The National tribune., 1897-05-06
A MIGHTY THR0HG
Did Honor to Grants Memory
on His Natal Day.

Thousands Of patriotic citizens attended the
imposing ceremonies incident to the dedication
Of tho magnificent tomb of the late Ulysses s.
Grant at New York on April q. The Prssi-
dent of the United States. the vioe-Presidsnt
tho Governors of many States. representatives
Of foreign nations, and other men high in
office were among them. 1t was not 4 ceremony
of mourning. but rather the rejoicing of a
Nation in the memory and example of one of
the greatest soldiers of history. The decora-
tions were lavish in amount and color, bands
played, long procession moved through the
streets of the metropolis, and eloquent dis
courses were heard in the exercises proper.
President Mckinley. with Mrs. Mckinley,
Mayor Strong Mrs. Grant. Frederick Grant,
and the other members of the Grant family,
arrived early at the tomb and took places on
the stand ex-President Cleveland. Private
Secretary Porter, Archbishop Corrigan,
Chauncy NJ. Depew. and other prominent per-
sons occupied the platform. The parade had
already formed. The ceremonies were opened
with prayer by Bishop Newman, and a chorus
rendered q hymn of thanks. Mayor Strong
presented President Mckinley, who said in
part:
Architecture has paid high tribute to the
leaders of mankind, but never was q me-
mortal moro worthily bestowed or more CRATE
fully accepted by a free people than the
beautiful structure before which We are
gathered.
"Gen Grants services and character will
continue undiminished in influence and adj
vance in the estimation of mankind SO long as
liberty remains the cornerstone of free Gov
eminent and integrity of life the guaranty Of
good citizenship.
Faithful and fearless as volunteer soldier.
intrepid and invincible as Commandments Chief
of tho Armies of the Union, calm and conf
dent as President of a reunited and strength
ened Nation, which his genius had been instru-
mental in achieving, he has our homage and
that of the world; but brilliant was his
public character, we love him all the more for
his home life and homely virtues.
with Washington and Lincoln, Grant has
an exalted place in history and the affections
of the people, To-day his memory is held in
equal esteem by those whom he led to victory
and by those who accepted his generous terms
of peace. The veteran leaders Of the blue and
gray here meet not only to honor the name OF
the departed Grant, bnt to testify to the living
reality of fraternal national spirit which
has triumphed over the differences of the past
and transcends the limitations of sectional
lines Its completion. which we pray God to
speed. will be the Nations greatest glory.
New York holds in its keeping the precious
dust of the silent soldier, but his achievements
what he and his brave comrades wrought for
mankind-are in the keeping of 100000
of American citizens, who will guard the
sacred heritage forever and. forevermore."
Gen. Horace Porter spoke eloquently. eulo-
giving Grant, and formally presenting the
National Memorial to the Mayor on behalf of
the Grant Monument Association. He said
that 10000 citizens had contributed to the
building fund, their subscriptions ranging in
amount from one cent to $1,000 so that it had
been an eminently popular subscrip !ion. The
entire fund.- with accrued interest, amounted
to about $500, 900.
After the ceremonies the President reviewed
the great parade Of some $4,000 men. strong
wind made the marching fatiguing. The
Grand Marshal was Gen. Granville z. Dodge
There were Regulars, militia, veterans, and
civic organizations in line. Many war vessels
and yachts we're in the river, and salutes were
fred at appropriate times.