Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-05-30

lation has a little more than doubled, the
national wealth is six times what IL was In
1856. The national debt per capita has de-
creased from S75 TO $13, and we have grown
thrifty. In 1865 there were roundly one
million depositors in savings banks. Today
there are more than six millions. while the
population has a little more than doubled:
and whereas in 1866 there were $3.50, eco eco
on deposit there are now ten times that
amount in savings banks, or more than
s., 500 100000. while the population has a
little more than doubled. In 1865
ports of merchandise were well under $780,
600. Last year the value of our products
sold abroad reached almost 81 500 coo. 600 an
increase of more than sevenfold. while our
population has little more than doubled.
Great have been the strides in all industries.
When other lands were furnishing we were
able to send them millions of bushels of
wheat and other cereals from our abundant
SURPRISES. With quiet energy our mer-
chants and manufacturers have conquered
nrst of all our own markets, and then as
sumed leading place in markets abroad.
Great as has been our material progress,
far greater has been our moral progress
This is not the age when wealth accumu-
lates and men decay. 1t Is the age when
wealth accumulates and men become better
men wealth Is means for doing good.
Commercfalism Is in the air. and with it
that broad philanthropy which marks this a
generous republic Old lines of hatred have
been effaced. You men Of the civil war
have lived to see that glorious time when
our former enemies in arms rushed not less
eagerly to the defense of the common flag
than you did yourselves. You have lived
to see that happy time when one bearing
the name Of Lee proudly donned uniform
OF blue and fought under. the banner Of
the stars and stripes. You have lived to
witness the time when an attempt to stir
up old sectionalsm is treason You have
witnessed what is almost without a par
allel in history-Cuba given up to the Gu
bans.
Response to Cry for Help.
In the midst of many riches our men
have not decayed. Human hearts beat as
strongly as they did when you We're boys
more than generation ago. AS when
few months since, the cry for help arose
above the sounds of carnage and slaughter
at our very door, and. at cost of precious
hVes and treasure that help was given, so,
only a few days ago, when rebellious ma
tllre overwhelmed a whole city and made
desolate a fair island, a noble President
ana generous Congress. representing the
spontaneous desires of the American people
gave beautifully from their treasures for
the relief of the sufferers
There is nothing in the history of these
years since the civil war which presages
otherwise than well for this. the greatest
republic in all times. And on this sacred
day, now and forever set apart to com
nemorate the sacrifices and brave deeds of
those who took part in the nations great
SSt Sti uSSit, IL Is TiSht that We, the living
should acknowledge the great share which
they, the dead. have in the well-being of
the present. They made 1t possible for all
these great things to- come to pass These
grassy mounds are the stepping stones of
the republic. AS our forefatbers won indie
pendence, freedom and national existence
by the sacrifice of life. so these men pre-
served 1t by the sacrifice of theirs The
living would have been recreant and untrue
to the dead If they had not achieved the
marvels and the wonders of these closing
days of the old century and opening DAYS
OF the new. Achievements in the arts, the sci
eDceS, In government and humanity are
theirs not less than yours. The things YOU
do today for the betterment and happiness
of mankind are the real monuments you
rear above the silent ranks that lie be-
fore u.s."
The choir sang "Tenting on the Old Camp
Ground. Commander Miller pronounced
fervent benediction, taps were sounded and
the services were at an end