The record-union., 1894-02-23

of any community and of any people;
where ignorance is a moral crime and
where education can be had for the ask
ing. For in the same fertile soil where our
forefathers planted the tree of liberty, we
have planted the tree of knowledge.
whose broad-spreadlng branches do reach
from shore to shore, and whose generous
boughs do hang so low that the humblest
child in the land may put forth its tiny
hand and pluck the golden fruitage.
Mr.. President, never to my knowledge,
has the dedication of public building
been accorded such an exhibition of
youthful patriotism as we witness here
to-day, and the peculiar feature which
distinguishes this from all ceremonies of
like character is sure to mark the event
as one long to be remembered by every
child who participates in them upon this
occasion.
The young generation who are soon to
take part in the administration of this
Government, has assembled here to COM
memOrate this national anniversary, and
by their presence and by the gift OF this
beautiful emblem, which will so soon
float to the breeze from the top of this
handsome structure, naturally attest their
Unborn love OF American liberty. The
spirit which has prompted them to make
this gift is worthy of the highest praise;
and. sir, that these children should thus
contribute some expression OF their
affections for our free institutions, is to
me the strongest evidence that the foun-
dation of this Government is firmly
planted in the heart and affections of our
people. No surer promise of the stability
and permanence OF our Tree institutions
is to be had than the fact that the young
are so thoroughly imbued with the proper
spirit that should control them.
To tho fhilGrPD who have cOntri but6d
to this beautiful gift | will say that the
certificates which you hold are but formal
recognitions of that deep and abiding love
of fliberty implanted in your heart, which
is the chief conservator of this great and
prosperous Nation. Cultivate that love.
Fortify it with habits of industry, in
tegrity and economy. Enlighten it with
education and thus make yourself worthy
of the great trust which Will hereafter de-
volve upon you as American citizens.
This beautiful flag is fit symbol of
liberty, of justice and of equality. It
bears no gorgeous images of beasts OF
fabled monsters of the past. No royal
insignia adorn it: but on its blue field
shines the mighty constellation of the
United States. the august components of
this great American Republic. AS the
steller are the sources OF all physical en-
ergy aud send their ceaseless thrills of
light abroad through the universe, so the
stars en- DIaZOned on tue 1OlOS OF tnlS nag
are the emblems Of intelligence, of truth
and of freedom, sentiments that are dear
to every patriots heart and inseparably
blended with his love of country.
Glorious emblem of American liberty,
pride of our past history, SYMBOL of hopes
for our future, like bow of promise In
the sky, long may you wave over free.
loyal and united nation.
And may no child of America forget
your origin or cease to bless those who
gave you birth.
Send the dear flag aloft and let every
one of US, and especially the old soldiers
who defended it, have an opportunity of
cheering it as never before.
CHARMING FEATURE.
Scarcely had the audience in front of
the stand ceased its applause over Gov
ernor Markham's eloquent and patriotic
remarks when the clarion notes of G.. B.
Eilerman's cornet from the tower above
enchained the attention of all as he COM
menced "Tne Star-Spangled Banner
The playing of this solo by Mr.. Eiler-
man was most excellent performance
artistic, spirited and full of deep feeling.
1t was greatly enhanced by the beautiful
| choral band accompaniment, written es-