Omaha daily bee., 1899-10-07

patriotic service and heroic devotion In as
holy cause as ever engaged mankind This
monument awakens sacred memories and
that is its purpose. It was erected by these
patriotic women that 1t might for all time
perpetuate one OF the most glorious pages
in American history. 1t tells the whole
story OF the war-the siege. the march, the
bivouac the battle line, the suffering, the
sacrifices Of the brave men who, from 81 to
Go upheld the flag. (Great applause) 1t
tells every page of the history of that civ
ilized struggle and its triumphant consum-
nation at Appomattox Court II use. when
Grant accepted the surrender from Lee ard
we were kept nation united again for
ever. loud applause) | like this monu-
ment (Applause.) 1 like this symbol that
l face today-the defense of the flag,
CCheers) That is what we do whenever and
wherever that flag is assailed (Enthusiast.c,
prolonged appause.) And with us war al
ways stops when the assailants of our flag
consent to Grants terms Of unconditional
surrender Great and continued applause.)
My fellow citizens, l do not intend to
make a speech here today, (cries OF go
on'O | could add nothing OF patriotic sent-
ment to that which has already been uttered,
but desire to express in this presence my
appreciation, not of the tribute that was
paid to the president OF the United States,
but the tribute which the people of Peoria
city and Peoria county have paid to the
brave defenders OF the American flag in
time OF our greatest peril. prolonged ap-
plause)
"You are proud Of the monument. You
should be proud OF the demonstration today
which led to its unveiling. Six thousand
children from the schools marching by with
the flag of the stars in their hands and with
the love Of their country in their hearts.
(Applause) / could not but think as I
looked upon that inspiring procession thar
my country was safe. cloud applause.)
God bless the schools OF America CONTINUED
applause) God bless the patriotic women
of the United States Continued applause)
and the patriotic band that projected ana
carried this movement to a successful con-
clusion. CONTINUED applause.)
"And I must not close without congrat-
ulating you that you could find in Peoria
indeed you have everything in Peoria, an
artist Of such high skill born in your own
city to conceive and execute this noble mon
ument. (Applause) / thank you over and
over again for this splendid demonstration
OF patriotism and devotion to duty" Long
continued applause.
An informal reception and dinner at the
residence of j. B. Greenhut was the closing
event OF the presidents visit to Peoria. The
party boarded the train at S:45 p. m. and
was rapidly carried to Galesburg to spend
the night:
Mrs. Mckinley Rests.
None of the women of the party partici-
pated in any of the exercises at Peoria
During the afternoon Mrs. Mckinley, Mrs.
Hitchcock and Miss Barber left the train
and were taken for short drive about the
city. Beyond this they remained quietly
! in their private car throughout the day,
owing to Mrs. Mckinley feeling slightly in
disposed
| During the reception at Mr.. Greenhut' S
residence the president was presented, on
behalf of the citizens of Peoria, with an
| elaborate historical album, portraying in
beautiful form the beauties of the city and
containing etchngs and autographs of its
prominent citizens
The presentation was A.E lie by Mr. o. ].
| Bailey, in a patriotic speech commenting
| on the work of congress and the admins
tration in carrying on the Spanish war and
| meeting the problems which resulted from
| II. The president responded In these words
| wy rTAeuuS. nave no ntting words
to respond to the gracious compliment of
| this hour and to the more than gracious
welcome shown by your representatives
! Our flag, wherever it floats does not
change in character. 1t is the same under
tropical sun as 1t is in your own United
States, 1t represents, wherever it's standard
is raised, liberty and advancement for the
| people In your illusions to the work of
| the congress and Of it's administration
can only say for myself and for those asso-
ciated with me, we have had no aim but
a public aim, no purpose but a good one
upon our action; in the language OF Lincoln
! and In the words of his proclamation, we
invoke the considerate judgment of mankind
and the gracious favor of Almighty God
l thank you for this gift, coming from the
people OF Peoria as an expression of their
| feeling and good will"
! Some of the women present also handed
to the president gold souvenir, commem.
orative of the Peoria corn festival with the
request that it be given to Mrs. Mckinley
This the president smilingly promised to do