Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-08-16
Bennington Centennial
Celebration.
$1,000 PEOPLE WELCOME PR Isl.
DENT HAYES.
A Proc sssion Three Miles in
Length.
MANY DISTINGUISHED PERSONS IN
ATTENDANCE.
SPLECH on GOVERNOR ,O\NuE or
MAINE.

BENNINGTON, August II. The procession
moved this morning at $50. The order given in
the printed order of the procession, was observed.
This was the most imposing procession ever seen
IN Vermont, but will probably be eclipsed by that
tomorrow. 1t was over three miles in length,
numbered about 1000 persons and was Witnessed
by $4,000 people. The noticeable points were the
creditable marching of the LIST Regt. n. G.. of VT,
the appearance of the Putnam Phalanx, composed
of elderly men of Hartford the soldierly appear
ance of the New Hampshire troops and Vermont
veterans.
The latter drew cheer after cheer, and the en-
thuslasm reached the climax when a body of 800
with banner "spunky Lamole" made its ap-
pearance.
Arriving at the mammoth pavilion on the cen
tennial field, an address OF welcome was deliv-
cred by Hon. L. J. Phelps, President of Vermont
centennial commission.
Mr.. Phelps introduced as representative of
Conn, ex-Gov. Jos. II. IIawlcy of Harfo I'd, who
spoke in an appropriate manner He was followed
Maine
The Presidential party was met according to
programme. pom arriving at o'clock they were
received with military honors and escorted to
then quarters at the residence of Rev. John b.
Iibbetts. Upon arrival Of the tram Fullel's bat
terry fired a salute.
The President was welcomed with great en-
thusa,m by fully 10000 people, and as he passed
along the line cheer after cheer rent the air
Welcome to the President lie expressed his
regrets that the sickness Of the chief executive of
the State of Mass. prevented his appearance for
| the Bay State. lie had so much eloquence and
such an admirable and poetic address that the re-
marks he should make would form a sort of back
ground for the Illustration of those other and
more literary performances. They had heard the
gentleman from Conn. who thought Conn. was a
fine State. lie should judge that every Conn,
man who came there, II ON what he had heard
must have tOulu office. New HampShire il a
| fine State and the people fine people.
W neither or not 1t Is good State to emigrate
from he didn't think from what he had heard
| Vermont would have had very much love for
| herself if n II. could have had her way. Mass.
had in the early history of VT. taken the part of
| the Green Mountain boys in their sorrows and
| troubles. lie was not very much learned in the
facts OF that portion of history, but he did not
think that upon the roster Of VT. could be found
| great number of Mass. men. lie did not be-
| lieve that Mass had ever claimed any portion of
| the Vt. territory. Nevertheless Mass. had a
good name. Its people are good.
Gov. Connor OF Me. was introduced and 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 Vt. was with
| them, If not Of them. That 100 wears ago, when
the result of the contest for American indepen-
dence wavered in the balance, there was form
cd and declared a love of liberty which has never
| ceased to maintain its existence. 1t was one of
these battles OF liberty that now being cele-
brated'in this Tooth birthday Of VT, with fitting
honors and ceremonies. Not the DEGREES OF
courts, or the dictates of king, nor the resolu
lions OF Congress could prevent or defeat the ef
| folts Of the State that struggling into being
a century ago. 1t derived its sanction from
higher authority than thesc-that rested firmly
upon the will OF this people, who knew their ri hit
and knowing dared to maintain them. What
| strenuous liberty was theirs. Struggling to pro
tect themselved from a State which not only de
manded their allegiance but their homesteads ant
lands, the hard earned fruits of their toll. They
| fought for the cause OF human rights and flee.
dom. They had pride and patriotism that came
down from the old heroes to the descendants who
exhibited that spirit in the army of the Potomac
and the glores OF Gettysburg. The occasion was
most prolific in stirring the reflections of patriot
ism and clear 10 the lover oil all that is Just and
brave were the memories OF those fathers of this
commonwealth. 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 the slopes of the green
hills which they loved and battled for.
| Mr. Stevenson of r. |. was introduced and
spoke briefly. The speeches were interspersed
with fine music. This closed all the public exer.
cises of the day, except the reception of President
Hayes.