The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-05-11
MARY,
THE MOTHER OF
WASHINGTON.


WASHINGTON.
..'..... ....................~
cap surmounts the die, and from
this rises the beautiful white shaft.
The site Is at the edge OF beautiful
plateau and near the two gray boulders
on which the patriots mother was ac-
custoued to sit for hours daily with her
knitting.
The exercises at the monument were
OF most interesting character. They
were opened with prayer by Rev. James
P. Smith, who largely inspired the
movement that resulted in the cree ton
of the monument. Mayor Rowe then
extended brief and appropriate VOL
come on the part of the city, after
which Governor O'Ferrall delivered q
fifteen minutes address of welcome on
behalf OF the State, concluding his elo
quent peroration by introducing Presi.
dent Cleveland.
The President spoke as follows
President Cleveland's speech.
Governor O'Ferrsll, Mr.. Mayor and
Fellow Citizens: l speak for those who
are to day greeted IS the official guests
OF Virginia and fredericksburg. When
| return sincere thanks for the hearty
welcome that has been extended to us
in behalf Of both the State and city, our
appreciation Of the warmth OF your
reception is not diminished by tho
though, that on tho light of ,he highes.
meaning belonging TO this occasion
there are no guests here. We have
assem- bled on equal terms to worship at
the sacred national shrine, and moth
ing can DO moro important to those
who have assumed the responsibility of
self government than the cultivation
and stimulation among themselves of
sentiments which ennoble, elevate and
strengthen humanity. Az a clear and
wholesome stream must have It's flow
from pure fountain head, so must the
clean and benefcent popular govern.
ment have Its source in the pure and
morally healthy men. This purity and
this moral health are in nothing better
exemplifed than the love and reverence
for motherhood
1.-The man who said he cared not who
made peoples laws, II he could write
their songs, might have said with more
truth that he could guage the strength
and honor of people and their fitness
for self government IL he know the
depth and stead tastness Of their love for
their mothers.
II believe that he who thinks 1t brave
and manly to outgrow his care and de-.
votion for his mother is no more than he
who has no music in himself, fl for
treason, stratagems and spoils, and
should not be trusted. Let us recall to.
day as conclusive proof of the close re.
lation between American greatness and
lasting love and reverence for our
mother the proud declaration OF George
Washington: "All I am I owe to nv
mother"
Then followed the cabalistic rites of
Masonry, accepting the work of the
architact and builders as worthily done.
Mr.. Lawrence Washington was then
introduced, and delivered a speech He
Is the son of Augustine Washington,
who sold Mount Vernon to it's present
owners, the ladies' ASSOCIATION
The presiding officer then introduced
Senator John w. Daniel, the orator OF
the day. Senator Daniel, after paving
a graceful tribute to Mrs. Waite and the
ladies Of the Mary Washington Associa-
tiap, whose pious hands had reared "the
first monument on earth erected by
women to woman" said in part:
This stone represents two ideals
womsnly excellence and patriotic duty.
You have reared this beautiful obelisk
to one who was "tha light of the dwell.
ing" in plain rural, colonial home.
Her history hovers around it. She was
wife, mother and widow. She nursed
hero at her breast. At her knee she
trained to the love and fear of God and
to the kingly virtues honor. truth and
valor, the lion OF the tribe that gave to
America liberty and independence.
This IL her title to TT nown. 1t is enough"
The delivery occupied forty-fye
presented TO Mrs Chief Justice
Waite, President Of the National Asso-
citation, engrossed resolutions of the
ladies OF the fredericksburg Assooia-
ton expressing their thanks for the
efforts of the former toward the cree.
ton of the monument.
President Cleveland then came to
the front Of the stand and held public
reception in which more than 10000
persons participated. Following this
the President was escorted across the
parking to the Mary Washington House,
whore he rested for time.
Hon. j. B. Sever presided over the
banquet. 1t was thought that the
President would return to Washington
after the ceremonies, but
he WAS an unexpected and most well
come guest at the feast. A storm of
acclamation greeted his unannounced
When the noisy welcome
had subsided sufficiently for President
Sever to formally present him., Mr..
Cleveland advanced to the front Of the
platform and acknowledged the tumul-
teous reception in brief and happy i'm.
promptu speech
Governor O'Ferrall was then intro
duced and made brief and happy re.
sponse.
Mrs. Chief Justice Waite here en-
tered with her escort Of distinguished