cavalry,
marching infantry, blaring bands, and
vast multitudenof people, to add by
his presence and words to the celebra.
ton of the anniversary of that event.
The Goddess of Liberty, from her
dome, looked down upon the gaily-de-
corated platforms on which, in addi-
ton to the orators of the day, there sat
in solemn state the members of both
branches of congress, the judges of the
supreme court clad in their judicial
ermine. the members of the cabinet,
and other high dignitaries of the gov
vernment. Beyond she saw filing the
plaza in front of the platform and eX-
tending far out into the radiating ave-
nues a great concourse of citizens and
civic soldiery, which in numbers, pa
triotism and enthusiasm, fittingly
marked the growth and grandeur OF
the country during the 100 years that
have passed.
The impressive anniversary cere-
monies were witnessed by one of the
largest crowds ever gathered about the
Capitol. The parade-escorting Presi-
dent Cleveland, the speakers of the
day, comprising the leading military
and civic societies of the district-was
a splendid spectacle. The ceremonies
were preceded by and interspersed
with music by the L. 5. Marine band.
The Rt. Rev. William Paret, bishop of
Maryland, invoked the Divine blessing
and the "Te Dune was rendered by a
chorus of 1,5OO voices. Chairman
Lawrence Gardner made the opening
address in which he referred to the
changes and growth of the nation
since Washington stood upon that
hallowed ground. In concluding the
chairman introduced President Grover
Cleveland who in brief speech refer.
red to the uses of the magnificent
structure which was erected above the
cornerstone.
The next speaker introduced was
William Writ Henry, of Virginia, a
grandson of that grand speaker of the
nations early days-Patrick Henry
who was announced as the orator OF
the day. He mentioned the fitness OF
| this anniversary as the close of the
series of centennial celebrations of the
! most important events of revolutionary
history. Celebrations which have shown
to the present generation the courage
and wisdom of their ancestors in es-
tablishing a government which has
stood the test of war and peace. And
while this nation has surpassed all
others this Capitol has always been
most intimately connected with our
| progress. Our forefathers trusted the
permanency of the government they
| founded TO the virtue and intelligence
of the people. Virtue and intelligence,
divine attributes given to the man
when he was made in the image OF
God! AS the two cherubim, with out.
stretched wings, covered and guarded
the holy oracle in which was deposited
the ark of the covenant, SO may these
guard and protect our constitution, in
which has been deposited the priceless
! jewel of liberty, as it is transmitted
from generation TO generation, till
time shall end.
! Mr.. lIenry's speech was greeted with
applause loud and long. Nice-Presi-
| dent Stevenson followed in n short
! speech and was followed by Judge
| Henry Il. Brown, of the United States
supreme court, in behalf of the judici-
airy. The concluding address was by
| Myron NJ Par,:er, of the board of com
missioners of the District of Columbia,
| who told of the progress of the district
in the 100 years. Cardinal Gibbons
pronounced the benediction.
Rio Janeiro Fired Upon.