The times., 1899-12-10
EXERCISES AT THE CAPITOL.
WashinGton's Part in the Laying of
the COrHerstOne.


One OF the most important Masonic
events before the death Of Washington
was the laying Of the cornerstone OF the
National Capitol, on the 18th day Of Sep
tember. 1888 The services were conducted
by General Washington, then President OF
the United States, and Past Master OF
Alexandria Lodge. No. %. which was pres
ent and holding the post Of honor. The
stone was deposited in the southeast cor
! ner of the building instead Of the north
/ east. as is now the custom. The inscrip-
tion on the plate stated that Alexandria
/ Lodge. No % Of Virginia, was present
and participated in the ceremonies.
NewpaPers OF that day published the
following account of the ceremony
'On Wednesday, one of the grandes- Ma
sonic professions took place for the pur-
pose of laying the cornerstone of the Capi-
tol Of the United States. which perhaps
was ever exhibited on the like important
occasion. About 10 o'clock Lodge No O.
was visited by that congregation SO grace
full TO she craft Lodge No. -. OF AIexau-
dria, Va. with all their officers and regalia.
and directly afterward appeared on the
south banks Of the grand Potomac River
I One of the finest companies OF volunteer
artillery Lhat has lately been seen. parad-
ing 20 receive The President OF the United
States who shortly came in sight with his
suite TO whom the artillery paid their
military hOnOrs and His EXceIleHCy and
suite crossed the river and were received
in Maryland by the officers and brethren Of
/ No. - Virginia and No 9. Maryland.
whom the President headed, preceded by
a band of music.
The rear brought up by the Alexandria
/ Volunteer Artillery with grand sclemEity
I of march proceeded to the Presidents
square in Washington, where they were
met and saluted by 40. Is OF the city Of
/ Washington in all their elegant badges
( and clothing. headed by Brother Joseph
/ Clarke RI. Wor c.. NJ p. e. and con
Quoted TO q large lodge prepared for the
purpose OF their reception. After a short
7 space of time the brotherhood and other
/ bodies were disposed OF in an order of pro-
cessi0u.
After appropriate ceremonies conducted
I by General Washington as Master Mason.
/ the artillery fred a salute. The silver
plate. with the following inscription or &C.
( has handed 20 the commissioners
This southeast corner stone Of the
[ Capitol of the United States OF
/ America. in the city of Wash
( iugton was laid or the s,h day OF
/ September 1898, in the thirteenth year OF
American Independence. in the first year
/ of the second term Of the Presidency OF
I George Washington, whose virtues in the
civil administration Of his country have
I been as conspicuous and beneficial as his
military valOr and prudence have been
useful I'm establishing her liberties and
| i'm the year OF Masonry 5193 By the Presi-
/ dent of the United States iu concert with
| the Grand Lodge of Maryland. several
lodges under its jurisdiction, and Lodge
No 20 from Alexandria. Va Thomas
| Johnson. David Stewart. and Daniel Car
roll. commissioners; Joseph Clark. r W
/ G.. NJ, pro tem James Hoban and stephen
HaHett. architects; Colin Wilson, Master
Mason"
The plate was then placed In position
together with corn, coin. and oil, and the
President made speech Tine ceE em0uiss
over all who participated attended a bar
! becue.