d fell on Sunday), 1885. The address of the venerable W.W.
Corcoran, first vice-president of the Washington Monument Society,
formed in 1833, was read by Dr. J.C. Welling, president of Columbia
University, and the ceremonies were of an interesting character. The
Masonic services were conducted by the Grand Lodge of the District of
Columbia, which used the gavel that Washington had employed in laying
the corner-stone of the national capitol, September 18, 1793, while the
Bible was the one upon which he took his vows when made a Mason. A
second Bible was the one upon which he was sworn into office, April 30,
1789, when inaugurated President of the United States. This relic is now
the property of St. John Lodge, No. 1, of New York City.

[Illustration: THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C.]

President Arthur's address was as follows:

"FELLOW-COUNTRYMEN: Before the dawn of the century whose eventful
years will soon have faded into the past--when death had but lately
robbed the republic of its most beloved and illustrious citizen--the
Congress of the United States pledged the faith of the nation that in
this city, bearing his honored name, and then, as now, the seat of
the general government, a monument should be erected 'to commemorate
the great events of his military and political life.'

"The stately column that stretches heavenward from the plain whereon
we stand bears witness to all who behold it that the covenant which
our fathers made their children have fulfilled. In the completion of
this great work of patriotic endeavor there is abundant cause for
national rejoicing; for while this structure shall endure it shall be
to all mankind a steadfast token of the affectionate and reverent
regard in which this people continue to hold the memory of
Washington. Well may he ever keep the foremost place in the hearts of
his countrymen; the faith that never faltered; the wisdom that was
broader and deeper than any learning taught in schools; the courage
that shrank from no peril and was dismayed by no defeat; the loyalty
that kept all selfish purposes subordinate to the demands of
patriotism and honor; the sagacity that displayed itself in camp and
cabinet alike; and, above all, that harmonious union of moral and
intellectual qualities which has never found its parallel among men;
these are the attributes of character which the intelligent thought
of