Rensselaer Republican, Volume 22, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 December 1889 — CHICAGO'S BIG BUILDING. [ARTICLE]

CHICAGO'S BIG BUILDING.

The Chicago Auditorium, the largest operatic structure in the world, was for, mally dedicated Monday evening. The audience was large and brilliant. Many distinguished people were present, including the President and V.ce Paesident of the United States. President>Harrison Ladies and Gentlemen—Some of my newspaper friends have been puzzling themselves in order to discover the reason why I had left Washington to be present here to-night. Ido not think I need, in view of the magnificent spectacle presented here to-night, to state the motives which have impelled my presence. Sure’y no loyal citizenof Chicago who sits here ; to-night under this witching and magnifl’cent scene will ask for any other reason ithan that which is here presented. [Applause. I do most heartily congratulate •you upon the completion and inauguration of this magnificent building—without an [equal in this country, and so far as j [know without an equal in the world. [Applause.] We have here about us to-night in this magnifleeut architecture, in this tasteful decoration, that which is an education and inspiration. [Applause.] It might well tempt one whose surroundings iwere much farther removed from this [scene than is the capital city, to make a llonger journey than I have done, to stand [for an hour in the view of such a spectacle [of magnificence and the grandeur and architectural triumph as this [great applause], and if that be true, surely there is reason enough why the President may turn aside for a little while from puulio |duty to mingle with the aitizens in celeIbrating an event so high and so worthy of 'commemoration as this triumph to-night.' • Not a speech—certainly not the careless words of an extemporaneous speech—can [adequately express alt the sentiments I ‘feel in contemplating the fitting culmination of this deed. [Applause.] Only then voice of the immortal singer can bring from these arches those echoes which will [tell us the true secrets and architectural Itriumphs of their construction. [Applause.] You will permit me to thank you, ito thank the Mayor, to thank tho president of this association, and to thank All those good citizens with whom I have | to-day been brought in personal contact tfor that kindness and respect with which you and they have received me, and you .will permit me to thank you, my fellowcitizens, for the cordiality which you have kindly displayed here to-night, Sit is my wish, and it may be the wish of 1, that this great building may continue [to be to all your population that which it should be—an edifice opening Its doors, from night to night, calling young people here away from the cares of business to those of enjoyments and pursuits and entertainments which develop the souls of men [Applause]. It is an hour to inspirethose whose minds are heavy with daily toil, and in this magnificence an enchanted; presence to lift them for a time out of’ these dull things into those higher things, where men should live” [great applause].; Adelina Patti sang “Home Sweet Home.” 1 Gov. Fifer delivered the dedicatory ad dress. i