Rocky Ford enterprise., 1893-09-28
ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO
Celebration of the Laying OF the Corner
Stone of the Capitol at Warrington.


The one hundredth anniversary of the lay
ing Of the corner stone Of the capitol at
Warrington was celebrated there on the 18th.
The impressive ceremonies were held on
big platform extending out from the east
front OF the capitol into the spacious plaza,
A tremendous crowd swarned over and
about the capitol. Cavalry, infantry, artil-
lcry, and civilian companies made the scene
bright with color.
The procession started from the White
House to the east front Of the capitol over
the same route taken 100 years ago, when
George Washington laid the corner stone of
the capitol. General Ordway, the chief
marshal, and his staff, with q squadron OF
United States cavalry acting as mn escort for
President Cleveland in carriage, led the
way, and as the chief executives carriage
passed through the streets the crowds Of
watchers honored him with loud huzzas.
President Cleveland, accompanied by the
Cabinet, the speakers and the members of
the committee on arrangements, arrived
early. Mr.. Cleveland was instantly recos-
nizcd and was greeted with great cheer
which he acknowledged by lifting his hat
The presidential party was followed by the
members Of the House and Senate, the judges
Of the Supreme Court AMI other dignitaries
Of the government.
The marine band, directed by Professor
FanceullI, and swelling chorus of 1900
trained voices under the direction of Profess
sor Dushane Cloward, rendered the musical
selections, which included in the course of
the programme all the national airs.
The president's speech was delivered, rs NIL
Of his speeches are, without notes. He stood
with his glasses carelessly held behind him In
his right hand, his left resting easy on the
stand In front. As he faced the vast audience
with his head barred the lock of hair which
curls upon his forehead was lifted like q
feather and blown to the rear. The rugged,
healthy glow in his checks, and the firm,
strong, upright 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 penetrating and his gestures
vigorous. This was especially the case when
he turned full and fair on tho assembled
House and Senate and told them: SIT the
Lawmakers disregard the duty Of broad aud
dislnterested patriotism, and legislate In
prejudice and passion, or in behalf of sec
tional and selfish interests, the time when the
cornor stone Of our capitol was laid, and the
circumstances surrounding 1t, will lot be
worth CONNIE norating." Tho added tone OF
defiance and warning with which Mr. Cleve-
land said this, md the ringing applause that
greeted 1t, gave a peculiar Significance to his
words.
he spoke as follows:
while I accept with much satisfaction the
part assigned to me on this occasion cannot
escape what these ceremonies suggest. Those
who suppose we arc simply engaged In COM
ffofp fha hnr -
structure devoted to public uses have over
looked the most useful and improving lesson
Of the hour
"We do indeed celebrate the laying OF n
cornerstone from which has sprung the
splendid edifoo whose grand proportions
arouse the pride of every American, but our
celebration is chiefly valuable and significant
because this cdifice was designed and planned
by great and good men, as place where the
principles of free representative govern
ment should be developed In patriotic legisla-
ton for the benefit Of a free people. II the
representatives who here assemble to make
laws for their fellow countrymen forget the
duty Of broad and 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
1t, Will not be worth commemorating.
"The sentiment and traditions connected
with this structure and site as used belong to
all the people Of the land. They are most
valuable reminders Of patriotism in the dis
charge Of public duty and stendfastness In
many = struggle for the public good. They
also furnish . standard by which our people
may MEASURE the conduct Of those chosen to
serve them. Tho inexorable application of
this standard will always supply proof that
our couptrymen realize the value Of the free
institutions which were designed and built by
those who laid the cornerstone OF their capi-
tol, and that they appreciate the necessity of
constant and Jealous watchfulness MS a condI-
tion indispensable to the preservation of those
Institutions in their purity and integrity.
81 believe our fellow citizens have no
greater nor better cause for rejoicing on this
centennial than is found Ia the assurance
that their public servants who assemble in
these halls will watch and guard the senti.
ment and traditions that gather round this
and that in the days to come
those who shall again commemorate the lay
ing Of the cornerstone of their nations capi-
tol will find In their recital of our performance
OF public duty no less reason for enthusiasm
and congratulation than we find In recalling
the wisdom and virtue of those who preceded
us.n
Speeches were also made by William Writ
Henry, . descendant Of Patrick Henry, Vice
President Stevenson, Speaker Crisp, Justice
Brown Of the United States Supreme Court,
and Myron Parker, commissioner Of the Dis
trict Of Columbia.
As q consequence Of some trouble between
the Catholic organizations and the Masonic
lodges over the part to be taken in the CEN
tennial celebration by Cardinal Gibbons,
both parties in dispute withdrew from par
ticipation.
VIII Parole Prisoners.
The experiment of paroling prisoners cor. |
fined In the Massachusetts state prison under |
the habtual criminal act, is to be tried In the
case Of William F. Hazard, who has served |
Eve years of his twenty-five sentence.
The conditions are: First, he shall not |
hereafter lead an idle or dissolutc life; sec
ond, he shall not visit any bar-room or gam
bling house or associate with persons of bad
character; third, he shall lead an upright,
Industrious and w-abidng life.