The Bennington daily banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1877-1877, 1877-08-18
The Order of Procession on Beno
nington Battle Day.
SOME SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES.

1t is hard to say what feature Of the affair
deserves most praise-whether the military
display made by the volunteer troops of four
states; or the long procession of Veterans of
the Rebellion-sturdy middle-aged men with
lines in their faces telling of courage and en-
durance; or the official element, embracing
the State Governments Of Vermont. New
Hampshire and Massachusetts. the three
States that sent soldiers to the Bennington
fight hundred years ago; the grand out
pouring of the people, or the bountiful hos
pitality of tho townsfolks, end their enter
prise and tireles labors IN organizing the cell
ebratioD.
Giving all full recognition, there is yet
something more important than either, with
out which the celebration would have failed
"a feeling of earnest patriotism aroused by
the memories of the Revolutionary struggle;
healthful State pride which leads rhree
States to claim each it, share of the glory of
Gen. Stark's victory, and sentiment of ma
tionality shown in the invitation to the
President and in the cordial reception given
him by men of all parties. Nowhere could
the attractions of holiday diversion have
uAdhn tulb DAhAtAhuNo W u hbtlO
mountain village of scarce 5000 inhabitants.
Nothing except strong, enthusiastic selti-
ment could have produced such demOustra-
ton; and it is exceedingly gratifying in
material age, when questions of business.
employment and wages are uppermost, to
find so much wholeso ne sentiment existing
in the popular heart.
The visiting military from New York ar
rived just in time to take their place in the
procession. They were two hours late. The
crowds in the streets were immense. All the
trains had come in loaded, every Vermonter
seemingly having come out to take part in
the centenary celebration. The weather
fortunately was good. Early in the day it
rained hard for more than an hour but
about eleven o'clock the skies frightened
and a lovely day eusued. The procession
moved Immediately upon the arrival of the
New York troops. 1t was over four miles
in length and containing, at reasonable es-
innate, 5000 people, while it was wituesse d
by at least 10000. Nothing approaching the
magnitude of this centennial procession was
ever witnessed in this state and 30 large a
one was hardly anticipated. =
The President and accompanying mem
bers of his cabinet formed the principal fea-
ture of interest in the column. The Presi-
dents reception in Vermont, and his ride in
the procession partook of the nature of tri-
umph. The enthusiasm ran wild, and deaf
ening cheers from the assembled thousands
greeted him in continual roll along the en-
tire route. Secretary Evarts and his accOm-
panying associates also created much enthu-
siasm, and acknowledged the salutes of the
people by riding uncovered and bowling
At one point several rich bOquets were
thrown in the carriage in which President
Hayes rode with Gov. Horace Fairbanks of
Vermont. The President acknowledged the
tributes of applause to him by slight incli-
nation of the head. He did not appear to
desire to encourage exuberant manifesto
tiOns by frequent and conspicuous bowling.
AS in yesterdays procession the crowd was
thickest at the grand arch. At this point the
cheers were most deafenlng There was a
slight delay on Main Street, of which several
persons availed themselves to rush up to the
Presidents carriage and shake hands.
At all points along the route, there was a
profuse waving of handkerchiefs by ladies'.
Among the Governors of New-England
who were recognized by the people were
those who spoke yesterday also Gov. Pres
colt of New Hampshire, and Lieut-GOv.
Knight of Massachusetts. The Legislature
of Vermont and New Hampshire walked the
entire distance traversed by the procession.
This fact called out many "reminiscences
concerning the men who came on foot to the
same spot, hundred years ago, and aided
by the Berkshire County men of Massachu-
sets, went to the battle of Bennington. No
thing seemed to please the people SO much
as the march of the Vermont and New
Hampshire veterans.
There were 5000 of them in line Thursday,
and as each company passed the triumphal
arch the people raised their hats. Col. Goo.
w. Hooker riding at the head of the Wind
ham County battalion, and Col f. V. Rand
all in command of "Spunky LamOille" veter-
ans drew attention second only to the Pre-
sidential party. Many distinguished officers
in the service during the rebellion were re-
cognized and loudly applauded as they
passed by.
A great attraction of to-day's procession
was the six pound cannon, two in number,
captured from the British by Gen. Stark
They were guarded by dismounted detach-
ment of the Portsmouth, N. H., Heavy Ar
tillery, and q like detachment from Fuller's
Battery.
The Putnam Phalanx presented a very
fine appearance. The Boston Cadets,
and Tbbits Corps from Troy, N. Y. were
warmly received along the line OF march
Tue Tlbbits' Cadets, junior volunteer or
ganization of Troy, dressed in uniform OF
blue, added much to the attractiveness of the
occasion. Vermon's war Governor, John
Gregory Smith, aud Luke P. Poland of this
State, were recognized by the people and
greeted with hearty cheers.
The great central feature of the decora-
tons on the line of march was triumphal
arch at the crossing OF Main and North and
South streets. This was a magnificent strue-
ture, decorated upon each side with the
cOats-of-arms of the various States, with that
of Vermont on the Keystone, and on the re-
verse side the coat-of-arnis Of the United
States,an upon either side these sentiments:
Peace hath her victories no less renowned
than war;" and Gen. Stark's famous words
There are the red coats; they are ours, or
Molly Stark sleeps a widow Tonight
The illumination of the arch will showed
the beauties of its design with the most bril-
liant effect.
i When the procession arrived at the Cen.
tennial Fields it passed in review before the
President, Mrs. Hayes, and the Cabinet. Mr..
Hayes welcomed the procession with brief
remarks, in which he congratulated the State
of Vermont upon this felicltious centennial
occasion, and referred to the evident interest
taken in the centennial anniversary by the
visiting officials Of sister States, the military
and the thousands present. The sentiment
was seconded by Secretary Evarts. George
W. McCrary, Secretary Of War, then intro
ducad Mira ftavea IN the manila vary hannilv