The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-05-30
May 25, 1871
In MemOriam.

As years pass bv. and we more and more
realize the priceless blessings vouchsafed to
us and to posterity by the tolls, sacrifices, and
now fill martyrs graves, our gratitude to and
love for them is correspondingly increased.
In view of this, it was a happy thought which
led Gen. Logan in 1868, as the head of the
Grand Army of the Republic, to issue an Or
der calling upon the thousand posts of this
veteran organization throughout the land, to
publicly recognize the services of the nations
dead, by strewing their graves with the flow
ers of spring. Nothing could better demon
strate how thoroughly and heartily the peo-
pie appreciate the devotion and heroism of
the men who saved the Republic at the cost
or life, than the hearty response which all
classes gave and continue to give to this Or
der. The observance of the day has become
more general each year, and its seventh re-
currence will be observed more widely than
those that have preceded it. day the city
with impressive solemnity Of civic and militia
ry pomp, the village with its little band of
veterans, and its procession of school chill
dren, and the rural neighborhood with its
modest tribute and unspoken eulogy, except
that tear-suffused eyes are eloquent, unite to
do honor and pay reverence to the memory
of men who are at once nations saviors
and martyrs.
Our Legislature acted wisely in making
Memorial day holiday; for at this time,
when in the excitement and strife of life's
battle, we are likely to lose sight of the sub
lime achievement which made the manhood
OF our brothers lustrious land the godlike de-
votion that demands our admiration and
reverence, we need a day set apart for the
special purpose of recognizing the untold cost
OF all the privileges and favors which we as
nation enjoy. We need to step out of daily
routine and, contemplating the sacrifices of
other days, inquire what our present duty to
the Republic is. We need, above all, to
to have our hearts touched by the precious
memories of the past and, by calling to mind
the devotion of the men we honor, have our
own souls quickened by the promptings of,
nd yearnings Tor, broader and truer man.
hood.
We are aware that Gradgrind, who meas
ures everything by the-s single staaaasd of
twill it pay,' will turn away from the sim
pie services of this day in contempt and ask,
whats the use of all this ?" Of no possible
use to you, Gradgrind, who carry into every
relation Of life, mercenary and selfish pur-
pose. That religion which to most people is
a solace and aprompter to noble aspiration,
to the stunted and starved soul of Gradgrnd
is only protection against the possible con-
tingency of fire hereafter, like any other in
surance policy. Ifhe recognizes any differ
ence in religions it is because one may be
cheaper than the other, and he cherishes the
too fatal idea that immunity from loss does
not lapse with overdue premiums.
Oh, Gradgrind! the human heart with its
tender sympathies is wiser that the starved
and narrowed intellect; it hath its instincts
which are more infallible than your prudent
calculations. There is in human souls this
Unborn feeling which hallows the very dust
where good and brave men sleep.
''E'en in their ashes live their wonted fires,"
and to reverent, grateful faith, the very grave
becomes vital with the courage, the valorous
devotion to duty and country and the noble
manhood which no death can quench.
The story of the devotion and sacrifice of the
dead we honor will be told by thousands to-
day.. 1t is well-known to all. Drawer men.
more devoted men never lived or died to save
a nation and add infinite cost to the
liberties of nation. They have done their
duty; this broad land, with its free institu-
tions-its vast opportunities, is their gift to us.
We, therefore, do well to pay them the
highest honor; to deck their graves with the
choicest of flowers and moisten the emerald
turf which carpets their resting places with
our grateful tears. Yet all this is vain mock
cry if we 60 away from the spot consecrated
by their dust with no resolve to emulate their
virtues and no purpose to consecrate ourselves
to the work of making the country Cor which
they died, the dwelling place of an intelligent,
happy and moral people-worthy of the mar
tyrdom of good men. Better not have saw
ed a country, if afterward it is to become
the arena for vice, injustice and wrong. Bet
ter not to have preserved nation if its subse-
quent history is to be blackened with dis
grace and iniamy.
As we stand around the graves of the no.
BILE dead to-day ahd Gods pure sunshine fill
tiers down upon their last resting places in
mists Of gold, may we so commune with their
spirits that we shall 60 forth to life's duties
more steadfast patriots and truer men.