CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, IN THE HALL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, ST. PAUL, MINN.. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1899.

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY ADDRESSES.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

The meeting in the afternoon, at half past two o'clock, was opened by Hon. Henry L. Moss, chairman of the Anniversary Committee, who said:

Ladies and Gentlemen: Fifty years ago, on November 15th, 1849, the Minnesota Historical Society was organized under an act of the legislature of the Territory at its first session, which received the approval of Governor Ramsey on October 20th, 1849. To-day we have with us, as the present president of the society, that first Governor of the Territory of Minnesota, and I have the pleasure of now asking him to take his seat and preside on this occasion.

As Governor Ramsey stepped forward, he was greeted with great and prolonged applause. The order of the program was then taken up, including the following invocation and addresses.

INVOCATION.

BY REV. ROBERT FORBES, D. D.

ence.

Almighty God, our Father, we bow reverently in Thy presWe draw nigh unto Thee. We come with reverence that Thou art the great and mighty God. We approach with filial confidence because Thou art our Father. We render thanks unto Thee that in the order of Thy providence we are permitted to assemble in this place. We remember that every good and perfect gift cometh from Thine hand, and we thank Thee for all that life is and all that it means to us. We give thanks unto God for all the beautiful sights that please the