Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-06-01
10 today pledge ourselves anew to the service o

Us today pledge ourselves anew to the service Of
The war has long been over, and open rebellion
| isno more. There is now NO need of contest
upon the bloody field. But there u . warfare We
ket. Treason is still among US, though so yelled
and specisus thst bullet or bsyonet cannot reach
| it. We can meet it, however, with the moral pow
er Of loyal integrity. and crush it to the ground.
When political demogogues. for party purposes,
stir up sectional feeling and excite in . class or
community, hard and bitter feelings against any
of their countrymen, their efforts weaken the hsr-
mony which is the strength of republic.
When men buy an Office Of public trust, and tn en-
sell their influence, or squander the funds of the
nation, neglect the duties of their position they
are as much traitors to the best interests Of the
country the men who fired the first gun at
Sumpter's flag. Aye, more so; for in the one case
they were open in.their hostility and could be OPP
posed in open conflict; while in the other case,
| shielded by their Office and defended by political
influence, they elude the sword of justice Against
every influence that disturbs the unity Of our peo-
pie against every design that weakens the strength
of the nation should send forth spirit OF true
| loyalty and holy conservation OF purpose that
will triumph over these subtle enemies, and thus
shall be preserved unbroken, the majestic fabric
of our government.
| Liberty is another blessing that martyrs
gained for us. 1t was for freedom they fought and
fell. Not simply freedom for the enslaved Afri-
| can but freedom in its broader sense, which in
cludcs the exercise Of equal rights and due re-
spect for the claims Of every citizen Secessonlwas
in the interest Of slavery, but it meant more than
that. 1t was blow at the liberties Of the whole
people. II was an attempt of the few to defraud
| the many. We all had interest in every square
mile of our country's area. Maine felt sense OF
proprietorship in Texas, Michigan in Florida; for
every State had done its share in the work of ex
tending the borders Of our territory The attempt
Of the South to destroy our government was an
outrage upon every principle of democracy. 1t
was the effort of sef-styled aristocracy to ride
| rough shod over the masses, scorning the very
name Of popular liberty. They little knew the
quality of the north. The spirit of the fathers still
burned in the breasts of the children. Oppression
and injustice were as distastefal to them to the
old patriots of 76. They were ready to fight for
their liberty, and fred with the same valor that in
days of old had routed the hrelings of George the
Third at Princeton. at Saratoga, at Stoney Point
taught the naughty STAKEHOLDER, that in this coun-
try the rights Of the humblest man must be re-
spected.
The success of our arms WAS a triumph in the
cause of popular liberty. 1t established our Gov
eminent on true republican footing; guarantee
ing to every citizen justice and protection. 1t is
the duty OF our people to give these principles
the freest possible exercise. Nothing that savors
Of oppression injustice should be suffered to in
| trude within the limits of our republic. Absolute
cal affairs, should be established among US. We
have taken some noble steps in this direction The
treatment of our conquered enemies was generous
to fault. We have dealt with the freed negro At
the south 10 q truly democratic spirit.
Blu, there is another, duty that claims our at
ten,ion, nd until it is done We cannot justly call
America the "Land Of the Free As we stand
around the graves Of our fallen comrades there
comes to US the memory of how, when they lay
upon beds of suffering, there came to them loving
n md IN md IN
the fevered brow. Gentle forms came to their
side to take the place Of mother wife sister;
to speak words Of sympathy and comfort and hope,
or perhaps to close their eyes when death came to
end their sutferngs. None but they who wit
messed such scenes can tell the blessed influence
exerted by those devoted women.
There comes to US also the thought Of those at
home, who, although their hearts were wrung
with anguish, patiently let their loved ones 90
forth TO engage in those terrible experiences.
The women of the war! How grandly they
aided the success of our arms by their patience,
their sympathy, their encouragement and their
work. Why then are they overlooked in this gem
eral enfranchisement When the ones who fought
against US are restored to their rights citizens,
why not the women, who were not only loyal
to the Union but who aided in defending 1t, ad-
mtted to the same privileges
The same oppression which King George laid
upon our forefathers we heap uponl the mothers
and daughters of our time-taxation without rep
resentation. No special legislation is needed in
their behalf. They simply ask for recognition.
By our constitution and by the spirit of in
stitution they nominally citizens now; but I'M
til they recognized - such and are ac-
corded the rights which pertain to citizenship we
cannot justly claim to be q free and enlightened
people.
we shall be republic in all that pertains to the
name; when every citizen shall have 2 voice 10
its goyeruu ent; and 1.-THE United States" become
a symopym for liberty, equality and fraternity.
The men we commemorate vindicated our ma
tional honor. The first rebel gun an insult
to our hag. 1t showed that they who fired 1t
looked upon that standard as . meaningless rag.
destitute Of any power to rally around itself 10y.
alty enough to defend it. That gun was libel
upon our people 1t was fired not for the purpose
of opeong hOstilities but to intimidate and awe
the north into o cOwardly submission. They con-
sidcred fainthearted to risk our lives IN an
encounter with the chivslry of the south. But
they found that willing to die rather than
see our flag disgrsced. Loyalty rose in its might
and redeemed our national honor The bravery,
strength and devotion of our people were written
in letters of blood.
1t remsins for us now to make our honor in time
of peace commensurate to our military glory. The
affairs of our country show some aspects that are
disc -ediiable to US. but these things cannot long
endure. The loyalty that hraved so much and
made such sacrifices 10 time of war; will shrink from
no exertion that may now be required of II TO ele-
vate our national character. BY the spread OF true
morality and by faithful attention to duty, let us
hope that there may grow up among us higher
type, of political probity, business integrity and
social purity for only 10 these qualities is found
the true glory OF nations.
should not think that had done my whole
duty ON this occasion did not speak of one thing
more. Our memorial service is beautiful and
fitting tribute to the memory of the men who seal
ed their 10y atty with their lives But there is due
from this community more substantial token of
its gratitude TO the devoted dead. Times etfacing
hand may smooth away those grassy mounds and
blot out all traces of their resting place. Their
names should be engraved where they can resist
the encroschment Of decay. There should be in
this city . monument that shall stand, an enduring
testimony that shall be to those who come after
Us proof that Augusta was proud of her patriot
sons and felt the honor they conferred upon her.
In other towns and cities such monuments are
found, and they show US that there the soldiers
services are appreciated. Why is it not so here :
Citizens Of Augusta can it be that you have grown
unmirdful Of the brave hearts that received the
bullet aimed at your liberties Can it be that in the
security Of peace you have become insensibe to
the claims Of the men who won it for you Heaven
forbid that such be the case! Time is rapidly
bringing upon the stage . generation that will
know Of the rebellion only ~ matter Of history
God grant that they may find in every community
Sal