The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1922-06-29
DEDICATE SOUTH DAKOTA STONE

South Dakota's memorial stone in
the Washington monument was dedi-
Gated last Friday with appropriate
ceremonies at the 300 foot level in
the shaft in the presence of more than
100 South Dakotans. The story of
the exercises has been furnished to
the Register by j. NJ. Bitterness, secre-
tary to Senator Sterling, and by Harry
T. Davidson Of Washington, d. c., both
former Bookings men. Mr.. Bitterness
is a son of Mr.. and Mrs. o. j. Otter
ness Of this city. Mr.. Dawson is a
former Brookings business man, at one
time wner Of the building now occu-
pied by the l X L grocery.
Senator Sterling presided at the ex-
ercises and made the presentation ad-
dress. He read a telegram from Gov
ernor McMaster expressing his re-
gret that he could not be present to
participate in the presentation exer-
cises and extending his best wishes
and the appreciation of the people Of
the state. In his address Senator Ster-
ling dwelt IN the early history Of the
state and referred especially to the
many men now dead who were out
standing characters in the first consti-
tutiOnal convention held at Sioux Falls
in September, 1888, and their work and
devotion to the cause of division and
statehood. He also called attention to
the several United States senators of
that time who were such able cham
pions of the cause of statehood on the
floor of the senate.
The address Of acceptance on behalf
of the government was made by the
secretary Of war, the Washington
monument being in the custody of the
wal department. The secretary said
in part: There is no obligation on
any state to contribute a stone to the
Washington monument. 1t is a prac.
tice founded on a beautiful sentiment,
and every stone thus presented is in
a sense a token of love and a pledge
to uphold and maintain the union.
South Dakota has contributed this
splendid granite block and it is my
ioiioi II SiCot plCoouiO " "OlSoii
the South Dakota state stone to the
monument and accept it in the name
of the president and the people of the
United States"
In his address, Senator Norbeck
spoke in part as follows: To-day
porous states in the whole United
States. We are lacking in some things
that the older states have, but we are
happy. Only part Of our work has
been done, but we are content that our
work has been done well. We have a
with the right spirit, the pioneer spirit
take responsibility without finch
ing"
In a brief address Congressman
Royal G. Johnson expressed the pride
Of the people of South Dakota in join
honor to the memory of George Wash
ington by the contribution of the mem
orial stone.
Congressman G. A.. Christopherson
referred in his address to the fact that
the funds for constructing the Wash
ington monument we're raised by vol
untary subscriptions of one cen from
the school children of the country. He
declared that the people of South Da-
kota have always taken an interest
in the political government Of the
state and that they can proudly say
they have lived up to their state
motto, Under God the People Rule"
Congressman William Williamson
said in part: I'VE are among the South
Dakota pioneers. While we have ex-
perienced hardships incident to that
kind Of life, we have also enjoyed it's
privileges and inspiration. 1t is a
wonderful thing to be permitted to be
among those who have helped shape
the destiny of a great state"
Wearing ar Indian costume, Mrs.
Gertrude Bonnin, a native Indian
woman from the Yankton Agency, but
now residing in Washington, read an
original prose poem entitled, "A Da-
cOtah Ode"
Hon. John E. Garland, formerly
United States district judge for South
Dakota referred to his early expert
ence in Dakota territory. He cautioned
his hearers to consider carefully any
proposed changes in the fundamental
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