Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-08-17

BENNINGTON, August l6. The train containing
the visiting military from New York arrived two
hours late. but in time to take their places in the
NTH DIVISION OF the procession. The trains all
came IN loaded and the crowd is fearful. 1t is a
lovely day
Among the notable persons participating are
President Hayes and his wife and two sons Hon.
William Evarts, Hon. Charles Devens, Hon Geo.
McCrary, and Hon. David NJ. Key of the cabinet
VicePresdent Wheeler is not present. All of
Nermonts distinguished men are here.
The procession was formed and moved mmedi-
ately on the arrival of the New York visiting mil
itary. 1t was over four miles in length, and con-
tanned at a reasonable estimate 5000, while the
imposing parade was witnessed by over 80 900
people. Nothing approaching the success OF the
Centennial Celebration was ever witnessed in this
State.
The principal feature was the Preside tial par
ty Enthusiasm ran wild Desfenlng cheers
from the assembled thousands greeted him in one
continual roll along the entire route. Sec'y Ev-
arts and accompanying associates also created
much enthusiasm. In the carriage with Presiden
Hayes rode Gov. Fairbanks of Vermont.
OF the governors OF New England who were
yesterday and Gov Prescott of New Hampshire
and Lieutenant Governor knight of Massachus-
etts.
The legislatures of Vermont and New Hamp-
shire walked the entire distance in procession.
The great central feature of the occasion on the
ing of Main and South streets. To-night's illum-
naion will show the beauties of its design with
the most brilliant effect.
When the procession arrived at the Centennial
fields II passed in review before the President
Mrs. Hayes and the cabinet officers.
Nothing seems 10 reach the people so much as
the march of the Vermont and New Hampshire
veterans. There were three thousand of them in
line to day, and as each company passed through
the triumphal arch, hats were raised. Many dis
tnpnlshpd Dttpprs N IN rpha ltnn
nzed and loudly applauded.
A great feature of to-day's procession was the
two brass cannon captured of the British by Gen.
Stark. The Putnam Phalanx as yesterday, pre-
sented fine appearance.
Seldom has there been witnessed in this coun-
try IN a time of peace much war pageant or
such an imposing parade on this occasion.
President Hayes welcomed the procession at the
reviewing stand with brief remarks, in which he
congratulated the State of Vermont upon the fe-
licitous beg inning and progress of this Centennial
OCCASION and referred TO the evident interest tax
en- in her one hundredth anniversary of two prom
nent evects, by visiting officials of sister states,
the military and thousands present
Secy Evarts then introduced Mrs. HAYES very
happily as President Hayes Molly Stark Great
enth usiasm was kindly gwen by these express
sions.
After the review the exercises in the pavilion
commenced. Gen. Valentine and staff escorted
the President and cabinet, the governor OF YER
| and orator of the day and other distinguished
guests, to seats upon the platform. The services
began by prayer by Rev. John Wheelock A lien, q
grandson OF Fighting Parson Allen of Bennington
battle memory.
| Gen. Z. Phelps President of the Centennial
| Commission, then introduced Governor Fairbanks
who gave short address OF welcome
The poem of VIM. Cullen Bryant was then
read by Prof. j. W. Churchill of Annover, with
thrilling effect.
President Hayes, Secretary Evarts and Atty
Gen Devens were then each called out by the as
sembled multitude amid great applause and re-
sponded beautifully. The services were enlivened
by excellent music.
AT the close the multitude adjourned to the
banquet tent, where Vermont and her guests set
down to banquet. This was an elegant and
graceful affair, the tables being waited upon by
Green Mountain girls. As 100 years ago the
grandmothers of these ladies prepared food for
the use of the Green Mountain boys while the
battle of Bennington was fought, SO in the time
| of peace on this centennial occasion do they vol
unteer to wait upon the distinguished guests from
the States.
President Hayes was loudly called for. He
made short address, being often greeted with
applause.
At the close Of the Pres dents speech, Secre-
tary Evarts was loudly called for and responded
briefly. Postmaster General Key, Attorney Gen.
Devens and others were called for and responded
in fitting language.
After dinner had been partaken of by the dis
tinguished guests and large number Of citizens,
the president of the centennial commission ad-
dressed those present
Before the after dinner talk at the banquet was
completed, the President and party were obliged
to leave. lie goes to Rutland tonight thence
to Bratteboro.