Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1897-04-29
GRANT MONUMENT,

landed on SnOre 10 Stand ana receive
the head OF the land column. Then
bands began playing on land and
water, children singing and youths
shouting, while hosts hurried to the
route Of the parade or TO Riverside
park.
Vast crowds had arrived at the tomb
as early MS eight o'clock and all who
were fortunate enough to possess tick
cts emitting them to seats on stands
took their places in the gaily-decked
structures and prepared for the long
wait that was to ensue before the ar
rival Of the notables and military
pageant The warships and other YES
sells which lay at anchor in the river,
In sight Of the tomb, claimed the at
tention Of the crowd. All Of these YES
sells made magnificent showing in
their gala attire, with rainbows of
bunting from bow to stern.
The arrival Of the official portion Of
the procession at the tomb was the
signal for stupendous outburst Of
patriotic cheering from the 10000 peo-
pie. The president and other guests
alighted from their carriages at the
monument stands and took the places
assigned to them in readiness for the
oratorical and musical ceremonies ut
1880 o'clock.
The Sons Of Confederate veterans,
who were to have arrived ut the tomb
at $3.50 o'clock and place floral wreath
with crossed swords upon the sarcopha'
gus, were an hour late. The tokens
were reverently laid on the sarcoph-
agus by Gen. j. b. Gordon, while his
comrades stood by with uncovered
heads.
As the carriages containing the dis
tinguished party passed between the
walls Of people on the roadway the air
resounded with cheers. The president
acknowledged this by smiling and
bowling. At 1l.O4 o'clock President
Mckinley entered the speakers stand
and was followed by the others who
were to participate in the ceremonies.
The president, with barred head, leaned
on the arm Of Mayor Strong, who kept
his hat on. The president was loudly
cheered, Us was also ex-President Cleve-
land, who appeared with ex-Secretary
Tracey.
The exercises commenced with the
singing of America" A solemn silence
then fell on the dense crowd as the
venerable Bishop John ?. Newman in.
voked the blessings of Heaven upon
the ceremonies. A mighty cheer arose
as President Mckinley moved to the
speakers stand to deliver his address.
He was introduced by Mayor Strong.
AS the president removed his hat, cries
came from all sides: PUT on your
hat; we'll excuse you.' The president,
however, stood with barred head, de.
spite the nipping wind that swept
across the exposed stand, and delivered
his address as follows:
Fellow-Citlzens; A great life, dedicated to
The welfare Of the nation, here finds Its earthly
coronation Even II this day lacked the i'm
pressiveness Of the ceremony and was devoid
Of pageantry II would still be memorable be-
cause II Is the anniversary OF the birth Of one Of
the most famous and best beloved OF American
soldiers. Architecture has paid high tribute to
the leaders OF mankind, but never was me-
mortal more worthily bestowed or more grate-
fully accepted by free people than the beau
tiful structure before which We are gathered.
In marking the successful completion Of this
work, we have as witnesses and participants
representatives Of oil branches Of our govern
ment, the resident officials Of foreign nations,
the governors Of states and the sovereign peo-
pie from every section Of our common country,
who Join in this august tribute TO the soldier,
patriot and citizen. Almost IL years have
passed since the heroic vigil ended and the
brave spirit Of Ulysses S Grant fearlessly took
its di0ht Lincoln and Stanton had nraoeied
him, but Of the mighty captains OF the war
Grant was the first TO be called. Sherman and
Sheridan survived him, but have since Joined
him on the other side
The great heroes OF the civil strife on land
and sea are ct most part now no more Thomas
Hancock, Logan, Mcpherson, Farragut, Du-
pont and Porter, and host Of others have
passed forever from human sight Those re-
naming grow dearer to us, and from them and
the memory Of those who have departed gen.
erations yet unborn will draw their inspiration
and gather strength for patriotic purpose
A great life never dies, great deeds are
imperishsble. great names immortal Gen
Grnt's services and character will continue
undiminshed In influence and advance In the
estimation Of mankind 70 long as liberty 70.