A memorable event in the history of Indiana was the laying of the corner-stone of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument at Indianapolis on August 22, 1889. The Board of Commissioners for the erection of the monument--under whose supervision the attendant exercises were conducted--comprised: George J. Langsdale, of Greencastle, President; Geo. W. Johnston, of Indianapolis, Secretary; T. W. Bennett, of Richmond; S. B. Voyles, of Salem; and D. C. McCollum, of La Porte.
President Harrison and his party were honored guests on the occasion; he was accompanied by Secretary Jeremiah M. Rusk, Attorney-General W. H. H. Miller, Private Secretary E. W. Halford, Capt. William M. Meredith, Marshal Daniel M. Ransdell, and General Thomas J. Morgan.
At College Corner, on the Indiana border, the President was met by Gov. Alvin P. Hovey, Mayor Caleb S. Denny, Hon. William H. English, William Scott, John P. Frenzel, Robert S. McKee, J. A. Wildman, Albert Gall, Dr. Henry Jameson, and others, comprising an honorary escort committee. Governor Hovey welcomed the President to Indiana in a brief, cordial address, to which President Harrison responded:
I thank the Governor for this larger welcome extended as Governor on the part of the people of the whole State. You have well said that the people of Indiana have been kind to me, and if, when my public career is ended, I can return to you the happy possessor of your respect and good-will, I shall not leave public office with regret.
Arriving at Indianapolis on the evening of the 21st, the President was formally waited upon by the Monument Commissioners and Board of Trade Reception Committee. General James R. Carnahan, on behalf of the Commissioners, and George G. Tanner, President of the Board of Trade, warmly welcomed him.
To their addresses President Harrison replied:
_Gentlemen of the Committees and Friends_--I scarcely know how to convey to you my deep impressions at this cordial welcome back to Indianapolis. I cannot hope to do it. I have been deeply touched by this generous and courteous reception. It was not my expectation when I left Indianapolis a few months ago, under so serious a sense of my responsibilities, that I would return again so soon to my home. But this occasion was one which I could not well be absent from. It is one that should enlist to a degree that nothing else can do our patriotic interests and State pride. It is true, as General Carnahan has said, that I took an early interest in this movement. I felt that until this monument was built, until its top-stone was laid, and its voice had been heard by the people of this State in expressive speech, we had not done that for our soldier dead which we should, and that we had neglected those who died for us. I am glad, therefore, to be present and see this monument started. I reverently rejoice with you on this occasion, and hail the work which these commissioners have so wisely and magnificently begun.