Omaha daily bee., 1905-10-29

or any other feeling unworthy Of the Chris
tian gentleman that he was
Francis Points 60 His Handiwork.
David r. Francis, former secretary OF
the interior. who began his political career
as mayor OF St. Louis at 49, then became
governor Of his state and achieved such
world renowned distinction as the head Of
the great Worlds fair. was greeted with
intensest enthusiasm.
1T falls to the lot Of few men TO be
honored as was Sterling Morton" he said.
and II falls to the lot OF fewer men to
be survived by such evidences OF a useful
life"
lie termed him a distinct product Of the
west Mr.. Francis recalled that he had
urged the president to issue a proclama-
ton setting aside 21,O0O,OOO acres of the
public domain as forest reserves and said
that while congress opposed 1t. Morton
championed the movement, which became
successful. more through his efforts than
those Of any other living man" And Mr..
Francis regarded that act alone as one
sufficient to endear him to the people OF
this country forever.
Long may the name and memory Of
Sterling Morton be cherished in the hearts
and memories Of the people Of Nebraska
and the nation" said Mr.. Francis; long
may the good deeds Of his great life be re-
membered and long may we cherish that
character which cites us to better deeds"
Leaves Lasting Imprint.
Former Vice President Stevenson could
not suppress the deep feeling of emotion
which animated him. He paid a simple,
but emphatic tribute to his late colleague
and said the present event was fraught
with unusual national significance because
of the lasting imprint which the work of
Morton had left upon the affairs of his
country. The venerable vice president
showed the effects of the penetrating air
and did not prolong his speech to any great
length, though he was strong and vigorous
in his utterances.
Kind considerate, strong valiant up
right, he took courage always in his counsel
and never his fears. nor ever. shrank from
conflict" was a finishing tribute Mr.. Stew
enson paid the late sage of Arbor Lodge.
His weapons were always those Of the
warrior and never the assassin"
Tribute of Lifelong Friend.
DIR. George l.. Miller, a lifelong friend
OF the late statesman, was the last speaker.
The venerable pioneer editor whose name
Is coupled with that of Nebraska from the
early days and Omaha from its incipiency,
was too full of feeling for his dead friend
and neighbor to give vigorous expression
! to the words that welled up in his bosom.
He paid a most fitting and tender tribute
to ]. Sterling Morton, who was one OF the
most potent factors in the progress and
development of Nebraska.
The act of unwilling the monument was
simple and brief From the speakers stand
the crowd surrounded the plot on which
stands the shaft The three sons of the
dead statesman took their places, with
barred heads, in the shadow OF, the statue
and every head was barred as Sterling Nor
ton, son of Joy, and eldest grandson of the
Father of Arbor day, drew the cord which
exposed the magnificent bronze statue to
view. A fitting dirge was played by Mel
sons band, united with that from the In
sttute for the Blind. President and Mrs.
Cleveland and the other noted members of
the party stood about 100 feet from the
monument. beside a cedar tree. After a
general inspection of the monument the
distinguished visitors repaired to the Coun-
! try club, on the Morton grounds, for dinner
and thence to Arbor Lodge.