this century ascribes to the grandest figure of the last.

"But other and more eloquent lips than mine will to-day rehearse to
you the story of his noble life and its glorious achievements. To
myself has been assigned a simpler and more formal duty, in
fulfillment of which I do now, as President of the United States and
in behalf of the people, receive this monument from the hands of the
builder, and declare it dedicated from this time forth to the
immortal name and memory of George Washington."

The ceremonies at the monument being completed, those within the capitol
followed. General Sheridan was in charge of the military, and the
oration of Robert C. Winthrop, who was kept away by illness, was read by
Governor Long. John W. Daniel, a leading soldier on the side of the
Confederacy during the Civil War and afterward a member of Congress from
Virginia, delivered a graphic sketch of Washington, and closed with the
eloquent peroration:

"Long live the republic of Washington! Respected by mankind, beloved
by all its sons, long may it be the asylum of the poor and oppressed
of all lands and religions--long may it be the citadel of that
liberty which writes beneath the eagle's folded wings: 'We will sell
to no man, we will deny to no man right and justice.'

"Long live the United States of America! Filled with the free,
magnanimous spirit, crowned by the wisdom, blessed by the moderation,
hovered over by the guardian angel of Washington's example, may they
ever be worthy in all things to be defended by the blood of the brave
who knew the rights of man--may they each be a column, and all
together, under the Constitution, a perpetual temple of peace,
unshadowed by a Caesar's palace, at whose altar may freely commune all
who seek the union of liberty and brotherhood.

"Long live our country! Oh, long through the undying ages may it
stand, far removed in fact, as in space, from the Old World's feuds
and follies--solitary and alone in its grandeur and glory--itself the
immortal monument of him whom Providence commissioned to teach man
the power of truth, and to prove to the nations that their Redeemer
liveth."

It is worth noting that the Washington Monument with its 555 feet is the
highest in the world; the Cathedral at Cologne, 511 feet, is next; while
the height of the Great Pyramid is 486 feet. The cap-stone was put in
position December 6, 18