The Portland daily press., 1877-08-16
BENNINGTON CENTENNIAL.
Vermont Day-Addressss by New England
Governors - Reception of Presid emit
Hayes.


Hayes.
BENNINGTON, Aug. 15-The procession moved
this morning at $50. This was the most i'm
posing procession ever seen in Vermont, but
will probably be eclipsed by that of tomorrow.
It was over three miles in length, numbered
about 1000 persons and was witnessed by $4,000
people. The noticeable points were the credita-
BILE marching of the First Regiment of Yer.
mont Guards, the appearance of the Putnam
Phslanx, composed of elderly solid men of
Hartford, and the soldierly bearing of the New
Hampshire troops and Vermont Veterans
These latter drew cheer after cheer and enthu-
siasm reached its climax when soody of 300
made its appearance with baraer inscribed
"Spunky LamOille."
On arriving at the mammoth pavilion tent on
the centennial field, an address of welcome was
delivered by Hon. q. j. Phelps, of Burlington,
President of the Vermont Centennial Commits.
sion. he said;
L have but few words to offer, my friends, in
introducing the services appointed for this ocea-
sion. The State of Vermont commentaries
to-day the one hundredth anniversary of her
birth, the termination, the happy and prosper
Gus termination of the first century of her ex-
istence as an independent State. Tomorrow
we shall sgnalize here one of the important
victories of the Revolutionary war; To-day is
devoted to those other victories, not less re-
nowned and not less fruitful to the victories of
peace. To all who have assembled here, wheth-
er friends or strangers, to the distinguished
guests that grace this occasion with their pres
ence, to all the children of Vermont, who from
near and far have gathered to honor the CEN
tennial birthday of their native State, am
charged in her behalf to extend kindly,
cordial, general welcome. Larger and richer
states might offer you more splendid hospitali-
ties, more imposing ceremonies, more mag
nificent display. Ours are plain and simple,
such as beft the habits of our people, the
aho Of inc mt r;rip
now celebrate.
Mr.. Phelps then introduced the orator of the
day, Hon. Daniel Roberts, of Burlington, who
pronounced historical discourse.
The President remains here until tomorrow
evening, when be goes to Brattleboro, return
ing TO Windsor on Friday, to remain there
with Secretary Evarts over Sunday.
Mr.. Phelps introduced as representative of
Connecticut ex-Gov. Joseph r. Hawley of
Hartford, who spoke in an appropriate man.
ner. He was followed by Gen. Banks of Mas.
sachusetts and Gov. Connorsof Maine.
Gov. Connor spoke as follows: Vermont and
Maine are the only two New England States
that were not among those which established
the Federal Union. SO stands the record. The
fact remains that Vermont was with them if
she was not of them hundred years ago.
When the result of the contest for American
independence was trembling in the balance,
there was formed and declared a love of liberty
which has never ceased to maintain Its exist.
ence. 1t was one of these battles of liberty
that was now being celebrated on this Tooth
birthday of Vermont with fitting honors and
ceremonies. Not the DEGREES of Counts or the
dictates of King. nor the resolutions of Con-
gress could prevent or defeat the efforts of the
state that Was struggling into being century
ago. It derived its sanction from higher
authority than these, that rested firmly upon
the will of the people, who knew their rights,
and knowing, dared to maintain them. What
a strenuous liberty was theirs, struggling to
protect themselves from a state which not
only demanded their allegiance, but their
homesteads and lands, the hard earned fruits of
their toll They fought for the cause of human
rights and freedom. They had pride and
patriotism that come down from the old heroes
to the descendants who exhibited that spirit in
the armies of the Potomac and the glores of
Gettysburg. The occasion was most prolific in
stirring the reflections of patriotism, and dear
to the lover of all that is just and brave were
the memories of those fathers of this common
wealth who bequeathed to this country a noble,
freedom-loving state and an example which
will ever tend to make the spirit of liberty
fresh and beautiful as the slopes of the green
hills which they loved and battled for.
Mr.. Stevenson of Rhode Island was intro
duced and spoke briefly.
The speeches were interspersed with music
by full band. This closed all the public
exercises of the day, except the reception Of
President Hayes.
The Presidential party were met according to
programme. Upon arrival in Bennington at
o'clock they were received with military
honors and escorted to their quarters at the
residence of Jno. B. Tibbitts. Upon arrival of
the train Fuller's battery fred salute. The
President was welcomed with great enthusiasm
by fully 10000 people, and as he passed along
the line of march cheer after cheer rent the
air. Many banners were displayed with words
Welcome to the President"
The Centennial celebration ia a succnss TINS
far in several particulars The parade this
morning passed off just as stated without jar
of any kind. With ONLY two exceptions every
guest set down in the programme was here.
Double the number of people really expected
were present. President Hayes was received
with the widest enthusiasm and an immense
through greeted him, Notwithstanding the
heavy rain falling at the time. Noticeable in
the order of the procession was the admirable
arrangement of Chief Marshal Valentine. 1t
was worthy of Yermonts Tooth birthday being
graced with the Putnam Phalanx and Dram
Corps of Hartford, the Amoskeag Veterans,
the front being Vermont's First Regiment, the
rear Fuller's Battery, the New Hampshire
boys, the sold Veterans" the Putnam Pha-
lanx. also the Massachusetts officers upon Fbl-
ler's staff receiving special, applause. In the
pavilion tent, upon the platform was seated
Hon. JAS o. Hallonna, a prominent lawyer of
Durham, Can, and member of the Domin-
ion Parliament. In this connection it may be
well to state that his representative being pres
emit Lord Dufferin's letter will be read and Hon.
VIM. M. Evarts, Secretary of State, will re-
spond.
President Hayes gave public reception
tonight to an immense number of people at
the Waloomoce House in Old Bennington, the
Bennington Centre of to-day. Detailed from
he First of the National Guard of Vermont
were Companies f and d, New England Guard
of Mortified and Ransom Guard of st. Adams
under command of Capt Carlos D. Williams
of Coen, which acted as special guard during
the reception yesterday.
Gen. w. W. Henry of Vermont and COL
Kingsbnry of Gov. Rice's staff shook hands
and found that both had lost thumb, and both
in the same battlefield Harbor.
The members of the Vermont veteran SOL
diers reunion society will close the centennial
celebration tomorrow night by monster
torchlight procession when what was notice
able today will probably be repeated.
The Boston Cadets will arrive at a late hour
tonight and the executive and legislature of
Massachusetts tomorrow morning,
The camp of the New York battalion of mill
tary on the bennington Centennial fields is
named Camp Warner.
Tomorrow will be the great day of the cele-
bration, and the procession will be much more
imposing than today.
Two grand-daughters of Seth Warner are at
tending the centennial, also Mrs. j. G. Cooley
OF CRANKY, Vt, and Mrs. William Morgan Of