Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1912-06-11
MONUMENT TO
THE O|COvERER
IS j n YELLED
Memorial Fountain Dedi-
Gated in Washington by
An International Pageant
Knights Take Part.

Washington, D. G., June s.-The
United States is paying homage today
to the discoverer of America, by the
unwilling of magnificent memorial
fountain erected here by congress to
Christopher Columbus, the humble
Genoesen navigator who opened the
portals of this hemisphere to civihza-
ton, Christianity and liberty.
Standing at the very gates Of the ma
tons capital, the memorial seemed q
gigantic magnet drawing q representa-
tive throng from every corner Of
America. One hundred thousand visit
ors crowded within the city, accord
ing to the estimates of committee con-
Quoting the ceremonies. Half of that
number are members of the Knights
Of Columbus, gathered from near and
far to give tribute to the patron OF
their order.
The enthusiasm in Washington today
is rivalled only by the Inauguration Of
president. Imposing unwilling exer-
cises were held this afternoon. Presi-
dent Taft spoke his praises. In recog-
milton Of the allegiance of Columbus
to the king Of Italy the Marquis Gus
ami Confaloniere. the italian ambas-
sador at Washington, Was invited to
unveil the memorial by releasing two
huge American flags whose folds chung
to the granite shaft and marble statute
of Columbus surrounding the fountain.
A mammoth pageant had been plan
ned to accompany the unwilling cere-
monies. Simultaneous with the begin
ming Of the exercises the parade FORM
ed in front of the white house, moved
along Pennsylvania avenue and passed
the union station before which the
memorial is erected.
Massed about President TAFT on the
stands surrounding the memorial were
members Of cabinet and congress, Jus
tees Of the supreme court Of the
United States, and practically the en-.
tire diplomatic corps.
The dwelling Ceremony.
Monsignor Thomas A. Shahan, rec
tor of the Catholic university, opened
the ceremonies with an Invocation;
Justice Victor J. Bowling Of the SUI
preme court OF New York delivered
the initial grafton, reciting the en-
comiums Of the ages upon Americas
discovery, and James T. McCleary Of
the Columbus Memorial commission,
followed with an eulogy, Just before
the italian ambassador, with few
words Of tribute to his illustrious
revealed the monument
10 the view Of the world.
Immediately the pile of granite and
marble was uncovered, there was
national salute Of twenty-one guns to
Columbus, whose statue
with the mien of the dreamer that he
vas. gazes in the direction Of tho
United States capitol Wreaths from
he president Of the United States and
he knights of Columbus were laid
about the stone figure. Following the
lation's tribute, spoken by President
Taft, the program was to close with
he simple apostolic benediction Of the
Methodist Episcopal church pronoun-
led by Bishop Wilbur q. Thirkeild,
president Of Howard university. The
parade. under command of General
R. K. Evans, U. 8. A., as grand mar
shall passed in riview OF President
Taft and James A. Flaherty supreme
Knight of the Knights Of Columbus.
AS fitting beginning Of the series
If events, the supreme council of the
knights of Columbus, headed by SUI
oreme Knight James A. Flaherty, made
! pilgrimage to Mount Vernon Friday
afternoon, where a wreath was placed
IN the tomb Of Washington In tho
name Of the order.