Orangeburg news and times. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1875-1877, 1875-04-24
Tho Lexington Centennial.

OF Concord and Lexington q wGs "a
fitting introduction 10 the centennial
of independence, w!.icl, is still one
year distant. The patriotism of New
England was never more deeply stir
red by any local event, and two we'll
equipped railroads l.ading from Bos-
ton to Concord, only twenty miles dis.
tnnt, could not transport tho immense
crowds Of enthusiastic citizens desiring
to participate in the ceremonies. The
day was cold and bleak, and not ut all
favorable to outdoor oratory. The
speakers were among tho most nc
complished and eloquent in the land,
but tho chilly air spoiled tho effect Of
their splendid orations. George Wm.
Curtis made the principal address at
7 Concord and Richard II. Dana pei
formed The aamo duty at Lexington.
president Grant was iii the procession
Ent Concord in the morning, and then
was taken in a carriage to Lexington.
T(cight miles distant), where h6 re-
viewed tho military part of the pro-
cession. There was after-dinner speak
ing ut both places by distinguished
men.
At Lexington, after the orations,
dinner was served in an immense tent
to a large nlmber Of distinguished
guests. Mr.. Stctson, president Of The
occasion, occupied seat III the cent.e.
The toasts, as given, we're !
"rhe President Of the United
States Responded to III the usual
manner ky his excellcncy.
"The dead of lexington" Re.
sponded to by Gen. Banks. The
orator Of the day, Mr.. Richard H.
Dana, jr., replied in witty and hap
py speech.
"Thc State of South Carolinn.
Never will Nlassaca usetts forget the
proud response of South Carolina the
very night she heard the war note from
Lexington. Gov. Chamberlain may
veto everything he wishes, but he
mus. not veto our earnest rc.pect for
n voice from the Palmetto State to the
pine" Gov. Chamberlain, WHO re-
sronded, was received with much ap.
plause, as were also his sentiments of
earnest desire for tho complete and
early restoration oftrue fratcrnaI feel
1Hngs bctwcenthc two great common
wcalths.
"Tho Commonwealth of Aassachu.
sctts." Gov. CASTOR believed that on
the 10Th of April, md OH the historic
grounds Of Con cord and Lexington,
massachusetts needed none to sneak
for her.
"England and the United States"
No regular response was given to this
toast, but in lieu of it letter was
read from Mr.. Gladstone, ex-premier
of England.
The Bench and Bar" was respond.
cd to by Chief Justice Gray, Of
Massachusetts.
"Tho Colleges and Universities, to
which General Joshua T.. Chamber
lain responded.
"Thc Commerce of the United
States" Responded to by Elliott G.
Cowtler. of New York.
"The North and South" In re-.
sponsc to complimentary call of the
President, Gen. Wm. T. Bartlett, Of
Massachusetts, made remarkable
and beautiful speech. Referring to
southern soldiers, he said:
In conclusion, ''ao an American, /
am rs proud of tho men who charged
50 bravcly with Pickctt's division on
our lines ut Gettysburg ns I nm Of the
men who bravely mat aud -cp;;lsel
them there. Men cannot always
choose the right cause, but when, hay
ing chosen that which their con-
sciences dictated, they nre ready to die
for it, if they justify not their cause,
thoy ut least ennoblo themselves, and
the men who for conscience sake
fought their. government at Gettysburg
ought easily to bo forgiven by the
sons of lnen who for conscience sake
fought against their government at
Lexington and Bunker Hill. Oh, sir,
rs Massachusetts was first in war, 80
lct her bc first in peace, and she shall
forever be first in tho hearts of her
countrymcn,