Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-09-13

We trust that it will not add to the state
of aggrdvation (fast becoming chronic) in
which the Sentinel keeps itself, if we suggest
| to its cultivated editor, that a consultation
| Of his Worcester will show that one of the
meanings OF grand" is principal, and that
consequently one may speak of a grand tytal,
a grand jury, or grand result" without
necessarily exhibiting thereby any particular
elation. In point of fact we have neither
felt or expressed any especial exultatiou in
view Of the State election. 1t was exactly
what we expected. There were Republicans
enough who perceived that the cries of Gun
ion and harmony" of the No Party wire
puliers meant in reality dscord and disor-
spite Of al opposition, by majority falling
little short of tie old figures, if party cor
test had been desirable or necessary But
such contest was not needed Real har-
mony aud union was secured in the only way
it could have been. Tho masses of all parties
were content with the republican candidates.
Accordingly they voted them in by major
ity. which, though the Sentinel somehow
seems to think We have no business to men
ton it. we shall probably have occasion to
ailude to again, and may even have to in
crease the figures which represent it.
On Thursday last the Sheriff Of Orange
CON- Y, administered the oath of allegiance
to the cadets at West Point The scene is
described as follows by writer in the E1.
press
At eleven O'Clock, the whole body of cadets
marched from camp and were drawn up in line in
front of the chapel. A temporary desk was placed
in front of the altar at which gentleman-tbe
sheriff # the county, l think-stood ready to ad-
minister the military oath, which was to test the
loyalty Of the academy.
A large bible lay on the desk before him, an /
drapery falling from beneath it to the foor, rend-
cred his position somewhat imposing. The cadets
into the chapel in companies of four
Each detachment Of cadets as it came up, formed
a crescent around tie desk. IhoD four firm IN
eIoyeI hands laid upon the Bible, and the
oath was read by the sheriff in a clear, solemn
voice, nat ranS lmPoslhSiy through the tWlhgnt
Of til chapel.
The cifcers Of cadets had all taken this oath,
and two or three groups came in from the ranks,
all giving in a hear.y adhesion TO the United
states when company OF four came up, three
placing their hands the Bible. But oae-a
dIrk-eyed, dark-haired and heayy-featurei young
man drew back and b. gesture refused the oath
There not one in the chapel, L do behave, |
who did not holds breath in suspense. The sheriff |
looked anxious, the officers little surprised.
Do you wish to affirm Is It the form Of swear
ing which you desire changed? questioned he /
Sheriff.
81 do uot wish to take that oath at all" was
the reply.
The Sheriff bent his head gravely and the other
young men completed the oath of feslty. When
the party went up to the officers table to register
their names, this young man. who had faltered so
early IN his path of honor, was moved aside and |
passed forth alone,a the audience breathed with
more freedom after he had gone.
After this another younger and of more |
generous bearing, stepped back from the honor |
able rank Of his companions and with q flushed |
brow followed the man who had gone before. |
These two were all--thc rest took the oath with /
hearty earnestness. The names OF these two /
young wcn were John C. Singleton and William |
W. Dunlap, one from Kentucky, the other from |
Missouri.