Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-06-29
ST. ALLAN
FIFTH ANNUAL FIELD DAY oF TIE RANSOM
GUARD.

FIFTH ANIMAL FIELD DAY or TIE RASso
GUARD.
Tho annual field days" of our Vernon
militia oil late years, as compared with tn
june training" of the flood wood" mil
itia in the old Ransom Guard day of ante
rebellion period, show very marked an
gratifying change, both in the general oh
seryance of these anniversary parades, II
well as IN the dress and spirit which char
acterlze the citizen soldery of the State to
day. And hrst among the events of a mill
tary order, the field days of the Ransom
Guard have come to be regarded with an in
terest which speaks well for both citizen
and soldiers. Their fifth annual one, OF
Wednesday last, was perhaps tho most no
table OF any preceding day. Nature. II
earth, sky and air was in her loyeliest form
The order OF exercises was impressive anC
attractive. and the afternoon was one o.
pleasure to the many frierds of the Guard.
who listened to the elOquence of the reycr-
end preacher, or witnessed the precision u
tho military movements on tho park. AT
two o'clock the company, under Major
Newton. 60 strong, and preceded by their
band of 20 pieces. all dressed in the hand
some style OF the Seventh New York Rcgi-
ment, marched from their armory to the
| tOhs icShAlunhl CuuItu, tHt lUllON
ing order OF exercises took place:
Organ Voluntary, +. }. Smith Tc
| Deum tby Dow Ransom Guard Glee Club
of twelve voices, L. P. Phillips, conductor ;
solos by Steve d. Hopkins. Esq. and Major
| Newton Scripture selection Hath Psalm:
Prayer Anthem. Have Mercy on Me, y
Gloe Club; Sermon Hymn. America
Benediction. Officiating minister, Rev.
E. P. Rogers, d. D.. of New York City.
The musical portion of the programme
was finely executed, and the PRAYER of the
reverend gentleman was earnest and ap-
propriate to this occasion. The sermon by
the Rev. DR.. Rogers was an eloquent and
highly Interesting ono, of scholarly pro-
duction and fine delivery. Tho text was
from st Luke's Gospel, 81 chapter, l1th
verse.
And the soldiers demanded OF Him, Likewise,
saying And what shall we dO:"
The preacher said, wo have presented here the
curious spectacle OF n body Of Military mon COM
ing to an apostle of Christ and asking him what
they should do. They were II man soldiers, ard
ther ioro not acquainted W tn the teachings
OF Christ. The reply significant. John
answered them to DO violence to no man. and
to be content with their lot The prescucs Of
Roman soldiers on Jewish soil. was very humlia-
ting and drove the ire of national humiliation
deep into their souls. But it is equal, noticea-
bic that John did not order these sUiders to aban-
their calling as II very necessary one John how
ever warned them Of their dangers; and If this
herald OF Jesus felt called upon to address body
Of Roman soldiers, the reverend gentlemnn
thought a Minister OF Christ to-day might SPEAK To
the military Of the l9th century, with prupriety
lie referred with great qualification TO tie differ
cnce Of the surroundings. The preacher now Is
not called upon to address Roman mercenaries hut
a body Of citizens and men who have assumed the
panoply of war only in tho interest of pence
ard prosperity. And yet IL centuries OF peace Ia.
not rendered the military profession unnecessary
one. The history OF the Roman Nation is one
war, OF battles, and ofcopquest The New Testament
had put new honor on the military calling. ami
some Of the most STR king and beautiful sentences
are set forth in military form. The fight OF the
Christian Is represented asa grand crusahe sainst
sin with Christ as our captain tFOr a uniform. the
armor of faith, the gird Of truth and the breast
plate Of Righteousness are given. There is no men
ton OF any armor for tho back. Christ's soldiers
like the patriots of the Revolution and the defend
ers OF our Country needed no such armor for "a III,
fortitude, and fidelity unto death characterize
both Civil government is au ordinance OF God.
and the upholding of law is the first duty
OF every citizen 10 his government: and the army
and navy are the high police OF Il nation. So when
nation uses Its military power to pro,ect its ueo-
pie, and secure their freedom and happiness. then
war Is justi6 able. Doubtless the prison and scat
fold are evils in themselves but they necessary
for the security OF people and the terror OF evil
doers. AS thunderbOlts from the sky have cleared
the sultry Summer air, so the thundertolts of war
have cleared and purified the social and political
atmosphere OF a country. War II state of suffer
yct Is not an llilElhHlc evil, Wnen We
look upon it as discipline The preacher cited the
frapcO-Uerman war, the French Revolution. and
the War OF lndeptnfrrcc, which raised the tone Of
public morality. THIS world is great battls
ground. We should all h, fellow soldiers in the
crusade against SIN and whether we Il hit wi
carnal weapons or with the sword Of the Spirit let
us all be 10y al uLto Him who is the Captain Of our
salvation lncI"' H. I @ reverend gentleman eN-
pressed his great pleasure in being present { ad-
dress the company before him; and as Christ's min
lister, he advised them TO abide in their calling
and AT I'LL times n defend Ehrisf's truths
their cOuntry's honor, whenever they may he as
sailed. lie spoke OF the heroes Of the Kovniutiun
as being bright examples of Christian patriotism,
and quoted Wa'hinston's famous words, that II
We desired to promote peace We must let the world
hno" that We are prepared Tor war
After services at the church, company
drill and inspection by Adjutan,-6rneral
JAS. ). Peek took place in the park This
concluded, the Company marched 10 Major
Neu tons residence and paTtook ui refresh
mentS. A dress parade IN the park at sig
o ck closed the outdoor programme Ji
ibid day. Ii is perhaps unnecessary To say
ANYTHING relative to the drill and movements
ui the Guards on the occasion, as they have
ntvrr VT given an opportunity iOr u Ia
comment thcrwISe than in terms 0t praise.
Precision of movement and accuracy iii the
manual u. arms seems TO be cardinal
principal of tho company, admirably lived
uP w lDb bduu utStlNu uitubtOu ibi NhNii
fine play ing whenever thoy appear 10 our
public - and that they ara appreciated
abroad wo have fresh evidence by their
fourth annual engagement next lndepeu-
tcnce Day, from Ogdcnshurg, n. \ which
has just been made.
At s O'Clock, the Ransom Guard and
Band. dressed in their fatigue uniforms,
arrived at the Wolden House, some 50 strong;
.,l. Il, L.
members and invited guests. proceeded to
the fine largo dining hall for their fifth
annual banquet. The tables were loaded
with choice delicacies and substantial ra-
tions, which the copmissary department of
this hotel know 50 well how To provide on
all occasions. The military and civic
assembled, were seated ready Tor faction,
when Major Newt0r, on behalf OF his com
mand, arose and extended a most cordial and
hearty welcome to the citizens present.
The blessing being asked BY Rev. DIR Rogers.
Major Newton introduced Mr. f. G. Lucas
a. the presiding officer of the banquet cere-
monies, which was happy selection. Mr..
+. Curtis Smith was announced "a toast
master. The following are the tossts offered
with the names of those responding Tine
Union," Judge Deavitt, Vermont" Mr..
l.. B. Greene OF Ohio; Vermont Militia"
Judge A, ID. Tenncy; 'Our Chaplain
Rev DR.. Rogers, of New York Our in
viied Guesrs.' Rev. 7. W. llaskins:
Woman" Hiram Atkins, E.q.. OF Mont
pclier; ''Thc hanson Guard of Sc
Major Newton. Soldiers of the hats War"
Gen. Lucia, OF Vergennes "The Ransom
Guards of ls77," Hiram +. Stevens
At the request of the president. " music
filed the air" from tho band at intervals.
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