Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1899-10-13
President Mckinley Participates
in the Exercises Of Chicago
Day.
First Public Event of Importance
the Laying of the Corner
stone
Of the New Federal Building.
Military, Naval and Civic
Parade Followed.

CHICAGO, Oct. 10.-Surrounded by
men who guide the diplomatic relations
of three governments, and in the pres.
ence of thousands of spectators, Presi-
dent Mckinley formally laid the cor
nerstone Of the magnificent new fed.
oral building Of Chicago. The event
was the crowning feature of the weeks
celebration, marking the annual OBJ
servance of Chicago day. Long before
the hour set for the ceremonies, the
street surrounding the block on which
the steel skeleton of the new building
stands were packed from curb to curb
with pushing, jostling people, anxious
to get a glimpse of the nations presi-
dent and the distinguished visitors from
other countries, while every window in
the gaily decorated sky-scrapers sur
rounding the federal building, was
taken advantage of. Even on the steel
girders of the federal building itself
were perched hundred of venturesome
curiosity seekers. In the angle formed
by the south and west wings Of the
federal building at Jackson boulevard
and Dearborn street, and in front of the
Union League club building, reviewing
stands had been erected for the accom-
mediation of the distinguished visitors
including Vice President Mariscal and
party of Mexico; Premier Laurier Of
Canada and other notables of that coun.
try; members of President McKinley's
cabinet, and the diplomatic corps at
Washington; senators and congre ssmen
and other invited guests, and when
President Mckinley threw the first
trowelful of mortar under the uplifted
block of limestone and pronounced the
cornerstone set, one Of the most notable
gatherings ever in Chicago, looked on.
Greeted With Roars Of Cheers.
Shortly before 10 o'clock roar of
cheers from down Jackson boulevard
announced the coming of President
Mckinley and his party. It was with
considerable difficulty that the troops of
cavalry and the police, forming the
presidents escort, could clear space
wide enough for the carriages contain
ing the president and members of his
cabinet and other guests to pass, and as
the carriages slowly made their way up
the boulevard to the federal building,
the applause became terrific and con-
tinuous.
The president frequently arose and
dofed his hat in response. At the en-
trance of the Union League club, the
president and the members of his party
alighted, and after a brief reception
were escorted across jackson boulevard
to the platform in front of the federal
building. A perfect hurricane of cheers
greeted the president as he was escorted
to the dais at the side of which the cor
nerstone was suspended, ready for the
ceremony. The president warmly
greeted those present, then turned and
bowed to the group of brawny-armed
workmen who were to complete the
laying Of the cornerstone.
Secretary Gage Presided.
Judge Christian G. Kohlsaat, presi.
dent of the committee on ceremonies
introduced Secretary of the Treasury
Lyman J. Gage, as presiding officer Of
the cornerstone exercises. The secre
tary was warmly cheered as he stepped
forward.
At the conclusion of Secretary Cages
brief address, Rev. Frank w. Gunsau
lus offered a brief but impressive prayer
the president and all the members o.
his party uncovering as DR.. Gunsaulu
asked blessing on the ceremony. Sec
retary Gage introduced Postmaster
General Smith. He was also greeted
with much applause.
The actual ceremonies Of the laying
Of the cornerstone then began.
G. E. Kremer, secretary of the fed
eral committee, arose and formally an
nounced that the stone was ready ant
read the list of articles placed within
it. President Mckinley was introduced
by Secretary Gage, and as the presiden
stepped forward to receive the trowe
from the hands of Architect Henry I've
Cobb, the crowds again burst forth int,
cheer after cheer, the applause no
ceasing until the president raised hi
hand.
The president. then stepped to tn,
side of the uplifted mass Of Illinoi
limestone, and taking trowelful o
mortar from the board, he threw
1t under the base of the stone
AS he did so a band that was stationed
in the reviewing stand played eth,
Star Spangled Banner" and as tn
notes Of the national anthem wer
heard, the crowd again broke int
cheers, the noise almost drowning tn
music. President Mckinley then pro
nounced the stone set and resumed hi
seat as the workmen settled the stone Il
its place.
Senator William E. Mason was nex