The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1899-10-10
President Mckinley oGcIates ct chic.
ago's New building.

agOs New building.
Chicago, October o.-Surrounded by
men who guide the diplomatic relations
of three governments and In the presence
OF thousands Of spectators. President
William Mckinley today formally laid
Federal building Of Chicago. The event
was the cIowning feature Of the week g
celebration. marking the annual observ-
ance Of Chicago day.
In the angle followed by the south and
west wings Of the Federal building at
jackson boulevard and Dearborn street,
In front Of the Union League club build
ing, reviewing stands had been erected
Tor the accommodation of the tiistin-
guished visitors. including Vice Presi-
dent Mariscal and party of Mexico, Pre-
mier Laurisr Of Canada, land other nota-
bles OF that country; members of Prssi-
dent McKinley's cabinet and the diplo.
matic corps at Washington; Senators and
Congressman and other invited guests;
and when Presidnet Mckinley threw
the first trowel Of mortar under the up
lifted block of limestone and pronounced
the corner stone set, one of the most
notable gatherings ever seen in Chicago
looked on.
Shortly before ten O'Clock roar Of
cheers from down Jackson boulevard an
nounced the coming of President McKin-
ley and his party.
1t was with considerable difficulty that
the troops of cavalry and the police form
ing the Presidents escorts could clear
space wide enough for the carriages con-
tanning the President and members..of
his cabinst to pass, and as the carriages
towards the Eederal building, the ap.
plause became terrific and continuous.
The President arose and dotfed his hat
In response.
At the entrance of the Union League
club, the President and members of his
party alighted, and after a brief reception
were escorted across jackson boulevard
to the platform in front of the Federal
building.
A perfect hurricane OF cheers greeted
the President as he was escorted to the
daisiat the side of which the corner stone
was suspended ready for the ceremony.
The President warmly greeted the off,
cials, then returned and bowed to the
group Of brawny armed workmen who
were to complste the laying OF the corner
stone. Judge Christian c. Kolsaat,
chairman of the committee on ceremon-
les, introduced Secretary OF the Treasury
Lyman /. Gage. as the presiding officer
for the corner stone exercises. The secre-
tary was warmly cheersd as he stepped
forward
At the conclusion of Secretary Cages
brief address Rev. Frank A. Gunsaulus
offered prayer. Secretary Gage intro
-duced Postmaster Smith. He also was
greeted with much applause.
The actual ceremonies of the laying of
the corner stone then began. G. 4.
Kremner, secretary of the federal COM
mittse, arose and formally announced
that the stone was ready, and read the
list of articles placed within It. Presi-
dent Mckinley was introduced by Score.
tary Gage and as the President stepped
forward to receive the trowel from the
hands Of Architect Henry Ives Cobb, the
crowds again burst forth into cheer after
cheer. the applause continuing until the
President raised his hand. The Presi-
dent then stepped to the side of the up
lifted mass of Illinois limestone, and
taking a trowel full of mortar from the
hoard, he threw 1t on the base of the
stone. As he did SO, band stationed In
the reviewing stand played "The Star
Spangied Banner. +" and as the notes of the
national anthem were heard. the crowd
again broke into cheers. the noise almost
deafening the music. President McKin-
Icy then pronounced the stone set and re-
sumed his seat as the workmen settled
the stone in its place.
Senator William E. Mason was next
introduced and made brief address on
behalf of the city Of Chicago. The oere-
monies concluded with the Offering of