Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-06-20
NoraI anu State Mems.
Decoration services at Togus.

connected with the National Military Asylum
at Togus, were decorated with flowers on
Friday afternoon, by the Post of the Grand
Army of the Republic organized at the insti-
tuition. Since the decoration last year the
little mounds have increased from eighteen
to thirty-three Marble headstones of uni
form size have been placed at each grave,
bearing the name, residence and age OF the
deceased soldier The cemetery is in a love-
ly spot, in the midst of the native forest,
ornamented and shaded with stately oaks and
beautiful naples. Nature unadorned and in
its simple exterior may here be seen.
The memorial services commenced at four
o'clock. Quite number of our citizens had
awaited themselves of the opportunity of be-
ing present, and were much pleased with the
exercises There was also a good attendance
from the vicinity of the asylum. A platform
had been erected for the speakers in the
shade of some noble trees, and seats arranged
for the Military Band which was discoursing
some fine music while the people were assem-
bling. The disabled soldiers marched in pro-
cession to the cemetery, headed by General
Tilton and Capt. Woodfn. All the soldiers
were neatly dressed in uniform, and carried
bouquets and wreathcs of flowers The Post
of the Grand Army bore banner trimmed
with Grape, and on which were the words,
"Our country mourns her martyrcd dead"
The recently organized division Sons of Tenn
perance appeared in the procession in new
and neat regalias. Those soldiers who were
unable to walk, were conveyed in carriages
to the cemetery.
The first exercise was the decoration of
the graves. This was performed in quiet
and solemn manner, each grave receiving its
beautiful offering. The headstones were hung
with wreathes and flowers made in the form
of cross placed upon each grave. After the
decoration the comrades and visitors form
ed around the stand and prayer was offered
by the Chaplain of the Asylum, Rev. Mr..
Kelly, followed by music from the Band.
An address was then delivered by DR.. l.
H. Stearns, Surgeon at the institution. He
commenced by abiding to the day, the ami
versary of the first organized battle of the
Revolution, and marked the course of the
nation since that time. These memorial
services are of value as they speak to
this and future generations. He said the war
was a great mistake on the part of its origi-
majors, but it was brought on by their educa-
ton. We did not know before the war our
capacities for self government We had
always settled things so quietly by the ballot,
tI,a bad
submitted to the decision of the majority, that
we did not know our power, and the South
was utterly ignorant of the extent of the re-
sources of the North. He spoke of the NUM-
fcence of the government in dealing with the
soldier. No army ever went into the field
better supplied with all the material for
successful prosecution of war. In ancient
times the idea prevailed that governments
were for the benefit of the king, without re-
gard to the interests of the people. Here the
great maxim is, 1.-The greatest good of the
greatest number" The perfection of human
government is not yet reached, and he
thought the time would come when this
maxim will be made to read, 1.-THE greatest
good of ALL" Labor-honest labor-must
receive the coronet. He that can do the most
he will come to stay.
Major p. NJ. Fogler of this city, was the
next speaker. He said that no utterances
could give expression to the thoughts that
crowd upon the mind in such an hour. We
naturally turn to the scenes of war, when right
la Al 81, 4. aI
Thank Gcd, the efforts of our heroes were
crowned with success, and we are to-day en-
joying an enlarged liberty. OF those who
went forth to battle for our liberties, how
many never will return. Four hundred
thousand men, the brave, the good and the
true, gave up their lives for the salvation of
the country. As we scatter flowers upon
the graves of heroes, let it serve as a sweet
reminder of the great struggle and the victory
won. The nation appreciates the offering
which these heroes made, and loves to pay
respect to their memory. Let US go away
from these graves with a desire to become
better men and women, with a desire for
purer life.
Mr.. Farwell of Augusta, in response to
calls, said that he had only learned of these
proper and holy sevices this afternoon. He
felt impelled to come here and show by his
presence his high appreciation of the heroic
achievements of the patriotic living and the
sacrifices of the sacred dead. These halt
and disabled heToes-thcse tcii-taies of
saved Republic and an achieved liberty
these sacred mounds which pcrpetuate
the story of sacrifice and triumph, are
not the legacies for which this nation of
equals had been looking or longing. Until
within the last half score of years, the pre-
diction that such things would come to this
northern people-so sturdy and so just
would have been received with derision, as
the suggestion of fanaticism or insanity. We
of these cold and practical States had been
regarded as a non-resisting and cowardly
people-submitting graciously to any demand
just or oppressive-provided the triumphs
of our material interests were not interfered
- tIo and s,,,yNa