Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-06-02

must ascribe to our own Chase, and Seward, and
stanton and the peoples martyr. Lincoln,
speak to-day, they would claim no higher honor
than to say: Bee our work after . hundred years.
We are the fathers Of the men Of Gettysburg and
political ideas under Which they were nurturod.
Did ~ labor and suffer in vain,
Gan you say there 10 NO enduring vitality in
principles which have brought forth such defend
srsl Have wealth or prosperity corrupted or cul-
tufe weakened their manly virtues No. q thou
SAND times no.. Theirs wero not the deeds Of de-
generate sons but Of men worthy their great heri-
But the hour Of conflict is not Away tie one of
greatest danger to the State. great crisis calls
out AL the nober qualities; the tlmid grow brave,
the selfish generous, the demagogue almost patriot
ic But when - nov the terrible thunders OF war
tone OF public virtue and priv ate morality runs
low. 1t mas always been so in like cases; the his
tory Of the country after the Revolution forms no
exception.
1t is humliating. but the remedy is in our own
hands and have faith that II will be vigorously
applied. IL is healthy ign that these exhibitions
OF ofncal corruption and violations of private
trust are Just now attracting so much attention.
IL indicates not so much an increase of crimes Of
this nature. as an awakening of public sentiment
and determination TO reform the evil. Can there
be any doubt where the influence of the true sol
dier will be felt, The service Of Il citizen soldier
Is entirely different character from that Of the
professional one. 1t Is mere incident OF his cti
zenship, to defend his own authority as expressed
by the government of his choice. II follows, then,
that having been faithful in the fed il is the
incumbent upon him TO be true TO all the other
duties Of his citizenship. He must be consistent
with his record he has rsked his life in defence OF
those institutions Of free government, the fOunda
tons Of which, in the very nature OF things, must
rest in the virtues OF her citizens. lie has at
stake in preserving them without talnt or bemish.
Whatever tends to gully their purity touches his
honor.
We must prove ourselves 10 peace as well as in
war worthy Of our birthright. SO shall we pay
highest tribute to the memory Of those comrades
whose graves we to-day decorate, and OF those
other soldiers of the Republic VINO lie in unmarked
but not unhonored graves, almost beneath feet,
and to those OF one hundred years ago, who by their
blood, consecrated the soil Of America to the great
principles Of self-government.
And as We. year by year, drop out Of the ranks
here to join the great camp of our comrades who
have gone before, may we bear TO them the tidings
Of people jealousy guarding and preserving their
Inheritance pure and unspotted-
''lnfexibie in iaith iDyncible in arms
Col. PROCTOR full voice and clear enun-
citation carried his voice to the outskirts of
the crowd. lie was listened to with close and
gratifed attention and was frequently inter-
rupted by applause. At the conclusion of his
address three hearty cheers for Col. Proctor
were given by the Grand Army and audi
ence, to which no bowed his acknowledge
ments.
The following hymn, words and music by
the late RI Rev John Henry IIOpk ms. was
then sung by the Harmonic Society
NATIONAL HYMN.
God OF our Fathers,
Bless this Thy land
Ocean 10
Owneth Thy hand.
Home a all nations
From far and near,
Give, to unite Us.
Thy faith and fear
God Of our Fathers,
Falling never,
God Of our Fathers.
Be ours forever.
Lord God ofSabaoth,
Mighty in war,
BOundless and numberess
Thine armies are.
Thy ght hand cgnqueretl
All that oppose.
Launch forth Thy thunderbuifs
Smte down our foes
Lord God of 5aba0th,
Failing US never,
Lord God OF SaDaoth,
light for US ever.
Lord God our Saviour
Thy love o'ertOws,
Making our wilderness
Bloom the rose.
Thou with true liberty
Makest US free,-
Knowing no master.
No king, but Thee
Lsrd God our saviour.
Failing never
LORD tod our Saviour,
Re n ThCu forever.
Spirit o. Unity,
Crown Of all kiH-s.
Find Us a resting place
Under Thy wings
By Thine own Presence
Thy Will be dOne,-
Millions Of free
Banded as One.
Lord God Almighty,
Falling Us never,
Thine be the glory,
Now AMI Tor ever.
Commander Watson then introduced the
Hon. Paul Dillingham;. Of Waterbury. as