Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, September 18, 1887, Page 1

SEVENTEENTH YEAR, MORNIN SEPTEMBER ‘BeE 887, ~TWELVE PAGES., AL MEMORIAL DAY. A Distinguished Gathering On the Stand in Independence Square. CLEVELAND AND KASSON SPEAK, A Masterly Oration On the Constita- tion By Justice Samuel Miller of the United States Supreme Court. Close of the Celebration. PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 17.—To-day was me- morial day. On the stand in Independence Square there were side by side the chief mag- Istrate, the highest ecclesiastical representa- tives, justices of the highest law tribunal, ministers extraordinary of foreign powers, the nation’s lnw-makers, and representatives of the army and navy, and all other depart- sments of civil, military and religlous life. ‘I'he stand had a seating capacity of 10,600 and was filled early by holders of tickets, The front of the stand facing the southern enclosure was railed off for the president, Lis party, the speakers and others, At the cast side of the stand stood the quaint old chair occupied by George Washington as presiding oflicer of the congress which adopted the con- stitution. At 10:30 a chorus of 2,000 chiidren and 200 men sang a patriatic air and shortly after -that the president and wife arrived, heading & party of distinguished visitors, After all had reached the stand Bishop Potter made the opening prayer. When the prayer had concluded General Sheridan arrived, accom- panied by his aides, followed by Cardinal Gibbons and a numbef of Catholic clergy. When they were seated Hon. John A. Kas- son, as president of the constitutional cen- tennial commission, assumed his place, and spoke as follows, his remarks being punctu- ated with many demonstrations of apprecia- tion: Address, PHILADELPHIA, Sept, 17.—1lon. John A. Kasson, president of the constitutional cen- tennial commission delivered, the opening address to-day at the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the framing and promulgation of the constitution of the United States. The address was delivered in Independence square, and was as fol- lows: Ninety-nine years ago, In this eity, our ancestors celebrated only their hopes,founded npon the recent adoption of the constitution. To-day, after a century’s experience, we celebrate the reality of its blessing, A grateful people renew their allegianco to the supreme work of their fathers. 'l'lm ceremony of the first day has given a brilliant illustration of our material prozress during the century, a development which Is one of the rich _fruits of that untrammeled invention and freedom of aetion with which the Constitution endowed the American people. ‘The second day has exhibited the identity of the interests of the people ana_the inter- ests of the government, and the perfect union and sympathy which exist betweeu the military forees of the people and the armed forces of the national government. They marched together in loval obedience to their eommon sovereign, the Constitution—a soverelgn who never dies, They only wield their strength for the defense ot their coun- try, its honor, its flaz, and our_common con- Mfllllinnnl righ All honor to these united forces of land and sea, who show to their loyal countrymen only the beneficent stars of‘lhalr flag, and reserve its strives for ene- mies. But our chief glory springs nelther from the material wealth our progress has de- weloped, nor from the victories out associated arms have achieved. It arises from the gen- eral welfare of our people, their contentment with their institutions, their enlightment and their general advancement 1n the virtues ot christian eivilization. The scene and ceremonies of this third dav Indicate the moral and intellectual harvest of which our constitution planted the seeds. ‘The high ofticers of this union are to-day tho guests of the states. Publicschools universal and free, here chant their praises for the en- dowment of liberal, popular instruction, ‘The representatives of the higher education of universities and colleges here attest their gratitude for the free pursuit ot knowledrve and the unrestricted development of science. Here are found distinguished representatives of all the churches and forms of divine wor- ship. unsupported and uncontrolled by the overnment, and yetmore prosperous and Knm-y therefor. They offer thanks for a uaranteed blessing of a “free church in a ree state.” ‘The men are also here who represent that private wealth which, imitating the constitutional devotion to “the general welfare,” has so freely endowed hospitals, schools, universities, churches, and other charities to a degres never before or else- where witnessed in this round world. Ilere, 100, labor, the )‘sroduellva slster of capital, acknowledges alleziance to that great docu- ment which makes all_men alike free and equal before the law. The foremost states- men, forgetting all political alienations, are here with heads bowed in reverence to their common guardian and constant protector, Historlans, poets, artists, and writers who have made the country famous by pen and rencll. and soldiers who have made it glor- ous by their sword, are here. American en- terprise d invention here clasp their hand. and with just pride remind usof the steamship, n‘lwn{ and telegraph with which in this century they have con quered seas, spanned the broad continent, and united a world. Countless civic and be- neficent socleties here avow their gratitude for their constitutional liberty of association, All ranks and conditions, and various races of men frow five continents, are here gath- ered in honor of our Maxima Carta, the sure foundation of American liberty and Awmeri- can civilization. Well may they come, for the constitution is & perpetual message of peace and friendship to all loyal men every- where, To you, sir, president of the Unitea States, 10 the supreme judiciar 1018 of congress, rere e three de- partineats of nagjonal government and to you, gentlcmen, 'governors of the states united, we bid a most cordial welcome, To the representatives ot foreign govern- ments within our jurisdiction, who have come from far China and Japan, from South Anmerica and Europe, and from our own con- tinent, we tender our assurances of high ap- reclation and our thanks for their sympa- hietic presence during our ceremonies. With you, honored “fellow-citizens, we ro- joice this day over the peaceful consumma- tion of the first constitutional century of our common country. We recall with glowing gratitude the virtues of our great ancestors who founded the government, and of whos labors we have inherited the e?lcmlhl fruit The habit of liberty and the long usage of prosperity have always a tendency to deaden our remembrance of the greatuess of the act which inaugurated both and which still pre- serves them to us. Let not the lapse of time banish the wemory of our mighty tathers, to whose wonderful courage, ~wisdomn patience we owe our rich political ‘They won it in the storm of tle, rougli the tedious trials of self-sacrl: . Tney rescucd it from anarehy, ban ruptey, disorders and discords, which a cen- tury ago had brought upon our confederated states, the pity of their friends and the dis- dain of their foes, I'he vital forces which his constitutional union created gave to our country the purer breath of a national life, and the sentiment of a_national honor. The union supplemented the weakness of each With the strength of all. Instead of scetional bauners stained with repudiation and local greed, this union gave to' the whole countr: a single flag, destined to unsurpassed respec muong the nations of the earth. Year after year we add new stars to its folds as peace- ully as appears a new star in the Leavens, trom which we borrowed them, Plainly as we see to-day the wisdom of that union, it was only gmined after a des- pairtng strugsle in the venerable hall under Whose shadows we are assembied, Even the father of his country had neasly abandoned bove. In the crisis of the ~consuiution ‘Washington wrote to his intimate {riend, i gn::;l despair of seeing a favorable 18sue Kasson do therefore repent having any agency in the business.” Most heartily do we here render thanks to the Almighty that he and his assoclated patriots did not quite despair. May their vacilied spirits look down from their lofty sphere and perceive in tnis vast assemblage the uuniversal gracdtade of a great nation. T'o the championship of this centen- nial multitude of American patriots we dare summon even the great shade of Washing- ton, chief among chieftains; of Hamilton, his trasted friend, incomparable in states- manship; of Madisonand Jay, great in power of reason; of Franklin, mighty in wisdom and moderation of temper; of the Adamses, indomitable in resolution; and of other towering forms whom we magine this day to he nnvrnnF over us, Let their names crowned with halo of unfading honor, de- scend with the ages, and their memory never cease from the hearts of our posterity, May the dawn of the second centennial “year be celebrated with increased fervor, and our union gain strength as the centurles roll on. Forever live the constitution and the union, At the conclusion of Kasson's address the chorus sang “Appeal to ‘Truth.” After the singing was concluded the president was condusted to the platform and commenced a short speech, which was received with thunderous applause. THE PRESIDENT'S SPEECIHL The president told of the honor and pleasure it was to participate in the exercises and paid a glowing tribute to the dignity of American citizenship, In concluding he said: “'As we look down the past century to the origin of our constitution, as we contem- ly]:ue its trials and its triumphis, as we realize low comnpletely the principles upon which it is based have met every national peril and every national need, how devotedly should we confess, with Franklin, “God eoverns in the affairs of men,” and how solemn would be the reflection that to our hands is com= mitted this ark of the people covenant and that ours is the duty to shield it from impious hands, Wereceived it sealed with the tests of a century. It has been found suflicient in the past, and in all the future years will be found sufficient if the American peovle are true to their sacred trust, Another centan- nial day will come and millions yet unborn will inquire concerning our stewardship and the safety of their constitution. God grant that they way find it unimpaired, ana as we rejoice in the patriotism and devotion ot those who lived a bundred years ago, so may others who follow us rejoice in our fidelity lmll):] l‘u our jealous love for constitutional iberty.” Ju i MILLER'S MEMORIAL ORATION. Samuel F. Miller, senior justice of the supreme court of the United States, then delivered the memorial oration in substance as follows: In looking at the names of those who signed the constitution, our sentiment of ions reverence for the work of their hands “n“{ perinits us to discriminate by special mention of any. But it iy surely not in bad taste to mentlon that the name of George Washington is there as its first si:ner and president of the convention; the man of whom it was afterwards so lmm!ll{ declared by the representatives of a grateful people, that he was “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his country He was the tirst inan selected to fill the chief ex- ecutive oftice of president created by the con- stitution; and James Madison, anofher namo found in the list ot signers, filled the same oftice, 1t {8 necessary to any just avpreciation of the constitution, whose presentation for acceptance to the people of the United State, a hundred years ago, on this day we com- memorate, that some statement of its origins and of the causes which led to it, should be made. rTllu occasion requires that this shall ‘The war of seven years, which was wazed in support of the “independence of these states, former provinces of Great Britain,— an independence announced by the Declara- tion of July 4, 1770,—the war which ~will always' be known in the history of the cmmtfiy as the war of the revolution, was conducted by a union of those states under an agreement between them called articles of confederation. Under these articles each state was an integer of equal dignity and power in a body ecalled the congresy, which conduct the affairs of the Incipient nation. Each of the thirteen states which compx this confederation sentto congress as many delegates as it chose, without reference to its population, its wealth, or the extent of its territory; but the vote upon the passage of any law, or reso- lution, or action suggested, ‘was taken by states, the members from each state, however numerous or however small, constituting one vote, and & majority of those votes by states hfil_ng uecessary to the adoption of the propo- sition. The end of this war of the revolation, which had established our entire independ- ence of the crown of Great Dritain, and which had caused ns to be recognized theo- reticallyas a member of the family of nations, found us with an empty treasury, anim- paired credit, a country drained of its wealth and impoverished by the exhaustive struzgzle. It found us with a large national debt to our own citizens and to our friends abroad, who had loaned us their money in our desperate strait; and worst of all, it found us with an army of unpaid, patriotic soldiers who had endured every hardship that our wantof means could add to the necessary incidents of acivil war, many of whom had to return penniless to families whose condition was pitiable, After g‘Ivh‘IK in detail the history of the formulation and ratification of the constitu- tion, Justice Miller continued: 'This consti- tution has been tested by the experience of a century of 1ts operation, and in the light of this experience it may be well to consider its value. Many of its most important features met with earnest and vigorous opposition. This uflmsltlun was shown in the conven- tion which presented it, and the conyentions of the states called to ratify it. In both, the struggle in its favor was arduous and doubt- ful, the opposition able and active. As 80on as it became apparent to the con- vention that the new government must be a nation resting for support upou the people over whom 1t exercised authority, and not a league of independent states.” brought to- gether under a compact on which each state should place its own construction, the ques- tion of the relative power of tuose states in the new governu becamne a sub) rious difference. There were thd convention who insisted that the legislative body, where the mostimportant powers must necessarily reside, the states should, as in tho articles of confederatlon, stand upon a perfect equality, each state having but one vote; and this feature was finally retained in that part of the constitution which vested in cougress the election of the president, when there should be a failure to elect by the elec- toral college in the rezular mode prescribed by that instrument. ‘The contest in the con- vention became narrowed te the composition of the senate, after it had been determined that the legislature should consist of two dis- tinet bodies, sitting apart from eac! and voting separately, One ot these a pos:llllu body elected directly by the peop! at short intervals. The other was to be a body more limited in nuwmbers, with longer terms of oftice; and tins, with the manner of their appointment, was designed to give sta- bility to the policy of the government, and to be in some sense a restraint upon the svdden lme_ulses of popular will, With regard to the popular branch of the legislature, there did not seem to be much difticulty in establishing the nm]fuumon. that in some general way each state should be rep- resented in it in proportion to its population, and that each member of the bodv should vote with equal effuct on all questiol, - befora it. But when it was sought by the'» ger and more populous states, as Virginin tennsyl- vania and Massachusetts, to apply this prin- ciple to the composition of the senate, the re- sistance of the smaller states became stub- born and they refuscd to (,-mu. ‘T'he feeling arising under, the discussion of this subject came nearer causing the disruption of the convention than which agitated 1ts delib- erations, It was tina lf‘ settled by an agree- ment that every state, however simall, should have two representatives in the sanate of the United States, and no state should have ln{ more; and that no awmendment of the consti- tution should deprive any state of its equal suffrage in the senate without its consent, As the senate has the same power in enact- ing laws as the house of representatives, and as each state has its two votes in that body, it will be seen thatthe smaller states secured, when they are in a united majority, the practical power of defeating alllegislation which was unacceptable to them, But if we are to form an opinion from demonstrations against, or attempts to mod- ify, this feature of the constitution, or any feature which concerns exclusively the func- tions of the scnute, we shall be compelled to say that the ablest of our public wmen, and Wih‘l of the coustitution, and l the wisduiy of tho Bation, aro iu tae wain atisfied with the work or the convention on this point after a hundred years of obsery: tion. And it is believed that the existence of an important body in our system of gov ernment, not wholly the mere representative of population, has™ exercised a° wholesome sauxervnlsm on many occasions in our his- ory. 1t was urged against our constitution by many liberty-loving men, both in the con- vention and out of it, that it conferred upon the executive, a single individual, whose election for a term of four years was care- fully removed from the direct vote of the people, powers dangerous to the existenca of free government. It was said that with the appointment of all the ofticers of the govern- ment, civil and military, the sword and tho urse of the nation in his hands, the power 0 prevent the enactment of laws to which he did not assent—unless they could be ?msed over his objection by a vote of two-thirds in euch of the two legislative houses—and the actual use of this power for four years with- out interruption, an ambitious man, of great personal _popularity, could —establish his power during his own lite and transmit it to is family as a perpetual dynasty, Perhaps of allobjections made to important features of the constitution this ‘one had more plausibility, and was urged with most force.” But if the century of our experience has demonstrated lnymlnf. it is the tallacy of this objection and’of all the reasons urged in its support. o Let us deal tenderly with the artieles of confederation. We “should here, on this glorious anniversary, feel gratetul for any instrumentality which helped us in the days of our earliest struggle. Very few are now found to say anything for these articles, yet Ult‘a! constituted the nominal bond which held the states together during the war of in- dependenee. It must be confessed that the sense of a common cause and a common danger probably did more to produce this united cfiort than any other motives. But the articles served their purpose for the occa- sion, and thongh when the pressure of im- minent danger was removed they were soon discovered to be a rope of sand, let them rest in r«-ncoml. honorable remembrance, Between those who favored a strong gov- ernment of the Union and those who were willing to grant it but little power at the ex- pense of the states there were various shades of opinion, and while it was the prevailing sentiment of the convention that “the great- est interest of every true Amorican was the consolidation of the union,” there were many who were unwilling to attain this object by detaching the necessary powers from the states and c‘anl‘erring them on the national vergent views had their effect, both in the constitutional convention and in those held for 1ts ratification. Around this central point the contention raged, and it was only by compromises and concessions, dictated by the necessity of each yielding something for the common good,—so touch- ingly remembered in the letter of the con- vention to comgress,—that the result was finally reached. The patriotism and the love of liberty of each party were undisputea, The nnxlelr for a government which woutd best reconcile the procession of powers es- sentlal to the state governments with those necessary to the existence and efticiency of the government of the Union, was equal, and the long struggle since the adoption of the constitntion on the same line of "thought, in its construction, shows how firmly these dif- ferent views were lmbedded in our political theories. If experience can teach anything on the sub{ect of theories of government, the late civil war teaehes unmistakably that those who believed the source of danger to be in the strong powers of the federal government were in - error, and that those who believed that such powers were necessary to its sate conduct and continued existence were in the right, And that this might no longer bea matter of dispate, three new amendments to the constitution were adopted at the close of that strugzle, which, wnile keeping in view the prineiples of our complex form of state and federal government, and seeking to dis- turb the distribution of powers among them as little as was consistant with the wisdom acquired by a sorrowful experience. these amendments confer additional powers on the government of the union, ana place ad- aitional restraints upon those of the states. May it be long before such an awful lesson is again needed to decide upon disputed ques- tions of constitutional law, ‘The thirteen states which originally or- ganized this government had a population believed to be, in round numbers, three mil- lions, many of whom were slaves. To-day it seems probable that sixty millions are em- braced in the Uuited States, in which there breathes no soul who owns any man inaster. Under the government established by this constitution we have, in the century which we are now overlooking, had three important uch as are always accompanied by lous shocks toall governments. 1In the first of these we encountered the British Em- pire, tre most powerful nation then on the Klobe,—a nation wnich had successfully re- sisted Nurnleon. with all the power of Europe at his back. If we did not attain all we fought for in that contest, we displayed an energy and courage which commanded for us an honorable stand among the nations of the eart In the second—the war with Mexico—while our reputation as a warlike people suffered no diminution, we made large accessions of valuable territory, out of which states have been since wade members of the Unlon, ‘The last war—the recent civil war—in the number of men engaged in it, in the capacity of the weapons and instruments of destruc- tion brought into operation, and In the im- portance of the result to humanity at large, must be esteemad tho greatest war that the history of the worid presents. It was brought about by the attempt of eleven of tiie states to destroy the Union. This was resisted by the government of that Union under the powers granted to it by the constitution. Its results were the emancipation of three mil- lions of slaves, the suppression of tha at- tempt to dissever the Union, the resumption of an accelerated march in the growth, pre perity, and lm,)mmfl,ss of the count also tanght the lesson of the indistructibility of the Union, of the wisdom of the principles on which it 1s founded, and it astonished the nations of the world, and inspired them with a respect which they had never before enter- tained for our country, Justice Miller closed his oration as follows: While 1 feel it impossible to find lancuage in which to express my admiration and my love for the constitution of the United States, and my profound beliet that the wisdom of man, unaided by Illslnrullon. has produced no ting so valuable to humanity, 1 should fail of a most important duty if I did not say on this publie oceasion, that no amount of wisdom in a constitation ean produce wise government unless there is a suitable ré- sponse in the spirit of the people. ‘T'he Anglo-Saxon race, from whom we in- herit 50 muceh that is valuable in our charac ter, as well as our institutions, has been re- markable in all its history for a love of faw and order. While other people, equally cul- tivated, have paid their devotion to the man in power, us representative of the law which he enforces, the English people, and we their descendants, have venerated the law itself, looking past its administrators. and giving our allegiance and our obedience to the prin- ciples which govern organized society. Ithas been said that a dozen KEunglishmen or Americans, thrown on an un- inhabited island would at once pro- ceed to adopt a codeof laws for their govern- went, and elect the ofticers who were to en- force them. And certainly this proposition is horne out b( the early history of our emi- grants to California, when P\‘arg mining camp orzanized into a political body, and made laws for its own government, which were 50 fuod that congress adopted them until they should be repealed or modified by statute, 1 but repeat the language of the supreme court of the United States when | say that in this country the law is supreme. No man is #0 high as fo be above the law. No ofticer of the zovernment may disregard it with im- punity. To this inborn and native regard tor law, as a governing power, we are in- debted largely for the wonderful success and prosperity of our people, for the security of our rights; and "when the highest law to which we pay this homage is the constitution of the United States, the history of the world has presented no such wonder of a prosper- ous, happy, civil government. Let me ‘"ia upon my fellow-countrymen, and especially upon the rising gensration of them, to examine with careful scrutiny all new theories of government ana of social life, and if they do not rest upon a founda- tion of veneration and respect for law as the bond of social existence, let him distrust them as inimieal to human happiness, And now let me close this address with a quatation from one of the ablest jurists and niost protound eommentators upon our laws,--Chancellor Kent, -He said, llfl\{gflu‘s ago: Q" The government of the Vuited States was created by the free volee and joint will of the people of Ameriea for their’ common defense and general welfare, Its powers nr- {-l-wtlmae reat Interests which relate to his country in its national capacity, and which depend for thelr stability anda protec- tion on the consolidation of the union. 1t1s clothed with the prineipal attributes of sover- eignty, and it is justly deemed the guardian of out best rights, the souree of our highest civil and political dusies, and the sure means of our national greatness,” After the conclusion of the memorial ad- dress and other exercises the benediction was pronounced. PRESIDENT AND MRS, CLEVELAND RECEIVE, Just as the benedietion concluded, b rine band began rendering a march and Presi- dentand Mrs. Cleveland, arm In arm, walked to the front of the stand and bowed again and acaln in acknowledgment of the thundering apolause from those in the square. A wild rush was made over chairs and railings to where they stood, and the presi- dent made a short, but Involuntary reception, to those who succeeded in reach. ing him. ~ As they passed out they walked directly underneath the old liberty bell, and the solid mass of people on the other side ot the footway cheered and waved their hats, handkerchief and umbrellas until they had passed out of sight. 1In the streets another ovation was given them and they were driven to their hotel. ] The President Banqueted. PHILADELPHIA, Sept, 17,—he celebration ended to-night with a grand banquet by the University of Pennsylvania, the Ameri- can Thilosophical society, College of Physi- clans, the law academy, the Historical so- clety, the Franklin institute, the Academy of Fine Arts, and the Academy of Natural Science to President Cleveland and other dis tinguished guests of the centennial commis- sion. President Cleveland, who was promptly at the Academy of Music at the hour appointed for the banquet, found waiting for him the most dis- tingnished visitors to the city as well as al- most every prominent man of Philadelphia. The floor was laid over the seats in the par- quet and a table for 600 persons spread. Bowers of growing plants and cut flowers hid the hall from the gaze of persons on the lower floor. The boxes and the stage were plabormolz decorated with flowers. The president took his seat at the place of honor on the northern side of the building, flanked on the right by Provost Peppers, who acted as master and on the left by George Childs, [he other guests at the table were Secretarys Bayard and Fairchild, Frederick Fraley, ex-Governor Gor- don, * Hannibal Hamlin John Jay, lsase Caliwell, Charles Francis Adams, and J. M. Wilmer. At the other tables wereseated among others, justices of the supreme court, officers of the army und navy, foreign diplomats and gov- ernors of states. ‘T'he menu was most elabo- rate. While the gentlemen were still eatine, Mrs, Cleveland accompainied by Mrs. Lamont entered the Pros- cenium box and was greeted with an outburst of apolause, She was followed by the appearance in: the balcony of the wives, daughters and sweethearts of the gentlemen on the floor, As soon as the ladies had taken their seats; Provost Pepper opened the speech-meeting, He referred to the various orzanizations, under whose joint auspices the banquet to the president was given, as an outgrowth of that momentous event of which this was the hundredth an- niversary and called m-frmmmu to respond to the toast, *“The President of the United States.” ‘A vizorous outburst of applanse greeted Mr. Cleveland when heaross. He said: “On such a day as this and the atmosphere that now surrounds him, [ feel that the pres dent of the United States should be thought- fully modest and hamble.. The great oflice he occupies stands to-day in the presence of its maker and it is especlally fitting for this servant of the peopie and creature ot the constitution, amid the ipreseive scenes of this centennial occasion, by rigid self-exam- Ination to be assured coneerning his loyalty and obedience to the laws of his existence. He will tind that the rules prescribed for his guidance, require for ~‘the perform- ance of his duty, not intellect or attainments which would raise him tor above the feeling and sentiment of the plain people of the land but rather, such kunowledee of their conditlon and sympathy with their wants and needs as will bring him nearer to them. And though he may be almost appaled by the weight of his responsbility — an the solemnity of his situation he cannot fail to find comfort and encouragement in the success of the fathers of the constitution wrou:ht from their simple, patriotie, devotion to the inter- ests of the Peonle, Surely he may hope that, if reverently invoked, the uglm ‘which gave the constitution life will be sufficient for its successful operation and the accomplishment of 1ts beneficient purpose because they are brought nearest to the events and scenes which marked the birth of American institutions. The Frnplu of Philadelphia should, of all our citizens, be most imbued with sentiments of the broadest patriotism. The first cen- tennial congress and constitutional conven- tion met here and Philadelphia still hasin her keeping, Carpenter’s hall, Independence hall, its bell aud the grave of Franklin, As 1 look about me and see here represented the societies that express so largely the culture of Philadelphla, its love of art, " its devotion to sclence, its regard for the broadest knowl- edge and the studious care for historical re- search; socleties, some of which antedate the constitution, I feel that am in notable company. To you is given the duty of presorving and protecting for your clty, for all your fellow-countrymen and for mankind the traditions and incidents related to the establishment of the freest and best government ever vouchsafed to man, Itisa sacred trust and as time leaves our govern- ment further and farther from the day of its birth may you solemnly remember that these traditions * and incidents shall never be tarnished or rejected but that, brightly burnished, they may always be held aloft, fastening the gaze of a patriotic people and keeping alive their love and reverence for the constitution.” Justies Stanley Matthews responded to the 'he Federal Judiciary”: Senator J. ngalls to *Congress’ Ilugh Lee to he United States in 17877; Charies Fran- cis Adams to “The United States in 18877 i heridan to “The Army”: Admiral 'he Navy:” Sir Lionel Playfair to Marquis _de Chambrul to Andrew D, White to “America;” " sson to ““The Centennial Com- mittee,” and Henry M. Hoyt to **Honor and Tmmortahty to the Members of the Federal Convention of [T57.” ‘The president and Mrs, Cleveland left at 10:45 for Washington, Hibernian Centennial Banquet. PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 17.—At the centen- nial bauquet of the Hibarnian society this afternoon President Cleveland appeared for & few minutes, Governor Green, of New Jersey, responded to the toast, “*The Consti- tution of the United States.” Ex-Governor Curtin then introduced President Cleveland, who said: “1 should hardly think my participation in the centennial celebration satisfactory if 1 had not the opportunity of meet- ing this representative society, which, through fts antiquity and association,bears close relation to the events of the time we commemorate. That you cel- ebrate this occasion (3@ reminder of the fact thatin the troublous and perilous days of your country those whose mames stood upon your roll of membership nobly fought for the causo of free government and for the homes they found upon our soil. No society or corporation, 1 am sure, has fn its charter or traditions and history a better or more valuable certificate of its patriotle worth and character than you have, and which is found in the words' of gton, who in 1752 declared of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, of which your association is the successor, ‘that it will al- ways be noted for the firm adherence of its members to the glorious eause in which we have engaged.” These are priceless words ‘' notice upon the letter which I reeeived from your secretary, that one object of your soclety is stated to be for the relief of emi- grants from Ireland, and this Jeads e to refleet how nearly nllied the love of the country i8 to kindly hunianity, and how naturally sueh 4 beneyolont purpose: as the assistance and relief of your ueedy emigrants follows the patriotism in which it 1ts origin. Long may the Hibernian society live and prosper. Long may its benevolent and humane work be prosceuted. And when another centennial of the constitution is celebrated may thoso who shall then form Its membership be as fully in n?-mnnmy with patriotlsm, its history and traditions and as ready to join in general felicitation as the men | see about me here,” The speech elicited uproarous applause and when the president started to leave the hall the members formed in a lino and he was compelled to accord to each a handshake, JAfter theretirement of the president Major General Schofield responded to the toast, “The A and Newr ’ and General Beaver rteen Original States.” Among other speakers were General Fitz Hugh Lee, f{ Virginia, and Engineer Melville, of the navy. had NEBR. EWS., She Horsewhipped the Postmaster, HarTINGTON, Neb., Sept. 17.—[Special to the Ber. |—Mrs. Quy R, Wilber, the wife of ex-District Attorney Wilber, created a pro- found sensation here to-day by publicly horsewhipping the postmaster, Henry B. Swing. I'he trouble grew out of an assault made by Sw) on one of Mrs, Wilber's chil- dren, . Wilber being out of town, the lady called at the postoftice and demanded an apology. Wilber not only refused to apolo- gize but threatened to whip the ehild again under similar cireumstances, ‘I'he indignant lady thereupon produced a stout riding whip and rained blows so rapidly on the post- master’s face head and back that he tled ‘and took refuge inside the postoflice inclosure. The Growth of Adventis GRAND ISLAND, Neb., Sept. 17.—[Special to the Brk.|—The scene on the camp ground is a busy one to-day, as usual. At half-past tive o’clock this morning Elder A. Oleson gavea vivid and interesting hi. tory of the progress of the work of the Ad- ventists in Europoe. From a very small beginning the work had spread until almost every nation in Europs had been entered. The speaker then gave a verv interesting sketch of the Scandinavian mission and the publishing house of the Adyentists at Christiana, Norway. ‘Ihe speaker gave a vivid sketch of the camp meeting held last June at Moss, Nor- way, the first camp meeting ever held in Europe. He nlso gave a history of the British mission. *“The work,” he said, *'is going on Wwith greater power than ever before and God is opening the way for greater triumphs,” A General Renovation Wanted. KEARNEY, Neb., Sept. 17.—ISpecial Tela- gram to the BEg. |-~The republican primary passed off quietly here to-day, but one ticket being in the field. the county convention are H. Kandles, J. P, Hartman, jr., E. B. Jones, H. C. Anderson, R. A, Julian, Walter Kruetzen, John Wise- man, J. F. McNes, C. P. Shur and A. il Boltin. Itis an unpledged delegation, but it is understood that they will favor putting in an entirely new set of officers., The board of supervisors had some difticulty with some county officials, which is creating distrust among all citizees, Several other precinets held primaries with the sentiment i favor of clearing out all the present oflice holders. sty AN ESTATE WORTH $1,000,000, Tho Unéxpected Good Fortune of a Kentucky Lady. LouisvILLR, Ky., Sept. 17.—[Snecial Teleg gram to the Ber.|—A few davs ago a letter was received at the New Albany postoflice, directed to Senor Meredith Featheringill, It bore the postmark of Madrid, Spain, and was written in the Spanish language. Mr, Featheringill, to whom thoe letter was di- rected has been dead some years, but ho left three children. One of them is the wifo of Mr. Harry Chambers and the letter was sent to her. It was from the Spanish government and told of the death in Africa of General John Fatheringill, of the Spanisharmy. He leaves an estate in that country es- timated to be worth £1,000,000 with no direct heir. Those in this country are notified to present their claims and the property will be divided. Tha lal General Featheringill was born in Kentucky, but at an early age ran away from home and went to Cuba. e afterward went to Spain and joined the Spanish army as a private. Step by step he advanced until he became a general, and when he met nis death he was on an important mission for his adopted goy- ernment. ‘The full particulars of his death are not known, but from the meagre details 1t was inferred that his camp was attacked by natives and that the commander was Kkilled before they could be beaten off, ————— PROBABLY MURDERED. Mysterious Disappearance of an Oid ¥ oseph, Special telegram ph Guttling, a prominent citizen of Osage Mission,Kan.,came to St. Jo- seph yesterday for the purposeof investing in town property. He visited several ot the real estate oflices, but no purchases were made and after that time he was lost sight of. To- day, about 10 o'clock Thomas Padula, an Italian, found a pocket hook and hat on the banks of the river, abont 100 yards north of the Francis street depot. Near where the hat and pocket book were found were larze splotches of blood. The Italian immediately ran to police headquarters, and in broken English told of his dlscovery, A policeman was sent with him to the spot where the hat was found. He found every- thing related by Padula to be correct, There were evidences of a struggle. A search was made for the body but it Is supnosed that it was thrown into the river. 'I'ne hat was covered with blood but the pocketbook was uninjured and still contained many valuable papers. Great excitement prevaiis as Gutt- ling was known to have on his person $1,400 back pension money which he has lately re- ceived and several from the sule of propert; THE MANITOBA RAILWAY, Norquay Not Yet Successful in Get- ting Money. MiNNEAPOLIS, Minn,, Sept. 17.—[Special Telegram to the Bee.]—There is little new in the situation at Winnipeg. Norquay wires from New York that he has not yet raised any money, but is still hopeful. e says the Dominion government and the Canadian Pa- citic railroad are doinz their utmost to injure him, Sir George Stephens has issued a eir- cular to the shareholders in the Canadian Pacific, taking the ground that the province has no constitutional right to build a road to the boundary intended to connect with Amwerican roads. He demands protection for the company and denounces agitation. His constitutional contention has been long since al-x|::oueu and his facts are intended to mis- ead. e FIPTY PEOPLE INJURED, Disastrous Wreck on the Atlantic & Pacific Roaa. Pueero, Colo, Sept. 17.—Another bad wreck occurred this morning on the Atlantic & Pacific railroad twenty or tnirty niles from Needles. The engine and the for- ward half of the train went through a bridge, Engineer Frank Thompson was killed and it is rumored that the killed and injured number nearly tifty people though no par- ticulars are known, e s Fell From a Scaffold, St. Joskru, Mo, Sept. 17.—|Special Tele- gram to the B —About 10 o’clock this worning just as five men, who were engaged in painting the Ferminal company’s round- house, were stepping from an old seaffolding to a new one, the old gave way and the live men fell a distance of thirty feet to the grouud below. Philip Swartz, the con- tractor. struck his head against a ‘:illzr. at the foot of the building, and was Instanti killed, and William Waters and Louis Beech were both seriously injured and rewoved to the city hospital, "Waters received internal injuries and will probably die. The. other wen received only slight {nju:lel. CRITICISM OF THE COMTE. The Manifesto of the French Royalist Treated Very Indifferently. GREVY CONSIDERS IT HARMLESS Rouvier of the Opinfon That It Will Bring the Republicans More Closely Together—Other Foreign News, Looked at Lightly. (Copyright 1857 by James Gordon Bennett.) Pants, Sept. 17.—|New York Herald Cable—Special to the Beg,]—The Compte de Parisghas now for four days appeared before the French nation in the role of a saviour of soclety. His detailed menu of modernized monarchy has been sown broadcast through- out France, but there is not yet the slightest sign that royalty will reap from it any harvest, The masscs of the people read it with indifferonce or with the platonic curiosity with which they daily read the posters of some new financial prospectus or advertising scheme. Even in feverish, over- impressionable Paris the elaborate manifesto, causes no outburst of party animosity. PR T GREVY'S OPINION. President Grevy read the mauifesto at Mont Sous Vaudrey Thursday morning. After pondering over each phrase with his scrutinizing legal mind he slowly rose from his chair and said: “1t is a well written his- toricithesis. 1t is thoroughly academic, but it contains not a varticle of danger to the re- publie.” ROUVIER'S VIEWS, M. Rouvier, who prosides over the most moderating conservative cabluet that has governed France for many years, after read- ing the manifesto, said: **This will consoli- date the republicans more than anything that could be devised. Itshows the necessity of republicans of all shades rallying around the republic and will force my colieagues and myself to seek a majority in the ranks of the republicans solely and notcount, as hitherto, on the votes of conservatives.” EFFECT OF TITE MANIFESTO, The effect of the manifesto, briefly stated, is that the French people, no matter what their political strips may be, in a mild, pla- tonicsort of way, commend the descendant of the Capets for coming down from the sublime atmosphere of generalities and enunciating clearly and distinetly his political creed. ‘They approve his pluck in throwing over- board once for all the fiction of divine right, but feel convinced that henceforth the return of any kind of amonarehy to France Is a mere idle dream, Under the Rouvier minis- try the royalists aud imperialists found a sort of modus vivendi, a sort of truce with the republic, and for the Comte de Paris to launch his thundsarbolt at the present time seems pretty good proof that he himsolf and his reactionary advisers felt that this truce mightbecome a lasting peace, thereby de- stroying forever any chanca of monarchial restoration. 4 WIIAT THE NEWSPAPERS 8AY, ‘The manifesto has certainly been a perfect Godsend to the Paris newspapers. Column after column of leading articles appear day atter day. The Figaro says: he act that the representative Qi gponarchy has just ac- complished iy perhaps the most importat one in our history since the French revolution,for the charters of 1840 and 1830 were only in- tended to organize the purely representative machinery of government, but the pro- gramme of the 15th of September embraces a wider horizon and alms at an entire reorgan- ization of society. M. Comto de Paris, after studying the conditions of modern liie in the Uuited States and England, exposes with a loyalty equal to his courage, the entire me- chanism and details of his future government, The republic, now more than ever impotent, with an army ready to face any foreign enemy—as General Broart now says it is— with an army ready to quell any Insurrection at home and with a worthy heir to a role of kings on the throne, KFrance wonld again ariso from the ashes and regain possession of herself.” Paul Cuassagnae, in Autorite, almost goes down on Ins knees in admiration of the Comte do Paris for advoeating the cloak of fmperialism and the plebiscite. He con- cludes the article in Autorite in the following words: *‘Royalty is blended with tmperial- ism. ‘Ihat which everybody believed impos- sible is now reality. This is the most terri- ble blow the republic has ever yet received. It will never recover from it.” The Republican, Paris, Comte de Paris names nimself of and tirst servant of Kranca. It will soon bo proved that the Comte de Paris will never be the king of anybody, and as to becoming the tirst servant of Franc the nation will never forget that he was in the hour of the utmost need here the first creditor.” Justice scoffs at the manifesto and says France is never troubled with a lack of doctors to propose remedies for her griev- ances. emps says: *‘eertainly not this manifesto can imperial republi institutions.” The ever-conservative Debsts says: “Af- ter a careful examination, of the manifesto, our opinion remains unshaken that the re- publie is the sole government that permits Franceto protect her interests and struggle for her weltare without requiring forgettulness of prineiples ana a sacrifice of dignity.” MOBILIZATION A But what is of far more real importance than the discussion about the Comte de aris is, as was foretold in the Hevald a fortnight ago, that the success of the mobilization has aised the spirits of the nation into a seventh heaven of self-confidence, *“Revanche” is now on Frenchmen’s tongues as well as in their hearts, In the banquet in General Breart's honor *‘revanche” was tha thems of the hour. Itisalso widely mented upon that the Comte de Paris carefully avoids meeting Bisi accusation that Orlean- ism means war. Doliticians of all shades, with whom I have talked, are unanimous in prophecying that as soon as the chambers meetthe Rouvier cabinet will give place to a ministry of republican concentration, with men in like Floguet and Freyeinet, A CUriticlsm of the Comte, [Copyright 155 o8 Gordon Bennett,) PAnis, Sept. 17. w York Herald Ca- ble—8peclal to the B The evolution- ist. the London Times, after the extraor- dinary Thursday’s 1ssue, came out a treinen- dous lender praising the Comte de Paris manifesto to the skies. ‘The fotlowing day the Times publishes from its distinguished Parisian correspondent, Keep, a clear- sighted dispateh, describing exactly the situation and revealing with a master hand the fatal mistake the Comte has made in writing the manifesto. In this single dis- pateh Monsieur de DBlowitz justities his world-wide reputation as the king of foreign correspondents. Ilis cable returned here to-day and attracted comment everywhere It 15 as follows: *“I'ne manifesto of the Comte de Paris Is the almost exelusive topic of discussion, but, curiously enough, it has made a greater impression abroad than in France, judging by a telegram from the proviuees. Sowe papers remaik that the “The king says: manifesto explains the banishment of the Comte de I'aris, but the fact I8 {the very reverse, The banishment explains the mane ifesto. Ilad he been on Irench soil and taken account of the present situation, had he breathed the political atmosphero of the county, the prince would never have written it No moment scems less ovportune fop such an assertion of his claims than the mor- row of the mobilization experiment, of which the whole of Franee is so proud and the credit of which devolves on a republican government, A manifesto denying the government all virtue and abile ity appears unjust to an Immense majority of the nation and this alone proves it was drawn up abroad and will produce the most Imression abroad, where it is least scandalizing. To be opportune it should haye appeared in the midst of the last minis= terial erisis. When the republicans of France scem doomed to fmpotence and sterility is when monarchial stas bility might have been contracted with constant and dangerous fluctnations. ‘This, however, Is cruel and infallible. 1n consequence of exile at a distance events arq not judged at their real value, Never, tooy Was the wanifesto less foreseen, On tho 31s{ of May, only three months ago, France seemed on the brink of a catastrophe. Shd emed aborit to choose a government whosa PIOEramme was war avroad, at home separa< tion of church and state and a progressiv fncome tax, communal anarehy and all theod ries threatening lite and property. The ate titude of the conservative party warded of these dangers. Those who had seen llwl§ and beheld the escape felt admiration fo this patriotic act, It entered nobody’s head’ that the conservatives aimed at any rewara other than the consciousness of ing served the country well. o reasons which dictated or appoared to dictate their conduct have not disappeared, The manifesto now suddenly stops what wag' believed to be the patriotic action of the con=, servatiy The truce is atan end. The cons flict recommences. The monarchy openly plants its flag in the face of the republie, I¢ rejects all comproraisa with the republicans,’ that is to say the immonse majority of France are treated as a faction and that in= mense the minority are treated as having usurped the unprescriptivle right of royalty. T'he present cabinet had declared that it was & government of combat, but the monarchy picks up the weapon dropped by the Rouvier ministry and constitutes itself a governmens of combat at overy time, when It was bos lieved to have at least temporarily shelved its claims for the sake of peace. Allthis is the effect of exile. ‘The friends of ° the Comte de Paris had told him that the Bonapartists were divided and disorganizedy that the moderate republicans were dis=- gusted; that the royalists had agreed to a truce out of discouragement, faneying them~ selves tied to a chief without boldness or en~ terprise. Thercupon he created a republican Ciesarian monarchy, explained in his mani= festo. He had thus revived the courage and confidence of the royalists, offered a plebj= scite to the imperialists and universal suffrago to the democrats and constructed o form of government affecting a new shape though of old materials, in which divine right was merged in national will and royal prerogatives are tempered by popular con= sent. This theoretical conception is fresh proof of its author's acute intellls gence and as a historic doecument the manfesto will be & legitimate source of pride to lis friends. It bespenks ex- ceptional historic culture and an ardent de- sire to insure his country’s welfare. The horeor, illegality, violouce and energy of will which gains in strength and makes respect for the law still more meritorious demons< strates In short that the prince would be the best of kings If France were lmbued with & desire te placo him on the turone. These qualitics, however, have led him to dispose of the sucred Inleritanca which he has no right to dispose of, the monarchial principle of which he is the de< pository and which he has constantly pros claimed to be patrimony. ‘The uation 13 ind’ comparable with the modern ideas intros duced by him into it and scarcely acted in plenitude of his rights by sacrificing by a stroke of the pen the traditions of a thousand years which he claims for himself at the very time' of sacrificing them to facilitate his restoras tion. As to the elfcet of the manifesto it certainly will not hasten by an hour the return of monarchy, It will be a sealed book for the mass of the nation and will simply give the extremists a plea for impelling the republic to violent course, The Funeral of Shinnick, Dunt Sept. 17.—[New York Herald Cable—|Special to the Bik The Herald Is indebted to a representative of the Frecman’s Journal who has just returned from Mitch~ ellstown for the following notes of his visit: ‘The boy Casey lies dead in the hospital not far from the postoflice, not far from which is situated the Kiugstort Arms hotel, which has been turued luto temporary police barracks, and between the barracks and postoflice Is the lane In which Casey’s father and mother live. Under such circumstances It is that the whole neighborhood resounds with the' revelry of men who, to say the least of it, killed Casey and two others on Friday last. There was music and shouting and loud iaughter and what sounded like duncing. Shinnick’s funeral, from the time the pro- cession left Mitenellstown until it reached the graveyard, was undoubtedly, with the ex- ception of the city demonstration, the larzest witnessed in Tre< land. As the cortege left Mitchells- town, headed by several clergymen from surrounding parishes and brass bands from moy and Mitehellstown with furled ban- ners and playing the dead mareh, it certainly was an unposing sight, but as it aporoae ¢, the native place of poor Shinn immense proportions, At se places on the road contingents joined, en= larging the already long train of vehicles and horsemen. At Kilworth Mills the Rathe cornac contingent, headed by Rev, J, Greene, composed of about 150 cars and 200 men, stood in line by the roadside, producing the most striking eifect s they awaited an op- portanity for talling in line. From thence to Fermo A distance of more than a mile, the road was lined with people in ears and on foot until at Barry’s Cross over two hun- dred men were dr ), four deep, headed by the Young Ireiand society. ‘This large t from this point marchied after the and as it approachied the town was 1y inereased, At the railway station the coftin, which was LITERALLY T4 WITI PLOWERS, was taken from the hearse and borne throuch the streets by the members of the Young Ircland soclety, the bands alternately playing the dead iuarch, ‘The scene wit= nessed here was one which can never b forgotten by anyone who saw it. The side- walks were donsely packed, windows were filled, and as the coftin passed through the expressions of regret and sympathy were affecting in the extreme, while the order preserved was remarkable. Passing over Blackwater bridge to the square extraordin- nuinbers had assembled. Every door in the town was closed, the ehutters were up and the blinds arawn, while every head was uncovered, Here was testified the true feels g ot the people, whio numbered about 5000 exclusive of thosé who ‘Were o the cars, he hag