Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1894-05-17
MARY WASHINGTON
Dedication Of the Monument to the
Mother Of the First President,

oeneT OF the First President,
Reared by the Women OF America Upon
the Classic Soil Of the Old Domin-
ioa-Interesting Ceremonies
and Addresses.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va, May 1.-THE
weather being propitious, there was
nothing in the way of a most success
ful celebration of the event to which
patriotic women, and the people of
virginia particularly, have looked for
ward to for SO many months-the dedi-
cation of the monument to Mary Wash
lngton, the mother of the first presi-
dent.
THE VISITORS
From an early hour visitors have been
arriving at this ancient city, where so
many memories of Washington have
been conferred for a hundred years.
From Richmond there came Gov. OFFER
rail- and large number of distinguished
military visitors, and every part
of the state contributed its quota. From
the national capital special train
OAouBht ICSluCuG Slctclduu, ocCTc-
tary and Mrs. Gresham, Secretary
and Mrs. Carlisle, Secretary and Miss
Morton, Secretary and Mrs. Lamont,
Postmaster-General Bissell, Private
Secretary and Mrs. Thurber and many
distinguished men in public life. This
train arrived about 1890 a. m, and
was met at the station by committee
who escorted the special guests to the
Mary Washington house. where an in
formal lunch was rendered to Presi-
dent Cleveland, followed by recep-
tion on the old porch of the mansion.
THE PROCESSION,
including various patriotic societies
and benevolent orders. companies of
the state militia, the governors staff,
and representative ladies on horse
back, was then formed and proceeded
to the monument, where a grand stand
to accommodate 400 guests had been
erected. On Washington avenue in
front of the stand nearly 10000 people
were massed.
THE CEREMONIES
commenced with prayer by Rev. James
p. Smith, followed by brief address
by A. p. Rowe, mayor of Fredericks-
impassioned address of welcome on
the part of the state of Virginia,
which was frequently interrupted with
applause. and in an eloquent perora-
tion. presented the president of the
United States For several minutes
the enthusiasm which greeted the
president was without bounds When
the cheering finally subsidized, Presi-
dent Cleveland said:
PRESIDENT CLEvELAND's SPEECH.
Gov. O'FERRALI., MR. MAYOR AND FELLOW
CITIzENs-I speak for those who are to-day
greeted as the Official guests Of Virginia and
Fredericksburg, when I.return sincere thanks
for the hearty welcome that has been extend
ed to US In behalf Of both the state and city.
Our appreciation OF the warmth of your re-
ception is not diminished by the thought that
In the light of the highest meaning belonging
to this occasion. there are no guests here. We
have mbled on equal terms to worship at
q sacred national shrine
NOTHING CAN BE MORE IMPORTANT
to those who have assumed the responsibility
of self-government than the cultivation and
stimulation among themselves of sentiments
which ennoble and elevate and strengthen hu-
mainly. AS a clear and wholesome stream
must have its flow from pure foun-
tain head, SO must clean and benefi-
cent popular government have its source in
PURE AND MORALLY HEALTHY MEN.
This purity and this moral health are in moth
ing better exemplified than in a love and
reverence for motherhood. The man who said
he cared not who made the peoples laws If he
could write their songs, might have said with
more truth that he could gauge the strength
and honor of a people, and their fitness for
self-government, If he knew the depths and
steadfastneSs Of their
LOVE FOR THEIR MOTHER
I believe that he who thinks it brave and
ia I -, A.
mother is. more than he who has no music in
himself, fit for treason. stratagems and spoils,
and should not be trusted. Let US recall to-
day conclusive proof of the close relations
between American greatness and o lasting love
and reverence for our mothers.
THE PROUD DECLARATION OF GEORGE WASH
INGTON.
'.All am owe to my mother" and let US
not forget that when his glory was greatest
and when the plaudits of his countrymen were
loudest. he valued more than these the bless
ing and approval Of his aged mother. While
these exercises can not fail to inspire US anew
with reverence for American motherhood, we
will remember that we are here to do honor
to the woman who gave to our nation
IT'S GREATEST AND BEST CITIZEN.
and that we have the privilege of participating
In the dedication of q monument erected by
the women of our land in loving and enduring
testimony to the virtues of the mother of
Washington. Let US be proud to-day that the
mobility of this woman exacted from distin-
tyuished foreigner the admission: III such
are the matrons of America, she may we'll
boast of illustrious sons" and that Lafayette
who had fought with her son.
FOR AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE,
declared after he had received her blessing: IT
have seen the only Roman matron living at this
day"
Remembering these things. let US leave this
place with our love of country strengthened,
with q higher estimate of the value of Amer
lean citizenship. and with a prayer to God that
our people may hold fast to sentiment that
grows out of q love and reverence for American
motherhood.
THERE WAS ANOTHER oUTBURsT
of enthusiasm when the president fin
ished and gave way to the masonic So
cieties, who performed the dedicatory
ceremonies. Senator John w. Daniel,
the orator of the day, was then intro
duced by President Cleveland.
SENATOR DANIELS GRAFTON.
Senator Daniel. in his Grafton, paid
graceful tribute to Mrs. White and the
ladies of the Mary Washington Monu-
ment association, whose pious hands
had reared 1.-The first monument on
earth erected by women to a woman"
This stone represents two ideals-womanly
excellence and patriotic duty You have
reafed this beautiful obelisk to one who was
'''tho light Of the dwelling in a plain rural
COLONIAL home Her history hovers around it.
She was wife. mother and widow.
SHE NURsED HERO AT HER BREAST.
Al her knee she trained to the love and fear