The Bismarck Tribune Newspaper, October 5, 1932, Page 8

j | | PIONEERS FORESAW GREAT FUTURE FOR NEW-FOUNDED CITY Pride and Satisfaction Evident as Noted Guests At- tended Ceremony TOWN GAILY DECORATED Even Humblest Cottage Took Cognizance of Noteworthy Event in 1883 Spectators at the laying of the cornerstone for the new capitol building can easily hark back to the day in 1883 when the cor- nerstone for the old territorial capitol was laid. Many who were present then will be guests of honor on this occasion. The following description of that event of Sept. 5, 1883 is taken from. the files of the Bis- marck Tribune. Because of the fire which des- troyed this newspaper's own files, copies of the publication are rare and this reproduction is made possible through the efforts of W. A. Falconer, local historian and pioneer citizen, who copied it in longhand dur- ing a visit to the Minnesota His- torical Society several years ago. ae The Tribune edition from which this material was taken was dated Sept. 5, 1883. In future years when Bismarck be- comes a great and populous city, it will be a pleasure for the old citizen to look over this issue of The Trib- une, and allow his mind to revert back to this eventful day. After again reading the following descrip- tion of the exercises, it will be a pleasure for him to lean back in his chair, close his eyes, and again view the decorations, the grand procession, the interesting ceremonies attending the laying of the cornerstone of the capitol of our great territory. The waving of flags, the streaming bunt- ing, the soul-inspiring music, the earth-quaking booming of the iron- throated cannon, the once warlike savages in their aboriginal dress, all these scenes cannot but form a pleas- ing and interesting panorama as they in review athwart the horizon of his memory. He cannot but feel a keen sense of pleasure and honest pride over the fact that he was a resident of Bismarck when she was struggling for existence away back in the days that tried men’s souls; that he lent his assistance to keep the life blood pulsing through her veins; that with Solicitous care he saw the light of animation again come into her eyes ‘and again noted the healthy glow of renewed activity fasten itself for all time upon her features, and that he participated in her final triumph, sealed by the exercises of today. Dazed by the grand and imposing decorations witnessed by them in the older cities of St. Paul and Minne- apolis, our distinguished guests may for the moment think our display on @ somewhat trifling scale, but they must not lose sight of the fact that our fair burg is yet but an infant in her swaddling clothes. They must not forget that we are but starting in upon the great race of progress. Destined To Glory If it should be their fortune to ‘again visit us a few years hence they will find that the uncouth frames which now line .some of our streets have been swept away by the wand of progress and that lofty blocks of brick, stone and iron loom grandly upon their former sites. That Bis- marck is destined to be a great and powerful city, even her enemies are compelled to admit. The laying of the cornerstone this morning will mark an era in her prosperity and from this eventful day hence her march toward power and greatness will be rapid. The importance of this day cannot be over-estimated. The Tribune he- Heves that each citizen will use his utmost endeavors to make this day a day to which he can in the future point back with feelings of intense satisfaction and native pride. The completion of the great Northern Pacific road is an event which con- tributes much to the prosperity of the Capital City. Its benefits to us cannot be questioned. Our honored guests, who this morning favor us with their presence, will in a very few hours be present when the gold- en spike will be driven, a spike which ‘will for all future time link us to the great Pacific coast and her in- exhaustible resources. Our sun of prosperity is just aris- ing and will shine for all future time with a granduer that will for- ever obliterate the black clouds of the days in which we were strug- gling for existence. The Programme ‘The programme for the day is as follows, and promptness must be the watchword: 6:30 a. m., Sept. 5—Breakfast. [5—Carriages to be in readiness. ':30—Procession leaves for capitol grounds. 8:00—Arrives at capitol grounds. Music by the band. Prayer by Rev. I. O. Sloan. Address of welcome by Hon. N. G. cornerstone, accom- panied by the governor's salute of to his representative, of the citizens of Bis- Hon. Alex com- for train. leaves for the carriages Sheridan house ‘Main street to First street; First street to Thayer street; Thayer Street to Fifth street; Fifth street to Capitol Hill; Capitol Hill to Fourth street; Fourth street to Sheridan house. Officers of the Day Marshal, Captain William Harmon Assistant marshals, Thomas W. Causley, W. S. Moorhouse. Committees Reception— Alexander McKenzie, chairman. Executive—Elijah Coffin, chair- man. Programme—Dr. W. A. Bentley, chairman, Finance—George E. Reed, chair- man. Carriages—Robert Macnider, chair- man. Decorations—J. F. Wallace, Oscar H. Will, E. M. Fuller. The Grounds—a Beautiful Spot By the terms of agreement where- by the capital of Dakota was placed at Bismarck, the citizens donated $100,000 in cash to the capitol com- mission and 320 acres of valuable land, 160 of which is located around the capitol site. It is proposed to lay out into lots all but 20 acres of this 160 and sell them at auction. The money realized from this source is to be added to the $100,000 and put into the building fund. Thus a mag- nificent building is assured without cost to the territory. In other words, the people of Burleigh county do- nate to the territory of Dakota handsome grounds and a commodi- ous capitol building. There were many competitors for the capi- tol prize throughout the territory but the Bismarck site was chosen because of its beauty, the magnificence of the donation on the part of the people and its central location in the great territory. The site is indeed beauti- ful, commanding as it does a view ‘of the city of Bismarck, while in |the distance Apple Creek loses its identity and joins its parent stream, the Missouri. The beautiful table-land upon which the city is located is about 90 feet above the Missouri river. The succession of table-lands, or benches, the board bottom lands of the Mis- souri, with their garment of green, the fringe of timber along the wind- ing river, the high bluffs on the west side of the stream and the yellow fields of wheat stubble to the left, is a picture for a painter's canvas. Impressed By Beauty Those who traveled about the ter- ritory with the capitol commission, and the commission itself, were sin- gularly impressed with the beauty of the site, and from the day of the visit of the commission the chances of location were as three to one in fa- vor of Bismarck getting the prize. The ground selected for the capitol building lies between Fifth and Sixth streets and on the second rise or hill above the town. It is only a few blocks from the high school building being erected, and about 10 minutes’ walk from the very center of the business portion of the city. Additions to the city have been | laid out on every side of the capitol grounds and in a few years that re- gion will be the bon ton residence portion of the metropolis. The capi- tol grounds are to be neatly graded and the landscape artist in charge will imitate to a great extent the beautiful capitol of Wisconsin at Madison. The building will be approached by four roads running at right-angles. A vast amount of money will be spent in beautifying the grounds, and it is expected that when finished Da- kota will have the finest capitol in the w The Dakota capitol build- ing will be 150x180 feet on the ground and three full stories in height above the basement; 56-foot walls with } dome 180 feet. The basement will be 12 feet, the first floor 14 feet, the second floor 16 feet, and the third floor 14 feet. The senate chamber and hall of the house of representa- tives will be 30 feet from floor to; ceiling. Allotment of Room The first floor will be divided as | follows: On the right of the vesti- | bule will be the governor's reception room, office and private office. The secretary of state’s office will be op- posite the governor's rooms. The at- torney general's office and private rooms, and territorial auditor will have two rooms each, the treasurer and superintendent of public instruc- tion three each. Connected with each of these suites of rooms will be a large fireproof vault. On the second floor will be found the chambers of ; the senate and house of representa- tives, a péstoffice, supreme court room, rooms for the clerk of the su- jPreme court, territorial library, of- jfices for railroad, tax and insurance commissioners, and an office for each of the five judges of the supreme court, and the several committee rooms for the use of the legislature. The senate and house of representa~ tives chambers will extend two stor- ies high, being 30 feet. The balance of the third story will be fitted up for committee rooms, etc. The basement will contain apartments for historical society, State library, bathrooms, water clos- ets, etc. The building will be one story higher than the Minnesota; capitol, and a much finer building in every respect. It will be heated by steam, and fitted with pipes for gas and water. It will be enclosed by the first of January, 1884, and completed by April 1. Work on the excavation be- gan Saturday, Aug. 25, the contract for building having been awarded the day previous to Mr. C. W. Thompson of this city. Work has continued night and day until now the foundation of the main building is complete and ready for the cornerstone. Six million bricks will be required in the construction of the building, one-half of which will be made at Sims, and the bal- ance at the yard of E. H. Bly, this city. The construction will be pushed day and night, and when under full THE BISMARCK TRIBUNE. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1932 here, i a alae Many of the distinguished persons who attended the laying of the capitol cornerstone here in 1883 were members of a party invited to wit- ness the joining of the eastern and western ends of the Northern Pacific railroad at Gold Creek; Montana, an event commemorated by the driving of the golden spike. They traveled in four special excursion trains, all gaily decorated and drawn, so commentators of the time said, by as many as two large engines. One of the trains is pictured above, along with some of the passengers and gitizens of Bismarck who greeted it upon its arrival Included in the party, headed by Henry Villard, then president of the Northern Pacific, were Ex-President U. 8. Grant, many government of- ficials, newspapermen and a large party of noted Germans, some of whom were heavy investors in the railroad. It was as a compliment to the latter that the name of the town which was to become capital of Dakota Territory and later of the state of North Dakota was named Bismarck, honoring the great German statesman of that name. Facsimile of a note written during the trip by General Grant to a hotel clerk is shown in the upper left hand corner. Carl Schurz, Frederick Billings, Wil- liam M. Evarts, Mayor Harrison of Chicago, and Sitting Bull. The pro- cession several miles long and the grandest ever seen in Dakota. The Day’s Ceremonies ‘The streets along the line of the march had been sprinkled, the morn- ing was bright and the atmosphere cool and refreshing. The 43 hand- some coaches of the Villard party were reposing in the neat switch- yard, and the morning was one long to be remembered by every man, wo- man and child who was in the me- tropolis of the Missouri valley. From every window and doorway, banners, national flags and ever- greens were swaying in the gentle morning air, and the streets were spanned by great arches, which were decorated in the most beautiful manner. An early breakfast was had on the several trains, and at half- past seven the Fort Yates band called the roll of committeemen, strangers, marshals and warriors by playing a very lively march, At 8 o'clock the procession began to form in the following order: Fort Yates band, Steele delega- tion, Sitting Bull and_ warriors, Hayes farm display, Mannerchor wagon representing the sister cities, Pioneer fire company, Banner hook and ladder company. Then followed General Grant, Henry Villard and Governor Ordway in a carriage, and the guests as heretofore published followed in handsome vehicles. The business blocks and residences along the entire line of march were profusely decorated, and all visitors expressed wonder and amazement at the elaborate ornamentations which adorned even the most modest ap- pearing dwellings. Cannonading was continued during the march, and upon arriving at the grounds at least 5,000 people were found waiting for the opening of the ceremonies. Had Grand Procession The procession is worthy of special notice, as it was far grander than was anticipated by anyone, whether host or guest. One of the main at- tractions was the Hayes farm dis- play, which represented a header decorated with grain and agricultural products, and containing the follow- ing young ladies: Miss Bessie Mackie, Misses Minnie, Maggie, Hattie and Kitty Davidson, Miss Jessie Mason, Miss Ruth Bragg, Miss Bell Johnson, Miss Hattie Bly, Miss Linda Cam- eron, Miss Daisy Stewart, Miss Ma- mie Haight, Mrs. Emma Falconer. The German Mannerchor wagon appeared to very good advantage, and all horses, wagons, hacks and buggies were gaily decorated with little flags. The Pioneer fire com- pany and the Banner hook and lad- der company did great credit to the Bismarck fire department in turning out as they did, and were the center of much admiration. Capt. William Harmon, as marshal of the day, was a complete success, and his able-bodied assistants, Messrs. Moorhouse, Causley and Fox, did the honors of the office in- royal style. To add to the completeness of the city’s festivities, Rufus Hatch ar- rived yesterday morning, bringing with him his distinguished friends and joining with the Villard party in the procession. The thatched cottage of grain and products, over which Farmer Wal- lace presided at the Minnesota state fair, had been stationed near Main street, west of the Capital National Bank block, and it was the most prominent attraction. Gov. Ordway Presided Upon arriving at the capitol grounds Governor Ordway called the assemblage to order, and after a very appropriate prayer by Rev. I. O. headway 200,000 brick will be laid every 24 hours. Electric light apparatus has been ordered and will be in position in a few days. Five hundred men will be em- Ployed on the building during its construction, and when completed it will be a monument to the wisdom and integrity of the commission and those who have taken part in it will be able to defy criticism. Bismarck’s Day A magnificent reception was ten- dered Henry Villard and his guests. ‘The Capital City’s decorations the most beautiful along the entire route. General Grant receives an over- whelming ovation and compliments ths city. Speeches Governor Ordway, f Sloan of Mandan, proceeded to de- liver the following address, enthusi- astically received: “President Villard and honored guests: The agreeable duty devolves upon me, as executive of Dakota, to President Villard, Secretary Teller, homage. “From the moment your magnifi- cently equipped trains passed the Red viver of the north, and entered Far- go, the golden gate to the wheat belt, a continuous ovation has awaited you. One that kings might count. You have now reached this favored spot, the center of Dakota, following your great thoroughfare from east to west, and within less than miles of its great geographical cen- ter, and where, under the provision of the organic act, the governor and legislature assembly have perma- nently located the territorial seat of government. For more than 20 years the capital has remained at Yankton, in the extreme southeast- ern portion of the territory, within sight of Nebraska and within a few hours’ ride of the western boundary lines of Iowa and Minnesota. Division Rejected “The refusal of the last congress to divide or admit Dakota compelled the last legislative assembly and the executive to meet the requirements which a population of half a million people would impose upon them. Provision was therefore made for the erection and completion of 10 penal, | charitable and educational institu- tions, so located that nearly every | portion of this vast territory, cover- {ing 152,000 square miles, would re- | ceive the benefits of these absolutely | necessary institutions. “The rapidly increasing population | and wealth in the central and north- | ern portions of the territory rendered |a more accessible point for the seat Of government very desirable. “In order to relieve the people from. excessive taxation and secure com- | modious capitol buildings without | cost to the taxpayers of the territory, |@ plan was adopted by the governor | and legislative assembly whereby the seat of government has been changed from Yankton to Bismarck. This plan, which was enacted into law, provided that nine agents named in the act should select from accessi- ble localities, whose citizens should guarantee a building fund of $100,000 and at least 160 acres of land suit- able for the erection thereon of com- modious capitol buildings, giving a permanent seat of government. Examined Many Sites “Under this act the nine gentle- men named therein, known as the capitol commission, after examining various sites and considering the ac- companying propositions, accepted the proposition of the citizens of Bis- marck, to guarantee By a good and sufficient bond, $100,000 toward the fund for building the capitol and to give 320 acres of valuable land. This land has been platted and will be sold, except that required for capi- tol purposes, and the proceeds aris- ing from its sale will further increase the building fund sufficiently to en- able the commissioners to erect a capitol building as commodious and even more imposing than the capi- tol of Minnesota. “The promised condition having been complied with, the capitol com- mission, on the second day of June, 1883, located the permanent seat of government of the territory of Da- kota upon the commanding site where we now stand. “After due advertisement, plans were accepted and the contract was awarded to C. W. Thompson for the erection of the main building. The work was commenced Aug. 25, 1883, and has progressed without inter- mission until we are now prepared to Jay the cornerstone of a building that we trust will remain as a monument ft ie} skill of the artisan and of ie wisdom, fidelity and of those who projected it. one, “In the name, therefore, of the citizens of , the donors, and en- you § z f Z i g 8 $ 8 5 z é great national enterprise, to pay you 50| monies, Will you, Governor Ordway, party which is accompanying me over the rolling prairies of your territory. My guests were informed that they would see interesting sights in this | fertile northwest, and I think I re- flect the sentiment of all when I say that our highest expectations have} been more than realized. | “We feel honored and I feel par-| ticularly honored, in having been} called upon to assist in these cere- express our gratitude and heartfelt! thanks to the public for the generous | hospitality with which we have been | received since our arrival in your ter-| ritory. “Let me say a few words regarding those of the guests from my native land. They are here enabled to par- ticipate in the laying of a corner stone of the capitol of a great terri- tory in a young city which bears the name of the greatest living Gernran statesman. They, as I, consider it a great honor, and wish your metropolis the most abundant success.” Mr. Villard retired amid deafening applause. Governor Ordway then. asked him to lay his hand on the cor-' {mer stone, which he did, and after prayer by the chaplain, the formal ceremonies were declared completed, and the cornerstone of the capitol of {Dakota properly laid. Mr. Villard |then said in an impressive manner: |“Now that this cornerstone is laid, | may I ask you all to join with me in j the hope and prayer that this build- }ing may be reared and completed as |it has been designed, that it may soon be the capital of a great sovereign state, that it may be the source of | wise legislation, and that it may be the home. of justice and liberty, the birth rights of all free people.” Testimonial to Bismarck At the close of these very impres- sive remarks, Governor Ordway pre- sented the following testimonial to Baron Von Eisendecker, Imperial Ger- man Minister, to be forwarded to Prince Bismarck, at once. To His Excellency, Prince Otto Von Bismarck, Chancellor of the Ger- man Government. “We, the citizens of Bismarck, de- sire to embrace the opportunity af- forded by the presence of a distin- guished representative of the German government to tender your highness our respectful compliments. We be- lieve that this greeting will be wel- come, coming from a distant land where so many Germans have found prosperity and happiness, and where your name is honored by all men and from a city which bears that name and which has become a center of commerce and civilization, and the capital of a great territory. Proud of our city’s name we are confident that our future career will not be un- worthy of the fame of your highness whose brilliant services in war and peace have achieved unity for the German people and greatness for the German empire. With sentiments of profound respect we subscribe our- selves your highness’ obedient serv- ants, ie at the City of Bismarck, in the Territory of Dakota, this 5th day of September A. D. 1883.” The testi- monial was signed by the mayor, city council and governor. Baron Von Eisendecker accepted the testimonial on behalf of the great German states- man in the following very neat “Mr. Governor: I accept this token of esteem for the German chancellor with gladness and pride. I am glad as the representative of him in ac- cepting this testimonial and proud of having been chosen as such. I shall not fail to send the document to Prince Bismarck at once, and 1 will assure you that he will feel highly honored by the handsome ‘remem- brance from the city which bears his ‘The governor then bgt tress it would have an 0} jun! piace ¥ whatever memorial they desired within the vault of the cornerstone before it would be closed. Over a |declined to speak and Henry Villard | lings, formerly president of the North- honor of bearing and which we hope it bears worthily.” At this junction the calls for Grant began and were loud and long, but the ex-president in his usual modesty introduced the Hon. Frederick Bil- ern Pacific road, who delivered one of the most brilliant 10 minute speeches of the day. Frederick Billings will be remembered by all as one of the most. earnest workers in the interest of the Northern Pacific road and the coun- try through which it passes, especi- ally during his incumbency as presi- dent of the road. He is now as firm @ believer in and untiring worker for Dakota as ever and is one of the many large-hearted, public-spirited men who donated $5,000 toward the capital fund. Below we give his speech. Outlived Adversity “In spite of this beautiful and com- manding location, and where can you find a more beautiful and command- ing location, in spite of the great name which this place bears, and what more prominent name could it bear than that of the great German chancellor, in spite of all these facts, this place like all others, has had its reverses, its hard times and its gloomy days. For when the great crisis of 1873 came, this great railroad enter- prise, the completion of which is about to be celebrated, had to call a halt to operations, and stand between the blighting influences of financial embarrassment and jealous opposi- tion. “In those dark, unpromising days there were no banners thrown to the breeze nor echoings of merry laugh- ter heard from the peasant's child, but sorrow, despondency, sackcloth and ashes were to be found instead. “But now the good times have come and the skies are bright. The North- ern Pacific is completed and is ready to carry your produce to the Great Lakes, where it can be easily trans- ferred to the Atlantic, or to the Pa- cific coast, and be distributed among to the world the means of subsist- Grant Yields At the close of Lath ee the pons was rent with @ , clamorous for General Grant, and now he was Jed to the front and said: “Ladies and gentlemen and fellow citizens of Bismarck, the capital of Dakota. It is with some reluctance, at this hour so near the time fixed for our departure, that I came for- ward to make a speech. As you are very well aware, when I get to talk- ing to a crowd, I scarcely know when to quit. I am sure that if I did at- tempt to tell you what I have seen in your territory and what an impresison it has made upon my mind, our train would not get started in time to drive the golden. spike. although I have other place in the United States, I never put my foot in Dakota terri- tory until yesterday. I had heard of this great country and its fertile soil, but was not prepared to see what my eyes have gazed upon since my ar- rival. With Mr. Evarts I predict for you a happy, prosperous future, and that within a few years you will rank away ahead of any of the eastern states and will be a state with two representatives, and it may be three (unless congress is opposed to more Republican members). “Well, I am glad to see you all here; I am glad that I have participated in the ceremonies, and I am sorry that you called me out.” (Prolonged ap- plause.) Rufus Hatch was requested to speak, and when found he was perched upon a neat little pony in the midst of the crowd. His remarks were very brief, be- ing: “Ladies and gentlemen, I never | made a speech in my life, but I can say, however, that my voice is in splendid condition for singing, ‘and would suggest that we have the ‘Star Spangled Banner.’ “Then John Wyman is here. I wrote out a speech for him and he will deliver it for you.” Chicago Mayor Is Guest Among the many prominent guests was Mayor Harrison of Chicago, who was introduced as the best mayor of the best city in the Union.” His talk was thusly: “Governor and fellow citizens of Minnesota (some one corrected him by saying Dakota). Well, the fact of the business is my imagination got ahead of my under- standing. “I have heard so much about the development of your country that I thought you had become a state. I remember of reading of the great des- ert of America, which gncluded within its mythical boundaries this north- western territory. I rdéde around yesterday and was reminded of the time when the Israelites were = ing the desert and were fed with abundance of manna, and I am glad to say that you will have manna enough here to feed the Israelites and the gentiles too. “Dakota has 152,000 square miles, three times as much as the state of Illinois. The state of Illinois has a population of 3,000,000 and why can- not Dakota, with every acre of land arable and productive, support 9,- 000,000 people. France, with a very little more land than Dakota, has 38,400,000 of prosperous inhabitants, and why cannot Dakota, with the best land in the world, support a propor- tionate number? And reasoning in this manner, the rational conclusion is that you can become an empire of yourselves, “Here you use better judgment than people do in the east. Instead of pay- ing your money for city lots, you put it into these broad prairies, and said you would build around your capitol @ grand and imposing city. I thought when shown these grounds today that there had been a local feeling among the various rivals for the capital which caused the building to be lo- cated outside of the city. But I see it wasedone with the consent of the citizens, and you are about to build up a city surrounding the public grounds. Sitting Bull Speaks “I came out here to help Mr. Villard help you, and I might say I was help- ing Mr. Villard now (Laughter). I the nations of the world. These great nations, such as Germany, from whence our friends have come to as- sist in this celebration, and France and- England, were ruled by savages centuries ago but now they are the centers of wealth, intellectual attain- ments, commerce and refinement. And who knows but when Japan be- comes a neighbor through the com- pletion of the Northern Pacific, we will have right here the bright center which was prophesied by that great statesman, Wm. M. Evarts, years ago. “I will close by joining with the other speakers in wishing you to soon become a happy state and continue a happy town and that you will enter upon a career of prosperity to which no night will come.” Evarts Makes Talk William M. Evarts, ex-secretary of the interior, after many calls from the large audience, stepped forward and as soon as his venerable head was seen over the railing the crowd gave vent to its enthusiasm by applauding the man who has always been & staunch friend to the west. His speech which follows was brief, but delivered in that easy, flowing man- ner for which the dist gen- tleman is noted. “Ladies and gentlemen, fellow citi- zens. I am glad to take part in these ceremonies. They are int to @ whole territory, the cornerstone of whose capitol is being laid, and they are interesting to a whole continent which is being bound together in stronger ties than ever and whose people are being brought nearer to the seaboards and made more intimate neighbors. You people who are here western localities where the country of work, troublesome trials and hard- ships were endured before communi- being on a great line of railway ready built. And that advantage hundred cards, letters, samples of population over those vast than states. % that no words of mine|from my Yad to th impressive scene which fondle We th |those who settle in the Mississippi to here today. have this great advantage over those of the Pacific coast and more south- was populgted very slowly and years secured. You have the advantage Bd will} which the horn of plenty be shown by a greater increase of| have that which settled the Pacific am going out to help drive the golden spike, and I will see that it is driven down good and deep, and when I re- turn to Chicago I will try to keep Mr. Villard from making your taxes too high. (Applause.) “All roads lead to Rome, and all northwestern roads lead to Chicago. If you come to Chicago, and you must, or go all around it as long as I have the honor of presiding over the city's affaiys, a Dakotan will have the pass- port stamped on his back, and I will see that you don’t get into trouble while you are there.” Mr. Villard announced that he had a distinguished guest whom he wished to introduce, and accordingly pre- sented Sitting Bull, who (speaking through a young. halfbreed inter- preter), said that he was glad to meet the governor and his friends here today, and was inspired by the Great Spirit to shake hands with them. Governor Ordway. remarked that the committee had followed the time- honored custom of putting the older settlers to the front, and here you have one of the very oldest Dako- tans and a noted one too. What Carl Schurz Said Great Celebration Marked First Cornerstone Laying ao ll Aboard for the Gold Spike Celebration GLOWING OPTIMISM MARKED FEELING OF BISMARCK PIONEERS Editorial Telling of First Cor« nerstone Laying Breathes Pride, Hope ° How the people of Bismarck felt a4 years of struggle and effort culmi- nated in the laying of the first Cap- itol cornerstone in 1883 is indicated by the editorial on that subject which was printed at that time by The ‘Tribune. Not all the high hopes therein ex- pressed have been realized in the last 49 years but many of them have come true. The progressive spirit which marked that day is evident. As a re~ minder to the people of this city of the heritage of hope which is their's, the editorial is reprinted herewith, torial Edit ‘The great day has passed. The core nerstone of Dakota’s capitol has beet laid with beautiful and impressive ceremonies. The final benediction Pronounced by the good Father Sloan sealed an event which will long linger upon the memory of every auditor ag the most important epoch in the his- tory of our bustling young city. It is the wish, prayer, and belief of every one that the stone laid Sept. 5, under such auspicious circumstances will remain firmly imbedded in its present position until Gabriel’s trum- ve calls us all aloft to explain mat- Ts, It is scarcely reasonable to assume that Bismarck will ever again be hon~ ored with the presence of so many distinguished men, and we should ever regard it as a matter of cone gratulation that the laying of the core nerstone of our capitol was favored with the presence of such notables ag stood upon the platform yesterday. Our own heroes and statesmen stood side by side with Europe’s hon- ored sons, and the mutual wish em- anated from each heart that the edi« fice so auspiciously began might one day serve as the seat of government of one of America’s most powerful states. im ce of the occasion The which brings our Honored visitors of the 5th to the northwest cannot be overestimated. The driving of the last spike on the great Northern Pacific road will link us to the Pacific coast and its won- derful resources, It will complete the world’s greatest highway, and a high- way upon which Bismarck will ever stand as an important point. The completion of the road will greatly enhance our prosperity, and if the ringing blows of the which sends home the last golden spike could be heard in Bismarck we feet sure that they would send a thrill of keen pleasure through the heart of everyone who is interested in the prosperity of Dakota's fairest city. The account af the ceremonies at- tending the laying of the cornerstone of the capitol as published elsewhere cannot but be read with universal ihterest by every citizen of Bismarck, Our city and our territory has never been understood abroad. It will be observed that the distinguished speake ers who greeted us Wednesday unie versally avowed that they had tra~ versed the territory east of us and had gazed upon our city with feelings of wonder and surprise. They had painted a fair mind picture of the northwest, but what they had wit- nessed far exceeded their most san- guine expectations. When they re- turn to their homes in the cities of the east and across the sea they will not hesitate to tell all they have seen, and their recitals of Dakota and her wonders cannot but redound to our benefit. It was a gala day. The weather could not have been more beautiful, The softened rays of the September sun descended upon us with a genial warmth and the gentle breezes which swept over the emerald clothed prale ries fanned each cheek with a sooth= ing.tenderness which was at once de« lightful and gratifying. The long and imposing procession and the streaming flags and banners Pleased the eye while the brazen mu- sic and the thunder of the cannon fell upon the ear with a harmony most delightful. Bismarck can never forget the day upon which the cornerstone of her capitol was laid and the ree membrance of her distinguished guests will ever dwell upon the mem- ory of every citizen of the city with @ pleasing vividness that can never be effaced. And now our strides toward great- ness will be rapid. Around the edi- fice today consecrated to our great Prosperi knocking at the door and the goddess of fortune is bestows ing upon us her most radiant smiles, Carl Schurz, the famous ex-secre- ned of the interior, next spoke, say- “Western towns are proverblally reticent and modest: with the excep- tion of Chicago. We have passed through a great many of them, and if we make the statement, we little ahead of time will come @ little ahead of ‘Cessors you success, happi- I can say experience the Atlantic European soil, but and the Missouri .| to mal valleys have come homes and be- have heard from the ps of their'|£#¢tory. September 5th will ever be back upon by the people of the ital City as the brightest and auspicious day in all the the Capital City. ——— on his Speaking, but the chief ‘8 le men has won brilliant record by deeds, not words ords, and here he decli ra e Ined to detain the deserved com; tt which Joude yy applauded, bas fe large throng of hay then dispersed to meet at the depot for the purpose of bidding adieu God speed to the greatest excursion Party that ever carried mighty buste ness importance, mirth and laughter over the American continent. The train pulled out of the yard amid the waving of banners, hats and handker. hig and the quick, inspiring musig