Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-05-24


DEAR Journal: i am sorry to notice in
YOUR paper of this morning that the an
nual decoration of the soldiers graves in
Augusta, has been fixed by the Committee of
4 Arrangements of the Capital Guards of this
city, to take place on Sunday instead Of Mon
| day, the day appointed by Gen. Logan for its
general observance throughout the country.
But, besides as it seems to be implied in
the notice, that this change to Sunday has
been made with the advice and approval of the
clergy of this city, l. feel compelled to say
that when informed by one of the committee
that this change had been determined on, (for
however it may have been with the other
! clergymen, | had no knowledge of it what
ever, until the matter was decided,) l told
him that must express my decided dlsap-
prevail of the change, and my great sorrow
that such an innovation should be introduced,
which must preclude many of our citizens from
participating in the ceremony, who would es-
teen it a privilege, at any inexceptonable
time. added something like the following
reasons for my disapprobation.
lst That it would seem mistake to shock
munitv, in selecting the time for a service
which should belong equally and alike to all.
2d, That not only the hours when the mill
tary was marching, the music playing, per-
haps the bells ringing, and the striking pa
geant was attracting the gaze of all observers,
but of necessity, that much of the whole day
must be occupied in making the great variety
of needed preparations, and that many would
be tempted to these away from the dirinely
appointed worship and quiet of the sacred day.
Sd, That as is well known, such military
pageants on Sunday are peculiarly feature
of Roman Catholic and Infidel Europe. Such
a ceremony would of coUrse be on Sunday in
France, or in Spain, or in Italy, or in unbe-
lieving Germany, but would hardly be toler-
ated in Protestant England, and is fundamen-
tally ard directly hostile to the character and
spirit of the Sabbath which the Pilgrims
brought to New England.
4th, That while our dreadful war has con-
fessedly done much TO lower the public stand
of every virtue, and wise men look with
anxiety into the future of our country-ths
surely is no time to aggravate or perpetuate
that mischief, by establishing such a new pre-
cedent and in time of peace.
9TH, 1t may be said that many will attend,
having nothing else to do on Sunday, who
would not spare the time on week day. The
answer is that many will stay away, who would
gladly spare the time, and be at much self
denial to be present on any other but sacred
time. The question to be decided is, which
of the two, lgranting there any of the for
mer class, should receive the balance of con-
| sidcration in fixing the time of such service
and which class would bring the most honor
and the sinccrest tribute of affection to the
dead?
ought, perhaps, to add, that have had no
! consultation on this subject with any other
| clergymen of the city. But the matter APP
pears to me SO plain and unquestionable it its
bearings, that am surprised, if it be true,
that any man who has devoted the energies of
his life to the interests of morality and virtue,
and is at all aware in what direction the NOR
ais of our countrymen are drifting, could see
with approval such step as this set on foot
in the heart of New England-and that too in
violation Of the carefully considered appoint
ment of the highest authority in the nation on
the question.
| am, gentlemen, faithfully yours,
J. I. BINGHAM.
Augusta, May 20, 1870.