Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-14
in MEMORIAM.
Services in Commemoration
Of Washington's Death.
MAsONs AT MT. VERNON
New York Honors Hundredth Anni-
versary OF Great Hero's Death
Rev. Morgan DIX Conducts ser-
vices-Flagsa at Half.Mast.

Washington, Dec. 14.-(By Associat-
ed Press mt. Vernon was the scene
today of the most unique and impress
sive ceremony in its rich and pictur-
esque history. Masons of high degree
from all over the United States and
Canada met at the tomb of Washing
ton in services commemorating the
hundredth anniversary of the death of
the greatest American. Mckinley de-
livered an eloquent tribute to the MEM
ory of the first president. Senators,
representatives, high officials of the
government and distinguished private
citizens were participants and specta-
tors in the solemn services. Later in
the day when the Masonic ceremon.,
had been concluded. the Independent
Order of Red Men succeeded them in
honoring the memory of Washington
with the rites of their order. The Ma
sons Went from this city TO Mt. Vernon
by steamer. At Alexandria they were
Joined by the federal grand lodge of
Virginia. AT Mt. Vernon the process
sion, including Mckinley and other dis
guished guests, formed and moved SOL
emnly to the old vault where first re-.
posed the remains of Washington, in
the exact order and over the same
path as, followed at Washington's fu-
neral. In the vault Bishop Randolph,
of the Episcopal diocese of Virginia,
offered an Invocation. This was fol-
lowed by an address by the grand mas
ter of the Masons of Colorado. The
procession then moved to the tomb
where the remains of Washington now
lie. Here occurred the impressive SER
vices of the Masonic ritual. The grand
masters of the thirteen original states
formed in line facing the representa-
tives of the other Jurisdictions and the
grand lodge and other brethren stand
ing in circle around the tomb with
joined hands. Then the grand master
of Virginia called upon. each of the
Jurisdictions in turn for the messages
and tributes sent by them. As the
grand master of California represent
ing the western states concluded, the
following responses were made: The
craft, Amen all of grand masters:
"Oh, death, where is thy sting;" the
craft, "Oh grave, where is thy victo-
ryT' The grand masters then deposit
ed wreaths and evergreens and the
craft slowly marched past laying on
the tomb their tributes. Upon reach
ing the mansion the lines were drawn
up and Mckinley delivered his address
which was listened to in profound and
impressive silence.
Mr.. NIcKinley's Address.
'.We. have just participated in SER
vice commemorative of the hundredth
anniversary of the death of George
Washington. Here at his old home,
which he loved SO well, which the pa
triotic women of the country guarded
with loving hands, exercises We're con-
ducted under the auspices of the grea.
fraternity of Masons, which a century
ago planned and executed the solemn
ceremonial which attended the father
of his country to the tomb. The lodge
in which he was initiated and one over
which he afterwards presided as the
worshipful master, was accorded the
position of honor at his obsequies to-
day, and was represented here in token
of profound respect to the memory OF
their most illustrious member and be.
loved brother. Masons throughout the
United States testify anew their rever-
ence for the name of Washington and
the inspiring example of his life. Dis.
tinguished Representatives are here
from all the grand lodges of the coun-
try to render the ceremonies as digni-
fled and impressive as possible, and
most cordial greetings have come from
across our borders and from beyond
the seas.
'tNot alone in this country, but
throughout the world have Masons ia.
ken especial interest in the observance
ofthis centennial anniversary. The fra.
ternity justly claims the immortal pa
triot as one of its members; the whole
human family acknowledges him as
one of its greatest benefactors. Public
bodies, patriotic societies of other or
ganizations, and citizens everywhere
have esteemed it privilege today tc
pay tribute to his memory and the
splendor of his achievements in the ad,
yancement of justice and liberty
amongst men.
''His fair fame, secure in its immor.
tally, shall shine through countless
ages with undiminished lustre
The struggling republic for which
Washington willingly gave his life and
for which he ever freely spent his for.
tune and which at all times was the
object of his most earnest solicitude
has steadily and wonderfully developed
along the lines which his sagacity ano
foresight carefully planned. 1t ha:
stood every trial and at the dawn of 9
new century is stronger than ever te
carry forward its mission of liberty
During all the intervening years it has
been true, forever true, to the precepts
Of the constitution, which he and hi.
illustrious colleagues framed for it;
guidance and government. He was the
national architect says Bancroft, The
historian, and but for him the natior
would not have achieved its independ
ence, could not have formed its union
could not have put federal government
into operation. He had neither prece
dent nor predecessor. His work was
original and conservative and has sue
fully stood the severest tests. More
than seventy millions OF people ac