Omaha daily bee., 1893-09-18

One hundred years ago today, Septem-
Der lS. 1903, tho corner stone OF the first
national capitol was laid by George
Washington. 1t vas a memorable oc-
%casion, OF which history has preserved a
full account. There was u great pro-
cession for those days. and the event was
characterized by both solemn dignity
and popular enthusiasm. Before the
completion Of the building of which the
corner stone was then laid it was de-
stroyed by the British ri the invasion
of Washington in August, 1914. The
present %contral structure dates from
1918 and was completed in 1927, and the
extension or wings from 1851.
Tho one hundredth anniversary OF
this interesting event in our history
will be celebrated today with a%ppropri-
ate professions and exercises and will
attract TO the seat of federal government
many thousands of citizens. OF course,
oil public occasions are somewhat over
shadowed this year by the unparalleled
attraction, but Notwithstanding this The
celebration OF the laying of the corner
stone of the capitol at Washington
promises to be notable among the ami
versaries Of the past few years, and it
certainly possesses an interest for all
American citizens.
The choosing of n site for the ma
tional seat of government was a subject
of considerable contention, in which
both practical and political considera-
tions were discussed, but in this, as in
most other matters of public concern at
hat period, the recommendation of
George Washington had the strongest
support. Doubtless, as has been more
thar once remarked, il the men of that
time could have foreseen the future eX-
tent of the country's expansion they
might have located the national capital
farther west, but under the her pre-
vailing conditions they made the wisest
selection among the several hat were
proposed. Frequently since an agita-
ton has been started for the removal of
the seat OF government, and plausible
arguments have been urged in support
of such q proposition, but it never
attained to great popularity and
it is. hardly possible that the seat of gov
ernment will ever be changed. Not
only are there very strong practical
reasons against a removal in the heavy
outlay OF the government in the con-
struction of public buildings, but there
are also sentimental and patriotic con-
siderations which are Of great weight
with the people. Washington is far
rarnnun1 frpyp fha onnta. nf r,np,1.tinr
but this is q small matter in comparison
with the reasons which count heavily
against the idea, If such an idea be now
held by anybody, of transferring the
seat of government to any other part of
the country.
The capitol building has been justly
described as the most impressive modern
edifico in the world. Nobody who has
ever seen it will question that this is 50.
Magnificently imposing in its proper
tions and of classic simplicity in it's out
lines, its effect upon the intelligent and
appreciative beholder is to excite an
incxpressible admiration, not unmixed
with a sense of profound reverence when
he reflects upon the wonderful history
that has been made within its walls aud
the host of great men who have acted
their parts there on the stage of public
affairs. 1t would be difficult to find q
more inspiring theme for tho orator
than the history of the national capitol.
There should be eloquent and patriotic
words spoken on this centennial ami
versary that will be both instructive and
~elevating to the American people.