The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1867-09-18
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MIDNIGHT REPORT.
ANTIETAM DEDICATION.
Krrnysr111r Sent

KKEDYsylLLE, Sept. II.
The dedication Of the Antietam National
Cemetery took place to-day. Military and
Masonic parties escorted the President and
party to the cemetery, where there was an
immense throng of people. The exercises
opened by prayer.
Gov. Swami, on assuming the chair, tens
dered welcome to the President and Gov.
ernors of other States, who came to participate
in the ceremonies. After alludng to the
part taken by Maryland in establishing the
cemetery, he said We are here in the calm
sunshine to mingle our tears with the surv.
vors of those who sacrificed their lives for
their country. He invoked the Almighty to
speedily restore harmony TO the whole coun-
try.
A hymn was sung by the assemblage, after
which the corner stone of the monument was
laid by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge
Of Masons Of Maryland.
An Grafton was then delivered by OK Gov.
Bradford. After referring to the distin-
guished persons present, he stated that in re
sponse to the vote of thanks of Maryland to
the army for protecting the State from rebels.
the commander Of that army committed the
remains of those who fell 10 the care OF the
State. The details of the action taken J
Maryland in the matter was given by the Of
ator. The number engaged on the field of
Antietam on the Union side was 81. 1874, while
the rebel force was estimated at 81 900. The
previous campaigns Ct the army were referred
to, and the anxiety Of the public mind was
depicted BY the disasters to the army under
Pope, its shattered condition, its reorganiz, i.
ton by Mcclellan, and the victory won over
the confident hosts Of the rebellion by that
reorganized army, were dwelt on at great
| length, with many correlative facts and cir>
cumstances He concluded by invoking sd-
| herenee to the Constitution, and said, come
peril to it from whence it may, from State
rights or consolidation, let me on the ami
versary of its adoption, in the name Of the
men who made it, by the memory Of the men
| who have died for it, on this spot, where
blood has been so profusedly shed in its be.
| half, appeal to you to preserve, protect and
| defend it.
| The poem was extdelivered. and remarks
| followed from President johnson and others,
| after which the services closed with . bene-
diction, and the President and party were es-
corted to the station.
Salutes were fred at sunrise, during the
procession, and at the close. Everything
passed of we'll.
| President johnson, in the course Of his
brief speech said: am merely here to give
l
| this occasion, but must be permitted TO ex-
press my hope that we may follow the exams
pie which has been 80 eloquently alluded to
this afternoon and which has been SO clearly
set BY the illnstrious dead. When we look
on yon battle field, and think of the brave
men on both sides who fell in the fierce strue-
| gle Of battle, aud who sleep silently in their
graves, yes, who sleep in silenes and peace
after the earnest conflict has ceased, would
to God We Of the living could initiate their
example, as they lie sleepinglin their tombs,
and live together in friendship and peace.
You, my fellow citizens, have my earnes,
wishes, A. you have had my efforts in times
gone by. TO save the Union OF these States
and restore peace and harmony to our dis.
trac,ed and divided country, and you shall
have my last efforts in vindicstion Of the flag
of the Republic and Constitution Of on,
fathers. {Applause.)