Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-06-10

as once understood, having myself entered
tor that purpose some years since, that it was
not thought proper by those having charge Of
the cemetery that this be done, and as
even the generous and great-hearted Father
Egan did not feel it his duty to join us in this
service, but as suppose rather to offer such
service as the sacred rites of the Catholic
Church prepares for such occasions, at such
times as was thought proper, no special
public recognition Of this cemetery has been
made, purely from respect for the religious
convictions of our Catholic friends, whose
patriotism has never been doubted, and whose
martyr soldiers are deserving of all honor.
So much for the really Important matter Of
I'M e1tional injury to their feelings and insult
to their dead.
But we are gravely informed that "citizens
have an interest in this matter" an item of
very pleasing information, which the commit
tee of arrangements very completely tested in
the preparation for the memorial services, and
know to whom and how generally they were
assisted on that occasion; so that their know
lie lge Of the matter may enable the committee
10 appreciate the force of a proposition which
will not be dangerous by reason of novelty,
but may safely be said to apply with equal
force during the days of preparation, in cor
dial proffers of assistance, as since the cere-
monies, in mutterings of dissatisfaction.
We are told that the ''honor of the city is
compromised" are called upon 10 rally with an
"explanation and reply" to relieve the city of
any stigma "that might be attempted to be
fastened upon it." When we recover from
the surprise which first seized us at the i'm
minent danger which this new championship
of the city has assured the public exists and
that as such champion he should send abroad
the imputation that the city in a ceremony
embracing all parties, was guilty OF cruel
indignity and wanton insult TO the memory of
the soldiers buried in one of her cemeteries,
instead of first inquiring as to the facts and
reasons, as one interested in sach matters
might be supposed to do, and look about to
ascertain what is to be feared from the at
tempt that somebody may make to fasten
stigma upon the city, we ask what has the
city done? Simply voted an appropriation Of
one hundred dollars for decoration, or SO
much of it as was necessary, to be paid out on
proper vouchers to the Capital Guards. As
such, the municipal government have taken
no responsibility in the matter, though the
personal interest of many of its members, and
especially the Mayor has been earnest and
continuous. SO that the city cannot be rea-
sonably charged as such with sins of oms-
sion or commission. The Capital Guards Sc
lected the committee Of arrangements, who
were all honorary and acting members of that
organization, and SO far as they were able
they perfected the arrangements for the SER
vice, generously assisted by the ladies with
labor and gifts Of floral decorations. SO that
whatever exists of error or mistake should be
borne by them. Having originally expected
to act as escort to other org anizations ard as
sst in decoration, the additional work of
preparation was presented and the company
did not shrink from it. They marched full
company to Riverside cemetery, instead Of
sending detachment as formerly that the
most sensitive might be fully satisfied, and l