The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-10-07
AT PEORIA.
Monument Unveiled to the Soldiers of
the Civil War.

Peoria. ILL.,, Oct. "a good part of
the population Of Peoria, the second city
of Illinois, to-day took part in an elab-
crate demonstration to welcome to their
city the president of the United States
The great event of the day was the UNI
yelling of beautiful monument erected
by Peoria's citizens as a memorial to
the soldiers of the rebellion, living and
dead. The monument is tall shaft OF
marble, ornamented at the base with
bronze groups commemorative scenes
OF the civil war. 1t is erected on an
elevation in front of the court house
and by it's base had been constructed a
platform. upon which the president and
the members of his party took seats to
review long procession of militia, vet
Grams of the war and returning, volun-
teers of the Spanish war. The concourse
of people surrounding this platform and
packing every street in it's vicinity was
by far the largest which has thus far
greeted the president on his western
tour. After his review of the parade
the president took his seat facing the
yelled monument, by the side of Hon.
Martin Kingman, chairman of the ex-
erctSes.
The monument was unveiled by Mrs.
S. A. Kinsey, who has been chairman
of the monument committee since it's
inception in 1883. A great cheer burst
from the multitude as the folds of the
canvas fell away from the shaft. The
president, leaning on the arm of Mr..
ktngman and followed by the cabinet
officers, made tour of the open space
surrounding the monument, inspecting
it's beauties carefully on all sides. The
sculptor of the figures at the base, Fritz
Tribcl of Peoria, also walked by the
side of the president during the in
spection. The formal exercises Of the
dedication We're then proceeded with.
An address was given by Mr.. King
man. followed by the president, who
dedicated the monument in formal adj
dress.
The president said: "Mr. President
and Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen, My
Fellow Citizens: I am glad with my
fellow citizens of Peoria county the
members of the Grand Army of the Re-
public and the Ladies' Memorial asso-
citation, to stand about this monument,
dedicated to patriotic service and heroic
devotion in as holy a cause as ever en-
gagged mankind. This monument awak-
ems sacred memories; and that is it's
purpose. 1t was erected by these pat
riotic women that it might for all time
perpetuate one of the most glorious
pages in American history. 1t tells the
whole story Of the war-the siege, the
march. the bivouac. the battle line, the
suffering, the sacrifices of the brave
men, who from 81 to IS upheld the flag.
Great applause). 1t tells every page
of the history of that civil struggle and
its triumphant consumma ton at Ap-
pomattox Court House when Grant ac-
copied the surrender of Robert e. lie.
and we were kept a nation united again
forever.
Il like this monument. I like thi,
symbol that ! face to-day-the defense
of the flag. (Cheers.) That is what we
do whenever and wherever that flag is
assailed (applause). and with us war
always stops when the assailants OF
our flag consent to Grants term of I'M
conditional surrender. (Great and con-
tinued applause).
My fellow citizens, did not intend
to make a speech here to-day. (Cries OF
go on.) L could add nothing of pa
triotic sentiment to that which has al