Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1899-12-21
AT MOUNT VERNON.
Centennial Anniversary Of the Death
Of WasAlngton ObsePveA-Tho
President Pays Tribute.

Washington, Dec. 15.-MoUnt Yer.
non was the scene Thursday of the most
unique and impressive ceremony in its
rich and picturesque history. Masons
of high degree from all over the United
States and Canada met at the tomb of
Washington in services commemorate
ing the one hundredth anniversary of
the death of the greatest American.
President Mckinley delivered an ,elo-
quent tribute to the memory of the
first president, and senator's and repre-
sentatives in congress, high officials of
the government and distinguished pri-
vate citizens were participants and
spectators of the solemn service. The
president said in part: s4.a
I'VE have just participated in service
commemorative of the one hundredth an
niversary OF the death Of George Washing
ton. Here at his old home, which he loved
Of the country have guarded with loving
hands, exercises are conducted under The
auspices Of the great fraternity Of Masons.
which century ago planned and executed
the solemn ceremonial which attended
the Father Of His Country to his tomb.
The lodge In which he was initiated and
the one over which he afterwards presided
as worshipful master, accorded positions
Of honor at his obsequies are to-day rep
resented here in token of profound respect
to the memory Of their most illustrious
member and beloved brother.
Masons throughout the United States
testify anew their reverence for the name
Of washington and the inspiring example
of his life. Distinguished representatives
are here from all the grand lodges Of the
country to render the ceremonies as dig
nified and impressive as possible, and most
cordial greetings have come from across
our borders and from beyond the sea.
mot alone in this country, but through
out the world, have Masons taken especial
interestin the observance Of this centennial
the immortal patriot as one of its members;
the whole human family acknowledges him
as one Of its creates. benefactors. Public
bodies. patriotic societies and other organ
izattons. our citizens everywhere. have es-
teemed 1t a privilege to-day to pay their
tribute to his memory and to the splendor
Of his achievements in the advancement of
justice and liberty among men.
During all the Intervening years 1t has
been true, forever true, to the precepts of
the constitution which he and his illus
trious colleagues framed for its guidance
and government. He was the national
architect, says Bancroft, the historian, and
but for him the nation could not have
achieved its independence, could not have
formed Its union, could not have put the
1eueFaA government into operation. He had
neither precedent nor predecessor. His
work was original and constructive and
has successfully stood the severest tests.
1.-THE nation needs at this moment the
help Of his wise example. In dealing with
our vast responsibilities we turn to him.
We invoke the counsel of his life and char
acter and courage. We summon his pre-
cepts that we may keep his pledges to
maintain Justice and law, education and
morality. and civil and religious liberty in
every part of our country, the new as well
as the DID,
President Mckinley was accompanied
to Mount Vernon by all the members
of the cabinet now in the city, Gen.
Miles and Gen. Corbin.