The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-06-02
TRIBUTE TO WASHINGTON.
Magnificent Bronze Monument Un-
yelled in Philadelphia.
PRESIDENT M'KINLEY OBLIGATED

ID
the Statue of Its Covering-0uaker
Clty's'Proudest Day--streets Gay With
Flags - Army, Navy and National
Guard Make the Spectacle Magnificent.
PHILADELPHIA, Penn. Especially aD.-Under
the auspices Of the State Society OF the
Cincinnati, of Pennsylvania, a magnificent
monument to the memory Of George Wash
ington was unveiled here Saturday.
The city was decorated by thousands Of
flags, and the streets along the line ofmarch
of the procession that preceded the cere-
monies at the site of the monument were
thronged. At sunrise the batteries OF the
United States troops stationed in Fair
mount Park fired a salute. Salutes were
also fired by the United States ships Texas
and Terror and the French frigate Fulton,
lying In the Delaware River.
Parade was formed at noon. General
George R. Snowden was at the head OF the
procession. The route was from Broad and
Spruce, out Broad to Spring Garden, to
Twenty-afth and the park. In the parade
were United States forces, the National
Guard OF Pennsylvania, various battalions
OF cadets and many civic organizations.
The First City Troop Of Philadelphia es-
corted the President OF the United States.
The monument stands at the Green
street entrance to Fairmount Park. Presi-
dent Mckinley reached his stand, facing
the monument, at 2 O'Clock p. m. The
Right Rev. OH W. Whitaker, Bishop Of the
diocese Of Pennsylvania, opened the unVe1l-
ing ceremonies with prayer.
Then Major William Wayne, President OF
the State and General Society OF the Gin
cinnati made brief address. This all oc-
cupied but few moments. Then Presi-
dent Mckinley, accompanied by the trus-
tees Of the statue, crossed the driveway.
AS he did so, solemn hush fell on the
gathered throng.
Patriotism stood on tiptoe awaiting the
signal for vent. Every eye was strained to
the huge figure, apparelled in the Stars and
Stripes. Then whispered word to the
President, and, with uncovered head, he
drew the cord and the mighty monument
stood revealed. It was supreme moment.
Cannon on land and water belched thun-
derous Gall hail!''
Immovable during this outburst loomed
the figure Of the two Presidents. Almost
side by side, as If stretching nearer to each
other across the abyss OF time the In
animate bronze seemed TO grow SenLlent dS
the living man became more tense and
statuesque. The spectacle was grand.
In q moment it was over. The President
was escorted back to the stand, and as soon
as silence could be secured, he made his
address, reviewing the character OF Wash
ington. President Mckinley was followed
by William w. Porter, who delivered the
Grafton.
Major Wayne formally presented the mon
ument to the city of Philadelphia In behalf
of the Society Of the Cincinnati, and Mayor
Warwick accepted it In behalf OF the city
and transferred it to the Fairmount Park
Commission. James McManus, President
Of that body, received it and replied briefly.
The President then reviewed the great mil
itary parade, after which he returned to
Washington.
The night was devoted to various phases
of celebration apart from banquet. The
wheelmen's parade, with nearly twenty
thousand in line, was the principal feature.
uluminations from the monument, the City
Hall, the Union League and other points
added to the brilliancy Of the jubilee and
closed the day In veritable blaze OF glory.