Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-07-06

In carrying ont then the programme
on this occasion, and at the earnest solicit
tation of the committee of arrangements,
have consented to take upon myself the
pleasing duty of presenting to you, who
are the victors, the prides which you have
so fairly and nobly won.
Pardon me, Mr.. Foreman and gentle.
men, but there is something about a fre-
man and fire company which always
commands my respect and esteem.
dare the assertion, that for pure dis
interestedness, for unwavering fidelity,
for self-sa crifce, and entire patriotic de-
votion to the service of their fellowmen,
and unhinching courage in the face of ap.
palling dangers, andI many times in the
very jaws of death, the American fireman
has no equal among the races OF men !:
through sunshine and storm, through cold
and heat, by night and by day, without
money or reward, except that which q
consciousness of duty well performed al
ways brings, he pursues his hard and
dangerous calling; protects our property,
saves our lives, and enables us to lie down
at night with that feeling of security and
comfort which comes from the knowledge
that a faithful and watchful guardian is
at the gate.
And, my friends, alone and beyond all
this, God forbid that we should ever for
get, or that the American people should
ever forget the services of this body OF
men during that fiery ordeal which our be-
loved country has just passed through.
When dire rebellion raised its horrid head,
they were among the first to answer the
call of their country. Accustomed and
Injured to hardships and dangers. they
were among the bravest and most efficient
troops in the field. Upon every noun
tain and upon every plain, where free
dom's banner kissed the breeze, they con-
secrated the soil with their blood; and
wherever dangers were thickest, and trea-
son most powerful, sthere their bones lie
scattered and bleaching to-day.
Honor then, I say, to the noble fremen
throughout this blessed land, and all the
people will, know, say, Amen.
The world has long ago learned that it
is only by the combined and associated
efforts of men, that great enterprises and
vast improvements can be carried on. To
bring about and accomplish this result, it
is necessary to bring men together, com
bine their strength and skill, and create
among them a generous and healthy
rivalry, which shall bring out their latent
powers, develope their wisdom and skill
and lead them even to disappoint them.
selves = in their victories and achieve.
ments.
To this end. and for this purpose, you
are called together to-day; not for mere
pastime and recreation, but for higher
and nobler purpose, that by these exer'
oises here to-day you may hereafter be
better fitted and prepared to discharge the
duties of life, and at the same time gain
profit and advantage to yourselves.
The day is the great day of the year,
when every American citizen, whether
native or foreign born, yea every man
who lives beneath the folds of yonder
glorious ensign, should do something for
his country. 1t is day when the very
air is filled with thoughts, and memories,
and emotions of the past; when our
country, in her dark days of sorrow and
distress, and in her bright days of pros
perity and glory, pass in rapid review be-
fore us; when the names and faces OF
those who went out from among us, and
gave their lives a sacrifice for their ooun-
try, come back to us with lively fresh.
ness. and we are reminded of the terrible
cost of the blessings we NOW enjoy; and
when season, and nature, and our own
souls, and all that is within us, calls upon
MS to turn our faces, like the men of
Israel, towards the Holy City, and thank
God for our victories and prosperity, and
implore His choicest blessings upon our
country in all time to come.
On behalf of the committee of ar
engagements, and in the name of the peo-
pie of Rutland, now present to you this
almost golden prize. beg you to re-
ceive it, not only as a reward of your
prowess and energy, which you have SO
richly earned, but also as token of our
respect for you as men, and our good will
and esteem for you as fremen; may this
prize be appropriated by you, as L have
no doubt it will be, to noble and useful
purposes: may the recollection OF it, and
of this DAYS services, move and stimulate
you to greater exertions in the path OF
DUTY. and induce others to initiate your
example, and may you always remember,
as YOU have to-day, that to be good fremen
is to be gentlemen and good and worthy
citizens.
You will excuse me I am sure, if L
pause here moment, to say werd to
those who have with you nobly and gal
lantly striven for the prize, but have fail
ed to win it.
Let me say to all those companies, that
they have no reason to mourn or lament,
but on the contrary they should exult in
their efforts to-day. We have all learned
ere this, how tickle dame fortune is; upon
what brittle thread hangs victory or
defeat-the bursting of a hose before
deemed perfect, the slipping of man at
the brakes, and thousand unforeseen &C.
cidents may in moment disappoint all
our hopes, dash the golden prize to the
earth: vet such is life, but the true man
and the hero refuses to surrender to such
adversities, and although repulsed and
driven back thousand times, yet as of
ten, grds himself anew for the conflict,
and with stesdfast purpose and deter
mination to succeed, bravely charges upon
the enemy, and having carried every out
post at last, plants the banner of victory
upon the very citadel of the foe.
This is the stuff that men and heros are
made of; this is the example which you
should follow, and although unsuccess-
full, you should not be discouraged or
dishearteued, but redouble you efforts,
renew your energies, become inspired
with new hopes, and victory will in the
end crown your labors, and rest firmly
and securely upon your banner for
'sPerseverance is Roman virtue,
That wins each god-like act,
And plucks SUGGEST,
Fen from the spear-proof crest
Of rugged danger"
And now Mr.. foreman, into your hands
I commit this token and emblem of your
victory, hoping and trusting that your
visit to our town has been pleasant and
profitable to you all and that kind prov.
idence will guide you in safety to your
homes, and grant you long life, prosperity
and happiness. .. .-.
THE FIREWORKS.
With which it was intended to con-
olude the celebration of the day, it was
found necessary to omit on account of the