The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-10-10
lay CORNERSTONE
OF new BUILDING
With CEREMONIES
Nice President Curtis Was
Principal Speaker Here
Saturday Afternoon
+ iNDIAM'S TALK IMPRESSIVE
Message Of FeIicitation Receiv-
ed BY State From Presi-
dent Hoover

Bismarck was back to normal Mon
day after one of the most significant
events in its history, the laying Of the
cornerstone for the new North Dakota
capitol building Saturday.
Work on the new structure, halted
for the cornerstone laying ceremony.
again was under way Monday with
workmen erecting the steel frame.
Although Bismarck's participation
in the event was not on the scale an
ticipated in connection with the dedi-
cation, some Is months hence, the
city demonstrated its hospitality with
free street entertainments and a big
free dance attended by several thou
sand persons Saturday night.
A local orchestra provided music
and special entertainment features
were given by the harmonica band
from the Roosevelt school, under the
direction of Miss Grace Hand, and
by the Mandan Male Chorus.
Personal greetings to the govern
ment and people of North Dakota
were expressed by representatives Of
neighboring states and Canadian
provinces at the cornerstone ceremony
and again at the civic dinner, held
preceding the dance in the gymna-
stun of the World War Memorial
building.
Curtis Changed Mind
Although Col G. G. Bullock, aide to
Vice President Curtis, had announced
Saturday afternoon that the vice
president could not attend the din
ner, it later was disclosed that an ar
rangement had been made with the
vice president by Governor George F.
Shafer whereby the west-bounc
Northern Pacific train would be held
here If necessary in order to permit
Curtis to speak. The speech was
made Immediately after the frui:
cocktail had been served to open the
dinner and he rushed away to his
train as soon as he had finished his
address.
The weather was fine when the
cornerstone laying program began
but the sky became overcast as 1t
proceeded and many of the spectators
were thoroughly chilled by the time 1t
was over. The crowd was estimated
at more than 10000.
The principal speakers were Vice
President Curtis and Governor
George F. shafer but one of the most
dramatic addresses was that made by
Drags Wolf, an Indian chief from the
Fort Berthold reservation. Decked In
aboriginal finery, the Indian made an
impressive figure as he stood before
the crowd with right hand upright.
His speech was repeated in English
by an interpreter.
Drags Wolf spoke with pride OF the
blood ties between the Indians and
Vice President Curtis, who has in his
veins the blood of French and Cana
dian traders and of an Indian chief
tain, and said the cornerstone OF
white civilization in this country was
laid by the Indians, who were the frs:
pioneers. "Our forefathers hunted
Nelk and bear and made it possible foi
the white man to establish himself In
this state" Drags Wolf said, and ex-
pressed confidence that the white
man and the Red will go forward
hand in hand as brothers, as they
have done for many years.
Hoover Sent Telegram
From the governors and other lead
ers of many states came congratula-
tory messages. while President Hoo
yer sent a telegram in which he said:
II most heartily congratulate the
people Of North Dakota upon the lay
ing of the cornerstone Of the new
state capitol this afternoon. It Is
not only symbol of the enduring
foundations Of self government which
underlie the security Of American,
life. It is also a symbol Of the in
domitable courage Of the people who
are never daunted by disaster but
build anew with energy and faith"
Direct references to the old capitol
building and to the cornerstone laying
of Sept. 5, 1883, occurred frequently
during the ceremony, among them
being one by Judge A. M. Christian
son. master Of ceremonies, to the pro-
phecy OF Henry Willard, former presi-
dent Of the Northern Pacific railroad.
that North Dakota soon would be-
come q great state.
TO the hundreds Of pioneers who
attended the laying Of both corner
stones, however, the speeches were
incidental and the physical act Of SET
ting the stone In place was the impor-
tant thing. J. A. Coulter Of Dawson.
here for the first cornerstone laying
in 1883, expressed this view by as
serting that the speeches and other
were interesting but that
to him the laying Of the cornerstone
itself was the important thing. He en-
loved the ceremony he said. but
missed the informal but enthusiasts
atmosphere which marked the event.
OF 40 years before.