The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1906-07-04

Cle cornerstone or the Deautlful mOnu-
ment that commentaries the victory
which ended the American war for in
dependence.
At the celebration were President
Arthur and several members of his
cabinet, Baron Won Steuben Of Ger
many, a descendant Of the Baron Won
Steuben who fought in the Revolution;
Count de Rochambeau of France, a
descendant of the Count de Rocham-
beau who commanded the French al
lies at Yorktown; several other French
representatives and many more nota-
bles, including governors of the states.
The Grafton was delivered by Robert
&C. Winthrop of Boston.
The military parade was especially
imposing. General Sherman was pres
ent, with his full staff, as we're also
Generals Hancock and Fitz-Hugh Lee.
There were fully $500 men in line.
French and American warships were
French had been 100 years before. Sa-
lutes were fired, one being to the Brit
ish colors as a token that the animOsi-
ties Of the old struggle were ended, if
not forgotten. Addresses were deliv-
cred by President Arthur, Baron Won
Steuben, Count de Rochambeau and
others
In the quarter of a century that has
since elapsed the monument has been
completed The most notable part Of
the shaft is that consisting of the fig
ures Of thirteen maidens, representing
the thirteen colonies. About the base
of the obelisk are appropriate inscrip-
tions reciting the terms of the surren-
der and attendant circumstances. The
shaft itself Is tastily carved and deco
rated, and the whole is surmounted by
a gigantic figure of Liberty.
At the spot where the surrender ac-
tually took place is smaller monu-
ment, now surrounded and overtopped
by trees. The cave used by Lord Corn
wallis is still pointed out Yorktown
itself is small village much as it was
in Revolutionary days.
The story of Yorktown is familiar to
every schoolboy in the land. Wash
ington's mastery strategy leading up
to this crowning victory established
his military reputation for all time 1t
was here that Alexander Hamilton,
though a mere STRIPPING, distinguished
himself by leading splendid and sue.
cessful charge and it was here that
Count St. Simon and other gallant
Frenchmen gained the undying graft.
tude Of Americans.
There were many things about the
entire Yorktown campaign that seem
ed almost providential. The departure
Of the British fleet, allowing the French
feet Of Count de Grasse to occupy
Chesapeake bay. the storm that pre-
vented Cornwallis from crossing to
Gloucester and cutting his way out,
the withdrawal of the British forces
from the outer line of intrenchments-
these and many other similar incidents
all favored the colonists.
The victory at Yorktown enacted the
Declaration of Independence into in
ternational law 1t not only made
America free, but pointed q path to
liberty for all oppressed peoples of the
future.
1t established a precedent Of revolt
and marked limit to tyranny 1t was
divine reminder that God has not
abandoned the world to the caprice Of
despots.
In point Of numbers engaged or fierce
lighting it was not a great battle; but,
measured by It's ultimate effects Oh
mankind, it was one OF the most mo-
mentous engagements in the history Of
the world. 1t kindled fire in the
hearts of the French soldiers that burn
ed UP the throne of the Bourbons. It
paralyzed tyranny in England and
made possible an era Of freedom for all
the Anglo-Snxon race. In short, with
the Declaration Of Independe dence,
which 1t sealed with the magic seal OF
success, m Yorktown uttered prophecy
of democracy u al lands.