The Portland daily press., 1864-02-24
Celebration OF washington,s Birthday.


Celebration of Washington's Birthday.
The Young Mems Christian Association of
this city, for the purpose of affording an op-
portunity for giving expression to feelings of
respect for the memory Of him who "was first
in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts OF
his countrymen," and at the same time con-
tribute something to aid the Christian Com
mission in carrying on its phanthropic and
patriotic movements, held meeting at New
City Hall on Monday evening. The announce
ment that Gen. Burnside would be present,
and, in connection with Rev. DIR. Neale of
Boston, would address the meeting, was suf-
ficient to oil the hall to its utmost capacity.
Long before the hour appointed for the meet
ng to commence, every seat was occupied,
and still the tide of humanity was crowding
in, determined to get sight of the brave and
devoted general who has SO faithfully served
his country.
At little past seven o'clock, in company
with members of his staff, DIR. Neale of Bos-
ton, and other distinguished gentlemen, Gen.
Burnside entered the hall, preceded by the
President of the Y. NJ. C. Association, the
Band blaying "Hail to the Chief" The en-
tire audience arose and greeted him with the
most enthusiastic demonstrations. When the
furore of excitement the waving Of handker
chiefs, and throwing up of hats had subsidized
Mr. T. r. Hayes announced the object of the
meeting, in short and appropriate speech,
calling to recollection the services of the hon
ored guest whom they had so rapturously
greeted. After singing hymn appropriate
to the occasion, a fervent prayer was offered
by Rev. Mr.. Clark, of this city. Gen. Burn
side was then introduced to the audience,
and was greeted with rounds of applause, long
continued. As soon as the excitement abat-
ed, he commenced by stating that speech
making was no part of his business. He APP
peared there in compliance with an invita-
ton of the committee of the Young Mems
Christian Association, and if his presence
should contribute to the funds of an organiza-
ton that was doing SO much for the soldier,
he was abundantly rewarded. He spoke of
the invaluable services OF the agents of the
Christian Commission, and his readiness to
aid them to the fullest extent any position he
might occupy gave him an opportunity of do
ing. He spoke of the obligations we were I'M
der to the private soldiers-that while they
get but little Of the glory of a victory, to
them to great extent, does the credit belong.
He said while officers, prominent in command,
were received with demonstrations of re-
spect, and their praise might be upon every
tongue, the private soldier must be prompted
solely by the consciousness Of doing some
thing to restore the country to its wonted
peace and prosperity. He paid noble tribute
to the memory of those who have fallen and
been buried In one common grave, with no
tombstone 10 mark their resting place. He
expressed full confidence in. the same over
ruling Providence on which the illustrious
Washington, whose memory they had met to
celebrate, so confidently relied, whose pow
er was singularly displayed in behalf of our
fathers in their darkest hour. He believed
the same Providence was moving in mystic
rious way to change the condition of a large
class OF our fellow beings, and to make us
free and united people Gen. B. did not men
ton slavery, but intimated that the present
war was doing work in the restoration of
the rights of the slave that no other human
agency could do. Gen. B. retired from the
stand amid a perfect storm of applause.
Rev. DIR. Neale of Boston, made an earnest
and eloquent appeal in behalf of the Christian
Commission, giving an account of its opera
tions and the glorious results that had attend
ed the selfsacrifcing labors of its agents. He
gave many striking and affecting illustrations
of the advantage to the soldier of this system
attic manner Of attending to the physical and
spiritual needs Of the sick and wounded SOL
der. DR.. Neale was followed by Mr.. Story OF
Boston, Treasurer of the New England branch
OF the Commission, giving an account of what
he had seen and heard while on recent visit
to the army of the Potomac. He gave thrill
ing account of the last hours of many. brave
men who died far away from kindred and
friends, but who found, in the agents of the
Christian Commission, those who were to them
fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters He
spoke in the highest terms of the labors of
Rev. Mr.. Halves, of Waterville, Rev. Mr. Ten
ney of Norridgwock, and some others from
Maine, whom he met in his visit to the army
Mr.. Story is an earnest and eloquent speaker,
and his whole soul appears to be in this
work.
1t was announced that Col. b. F. Taylor Of
East Tennessee, who was on his way to Au-
gusta to address the Legislature, was in the
Hall. Gen. Burnside said he knew COL Tay-
lor well-that he was an earnest selfsacrifcing
and unwavering friend of the Union-that he
shad been aloyal man in disloyal State, when
to be loyal costs a man something. Ex-Gov.
ashburn said he remembered welt when Col.
Taylor stood up almost alone as a Southern
man, in opposition to the repeal of the Mis-
souri, compromise. His remarks in reference
to COL Taylor's position ON various questions,
while he was member of Congress from East
Tennessee, were made in his usual earnest and
eloquent manner and were received with APP
plause.
Col. Taylor was then introduced, and al
though 1t was past the usual hour of closing,
he held the undivided attention OF the audi
ence for more than an hour Such thrilling
eioquence and soul stirring language we have
seldom listened to. He gave an account of the
position East Tennessee had occupied for wear.
before the war, stating that large majority
OF the people of that section of the State were
to-day, and had ever been, truly loyal men.
He refereed to the sacrifices they had made.
and their present destitute condition. He said