Evening star., 1897-05-01

very nearly q column. It must have taken
him at least twenty minutes to offer II.
As transcribed it contains in almost every
other line bracketed references to passages
of Scripture, which were evidently relied
upon as authority for the petitions raised
to the Throne Of Grace.
Prayer FULFILLED.
In his special allusion to the Smithsonian
Institution. Brother McJflton said:
May the building here to be erected as
depository of the curious works of art
and nature and the emblems of national
distinction be more than sufficient for this
worthy and honorable purpose. May 1t be-
come a monument to us as useful nation.
and matter of admiration to the nations
of the world. In the deposit of national
symbols may it be central point of peace
and friendship for the Kingdoms and gov
ernments of the earth, and may the ma
tions which shall be represented in its halls
find themselves In union, firmly leagued
for the encouragement of national pros
perity. the promotion of art and intelli-
gence, and the increase of human happi-
ress. May it be as a central sun of sci
ence, about which systems may revolve,
and from which light and knowledge may
be reflected Throughout every cline and
kingdom of the globe, and in the accom-
pishment of these great and important
results may the blessings of the nation
follow the memory of the protector and
America become the almoner of bounty
whose benefits shall not cease to flow until
time shall be no more"
In the Corner Stone.
There was placed in the corner stone
box of lead, which contained the follow
ing articles: Gold and silver coins of the
United States, report of the committee on
organization. the Constitution Of the
United States, the New Testament, Decla-
ration of Independence. Congressional Di-
rectory for 1917, Bulletins Of the National
Institute. report of the first national fair at
Washington. report on receiving the legacy
Of James Smithson, portrait of Smithson,
reports of the commissioner of patents,
journal of the proceedings of the Smith
sonian regents for the year 1916, the ai-
dress of the chancellor of the institution on
the laying of the corner stone, astronomical
observations made at the naval observa-
tory. directory of the city of Washington,
copies OF the newspapers of Washington,
copy of the Bible. stereotyped plate page
OF Bancroft's history, the constitution of
the Grand Lodge of the District of Column
bia, an impression of the seal Of the Grand
Lodge. silver plate engraved with the
names of the grand and subordinate lodges
OF the District.
HOnored Relics.
Grand Master French placed upon the
stone corn, wine and Oil, fifty explained
their symbolic meaning, and invoked for
the OLlCeTS ana regents Oh Inc institution
prosperity and success, harmony, peace and
brotherly love. He then told the assembled
multitude that the gavel which he held in
his hand was the one with which Washing
ton laid the corner stone of the Capitol of
the United States, and that the apron which
he wore was the one which Washington
wore on the same occasion, 1t having been
presented to the father Of his country by
the Grand Lodge of France, through that
good patriot and Mason, General Lafayette.
This apron, he explained further, had
been in the possession of Mt. Nebo Lodge
of Shepherdstown, w. Va, for half a CEN
tury and was by that lodge sent in the
hands of a brother to Washington to be
presented to the Grand Lodge, with the re-
quest that 1t be worn by the grand master
on the present occasion. The grand mas
ter then gave three raps upon the stone
with the gavel of Washington, the Masonic
hosts gave the Masonic honors, the grand
master applied the square, level and plumb
and pronounced the stone square, proper
ly laid, true and truSty." Then followed
the address by Mr.. Dallas. At the con-
clusion of his speech, which was devoted
objects to be attained in science and art,
and the plan of the building, together with
the uses to which its various parts were
to be applied, national salute was fired
by the Columbian Artillery, and the bands
played America" Rev. F. s. Evans then
pronounced the benediction and the assem-
bled throng of 5000 or 1000 people dis
persed.
1t is interesting to note that in the an
nails of the institution it is recorded that
the entire cost of the corner stone exer-
ciseS was $1S5.37. There will be no special
observance today of the closing Of the
first half century of the Smithsonian.