The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-10-10
PRESIDENT LAYS
A CORNER STONE
Handles the TroweI Like a Veteran
at the Beginning of ChcagO's
POstoh c Noted Visitors.

CHICAGO. ILL. oct. 9-surrounded by
men who guide the diplomatic relations oi
three governments and in the presence OF
thousands of spectators. President Nc
kinney to-day formally laid the corner
stone OF the magnificent new Federal
building of Chicago. The event was the
crowning feature OF the weeks ceieDra-
tion. marking the annual observance oi
Chicago Day.
In the angle formed by the south and
west wings of the Federal building at
Jackson boulevard and Dearborn streets,
and in front OF the Union League tiuo
a reviewing stand had been erected FOR
the accommodation OF the distinguished
visitors. including Nice-President Marlscal
and partv of Mexico. Premier Laurier OF
Canada. and other uOtabies ~ that coun-
try. members of President Mchlhey
Cabinet and the diplomatic corps az WASH
ington. Senators. congressman ana olher
invited guests and when President NC
kinney threw the first troWei run oi NOR
tar under the uplifted block Of limestone
and pronounced the cornerstone set one
of the most notable gathering ever IN
Chicago looked on.
A perfect hurricane of cheers greeted the
President as ne was escorted 10 the dais
at the side of which the cornerstone was
suspcnded ready FOR the ceremony The
President warmly greeted the officials
then turned and bowed 20 the group Of
workmen who we're To complete the laylnE
Of the cornerstone. Judge Christian Z.
Kohlsaat introduced Secretary OF tie
Treasury lyman j. Gage. as presiding
ofHcer for the, corner stone exercises The
Secretary was. warmly cheered as he
stepped forward.
THE BLESSING.
Al the conclusion Of Secretary Cages
brief address. Rev. Frank w Gunsaulu5
offered a brief but impressive prayer, the
President and an the members Of ms
Marty uncoyering as Or. Gunsdulus asked
"a blessing on the ceremony
Secretary Gage introduced Postmas-
ter-General smith lie was also greeted
with much applause.
Mr. smith spoke of American interests
In the orient as follows.
what citizen Of the Republic shall so
inpugn the honor OF his country and the
INTEGRITY Of her institutions as TO pro-
claim before the world that her sce9tre
extended over rude and remote peoples,
means wrong and oppression and spoiil-
tion. What American sh'N SO discredlt
his own blood as 10 declare that the
American peauie Will eithor falter in their
dutv or their trust or fail in the charac-
ter OF their task. our inspiring past Is
tho prophecy OF our glorious future.
The actual ceremonies Of the laying OF
the cornerstone then begun President
Mckinley was introduced by Secretary
Gage. and as the President stepped for
ward 10 receive The trowel from the hands
Of Architect Henry Ives Cobb. the crowds
again burst forth into a cheer after cheer.
THD CEREMONY.
The President then stepped 20 the side
Of the upliftet mass OF Illinois limestone.
and taking a trowelful OF mortar from
the board. he threw it on the base OF the
stone. President Mckinley then pro-
nounced the stone set. and resumed hs
seat. while the workmen settled the stone
in its place.
Senator VIM r. Mason was next intro
duced and made a brief address on be-
nar or me City Of Chicago. The cero
monies concluded with The Offering Of
benediction by Archbishop Fechan, Of
Chicago.