The Washington herald., 1908-07-05

With bursting bombs and booming can
non. simultaneously with the hoisting OF
the Stars and Stripes. the playing of mar
tlal music and the singing OF the Star
Spangled Banner by thousands OF per-
sons, Washingtonians celebrated the for
NAL dedication Of the new Municipal
Building yesterday morning.
A day more appropriate than July T. the
nations birthday anniversary. could not
have been selected for the throwing open
OF the portals OF one Of the handsomest
structures in the most beautiful city in
the world. While the celebration was
primarily dedicatory, ii was also the in
auguration OF the greatest Fourth Of July
Washington has ever observed.
At 9:53 o'clock the national salute OF
twenty-one guns was fired. announcing
the commencement Of the exercises.
Hardly had the echo Of the last shot died
away. when the music OF The Star
Spangled Banner" accompanied by the
bursting OF bombs. greeted the hosting
OF "Old Glory to the white stan on the
Municipal Building. AS the halyards
were drawn taut. and the flag was uu-
furled 10 the breeze. shell burst high
In the air. Out from the fame and smoke
came In miniature the Stars and Stripes
and Union Jack. These were caught by
the breeze and carried northward. while
the multitude eheered.
Public officials. men high in the world
OF finance and trade. and the humble citl-
zen rubbed elbows in making the dedica-
tory exercises Of the Districts new build
ing a grand success. never to be forgot
ten.
Stirring Scene.
When the notes OF the national anthem
had ceased, John Joy Edison. chairman
Of the citizens committee. arose and In
troduced Rev. NJ. Ross Fishburn. who
delivered the invocation. From the close
OF the prayer 10 the end OF a most en-
thusiastic speech by Uncle Joe" Cannon.
the scene was one that stirred every
american present.
The recital Of the star Spangled Ban
1er" by Charles B. Hanford. the actor
was the signal for a demonstration Of
patriotism.
Following the recitation. the audience
settled down 10 hear the speeches As
Commissioner H. 3. F. Macfarland be-
gan his address. Speaker Cannon arrived.
He was greeted with an outburst OF ap-
plause.
The exercises were appropriate IN every
detail They were devoted TO Fourth OF
July oratOry. intermingled with euIoglstlc
references to the men who have aided
in making Washington the best place
in the world to live. and in completing
the structure into which the District gov
ernment has recently moved
Gen John NJ Wilson. u. S. A.; Com
missioner II. b. F. Macfariand. Secretary
OF the Treasury George Bruce Cortelyou.
Adds =. Browne. Chaplin Brown. and
Speaker Of the House Joseph G. Cannon
were the speakers OF the day. Each de-
voted portion OF his address TO optImis-
tic references to what the day portended
for the future OF the District.
Mr.. Edison made a short address before
introducing the first speaker. In his re-.
marks he advocated closer relations be-
tween the local and Federal governments
Following the invocation by Rev Dr
Fishburn. Gen. John NJ Wilson L. s. A.
retired. was introduced by Chairman
Edison as the man best qualified frsm hi,
war record and the love borne him by IN,
citizens Of the District. to read the Decla
ration Of Independence.
Signed the necYu-usIor
At the conclusion OF the reading OF III,
historic document. Gen. Wilson said:
''Ffty-six men signed this immorta
Declaration of Independence and of thes,
ffty-six. forty-eight were born in tn,
thirteen original States"
In introducing Commissioner Macfar
land. the next speaker Mr.. Edison said:
This IS the thirtleth anniversary of ou
form Of government the best by compari
son we ever had. The great advancement
OF progress made during that time ha.
been largely due to the fidelity, integrity
and ability with which the present an,
former Commissioners have performe,
their responsible duties"
Seated in the rear OF the inclosure dur
ing the addresses was quiet, observan
man. who was twice generously applaud
ed, once when his name was mentione,