The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1874-06-03
The Decoration.

I seemed that Providence was lending
his aid to make the day as bright as
the records of the brave dead to the
memory Of whom the day was set
apart. All nature smiled, and, but
for the melancholy yet pleasant ma.
ture Of the duties Of the day, the hap
pinoas Of all concerned would have
been complete.
About nine o'clock a. m. the Pleas.
antville cornet band, which had been
engaged for the occasion, put in an
appearance, in neat band wagon
drawn by four spirited horses We
knew of their arrival before they were
in sight because Of the pleasant sounds
of National airs, peculiarly amiable
to brass hand, which were borne upon
the breezes to the ears Of the expectant
multitudes. Instead of at once hous-
ing themselves up, or scattering to the
/ four winds, the members of this band
seemed disposed to give our Citizens
tho benefits Of their stody and many
and varied were The pieces with which
our citizens were regaled previous to
the time for the regular eeremonies,
Agreeably to notice published in
last weeks paper, the Odd Fellows
gathered in their hall, and the citzeng
in the Presbyterian church, a little be-
fore two o'clock. 1t was ascertained
at these meetings thai two of the in
yilod speakers were not present, but
were expected on the S.26 train. Ac-
cordingly the Odd Fellows formed at
about half past two 0 clock, and, pre-
ceded by the band, marched to the
mouth of the creek, and bacl, to the
Presbyterian church, where they wait
ed for the citizens to form.
In short time the whole procession
formed in the following order: First
the PleasantviIle Cornet Band Sec
ond, the ladies; third, the citizens, and
fourth the Odd Fellows in regalia,
Marshalled by Sheriff Van Giesen.
The procession then took up their
line of march for the cemetery, the
band playing national air. Upon
arriving at the cemetery, the band
took up position just inside the gate,
and as the procession fled PAST them,
played n beautiful anil solemn dirge,
very appropriate to The occasion
The procession was then marched
past the graves of the soldiers buried
in this cemetery, and floral offerings
were scattered over the resting places
of the soldier dead, with lavish and
loving profusiOn.
Miles w Tate Esq, of our place,
was introduced by Sheriff Van Giesen,
and delivered an eloquent and fitting
oration, occupying about twenty-five A.,
minutes. Mr.. Tate's oration was we'll !
delivered, and many were the congrat-
ulaiions he received, for the excellence
Of his remarks and the eloquence with |
which they were delivered. The choir
then rendered piece entitled "S,eep-
ling for the Flag" which was eminent
ly fitting, and we'll received. !
The other speakers not having ar.
rived, it was suggested that the assem-
bly, adjourn to the Court House to
await them, and listen to their re-
marks. Some objections were made,
on account of one of the speaker
having expressed desire to deliver
his Grafton in the cemetery. The
audience finally concluded to go to the
Court House. and, again forming,
marched there, where the court room
was found open to receive them.
Shortly after the audisuco were
seated, Gen. Harry White, who had
been invited to speak on this occasion,
made his appearance, which was the
signal for the band to strike up a stir
ring piece. Gen. White was then in
trodaeed by Miles w. Tate, Esq, and
proceeded to address the assembled poo-
pie. His speech was well-timed, and
was delivered with the case and Gle
ganco for which Gen. White is noted.
Having himself been soldier he was
able to enter at once into the spirit Of
the day, and TO add to the interest by