The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-21
PRESIDENT FRANCIS
ADDRESSES THE ASSEMBLAGE.

After a number by the band. President
Francis said in part:
'on the lwenteth day of December, just
ninety.eight years ago to-day. the Terri
tory of Louisiana was transferred from the
jurisdiction OF France to that of the United
States. The tri-colOr of French sovereignty
was lowered and the Stars and Stripes were
run up amidst the firing of salutes the
strains of martial music and the shouts Of
q free people. That was the ground
breaking for the establishment of repub-
the upbuilding of constitutional government
on stable foundation. and with juris-
dictiOn from the Atlantic to the Pacific
Ocean.
And what noble structure has been
beaten on 1t from without. and the terrific
within. but so well has ii wlthstood ali
vicissitudes that to-day 1t is stronger and
more. enduring than ever before. Esery
step has been forward every influence mas
been promotive. OF civilization and eleva-
ting to mankind.
AS the rounding out Of the first century
approaches We are moved by sense of
patriotic duty and pardonabe pride to COM
memo.ate the most marvellous progress
made by man.
1T seems but n few months since the
movement was begun. Its progress has had
many difficulties to contend with because
1t was planned on scale commensurate
with the Importance of the event to be eel
ebrated. and in keeping with the dignity
and power Of our Government and tht,
wealth and influence of the country.
From this time let us make December 20
memorable day throughout the Louisiana
Purchase and the entire country. To the
chief executives Of the States and Terri
recommended their people to observe this
anniversary by unfurins the Stars and
Stripes from every public building. every
Jurisdiction. We make our grateful acknowl-
edgments.
MAY the glorious emblem never be low
cred. Let us VINO have enjoyed its protec-
tion pledge anew our devotion to its honor.
resolved that Xe will defend 1t with our
lives and treat as enemies Of our country
trail in the dust its sacred folds"
CONGRESSMAN TAwNEY ON
VALUE OF THE PURCHASE.
James L Tawney. NJ. G.. from Minnesota,
chairman Of the Committee on Industrial
Arts and Expos.tions. United States House
OF Representatives, followed President
Francis on the rostrum. Mr.. Tawny spoke
and the important part it has played in
the commercial and political history of
the United States. In part he said:
,embe Sea fda npon which f we HAY have as
umental interest. It Is crowded with patri-
otic pride in that marvellous achievement
soon to be commemorated. and 1t is full
Of exultant anticipation Of the glory and
triumphant success Of that commemoration.
In this ceremony We witness the real 5c-
ginning Of an international exposition
which in its general scope. artistic design.
and in its final and complete accomplish
nent. as well as in the event 1t is to COM
memorate. will surpass anything OF the
kind the world has yet seen.
Here. on the banks of the Mississippi,
the river that gave us the territory of
Louisiana, in the beautiful. historic city of
old st. Louis. within the space set apart by
her people. dedicated to this great under
taking, We will. in 19s present to the
world in practical, concrete form the high
est evidence of our commanding supremacy
In the family of nations. We will here show
that measured by the life of nations in the
short space of one century We have grown
from infancy and insignifcance to full man.
hood and commanding importance: that we
enter the Twentieth Century-the second of
our existence-not only world power. but
that in peace and war. in the arts and
sciences. in productive industry and econom-
ic organization. in the wisdom and benefi-
cence of our laws and Institutions, in all
things essential to national leadership. we
have proudly won and as proudly. though
modestly, occupy the foremost place among
our sister nations.