Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1875-05-27
Memorial Day.

Ten years ago. the fratricidal war be-
tween the North and South ended. and
Peace once more resumed her gentle sway.
IN a struggle 50 terrible and gigantic. it
was not ia the nature OF things that a con-
tl.ct OF four years duration, should leave
Institutions. parties. opinions, or business
unchanged A generation must pass, be
fore We can hope that the memories Of
those dark days will be forgottem-the
hatred of fierce passions allav ed. or the
deep scar, inflicted on the body polite.
overgroWn. Time. however. which set,
ail things right. i slowly yet surely doing
it, work. and men can to-day. better than
ever before, review the motives which
prompted the actions ami shaped the policy
Of the TWO contending parties. truer
estimate is now forming OF the character
81 each aud the day has already past
when either may decry the valor, the
perseverance,. the ability, or even the
magnanimity OF the other. They who
would keep alive sectional bitterness OF
diving resentmeHtS. are not the truest pa
Jriots nor the wisest statesmen. oar coun-
try i, to-day one and cnfire. and it i not
the part of the friends OF Republican in>ti-
tu:ious to allow their spmrathies or afiec-
tion- to be limited by State or sectional
lines.
The present i a time when North aud
South. forgetting the past, should take Que
day from the engrossing business of life,
aud devote it TO the sad and sacred duty of
concentrating the noble lives of the honor
which the living owe to the noble men who
gave up their lives at the call of their
country and whether they fell beneath the
Old flag of the Mon, or the sectional ban
ner which went down forever, the deyo-
iion TO the cause which they espo0sed,
and the fidelity with which they maintain
ed it. are worthy of remembrance.
Human judgments are fallble, and are
for the most part formed from circumstan-
ceS beyond our control; yet the faith TO
maintain and the courage to act may be
worthy of all praise. Aud thus, not from
North and West alone, but from the South
AS well. may tributes OF love and honor be
paid over the graves of friends and loved
ones who sacrificed their lives for principle.
Already in a measure. have Hate and
Passion died away. and to-day the whole
NATION may mourn in common, for the
strength and pride and valor, passed away
forever. As Memorial day draws near.
how many hearts in our own vicinity. will
ache a, the recollection Of the lost, who at
fhe caii of duty gave mp their lives,
Ii j. well TO remember them and on this
day Ia call the roll OF those who answer
not. but the mention Of whose names alone.
viii awaken emotions OF love and pride
and gratitude who that knew them
%ill not feel thrill OF sad JOY when We
peak OF Parker, Gray, the Rices. father
and son. Blacks. Meader, Royal. MADDOX
Mcfarland, Welch, the lIowards, the
smiths. HiDckley. Hall. and many other.
whose names friends aud relatives vii
supply. Ii is fitting that this day should
nave bEtu iiidit a re- al ilotliat, ulIu t1d
everywhere above the green turf which
covers the remains of the brave and true.
a grateful people should reverently meet
aud calling 10 mind their labors and thei
sacrifices. resolve to preserve the institu
/ oas aud the government ROW enjoyed
and deck with flowers the resting places o
these lovers of their country.