The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-12-15

WASHINGTON. Dec. N-with solemn
pomp and circumstance. with ceremonies
beautiful, impressive and appropriate, in
tho presence Of distinguished assem-
biage 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 AZ the scene Of the exercises was
peculiarly fitting. There It was that the
happiest incidents Of washington's life
occurred. In other parts he endured his
trials, on other fields he won his tri-
umphs; but there. surrounded by those
whom best he loved. were spent the rest
full, quiet, studious hours Of his life There
II was, too, that he sickened and died, and
there all that was mortal was last to
eternal rest IN mausoleum overlooking
q broad sweep Of the picturesque Potomac.
Ceremonies Elaborately Planned.
5 Todys ceremonies were elaborately
planned and successfully carried to
fruiton. They were conducted by the Ma
sonic bodies and by the Rednen of the
United States. The movement for the
days observance originated in 1893. with
the Grand lodge OF Masons Of the state
of Colorado, the proposition being made
by Most worshipful William d. Wright,
grand master Of Colorado. who was pres
ent to witness the carrying into effect Of
his long-cheriGhed ideas
IN Charge Of tAs lGasons.
Charge Of the ceremonies incident to
today's commenaoration was placed In the
hands Of the Masons Of Virginia, 1t being
In the Old Dominion that Washington was
obligated as q master Mason. and there
that he participated enthusiastically in
Masonic work and observances. The ON
GERS Of the Grand lodge Of Virginia and the
membership Of fredericksburg lodge. in
which Washington was made Mason
and Of Washing lodge, over
which he presided as worshipful master.
had the chief part in the duty Of seeing
that today's observances were appropri-
ate.
Immense COnc0urse Present.
That the duty was well 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 coun-
try. and almost every jurisdiction In the
United States and few foreign countries
were represented by some Of their grand
officers and members.
The visiting Masons, many accompanied
by the ladies of their families. c0ngre-
gated in Washington early today. and.
escorted by the Masonic bodies Of the
District of Columbia, headed by the
Grand lodge of the district, made tho pill
grimage to Mount Vernon by boat. The
Virginia Masons assembled at Alexandra
and thence. escorted by Fredericksburg
lodge and Washington-Alexandr lodge
as bodies, proceeded to Mount Vernon
also by boat.
DistinEu Euished Men Present.
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 Long, Secretary of the Interior
Hitchcock, Secretary of Agriculture and
Postmaster General Smith, of the cabi-
net; Assistant Secretary Of the Navy
Allen, Maj. Gen. Miles, Adjt. Gen. Cor
bin. Secretary Porter, Assistant Secre-
tary Cortelyou, Maj. John A. johnson and
Senator w. A. Clark, of Montana, past
grand master of his state, left Washing
ton on a special electric train for Mount
Vernon. arriving there at II o'clock. The
presidential party was greeted by Grand
Master Duke. of Virginia. and by him
was escorted to the mansion. It was
nearly an hour and half afterward
before all of the steamers bearing the
Masonic bodies arrived.
President Reviews Procession.
After the president and his cabinet had
reviewed them from platform on the
front of the mansion. a procession was
formed and moved. as on the day Of Gen.
Washingtons funeral, December 1s 1893,
to the old vault. where the remains were
first deposited. There, in the immediate
presence Of the grand officers of the
various states and the assembled Masons,
solemn funeral rites We're conducted.
Funeral Rites Performed.
A solemn dirge by the Third cavalry
band was followed by the invocation, pro-
nounced by the Right Rev. A. NJ. RAN
dolph, bishop of the Southern Episcopal
diocese Of Virginia. After music by an
octette of the grand lodge OF the District
OF Columbia. Grand Master A. A. Burnand,
of Colorado delivered an grafton on the
life and work Of Washington. laying par
ticular stress upon his Masonic life and
accomplishments.
The procession reformed and moved then
to the tomb where the remains OF WASH
inston and those Of his family Lie now.