The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1868-07-13
,be ,.ppas..ksr. tao sereassst metropolis Of

imposing cuinCc' III al opp
niche is an unique and costly tablet,
upon which is inscribed, in imperisha-
BILE thoughts, tribute Of praise, dedi-
Gated to the chief architect aud master
builder. 1t asks-would you know the
deeds which should render his name
immortal' Look around and above
and behold this grand, majestic struc-
ture-the conception of his master mind
and the workmanship of his mechanical
hands, So, said he, would you know
the deeds of daring and Of patriotic
chivalry performed by these fallen he
roes, which ought to render their names
imperishable and their fame immortal
Look around, say, and behold the
blessings of American liberty which
they helped to perpetuate-the noble
institutions they helped to preserve
the principles of free Government
they helped to defend, and which by
their valor they helped to transmit to
US, and all of which they sealed with
their blood.
After music by the band, Capt. Carlin
introduced the Hon. B. F. Stanton.
Mr.. S. said he was lily prepared, hay
ing had but short time to prepare for
the occasion But he thought on an &C.
casion like this, but little preparation
was necessary. The real promptings
and out-gushiugs of the heart were more
beftting and acceptable. He said the
battles for the Union were not fought
by a mean, mercenary soldiery. The
ranks of the army were filled By the
spontaneous uprising of the people.
When the call for aid came from the
Executive from Washington the farmer
left his plow-the mechanic his work
shop-the blacksmith his apvil-the
lawyer his otfice-the merchant his
counting. room, and all hurried to the
scene of action. The revolution which
was forced upon us has changed the
whole face of things-society had been
changed, and the hand of Providence,
which seemed to have directed the
course of affairs, was still visible in di
recting the onward march of the great
principle which was destined to make
this great nation. In the accomplish
ment of all this the brave soldiers, wh'
were sleeping the sleep of death around
us-who have passed that bou!n
whence no traveller returns, acted con-
spicuous part. Their names and their
worth should ever be held in grateful
As the shamrock was
ever held emblematica! of the Emerald
Isle, so the deeds Of these sleeping, de-
parted braves should be cherished in be-
half of the happy results which they
assisted to accomplish.
The band then struck up delightful
strain of music, after which the Presi
dent introduced his Excellency, Gov
ernor Boreman.
The Governor, after paying a just and
handsome tribute TO the memory of the
fallen soldiers, said that three years ago
this spot was selected as the most fit
ting place on which to erect living,
lasting monument TO the memory of
those who had laid down their lives in
defense of their country and of it's free
institutions. Then those who were pres
ent made a promise TO raise funds for
the purpose of erecting such monu-
ment. But that promise had not been
kept. He urged that it should be done
now. The Governor then referred to
the cause of the rebellion, and in con-
clusion said that slavery and the cursed
heresy of secession had been buried in
one common grave.
Music was again discoursed by the band
after which Captain Carlin introduced
Col. Thayer Melvin, Attorney General
of West Virginia.
The Colonel made very nice little
speech in which he spoke of the beauti-
full flowers brought by the fair hands of
the fair ladies to decorate the graves OF
the once loved and cherished oneswho are
now entombed in the cemetery around
u.s.. He referred in elegant style to the
gallant deeds of many who ale now
sleeping in the silence Of death, and
who on that gray October morning fell
in the fierce battle that was fought for
the possession of the fertile valley of the
Flowers, he said, were
fitting emblems with which to decorate
the graves of such sleeping patriots.
He said that the Both of May had been
selected as the day on which to perform
this Just and holy tribute to the names
of their departed heroes, but fOrtnitous
had prevented its hallow-
ed consumation. He hoped that this
day, or some other, might ever be kept
as au anniversary of praise to the de-
parted soldiers whose gallautry had
shone so conspicuously on many holly
contested battle field.
This ended the speaking, and after an
other delightful strain of music by the
ever-ready Band, the procession reform
ed and marched through the labyrinth.
ian walks of the Cemetery, and as il
thus marched, the graves of the sleep
ing, silent heroes were decorated with
wreaths and garlands of lovely flowers,
as emblems of love and respect for their
deeds of daring and acts of patriotic
chivalry.
After this devout and imposing cere-
monial duty was accomplished the very
large assemblage returned to the city,
and the members of Post No. 4 march I'd
to their headquarters on Main street.