Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-09-18
A CENTURY.
The Capitol's Cele-
bration To-day.
ELOQUENCE ANDSONG
Addresses by the Presi-
Qent dnQ UtnerS.
STORY OF A HUNDRED YEARS,
The Procession That Marched
From 'the Presidents Square,"
A BRILLIANT STREET DISPLAY
An Outburst of Patriotism Around
the Grand Old Building.
ENTS OF THE DAY.
A ABRILLIANT STREET DISPLAY
An Outburst of Patriotism Around
the Grand Old Building.
EV ENTS OF THE DAY.

Though the day is said to have been a
fair and beautiful one a hundred years ago,
when according to contemporary accounts
His Excellency, President George Wash
ington. crossed the Potomac into Maryland
(meaning the ten miles square decided by
Maryland and Virginia for the site of the
national capitaD, and, escorted by Virginia
and Maryland troops. and Masonic and 9TH
er civic bodies. moved in procession to Capt.
tol Hill, and there laid the corner stone of
the national Capitol, the weather could not
possibly have been more pleasant on that
occasion than the clear skies and buoyant
sunshine which smiled on the centennial
commemoration Of that great event today.
A more perfect day could not be desired
1t Is triumph Of modern meteorology.
The twentieth century sun smiles upon a
city all in a holiday dress. Gay flags and
bunting fiaunt proudly from window and
wall. The hum of business is silenced. The
streets are given over to merry makers
Throngs Of people fresh from their summer
rests swarmed on the broad walks and
cheered the gallant men who marched in
parade in honor of the great event.
The quantity worded inscription engraved
foundation stone described the historic oc-
currence with terseness, as follows:
This southeast corner stone Of the Capt.
tol of the United States Of America, in the
city Of Washington, was laid on the 18th
day Of September 1873. in the thirteenth
year of American independence, and in the
first year Of the second term of the Presi-
dency of George Washington, whose virtues
in the civil administrations Of his country
have been as beneficial as his military
valor and prudence have been useful, and in
the year Of Masonry 5793. by the President
of the United States in concert with the
Grand Lodge of Maryland. several lodges
under its jurisdiction. and Lodge q from
Alexandria, Thomas johnson, David Steuart
and Daniel Carroll, commissioners; Joseph
Clark, right worshipful grand master pro
tenpore; James Hoban and Stephen Hal
leate. architects, and Collins Williamson,
master mason"
The day was ushered in by the ringing
Of centennial chimes.
Following as closely as possible the pro-
gram of the original ceremonies the pro-
cession was chiefly confined to civic bodies.
under the marshalship of Gen. Ordway,
commanding the District National Guard.
1t started shortly before o'clock. in four
divisions, from in front OF the White House,
which faces Presidents Square (as La
which point. according to history. the pro-
cession marched two abreast in the greatest
solemn dignity, with music playing, drums
beating, and colors flying, and spectators
rejoicing" The modern procession did not
march two and two or its tail end would
not have reached it's destination before the
shades Of night had fallen, but 1t moved
briskly along the broad Pennsylvania
avenue to the Capitol, the civic organiza-
tions four abreast. and the military in
column of companies, with a brave dis
play Of civic insignia, much music and the
plaudits of a mighty concourse Of spec
tators.
The organizations in line included in the
first division, Odd Fellows, Oldest Inhabit-
ants, Knights Of Pythias, Elks and Noble
Red Men," The second division comprised
the Society of the Cincinnati, the G. A. r.
and Mexican Veterans, and the "Sons of
the American Revolution" in which or
ganization are included many of the most
honored names in public life, and which as
an organization made it's public debut to-
day The third division was military and
comprised the District National Guard,
some regulars and visiting militia from
| Virginia. The fourth division was COM
posed of veteran firemen and visiting fire
1
Brooklyn and New York. and Virginia
and Maryland
AT the head Of the procession, immedi-
ately following Grand Marshal Ordway
and his well-mounted staff, rode the Presi-
dent of the United States and his cabinet
/ officers In an open barouche attended by
! Mr. Beriah wilkins, chairman of the re-
ception committee, and escorted by squad
ron of United States cavalry, which made
glittering, Gathering show in their SNOWY
full dress uniforms. helmets and waving
plumes. In the carriage following the
President came the orator Of the day, Hon,
VIM. Writ Henry of Virginia. grandson
of Patrick Henry attended by MIR. Law
renee Gardner, chairman Of the general
committee.
! The cabinet rode in order Of rank as
named in the presidential succession bill, as
follows:
Walter Q. Gresham. Secretary Of State.
John G. Carlisle Secretary Of Treasury.