Every year new occasions arise that point to a new order of celebrations.
Until recently there were no centennial celebrations. Once inaugurated
these suggested semi-centennial and quarter-century ones, and as the
country advanced in years there came the bi-centennial and ter-centennial.
And the attention of the civilized globe was called to our
fourth-centennial by the unrivalled and wonderful display at the World's
Exhibition in Chicago.
In this chapter are given outlines of a miscellaneous character, some
original and some selected.
OUTLINE OF CHAUNCEY M. DEPEW'S ADDRESS AT THE CENTENNIAL OF CAPTURE OF
ANDRÉ
This is a good model for the semi-centennial or centennial of any noted
event.
Being in the open air the speaker referred to the grand scenery, almost the
same as one hundred years before.
Effect on the nation's heart of such Revolutionary commemorations.
Small events influence the currents of history. Thermopylæ and its 300;
_the three plain farmers who preserved American liberty_.
The orator then sketched compactly but vividly the critical situation of
1780, and tells at length the story of Arnold's treason, its frustration
by the capture of André and his pathetic fate. This "one romance of
the Revolution" is a thrilling tale, and all adornment is given to it.
The account of the struggle to save André's life gives the interest of
controversy, as does the defense of Washington's course. The anecdote and
the illustrative parallel are both supplied by the case of Captain Nathan
Hale, executed by the English as an American spy. The address closes with a
fitting tribute to André's three captors, whose modest monument marked the
spot, and a very effective quotation of William of Orange's heroic oath at
his coronation, "I will maintain."
OUTLINE OF SPEECH BY GOVERNOR FORAKER AT THE DEDICATION OF OHIO'S MONUMENT
TO THE ANDREWS RAIDERS, AT CHATTANOOGA
Why this monument and this dedication. The story of the raid, the suffering
of the raiders, and heroism of those who died.
The controversial part covered two points--the military value of the raid,
and the manner in which the raiders had been treated by the enemy while
prisoners.
The illustrative setting was the historic background of Chattanooga and the
contrasts of war and peace.
OUTLINE OF ADDRESS BY CHAUNCEY M. DEPEW AT DINNER ON THE 70TH BIRTHDAY OF
JOHN JAY
Not on the programme--pleasantry with Mr. Choate (President) about his
railroad fees. Mr. Choate wants it made the rule for all ex-presidents
of the club to have a dinner on their 70th birthday. This will help them
to live at least that long, as Gladstone and Bismarck, when they had an
object, have lived on in spite of the doctors!
Depew, a native of the same county as three generations of Jays. Services
of the Revolutionary Jay.
_The Anecdote_.--General Sherman yesterday told a beautiful young
girl--Generals always interested in beautiful young girls--that he would be
willing to throw away all he was doing or had done to start at her time of
life again. But the nation could not permit that, nor could it in the case
of John Jay--closing words of tribute and esteem to the guest of the
evening.
OUTLINE OF ADDRESS BY CHAUNCEY M. DEPEW AT THE RECEPTION TO HENRY M.
STANLEY BY THE LOTUS CLUB
The speaker jests about his own locks whitened by the cares of railroading,
and the raven hair of the reporters--where do they get their dye?
Stanley's lecture fee, $250.--Lotus Club gets one for only the price of a
dinner!
Stanley a great artist in his descriptions as well as a great traveler.
Americans a nation of travelers.--This makes railroads prosperous! What
some reporters have done.
The motive makes heroism.--Livingstone the missionary--his rescue by
Stanley.
The civilized Africa of the future with Stanley for its Columbus.