Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-01

bad government" He who represented the
nation with whom we negotiated, when he
afterward gave to the world his account OF
the transaction declared: THE conse-
quences Of the cession of Louisiana will ex-
tend to the most distant posterity. 1t In
terests vast regions that will become by
Europe before another century COM
mences;" and warmed to enthusiasm by
the developments already In view, and
greater ones promised, he added: WHO can
contemplate without vivid emotions, this
spectacle Of the happiness Of the present
generation, and the certain pledges OF the
prosperity of numberleSS generations that
will follow? At these magnificent prospects
the heart beats with joy in the breasts of
those who were permitted to see the dawn
of these bright days. and who are assured
that so many happy preSages will be accom-
pliShed."
Prophets Pass Away.
Our prophets do not live forever. They
are not here to see how stupendously the
growth and development of the American
nation. on the domain newly acquired in
their day, have during a short century,
outrun their anticipations and predictions.
Almost within the limits of the territory
gained by the Louisiana purchase, we have
already carved out twelve great states
leaving still a large residue. whose occu-
pants are even now loudly clamoring for
statehood.
Instead of the 5000 white settlers who oc-
cupied this domain in 1903. 1t now contains
hfteen millions Of Industrious, enterprising,
Intelligent Americans. constituting about
one-f1fth of the population of all our states,
ana these are defiantly contesting for pre-
miership in wealth and material success
with the Oldest of our states. and are their
equals in every phase of advance intelli-
gence and refined civilization.
Mr.. Cleveland then. reviewed the history
OF causes and developments which led up
to the treaty.
Continuing, he said: Another incident
WIN mi1cn toa IL seems Seems to me, we may re-
grew out Of the conduct of the Pres
1dent when the treaty of 1903 had been
formulated, and was returned to him for
ratification and final completion. He was,
as is well known, originally quite firm in his
bellef that the Constitution as it stood did
not authorize such an extension of our
limits by purchase as the treaty for the
acquisition of the Louisiana territory con-
tempiated. Holding this opinion and at the
same time confronted with the clear con-
Vlctlon that the treaty with all it's stu
pendous advantages could not be allowed
to fail without positive peril, if not to our
nauonal life at least to Its most vital OBJ
Ject and aspirations his perpleXity was in
creased by the receipt of an authoritative
lntimation that any delay in final action on
the treaty might open the way to a recess
sion on the part of France. In these cir
cumstanceS not daring to risk the delay of
an amendment to the Constitution prior to
SUCH final action he proposed reconciling
consistency with duty by procuring a con-
hrmat1on Of the treaty by the Senate and
comprising it's unquestionable validati ton
by a subsequent constitutional amendment.
we are all proud of our American cti-
Zensh1p. Let us leave this place with this
feeling stimulated by the sentiments born
or the occasion. Let US appreciate more
keenly than ever how vitality necessary it is
to our countrys veal that every one with
in its citizenship should be clean minded in
political aim and aspiration, sincere and
honest In his conception of our country's
mission, and aroused to higher and more
responsive patriotism by the reflection that
1t is solemn thing to belong to a people
favored of God.
President Sees the Fireworks.
After leaving the hall President Roosevelt
was entertained at dinner in the admins
tration building. from the windows of which
he watched the fireworks until 10 o'clock,
when he entered his train.
Thousands Of people occupied an immense
grand stand near the administration build
ing during the evening to witness the dis
play of fireworks The display was delayed
until the appearance of the President when
great battery Of 15-inch aerial bombs
exploded in salute, which was almost