"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 purpose 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 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 its builder, and declare it dedicated from this time forth to the immortal name and memory of George Washington."
The proceedings occurred in the presence of a great concourse of citizens and visitors from all parts of the country. The day was clear and cold, and a light fall of snow covered the earth.
The procession to the Capitol, comprising a military escort, embracing the regular forces of the Army and Navy and visiting military bodies and a civic division, under command of Lieut.-Gen. P. H. Sheridan, marshal of the day, was imposing.
The proceedings arranged in the hall of the House of Representatives occurred in the presence of the President of the United States and his Cabinet, the assembled Congress, the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States, Governors of States, Foreign Ambassadors and Ministers, official heads in the Departments of the Government, municipal officers of Washington, judges, distinguished officers of the Army and Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Militia, scientists, journalists, scholars of distinction, and many other invited guests of prominence. Among those present were descendants of the family of Washington, and of his friends and neighbors.
Prayer was offered by the Rev. S. A. Wallis, of Pohick Church, near Mount Vernon, Va. An oration by Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, of Massachusetts, was read by Hon. John D. Long, a Representative from Massachusetts. Music by the United States marine band was followed by an eloquent oration by the Hon, John W. Daniel, of Virginia.
The benediction was pronounced by the Rev. John A. Lindsay, Chaplain of the House of Representatives.
The resolution of Congress of 1799 was at last fulfilled. The efforts of the Washington National Monument Society were realized, and the American people beheld the consummation of their desire—a great National Monument erected at the seat of the Federal Government to the name and memory of George Washington.
A provision in the sundry civil bill, approved October 2, 1888, dissolved the Joint Commission, and placed the Monument "in the custody, care, and protection" of the Secretary of War, and "continued" the Washington National Monument Society "with the same powers as provided in the act of August 2, 1876, creating the Joint Commission."