Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-06-01

The design was conceived and the work ex-
ecuted by Mr.. G. T. Haley, and was general
ly admired and highly praised by everyone
who passed.
The store of +. S Brown & Co. was very
finely decorated and attracted much attention.
large number people were present from
the surrounding country.
| The singing at the hall was considered very
| fine. 1t seems as if Miss Lizzie Norton eX-
celled any of her previous efforts.
| Major j. S. Richards, Chief Marshal, con-
Quoted the ceremonies and led the procession
in manner never before equalled in this city.
| An eloquent Grafton was pronounced by
Rev. Geo. w. Bicknell, of Portland, of which
the following is an abstract
The speaker commenced by reference TO
the beautiful nature of the memorial observ-
ances of the day. Comrades and loved ones
go with garlards, to decorate the last camp
| ing grounds of noble men who fell in a
| country's service. The brightest of natures
beautiful is placed above the graves, emblems
of those brighter garands of love and respect
which are found in the hearts, and placed up
on the affairs of life costing memories. 1t is
not through desire for show or ostentaton
that Memorial Day is observed, but it is
through the spontaneous action of some of
the noblest faculties which find a dwelling
place within man. Glowing as well as terri.
Bile recollectiops are called up. The soldier
lives over the scenes of bygone days, and the
citizen is reminded of the cost of the blessings
which he enjoys.
| All nations have their festal days. but while
most of them are accompanied with pomp, we
would seek the more silent offerings of graft
tude for noble deeds. No observances of the
past compare in purity of expression, to the
present. This is our "holy day" Let its in
spirations cheer us for the duties that are
made apparent.
| After a tribute to the fallen, the SPEAKER
said, that, as we remember all of the trials
through which we, as a nation, have passed,
We ought to sacredly cherish our privileges,
and improve our blessed opportunities. Some
would Danish all remembrance of the struggle
But he had no sympathy with the idea that
it served to foster antagonisms. Upon the
contrary, he believed the breach between the
sections of the country, was rapidly narrow
ing. The war was not waged through enmity
but for the support of principle.
Memorial day brings to mind the scenes of
the past, which we are apt to forget in our sue
cesses. We read the lesson that the price of
blasting liberty is eternal vigilance" We
must not forget lest we err again. No antag-
onism to mans welfare can exist and
not injure. Our work is to avoid
wrong, that such consequences as war may
not be brought upon us. The speaker urged
the people not to forget their responsibilities
to the widow and orphan, and spoke in plain
terms relative to any who would forget the
promises made to the soldier if he would
go to war, in case he fell. He also urged
Jealous guardianship over the priceless gifts
of our national opportunities, desiring purity
established everywhere. Wrong and evil are
to be fought. Our soldiers gave our national
authority new life let US contribute our
powers to have our nation in that life, spotless.
Decorate the graves of the fallen, then, in
token of love and gratitude for them, for the
inspirations of the hour, for the noble resolu-
tions which receive their birth at this day
and with each renewed memorial new strength
will be impaired, and glorious advancement
made