The record-union., 1893-09-19
Special to the RECoRD-UN1oN.
triotic Airs


tennial anniversary, that of laying the
cornerstone of the National Capitol, was
commemorated this afternoon. One hun
dred years ago to-day George Washing
ton, as "Worshipful Master of Lodge No.
p, Virginia" with Masonic rites, laid the
cornerstone of the building, which, by
slow stages, tor seventy-five years there
after grew into one of the most magnifi-
cent structures in the world.
Washington on that occasion wore
sash and apron woven by Lafayette's
wife. The city was then a mere village,
but escorted by small band of patriotic
citizens and troop OF soldiery, the Father
of his Country proceeded from the White
House, along Pennsylvania avenue to the
east front of the Capitol, over the same
route taken to-day by President Cleve-
land and the great parade, official, civic
and military.
The procession was led by Chief Mar
shal Ordway and staff, with q squadron
of cavalry. acting as escort to the Presi-
dent, followed by the Orator of the Day,
William Writ Henry, descendant of
Patrick Henry, the Governors of the
various States, and Chairman Lawrence
Gardner and invited guests in carriages,
the troop of the District National Guard
bringing up the rear as further escort.
Then, i'll the parade proper, came a
division of civic societies and organiZa-
tiOns: then a division composed of the
Society of Cincinnati, Sons of the Ameri
can Revolution, Sons of the Revolution,
the Arctic Club, Veterans of the Mexican
War, the Old Guard, Grand Army of the
Republic, Sons of Veterans and National
Rifles; then a division of United States
Regulars, district and visiting militia,
and last, the Veteran Firemen and SINH
lar visiting organizations.
The streets were thrOnged with people,
who cheered the President as be passed.
Arrived at the Capitol the parade dis
banded, and the vast throng witnessed
the ceremonies, including the members
of both Houses of Congress, Judges of
the Supreme Court, members Of the Cab
met, and other high dignitarieS, who &C.
cupied places on the stand.
The exercises began with music by the
Marine Band. Then Bishop Paret of
Maryland offered prayer, and chorus of
1900 voices sang the ''Te Deum," after
which Chairman Gardner delivered a
brief address, succfnctly sketching the
remarkable growth and development of
the United States during the past 100
years, closing by introducing as Chair
man of the ceremonies "the worthy sue
the United States, Grover Cleveland.
The President was given most enthu-
siastic greeting, and delivered a brief,
characteristic and appropriate address, as
follows:
"While I accept with much satisfaction
the post assigned me on this occasion,
cannot escape the sober reflections which
these ceremonies suggest. Those who
suppose we are simply engaged in COM
memorating the beginning of this mag
nificent structure, devoted to Important
public uses, overlook the most useful and
im9roving lesson of the hour. We do, in
deed, celebrate the laying of the corner
stone from which has sprung this
splendid edifice, whose grand pro-
portions have aroused the pride OF every
American citizen; but our celebration is
chiefly valuable and significant because
this edifce was designed and planned by
great and good men as the place where
the principles of free representative gov
ernment should be developed in patriotic
legislation for the benefit of a free
people.
''If the representatives who here assem-
BILE to make laws for their fellOw-country-
men forget the duty of broad, disinter-
ested patriotism, and legislate In
prejudice and passion, or in behalf of
sectional, 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 con-
nected with this structure and its uses
belong to all the people of the land. They
are the most valuable reminders of patri-
otism in the discharge of public duty and
steadfastness in every struggle for public
good. They also furnish standard by
which our people may measure the con-
duct of those chosen to serve them.
IL. 80 - 4
ard will always supply proof that our
countrymen realize the value of the free
institutions designed and built by those
who laid the cornerstone of their Capt.
tol, and that they appreciate the necessity
for constant, jealous watchfulness as a
condition indispensable to the preserva-
ton of these institutions in their purity
and integrity.
81 believe our fellow-citizens have no
better, greater cause for rejoicing on this
centennial, and those halls will watch ana
guard the sentiment and traditions that
gather around this celebration, that in the
days to come those who shall again cele-
brate the laying of the cornerstone OF
their Nations Capitol will lind III the re-
cital of our performance OF public duty
no less reason for enthusiasm and con-
graduation than we find in recalling the
wisdom and virtue ofthose who preceded
u.s."
The rugged, healthy glow in the Pres
dents cheeks and the firm, strong, up
right 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 pene-
trating and his gestures vigorous. This
was especially the case when he turned
full and fair on the assembled House and
Senate ana told them: IF lawmakers
ever forget the duty of broad and
disinterested patriotism and legislate in
prejudice and passion or in behalf of sec
tional and selfish interests. the time when
the cornerstone of our Capitol was laid
and The circumstances surrounding it
will not be worth commemorating. The
added tone of defiance and warning with
which Cleveland said this, and the ring
ing applause that greeted it, gave pecul-
lar significance to his words.
Then the orator of the day, William
Writ Henry, delivered his address, in
which he reviewed the growth of the
eountry in territory, national strength
aud in influence on the Governments OF
the nations of the world. he detailed the
Growth of the Capitol building beyond
The foundations first laid and the develop
lnent of laws within its walls.
The next speaker was Vice President
Stevenson, who spoke In behalf OF the
limited States Senate, and was accorded a
Greeting as hearty as that given the Presi-
Dent. He delivered a mastery, eloquent
address. in which, In the course OF ms re-
view of the evidences OF our greatness ne
smoke of the mighty names OF the slates
men who surrounded Washington When