Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-01-12

dience preaent-three ex-Presidents of the
United States. - well as other prominent
citizens The procession then returned to
the stone house. where a banquet was
spread. and. possibly. no more notable
gathering was ever seen within the bor-
dess OF old Virginia. numbering. as 1t
did. men known for their legal learning.
love for their country, patriotism. sound
senss. wit and good fellowship. How
much better our country would be to-.
day had Jefferson. Madison. and Monroe
been held up as examples-and followed!
MIR. SOUTHALL'S ACCOUNT.
also offered extracts from a pen sketch
sf the occasion. written by the Hon. VAL
en.ine W. SouthaIi:
"Agrssably 10 previous announcement,
tie Masonic Societies OF Charlottesville.
Ncs. 60 and - convened on Monday, 9Th
day OF October, to aid their fellow citizens
CT Alhema,le and circumjacent counties
ia laying the cornerstone OF the Central
Cciiegs. which, by the liberality Of the
public and the generous aid of the State
Legislature, called for the above cere-
fpony at an earlier day than was contem-
plated; IL being only a month or two
anterior to this occasion that the sub
scription papers were exhibited TO the
subscribers
The morning was fine and mild. The
interest which the public seemed to take
In this effort OF Virginia was to every
one a high and delightful evidence OF the
spirit OF our people. II was q sure pre-
sage that their aid and support Will never
be wanting In the advancement OF learn
ing and education: that their hearts and
heir purses arc open TO the great cause
OF humanity, and the amelioration of the
condition OF man on earth. Ii was the
court-day OF the County and Superior
courts Of Albemarle. yet the judges de-
scended from their bench the people de-
serted their temples of justice. the houses
were shut. business OF all kinds sugpend-
ed, and in one rolling tide the multitudes
pressed 10 spot where the first twig OF
science was TO be planted. 1t was In
deed a scene worthy OF the best feelings OF
our nature-not only as to the cause. which
had summoned so large and reputable
q body of citizens together. but the fur
Their grateful phenomenon OF witnessing
in the procession two ex-Presidents and
tho present Chief Magistrate OF the
Union. forming three OF the six visitors
who by law are the guardians Of the in
stitution, the other three being General
John II. Cooke, Mr.. David Watson, and
Mr.. Joseph c. Cabell.
The secretary then deposited In the
stone as follows A phal containing a
piece of parchment on which was writ
ten: Laid by Lodges Nos. 60 and 80 on
the 9th day OF October. A. l.. 5S17. A. ID.
1917. Alexander Garrett, Right Worthy
Grand Master; Allen Dawson. Deputy
Grand Master; Rev. William King, Grand
Chaplain; John NJ. Perry, Architect"
On the opposite side: Visitors of the
Central Colege-James Monroe, Thomas
Jefferson, James Madison. John II. Cocks,
Joseph C.. Cabell. David Watson" There
were other contents.
After giving the ceremonies OF laying
tho cornerstone the article closes as
follows: THUS closed the ceremony
which will long live in the recollections
OF those who witnessed II, when the So
cieties. with the visitors OF the Central
College. judges, and gentlemen Of the
bar repaired to the Stone House, in the
town OF Charlottesville, and sat down to
a dinner prepared for the occasion, where
reigned an undsturbed feeling OF plea
sure and harmony that welcomed in the
approaching evening"
During the march Of the procession the
band played "Jeferson's March" and
"Monroe's March," as well as other pa
| triotic pieces.