Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-05-31

in their famine and distress the weary, des-
pondng settlers at Plymouth knew not where
to look for bread, 1t was from the settlements
already established here that relief came.
Here then on the banks Of the Kenpebec.
2G5 years ago were laid the foundations of
English rule on this continent; here within
our own borders was the beginning of New
England; here was Government with all the
sanctions of law. Here was heard the litur-
gy of that venerable church which we repeat
in the same words to day. here began that in
dustry which has given our State a wide
spread renown, for here was launched the
first vessel built in American waters, the
''Virginia of Sagadahock." Here was laid the
foundation of an Empire which now extends
over half a continent. 1t does not matter if
at first there was dependency and failure;
the consequences remained, and to that day
we must refer our right to the soil on which
we live. Is there not in these things and the
history of later years much reason for honest
pride, affection for our native State and pride
in its record? 1t was our great misfortune TO
be for years dependent province Of another
commonwealth, and to be compelled to build
up the greatness of another community by
parting with much of our own strength. The
habit had become strong and is not yet bro
ken, but we ought to take courage the causes
for this depletion no longer exist there is
work and reward at home. Our resources
are abundant, the opportunities for the deve-
Opment of our industries unequalled; isolated,
there is material here, within our boundaries,
fer an empire; Joined in the fellowship of
states, our opportunities and advantages are
no less. Let us keep the good things we have,
learn contentment, trugality, industry, till
our own lands, utilize the ineXhaustible power
of our rivers, and try to bring again that hap
Ply day when our harbors shall brighten with
the white winged ships of commerce, and let
US take for our political motto, "Loyalty to
the Union and Loyalty to the State Of
Maine
Comrades, my time has passed; what |
have said has been prompted by this day and
its memories and this place and its suggestive
associations. There is not one among u.s. man
or woman, old or young, who may not take
these lessons to heart. This is the happy.
hopeful season of the year. Our doors are
open to let in TIE summer air, the fields are
green. and the orchards white with promise;
the fragrance Of the blossoms il thick about
us. 1t is time sacred to religion, fer now
in every land the Christian Church is prepar-
ing TIE Pentecostsl feast, and tomorrow be-
gins the glad season of Whitsuntide, observed
in all the years since the first Whtsunday,
when the Holy Ghost descended on the Apos-
,olic band. Let us with reverence hope that
this mem orial full Of sad rctrospection and
hopeful promise. may be to all of us Whit
sunday, and that our souls, touched with the
spirit of our dead comrades, may be imbued
with lofty resolution, and that we my so or
Ger orr lives that living we may live for the
State, and diving that We too may not be for
gottep.
Foilowin the Grafton, Mr.. Hnnt's classes,
joined by the vast assembly, sang America"
the Band played fine piece, the benediction
was pronounced by Rev. Mr.. Tilton, the pro-
cesson reformed and marched to Winthrop
Square where it disbanded, and the inter-
esting exercises OF the day closed. There
was perfect order and almost a Sabbath still
ness peryaded the large audience throughout
the entire exercises. An abundance of cold
water which was provided was keenly apprc-
ciated by the people. All the arrangements
made by the Post were carried out without a
jar or break. Six times have the graves of
our fallen heroes received the annual tribute
of flowers. More and more is the day COM
ing to be observed in our city as the National
Sabbath, and brighter glows the flame of
patriotism in the hearts of our citizens, on
account OF these memorial services to the
silent heroes resting in our hillside cemeteries.