Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1893-09-23
THE PRESIDENTS SPEECH
At the Centennial OF the Laying OF the
Cornerstone Of the Capitol.

While l accept with much satisfac-
ton the post assigned me on this oc-
casion, ! cannot escape the sober re-
Elections which these ceremonies sug-
gest. Those who suppose that we are
simply engaged in concentrating
the beginning of magnificent struc-
ture, devoted to important public uses,
overlook the most useful lesson of the
hour. We do indeed celebrate the
lay ing of cornerstone nom which
has sprung a splendid edifce, whose
grand proportions have aroused the
pride of every American citizen, but
our celebration is chiefly valuable and
significant because the edifce was de-
signed and planned BY great and
good men, as a place where the prin-
ciples of free representative govern.
ment should be developed in patriotic
legislation for the benefit of free re-
public.
If the Representatives who here as
semble to make laws for their fellow
countrymen forget the duty of broad,
disinterested patriotism and legislate
in prejudice and passion, or in behalf
of sectional or selfish interests, the
time when the cornerstone Of our
Capitol was laid and the circumstances
surrounding it will not be worth COM
memorating. The sentiment and ira
ditioEs connected with this structure
and its uses belong to all the people
of the land; they are most valuable
reminders of patriotism in the dis
charge Of public duty and steadfast-
ness in the many struggles for the
public good. They also furnish a
standard by which our people may
measure the conduct of those chosen
to serve them. An memorable appli-
cation of this standard will always
supply proof that our countrymen
realize the value of the free institu-
tions designed and built by those who
laid the cornerstone of their Capitol;
that they appreciate the necessity of
constant, Jealous watchfulness as a
condition indispensable to the preser.
walton of these institutions in purity
and integrity.
/ believe our fellow-citizens have
no better, greater cause for rejoicing
on this centennial than that those
halls will watchguard the sentiment
and traditions that gather round this
celebration; that in the days to come
those who shall again celebrate the
laying of the cornerstone of their Ma
tion's Capitol will find in the recital
of our performance Of public duty,
no less reason for enthusiasm and
congratulations than we find in recall
ing the wisdom and virtue of those
who preceded us.
SIGNIFICANCE OF HIS WORDS.
The rugged health glow in the
Presidents cheeks and the firm,
strong, upright poise Of his bearing
did much to allay any anxiety on the
part of those who had been troubled
about recent rumors concerning the
Presidents health His voice was
strong and penetrating and his
gestures vigorous. This was especial
ly the case when he turned full and
fair on the assembled House and SEN
ate and told them "If the Lawmakers
ever forget the duty Of broad and
disinterested patriotism, and legislate
in prejudice and passion, or in behalf
Of sectional and selfish interests. the
time when the cornerstone OF our
Capitol was laid, and the circum.
stances surrounding it will no be
worth commemorating.'