The San Francisco call., 1899-12-15

Nj
" NJ pressive and appropriate, in the
presence of a distinguished as
semblage and in the full splendor of ideal
autumn weather, the centennial of the
death of George Washington was COM
memorated to-day at Mount Vernon. That
Mount Vernon should have been selected
as the scene OF the exercises was pecu-
liarly fitting. There il was that the hap
piest incidents of Washington's life oc-
Cured. In other parts he endured his
trials, on other fields he won his
triumphs; but there, surrounded by those
whom best he loved. were spent the rest
ful. quiet. studious hours Of his life. There
II was, too, that he sickened and died,
and there all that was mortal of him
was laid to eternal rest in mausoleum
overlooking a broad sweep Of the pic
turesque Potomac.
To-day's ceremonies were elaborately
planned and successfully carried TO
fruition. They were conducted by the
Masonic bodies and by the Red Men OF
the United States. The movement for the
days observance originated in 1898 with
the Grand Lodge of Masons OF the State
of Colorado the proposition being made
by Most Worshipful William ID. Wright,
grand master of Colorado, who was pres
ent 10 witness the carrying into effect OF
his long cherished idea. Charge of the
oration was placed in the hands of the
Masons of Virginia, it being in the Old
Dominion that Washington was obligated
as Master Mason and there that he par
ticipated enthusiastically in Masonic
work and obserVances. The officers OF
the Grand Lodge of Virginia and the
membership Of Fredericksburg Lodge, in
which Washington was made a Mason.
and of Washington-Alexandri Lodge.
ksah h. .l.l 4, 1 g,.l
master, had the chief part in the duty OF
seeing that to-day's observances were ap-
propriate.
That the duty was we'll performed was
evidenced by the solemnity and beauty OF
the ceremonies and by the immense con-
course Of Masons present. Thousands
were in attendance from all parts of the
country and almost every Jurisdiction in
the United States and few foreign coun-
tries were represented by some OF the
grand officers and members. The visiting
members, many accompanied by the
ladies Of their families, congregated in
Washington early to-day, and escorted by
the Masonic bodies of the District Of CO.
lumbia. headed by the Grand Lodge OF
the District, made the pilgrimage TO
Mount Vernon to-day by boat. The Vir-
ginia Masons assembled at Alexandria
and thence escorted by Fredericksburg
Lodge and observation-disclosures Lodge
as bodies proceeded to Mount Vernon also
by boat
At 10 O'Clock President Mckinley. him
self an enthusiastic Mason, accompanied
by Secretary of State Hay Secretary of
the Treasury Gage. Secretary of the Navy
cock. Secretary of Agriculture Wilson and
Postmaster General Smith, Assistant
Secretary OF the Navy Allen, Major Cen
eral Miles. Adjutant General Corbin, Sec
retary Porter, Assistant Secretary Cortel-
you, Major John A. Johnson and Senator
W. A. Clark Of Vermont, past grand mas
ter OF his State, left Washington on a
special electric train for Mount Vernon,
arriving there at IL o'clock. The Presi-
Dental party was greeted by Grand
Master Duke of Virginia, and by him es-
corted 10 the mansion.
II was nearly an hour and half after
ward before all OF the steamers bearing
the Masonic bodies arrived.
After the President and his Cabinet had
reviewed them from platform on the
east front Of the mansion procession
was formed and moved, as on the day Of
General Washington's funeral, December
IS, 1893, TO the old vault, where the re-
immediate presence of the grand officers
of the various States and the assembled
Masons, solemn funeral rites were con-
Quoted.
Band was followed by the invocation. pro-
nounced by the Right Rev. A. NJ. Ran
9olph. Bishop OF the Southern Episcopal
diocese Of Virginia. After music by an
trict of Columbia Grand Master A. A.
Burnand of Colorado delivered an ora
ton on the life and work Of Washington.
laying particular stress upon his Masonic
life and accomplishments.
The procession reformed and moved
then 10 the tomb where the remains OF
now. The tomb was magniicently deco
rated with flags and festoons OF ever
greens and flowers. Here the beautiful
and impressive Masonic services were
90 fl.n
thirteen original States formed in line,
facing the representatives OF the other
jurisdictions. the Grand Lodge OF Vir-
gfnia and visiting brethren standing in
semi-circle, facing the entrance to the
tomb. with Joined hands. Prayer was Of
fered by the Rev. G.. II: Ray. ID, grand
chaplain Of the Grand Lodge Of Virginia,
called upon each OF the Jurisdictions of
the thirteen original States, the turisdic-
tions OF the Western States and those of
Canada, Belgium and Nova Scotia for
messages and tributes sent by them, and
Then the grand master OF the District
OF Columbia deposited within the tomb
the iambskln apron as a token of inro
cence; the grand master Of Missouri de-
posted the white glove as a token tof
friendship, and the grand master OF Cali
fornia deposited the evergreen as an en-
blem OF the Masonic faith in the resur-
rection of the body and the immortality
Of the soul.
following responses were made:
The craft-"Amen.
All the grand masters-"O death, where
Is thy sting?
The craft-"o grave. where is thy VIC
tory?"
Scores OF beautiful wreaths and punches
of evergreens were then deposited within
the tomb, one of the most beautiful
tokens. an immense wreath OF ivv, i'm
mortelles and acacia blossoms being Of
fered by President Mckinley.
The procession returned TO the cast
front of the mansion, where President
Mckinley, introduced by Grand Master
Duke, delivered the following Grafton as
his tribute TO Washington:
We have Just participated in a service oon-
rnemorative OF the one hundredth annIyersarv
OF the death of George Washington. Al his old
home which he loved so wells and which the
patriotic women OF the country have guarded
with loving hands, exercises are Conducted nm
der the auspices OF the great fraternity OF Ma
sons which a century ago planned and executed
the solemn ceremonial which attended the
rather OF his Country TO his tomb. The lodge
in which he was initiated and the one over
which ne afterward presided worshipful mas
ter accorded positions OF honor at his obse
ouies are to-day represented 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 Washing
ton and the inspiring example OF his life. Dis
tinguished representatives are here from all
grand lodges OF the country to render ceremo-