Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1899-12-23
WASHINGTON
REMEMBERED
Centenary Of His Death FittingIy
Celebrated at Mt, Vernon
and Elsewhere.
MASONIC SERVICES At HIS TOMB
Prominent Members of the Orders
From All Over the Country
Take Part.
MASONIC SERVICES At HIS TOMB
PRESIDENT MAKES AN ADDRESS
Remarkable Growth OF the Great
Republic Largely Due 10 the
Foresight OF the Ma
tIon's Father.

Washington, Dec. 15.--Mount Yer
non was the scene today of the most
unique and impressive ceremony in its
rich and picturesque history. Masons
of high degree from all over the Unit
ed States and Canada met at the tomb
of Washington i'm services commemor-
ating the Tooth anniversary of the death
of the greatest American. President
Mckinley delivered an eloquent trib-
ute TO the memory OF the first presi-
dent; senators, representatives., high
officials of the government and distln-
guished private citizens were pnrticl-
pants and spectators of the solemn
service. Later in the day, when the
Masonic ceremonies had been conclud-
ed, the Independent Order of Red Men
succeeded them In honoring the mem
ory Of Washington with the rites OF
their order. The Masons went from
this city TO Mount Vernon and joined
the federal grand lodge Of Virginia.
At Mount Vernon the procession, in
cluding President Mckinley and other
distinguished guests, formed and
moved solemnly TO the old chapel
where reposed the remains OF wash
ington, in the exact order and over the
same path followed at Washington =
funeral. At the vault Bishop Ran
dolph, of the Episcopal diocese OF Nir-
ginia, offered the invocation. Ihis
was followed by an address by the
grand master of Masons of Colorado.
The procession then moved to the
tomb, where the remains of Wash
ington now lie.
Here occurred the impressive serv-
ices of the Masonic ritual. Grand
masters Of the thirteen original states
formed in line facing the representa-
tiyes of other jurisdictions and the
grand lodge and other brethren, stand
ing in Il circle around the tomb with
Joined hands. Then the grand master
Of Virginia called upon each OF the
Jurisdictions for messages and trlD'
utes sent by them. As the grand mas
ter of California, representing the
western states, concluded, the follow
ing responses were made:
The Craft: "Amen."
All of the grand masters: ooh death,
where is thy sting?"
The Craft: "Oh, grave, where is thy
victory?"
The grand masters then deposited
wreaths and evergreens and the craft
slowly marched past, laying on the
tomb their tributes.
McKinley's Address.
Upon reaching the mansion lines
were drawn up and President Mchln-
ley delivered his address, which was
listened to in profound and impressive
silence. He said;
I'VE have just participated in a
service commemorative OF the Tooth
anniversary of the death of George
Washington. Here at his old home,
W hich he loved SO well, which the pa
triotic women OF the country have
guarded with loving hands, the eNcr-
cises have been conducted under the
auspices of the great fraternity OF
Masons which a century ago planned
aud executed the solemn ceremonial
which attended the father Of his
country to the tomb. The lodge IN
which he was initiated and the one
over which he afterwards presided as
worshipful master, accorded positions
of honor Mt his obsequies today, are
here in token of profound
respect to the memory of their most
illustrious member and beloved broth
err. Masons throughout the United
States testify anew their reverence
for the name of Washington and the
example of his life. The dis
representatives here from
all the grand lodges of the country
render the ceremonies as dignified and
impressive as possible, and most cor
dial greetings have come from across
our borders and from beyond the seas.
"Not alone in this country, but
throughout the world have Masons
taken especial interest in the obsery-
ance of this centennial anniversary
The fraternity justly claims the inn
mortal patriot as one OF its members;
the whole human family acknowledges
him as one Of its greatest benefactors.
Public bodies, patriotic societies and
other organizations of citizens every
where have esteemed il a privilege to-
day to pay tribute to his memory ami
the splendor of his achievements in
the advancement of justice and liberty
among men.
"His fair fame, secure in its immor-
tality, shall shine through countless
ages with undiminished mster. The
struggling republic for which Wash
ington was willing to give his life and
for which he ever freely spent his