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From Hartford Daily Courant, August 8, 1901,
p. 10
MARK TWAIN'S LATEST SPEECH.
It Was at a Religious Ceremony in Massachusetts.
(New Bedford Standard, Tuesday.)
From Fairhaven and New Bedford people gathered in the former place yesterday
afternoon to witness and take part in the exercises attendant on the laying
of the cornerstone of the new Unitarian church which Henry H. Rogers so
many times the benefactor of the town, is building as a memorial to his
mother, Mrs. Mary Rogers.
* * *
The opening number was Dudley Buck's Te Deum in B minor, sung by the
choir, with Alton B. Paull as accompaniest. Rev. William Brunton offered
the invocation. Mr. Savage read a number of selections from the Scriptures.
The hymn, "I Love Thy Church, O God," was then sung by the congregation.
After Mr. Rogers had laid the bed of mortar for the stone, and the copper
box had been covered with the slab, Rev. William Brunton placed the Bible
on the stone. Later the children of the Unitarian Sunday School marched
from their front seats and as they passed the cornerstone, each deposited
a bunch of flowers on it.
Mr. Rogers said, after he had seen the corner stone lowered in its place:
"I have a friend who has always been willing to say a good word about
me, and I ask him to-day to say a good word for me, or, rather, in my
stead. Will you please listen to my friend, Samuel L. Clemens."
Mr. Clemens spoke as follows: --
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"You have heard the commission that has been just granted
me by Mr. Rogers. The sanctions of an old and intimate friendship
give me large liberty in speaking about him, but I noted his language,
and I am not to speak about him, but for him. Those terms are significant
and I will abide by the limit of my instructions. If I were allowed
to speak about him, I could unfold a character. I could say a thousand
good words for him, and get your acquiescence. If he would allow
me to speak about him, I could go on indefinitely, and yet going
on say things that would gratify you as much as they would confuse
him. But I am a generous man, and I know myself what it costs to
be praised for generosity. I will spare him.
"If I had the privilege that has been denied me, then I would
call attention to the fact that when his birthplace seemed to need
something, a library, well paved streets, good water to drink, a
town house in which to hold meetings, the inspiration went forth
from the people and he built these. The town deserves first credit,
and then we should thank him. Since he has looked so generously
to the material needs of the town, it is proper and meet that he
turn attention to the spiritual; hence this memorial. If I read
my commission correctly, I was told in particularized terms to speak
for him. I will suggest that if anything further is needed in Fairhaven
in the way of buildings, refer it to me. I will see to it that the
buildings are put up. I have now spoken for Mr. Rogers, and I have
said what I would have said about him if I had been allowed.
"I have no apologies to offer for being here. I am permitted
to take part in these ceremonies through my friendship for Mr. Rogers.
I had an acquaintanceship with his mother through my several visits
to Fairhaven when I became acquainted with his good work, and I
hope to keep on coming until he has finished the town. Yes, I knew
her, her genial spirit and nice sense of humor, which were transmitted
to her son. I am glad to join in the homage expressed here by this
memorial of a faithful son to a revered mother."
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