The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1897-05-21

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monumental bronze and the cord
which released the flags which yelled
the figure of the first ruler of the re-
public was drawn by its latest eXecu-
tive while, surrounding him, were men
in whose veins runs the blood of those
first patriots who battled shoulder to
shoulder with Washington and with
him made possible the scene enacted
to-day-a scene conceived and planned
by those very comrades in arms and
completed by their sons in peace
Major William Wayne, president of
the Cincinnati who formally presented
the monument TO the city, traces his
lineage straight to Mad" Anthony
Wayne, and William W. Porter, the
orator of the day, is n grandson of
David Rittenhouse Porter, twice gov
ernor of Pennsylvania and G great
grandson of General Andrew Porter,
who was on Washingtons staff in the
revolution.
AT sunrise cannon from the batter
les OF the United States troops camped
In fairmount park aroused the city,
and soon steady streams of people be-
| gan to move toward the Green street
entrance to the park where the monu-
| ment stands. The decorations through
! out the city were lavish, and decorated
| stands were erected all along the line
of the parade.
The ceremonies proper began at
| noon, when the parade moved from
Broad and Spruce streets, under COM
mand of Major General Snowden, and
| at the park passed in review before the
President.
| PRESIDENT M'KINLEY'S TRIBUTE.
The unveiling ceremony was i'm
pressively simple. Bishop Whitaker
opened with prayer and Major Wayne
followed with an appropria te address.
Then came the unveiling by President
Mckinley, marked by the national sa-
Lutte of twenty-one guns by the artil-
lery and by the foreign and American
war vessels in the Delaware. This con-
| Guided, President Mckinley spoke a5
follows:
Fellow Citizens: There is pecu-
liar and tender sentiment connected
with this memorial. 1t expresses not
only the gratitude and reverence of
the living, but is testimonial Of affec-
tion and homage from the dead. The
comrades of Washington pro oiected this
monument. Their love inspired it,
Their contributions helped to build it.
Past and present share in its compile
ton and future generations will profit
by its lessons. To participate in the
dedication of such Il monument is a
rare and precious privilege Every
monument to Washington is a tribute
to patriotism. Every shaft and statue
to his memory help to inculcate love of
country, encourage loyalty and estab-
lish a better citizenship. God blesses
every undertaking which revives pat
riotism and rebukcs the indifferent
and lawless.
"A critical study of Washington's s
career only enhances our estimation
of his vast and varied abilities As
COMMUNICATIVE chief of the colonial ar
mics from the beginning of the war to
the proclamation Of peace. as president
of-the convention which framed the
constitution OF the United States, and
as the first President OF the United
States under that constitution, Wash
ington has distinction differing from
that of all other illustrious Americans.
No other name bears or can bear such
a relation to the government. Not
only by his military genius-his pa
tience. his sagacity, his courage and
his skill-was our national indcpcnd
cnce won, but he helped in largest
measure to draft the chart by which
the nation was guided, and he was the
first chosen OF the people to put III mo-
ton the new government. His was
not the boldnesS of martial display or
the charm of captivating oratory, but
his calm and steady judgment won
mems support and commanded their
confidence by appealing to their best
and noblest aspirations.
WASHINGTON'S CHARACTER.
And withal Washington was ever
so modest that at no time in his career
did his, personality seem in the least j
intrusive. He was above the tcmpta- |!
tions of power. He spurncd The sug- |
gested crown. lie would have no |
honor which the people did not be-
stow. An interesting fact and one |
which love to recalls that the only !
time Washington formally addressed |
the constitutional convention during |
all its sessions over which lie presided !
in this city he appealed for :; larger /
representation of the people in the /
national House Of Representatives.
and his appeal was instantly needed.
Thus he was ever licenly watcnfui OF
the rights of the people IN whose
hands was the destiny of our govern
ment then and now.
''Masterful as were his milita.v
campaigns, MS civil administration
commands equal admiration His
foresight was marvellous. his conccp-
ii on of the philosophy of government.
his insistence upon the necessity of
morality and enlightened