The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-02-17
SAYS PRESIDENT M'KINLEY.
But WI etleT the One or the G h)r, Siiu.-
tIon Must Be Met BrayeIy.
WILL Be NO DESERTIOE OF DUTY.
Presidents Speech Before General Courl al
Boston An Immense Throng Gahsred 10
Listen 10 Words Of Nations Executive.

Boston, Feb 1.-THE members of the
legislature gathered with unusual
promptness at the state house this
forenoon, in anticipation OF the visit
Of President Mckinley who was expect
ed at the state house at half-past
eleven. An hour before that time the
corridors were thronged not only with
members OF the legislature but With
large number Of guests including many
women.
The presidents party arrived prompts
~ at the time scheduled and proceeded
90 the governors office, where they wra
formally welcomed. \ committee ap-
peared and gave notice that the legis-
lature was assembled in joint conven-
ton and would be grat;nci 10 receive
the distinguished visitors. Ths presi
dent expressed thanks and the commit
tee retired. \ few moments later. pre-
ceded by Scrgeant-at-A j. q. T.,
Adams. the -rcsldent, the governor
members OF the cabinet and of the cX.
ccutive department and OF the govern.
or's stan went down the main aisle to
~ 9JaM H5qL 'mIopBId $ sJ5HB5ds 5Ql
ceived with great applause.
President George a. Smith OF the
Massachusetts, senate who presided
welcomed the president in "A brief
speech and amid cheers and great ap-
plause President Mckinley arose to adj
dress the assemblage. He spoke as fol-
lows.
Gentlemen of the General Court
Although limited for time. | could not
deny myself the honor OF accepting tho
invitation officially extended by joint
resolution of your honorable body
which ] had the pleasure OF receiving
from the hands of your distinguished
senior senator Hon. George II. Hoar. L
am not Indifferent 10 your generous ac-
tion. and IL cannot be more sincere
have In meeting the senators and rep
resentatives OF the great common
wealth of Massachusetts,.
Il am glad to be In this ancient capt.
tai. Here great public questions have
had free discussion. Here grew states
men, whose names live in their coun-
try's history, have received their train
ing and voiced the enlightened opinions
of their countrymen. Here through
the century you have chosen your fell
low citizens To represent YOU I'm the
councils OF the nation through that
great parliamentary body, the Senate
of the United States. You have chosen
well.and leaders you have never lacked.
What illustrious men have thus
body OF the commonwealth of Massa-
chusetts-Adams and Pickering and
Webster. choate and Everett and
Winthrop, Sumner. Wilson and long
list beside illustrious I'm the annals of
your state and of the nation, and those
later statesmen. Hoar and Lodge. hon
ored everywhere for their distinguish
ed services to our common country.
1T was In the Massachusetts House
nj iaf ha IN
drew made the speech for human lib
crty which touched the hearts OF his
fellow citizens and made him your
great war governor. Nor do | forget
that at one time the speakers chair
OF this legislative body was occupied
by your former governor and represent
ative i'm Congress. the able secretary
of the navy, John ID. Long. whose great
department has added luster to the
American navy and glory To the Amer
lean name. | am glad TO be on this his
torC ground. 1t revivcs memories sa-
cred I'm American life. IT recalls the
struggles of the founders of Massa-
for liberty and independence.
Their unsellsh sacrifices. their daunt-
less courage. are the inspiration OF all
lovers of freedom everywhere. Their
lives and character reach into every
American home. and have stimulated
the best aspirations of American man
hood
I'm the beginning OF our national ex-
istence. and even before. this was the
home and fountain of liberty. II is the
home OF liberty now, and / am sure
that what these great men OF the past
secured for us they would have us
not only To- our descendants.
but To carry To oppressed peoples whose
interests and welfare by the fortunes
of war are committed TO us.
I'VE may regard the situation before
us as a burden or AZ an opportunity;
but whether the one or the other it is
here. and conscience and civilization
require us to meet IL braVely. Deser-
tion OF duty il not an American habit.
II was not the customs OF the fathers
and will not bc tho practice OF their
sons.
The president also made brief adj
dresses to the Massachusetts Depart
ment g.. a. Rand the Commercial club.