The Minneapolis journal., 1903-04-30
THE EXERCISES BEGIN
Cardinal Gibbons Delivers the Invocation
Before the Set Speeches.


ST. Louis, April 30.-The assembly in the
Liberal Arts building was called to order
at half-past two, when CARDINAL Gibbons
delivered the following invocation:
1--WE pray thee, 0 God Of might, wisdom
and justice, thru whom authority is rightly
administered. laws are enacted and. judg-
ment decreed, assist with thy holy spirit
of counsel and fortitude the President Of
these United States, that his administra-
ton may be conducted in Righteousness
and be eminently useful to thy people over
whom he presides, by encouraging due re-
spect for virtue and religion, by a faithful
execution of the laws in justice and ner-
cy, and by restraining vice and immoral
ity
5 Let the light Of thy divine wisdom di
rect the deliberations Of congress- and
shine forth in all their proceedings and
laws framed for our rule and government,
so that they may tend to the preservation
of peace, the promotion of national happi-
ness. the increase Of industry, sobriety and
useful knowledge, and may perpetuate to
us the blessings of equal liberty.
I'VE pray for his eXcellency, the gov
ernor Of this state, for the members of the
legislature. for all judges, magistrates
guard our political welfare, that they may
be enabled by thy powerful protection to
discharge the duties Of their respective
stations with honesty and ability.
I'VE pray for the president and directors
of the Louisiana Purchase exposition, that
their arduous labors may be crowned with
success and may rebound to the greater
growth and development Of this fourishing
city on the banks of the Father of Waters.
MAY this vast territory which we
peacefully acquired a hundred years ago.
be for all time to come the tranquil and
happy abode of millions of; enlightened,
God fearing and Industrious people en-
II, ha vorio11S r1Irc11itc r36 /.
tions of life. AS this new domain was
added to our possessions without sanguin-
ary strife, SO may its soil never be stained
by bloodshed in any foreign or domestic
warfare.
'May this comm memorative exposition to
which the family of nations are generously
contributing their treasures of art and
industry bind together the governments of
the earth in closer ties of fellowship and
good will, and of social and commercial
intercourse. May it hasten the dawn of
the reign Of the Prince of Peace, when ma
tional conflicts will be adjusted, not by
hostile armies, but by permanent courts
of arbitra ton.
May this international exhibition. inau-
gurated in the interests Of peace and COM
rnerce, help to break down the wall of
dissension, of jealousy and prejudice, that
divides race from race. nation from ma
ton and people from people, by proclaim
ing aloud the sublime gospel truth that we
are all children of the same God. brothers
and sisters of the same Lord Jesus Christ.
and that we are all aspiring to a glorious
Inheritance In the everlasting kingdom OF
our common Father" &,
Carter's Speech ~
Former Senator Thomas III. Carter of
Z Montana was then introduced. q
s Mr.. Carter said. in part: @'=s. sses
Zone hundred years ago to-day the
government of the United States ac-
quired sovereignty over the vast terri
tory of the Mississippi river, which has
since been known to the geographical
nomenclature Of the world t'The Loui-
siana Purchase. Beyond the river the
boundaries and the resources of the terri
tory were i'll defined, and but vaguely
4 comprehended. The purchase of SIS, ,000,
600 was pronounced exorbitant, the free
navigation of the Mississippi being the
only part of the property deemed worthy
Of serious consideration. The transaction
4 was regarded by many as a violation OF
the constitution and menace to ou1
form of government. The grave doubts ot
President Jefferson were only resolved
into action by his patriotic desire for ma.
tiona1 supremacy over: the river, and his
prophetic faith in the possibilities of the
mysterious country beyond it. The rev,
elatiens Of a century have most ampl,
justified his faith.
TN conformity with a special act o
congress the president has invited al
e the nations to CO. operate with US In prop
erly conmemoratiig the masterfu
achievements of a century in this nev
country. 1t Is fitting that the celebra
8 tion should be Internal tional, for you will
In vain attempt to name a civilized coun
try whose sons and daughters have no
+ contributed to the glorious triumphs Q
peace recorded here. AS a means Of CIV
3 Ing expression to the universal apprecia
tion Of what has been accomplished 70
humanity within this Sfeld during the cen