The Atlanta constitution., 1894-05-14
ecantion in a brief and happy 1mpromptu

speech. m
II am not sure" said he, "that it is my
fault-it is certainly my mls1ortune-.na' l
do not belong to the Masonic fraternity. 1t
is an order that has done much and mag
nificent work In the lines of excellent and
honorable endeavor. But l 90 pelohS ~
another, if not cabalistlc oroei' w.ooe
grip is fidelity to the interests OF American
prosperity and whose password is the su-
premacy of the American idea of popular
and patriotic free principles and constltu-
tional rights. To belong to this sacred OF
ganization with all it's patriotic Symbolism
l am proud, and am today equally PROUD 10
recognize those before me as being coaoJu-
tors and coworkers. The name of this order
is the fraternity of free men devoted to the
preservation of the American idea or uni
versal freedom and independence
This sentiment evoked fresh applause,
amid which Mr.. Cleveland took his seat.
Governor O'Ferrall was then introduced
and made a brief and happy response.
Mrs. Chief Justice Waite here entered
with her escort Of distinguished lady guests
and was received with hearty salutatlon.
Vice President Stevenson.
After this Vice President Stevenson was
introduced a Master Mason to respond to
the second toast, which was to George
Washington, Master Workman" He made
a splendid speech, saying in part: This
man, after his voluntary retirement from
power and place, thought it derogated moth
ing from his great dignity to wear the in
sigma and preside over the deliberations of
a lodge of ancient Free and Accepted Ma
sons Since the period long lost in the mlsts
and shadows of bygone centuries, when TINS
noble fraternity held conclave on high
mountains and low vales,' 1T has never
known so illustrious a member. At the lay
ing of the corner stone of our national cap
itol one hundred years ago, Washington Oh
ticiated as grand master of Free Masons.
as well in his great office of president Oh
the United States. No craftsman can forget
that upon that historic occasion WaSnlllS-
ton wore the sash and the apron that had
been wrought by the hands of the vile OF
the beloved Lafayette. Now, as then, to
those who would revile this venerable ofuer
the answer is perfect Washington was
Mason
1--WE stand today within a spar OF a cen
tury from the hour when Washington MS
work done-wearing the highest honorS that
earth could bestow-oassed to the place
appointed for all the living.
"What marvels the century just Closing
hath wrought in this land-What perllS may
lie along future pathway none can lell'
Amid Encouragement anu danger let uo
not forget that with Washington there was
an ever-abiding faith in the capacity Oh MS
countrymen for self-government Ihat d
helping omnpotent hand was ever Stretcheu
out to this favored land, was to him q Nv
ing faith. The century just closing has not
dimmed the glory of the achievements or
this illustriOuS man. With the folnnS OIL
years a greater than he hath not appeared.
His name and fame are the precious herl-
tage of all people and all times-hls last
words the shibboleth of all parties and or all
sections. May not believe that, whatever
dangers may hereafter menace our free in
stitutions, the perpetuity of our repre-
sentative government, the federal constitu-
tion-the handiworll of Washington and his
compeers-Will prove to us and to those
who come after US, sure rock OF safety,
of defense?"
Justice Harlan, of the United States SUI
preme court, then arose, and announcing
himself as doubly a grandson of Virginia,
offered a toast.
The president and his party returned to
Washington on a special train at o'clock
The weather was most beautiful. In the
presidential party were Secretary and Mrs.
Gresham, Secretary and Mrs. Carlisle, Sec
retary and Miss Norton Secretary and
Mrs. Lamont, Postmaster General Bissell
Private Secretary and Mrs Thurber and
many men distinguished in public life Fif-
teen thousand Virginians assembled from
all parts OF the state to do honor to the
noble woman whose memory they hold dear
IN the throng were representatives of names
cohtemporaneouS with WASHINGTON and
famlllar in the history of the state and
many prominent in the present administra-
ton OF It's affairs The surrounding country
was deserted for the time.