The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-29

~ now have the pleasure of introducing
President Mckinley to you, the president
J of the United States"
AS the president removed his hat cries
came from all sides of Put on your hat;
we'll excuse you" -,
The president. however, stood with
barred head, despite the nipping wind that
swept across the exposed stand, and de-
liyered his address.
President McKinleys' Speech.
President Mckinley spoke as follows:
Fellow Citizens-A great life, dedicated
TO the welfare of a nation, here finds
its earthly coronation. Even if this day
lacked the impressiveness of ceremony
and were devoid of pageantry it would
still be memorable because it is the ami
versary of the birth of one of the most
famous and best beloved of American
soldiers. In marking the successful COM
nletion of this monument we have as wit
nesses and participants representatives
of all branches of our government, resi-,
dent foreign governors of states and
sovereign people from every section, who
Join in this august tribute to soldier,
patriot and citizen.
almost twelve years have passed
since his heroic vigil ended and the brave
spirit of Ulysses s. Grant fearlessly
took its fight Lincoln and Stanton
had preceded. but. of the many captains
Of the war. Grant was first to be. called.
| Sherman and Sheridan survived him, but
have since joined him on the other shore.
"The great heroes of the civil strife on
land and sea are for the most part now
no more. Thomas and Hancock, Logan
and Mcpherson, Farragut, Dupont and
Porter and hosts of others have passed
forever from human sig hit. Those now
remaining grow dearer TO us, and from
them and the memory of those who
have departed, generations yet unborn
will draw their inspiration and gather
strength for patriotic purpose.
"A great life never dies Great deeds
are imperishable; great names immortal.
Gen. Grants services and character will
continue undiminished in influence and
advance in the estimation of mankind so
long as liberty remains the corner stone
to free government and integrity of life
the guarantee Of good citizenship.
Faithful and fearless as volunteer
soldier, intrepid and invincible as com
mander-in-chief of the armies of the
Union, calm and confident as president
of a reunited and strengthened nation,
which his genius had been instrumental
in achieving, he has our homage and
that of the world; but, brilliant as was
his public character, we love him all the
more for his home life and homely vir-
tues. His individuality. his bearing and
rare and unique distinction. and his
Americanism was so true and uncOmpro-
missing that his name will stand for all
time as the embodiment of liberty.
loyalty and national unity.
Victorious in the work which. under
Divine Providence, he was called upon
to do, clothed with almost limitless power,
he was yet one of the peope-patient,
patriotic and just Success did not dis
turb the even balance of his mind, while
fame was powerless to swerve him from
the path of duty. Great as he was in
war, he loved peace, and told the world
that honorable arbitration of differences
was the best hope of civilization. With
Washington and Lincoln, Grant has an
exalted place in history and the affections
of the people. Today bis memory is held
in equal esteem by those whom he led
to victory and by those who accepted his
leaders of the blue and the gray meet not
only to honor the name of the departed
Grant, but to testify in loving and fra
ternal national spirit which has
over every difference of the
past and transcribed the limitations of
sectional lines. Its completion, which
we pray God to speed will be the nations
greatest glory.
1T is right that Gen. Grant should
nave memorial commensurate with his
greatness and that his last resting place
should be the city of his choice, to which
ne was so attached in life and of whose Z
ties he was not forgetful even in death.
New York holds in its keeping the
precious dust of the silent soldier, but
he achievements that he and his brave
comrades wrought for mankind are in
The keeping of seventy millions of Ameri-
,an citizens who will guard the sacred
heritage forever and forever more"
The vast crowd listened with keen at
tention to the presidents words, and at
intervals broke into cheers when some
incident in the dead soldiers career was
alluded to by the distinguished speaker.
AT the conclusion of the presidents ad-
lress, Col. Fred Grant advanced and
shook him warmly by the hand. The two
lerful picture and the people applauded.
The Star Spangled Banner" was
played by the band, after which Gen.
Horace Porter was introduced by the
mayor. The orator of the day was ac-
corded warm reception. More discreet
han the president, Gen. Porter kept his
nat on while he was speaking. At this
he biting wind forced many of the ladies
n the presidential party to seek the shell.
er of the house. Among these was Mrs.
Mckinley, who was slightly indisposed.
Gen. Porter was followed by Mayor
Strong.
The 'Hallelujah" chorus from Handel's
Messiah" and the "Doxology" were
sung. and this concluded the ceremonies
1t the speakers stand. The president
md other officials and distinguished
guests then retired to the tent in the rear
If the tomb, where an elaborate luncheon
vas served. ...
How the Money Was Raised.
1t was by popular subscription that the
fund necessary for the erection of the
-Omb of Gen. Grant was raised, and it
IS estimated that 10000 people con-
tributed sums ranging from 1 cent (
$4,000. In all $559,OO0 was secured. y
balances were kept in II
and drew 3 per cent intent
so the sum increased until it mt y
amounts to about 100000. With t
exception of about $4,000, the enth
fund was raised in New York City.
Five days after the death of Gen.
Grant, on the 2Sth of July, 1885, New
York City, having been suggested by
Gen. Grant before his death as the place
for his burial, William r. Grace, then
mayor, called a meeting of citizens at the