Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1893-09-23
CAPITOL CENTENNIAL.

Celebration OF the One Hundredth Anal
versary OF the Laying OF the Corner
Stone Tho Presidents Address and Other
Ceremonies.
WASHINGTON, Sept 1.-THE hun
dredth anniversary of the laying of the
corner stone of the capital was cele-
brated yesterday with imposing cere-
monies When the corner stone was
laid this magnificent city was village.
Escorted by a small band OF patriotic
citizens and troop Of soldiery, Wash
ington. accompanied by his cabinet
and many of the illustrious men OF
his day, rode to the forest-crowned hill
on which the capitol now stands
to lay the corner stone of that giant
structure. Over the same route, Presi-
dent Cleveland was escorted by dash
ing cavalry, marching infantry, blaring
bands and vast multitude of people.
The parade started from the White
house. The procession proceeded along
PENNSYLVANIA avenue to the east front
of the capitol, over the route taken 100
years ago Gen. Ordway, the chief
marshal and his staff, with squadron
of United States cavalry, acting rs an
escort for President Cleveland in car
rage, led the way. AS the chief eXecn-
tive's carriage passed, the crowd greet
ed him with loud applause. The presi-
dent was followed by the orator OF the
day, William Writ Henry, of Virginia,
the governors of the various states,
Chairman Laurence Gardner and the
specially invited guests Troop A,
of the District National guard,
bringing up the rear. After this
escort came the first division proper,
composed of civic organizations The
second division included the Society of
Cincinnati, Sons of the American Rev
olution, the Aztec club of 1S47, vete-
rams of the Mexican war, the Old
Guard, the Grand Army of the Repub-
lie, the Sons of Veterans and the Ma
tional rifles The third division was
composed entirely of United States
regulars and District of Columbia and
visiting militia. The fourth and last
division was composed of the veteran
firemen of the District of Columbia and
similar organizations from other parts
of the country.
Arriving at the capitol the parade
was disbanded and the ceremonies were
begun. TT Rev. William Paret, bishop
of Maryland, invoked the blessing OF
God. after which the re Deum was
sung by chorus of 1900 voices Then
Laurence Gardner, the chairman, made
the opening address AS he concluded,
DR.. Gardner turned toward President
Cleveland and introduced him rs the
next speaker. The president was given
Il most enthusiastic greeting.
The following is President Cleve-
lands address:
While accept with much satisfaction the
part assigned TO me on this occasion, cannot
escape that which these ceremonies suggest
Those who suppose we are simply engaged in
commemorating 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 lay.
ing of corner stone, from which has sprung
the splendid editice whose grand proportions
arouse the pride OF every American. but our
celebration is chiefly valuable and significant
because this editice was designed and planned
principles OF q free representative government
should DO developed in patriotic legislation for
the benefit OF u free people
II tho representatives who here assemble to
make laws for their fellow.countrymen forget
the duty OF broad and disinterested patriotism.
and legislatc in prejudice and passion or In
behalf OF sectional aud selfish interests the
time when the corner stone Of our capital was
laid and the circumstances surrounding it. will
not be worth commemora'ing.
The sentiment and the traditions connected
with this structure and its uses belong to
NIL the people OF the land They are most val.
liable as reminders OF patriotism in the dis
charge OF public duty und Steadfastness in
many struggle for the public good They
also furnish standard by which our people
may measure the conduct OF those chosen 10
serve them. The memorable application OF this
standard will always supply proof that our
countrymen realize the value OF the free insti.
buttons which were designated and built by
those who laid the corner stone OF their CAPT.
toll and that they appreciate the necessity OF
constant and jealous watchfulness as condi
tion indispensable TO the preservation OF those
institutions in their purity and integrity.
believe our fellow citizens have no greater
nor better cause for rejoicing on this centen'
NAL than Is found in the assurance that their
pubic servants who assemble In these halls
will watch and guard the sentiment and tradi-
tions that gather around this celebration, and
that in the days TO come those who shall again
commemorate the laying OF the corner stone OF
their nations capitol, will find In the recital OF
our performance OF public dutv no less reason
for enthusiasm and congratuation than we
ind 10 recalling the wisdom and virtue OF those
who have preceded US.
Following the president the orator
of the day, William Writ Henry, de-
scendent of Patrick Henry, the revolu-
tionary statesman and patriot was in
troduced, and he delivered an eloquent
address When the applause follow
ing Mr.. Henry's speech had ceased,
1.-THE Star Spangled Banner" was sung
by the grand chorus. The next speaker
was Vice President Stevenson, who
spoke in behalf of the United States
senate. The audience honored Mr..
Stevenson with a greeting equal in