St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1877-12-21

AlOuoc, dSCoHipduiou ny quitO q SOOuiJ
num- Der of ladies and gentlemen from
the place. The dining hall was hand
somely draped with bunting, and at one
end was tablet containing the names
of the seventy-six battles in which the
Vermont Cavalry regiment was en-
gagged, and over this the motto in ever
green:
'LET THE UNION BE PRESERVED"
After ample justice had been given a
most elaborate supper, Gen. GrOut, act
ing as tOast-master, made a neat speech
introducing the sentiments. He said
that thirteen years ago few of the
present company with Others met at
the old Pavilion hotel at Montpelier,
when Vermont's foremost soldier came
up there from Chapin's farm with an
empty sleeve. And while together
there, our present worthy Lt-GOv. Proc
tor made the happy suggestion of this
organization. 1t scarcely seems posi-
bic that l3 years have elapsed since
that time, and you are to be cOngratu-
lated on the large number of comrades
you meet here tonight, and also upon
the interest the citizens of this place
take in you and in your organization.
Without further remark or delay, he
would call upon Lieut.. Geo. H. Bige-
low to respond to the first sentiment:
1. The President of the United States.
Mr.. BigelOw responded in a most
happy vein. He didn't know why the
titman of the Federal government
should be called upon to respond, but
after witty sally at Gen. Foster, whose
ponderous frame was beside him at the
table, with the suggestion that together
they might pass for "Helen's babies,"
the speaker paid fine compliment to
President Hayes: Modest, magnani
nous, valorous, the President was, and
thoroughly honest. With tribute to
Hayes's financial policy and to his sa
gacity in selecting those brave soldiers,
Generals Devens and Noyes, for high
offices, the speaker made way for the
next sentiment:
2. The State of Vermont and her Cen
tennial Governor.
This called out Gov. Fairbanks, whose
patriotic and excellent remarks were
substantially as follows: Mr.. President
and Veteran Soldiers This day right
ly belongs to the officers aud soldiers of
Vermont, but am very happy to be
with you to- night, and to join in these
honor of bringing to you the salutation
of this grand old Green Mountain state.
have to thank you, Mr.. President, for
the honor you have done us in making
choice of st. Johnsbury as the place of
your assembly. 1t is my privilege, and
certainly it is my pleasure, to extend
to you hearty greeting and cordial
welcome in behalf of our town. The
hearts of our people and the great heart
of this commonwealth always beats
warmly for the gallant services of our
soldiers in the defence of our national
Union. From our Utmost soul we give
all praise, all honor and all glory to the
volunteer soldiers of the Grand Army
of the Republic. The wal is over. The
baptism of blood is past. Our mission
ton, of improvement, and we should
hail with joy the unmistakable dawn of
an era of better feeling. Already we hear
"a sound of going in the tops of the
mulberry trees" This great country it
is believed is in way to be united in
stronger fraternal bonds than ever be-
war of the rebelliOn-ending, thank
God, in the signal overthrow of slavery
securing to all men of whatsoever
race or color the priceless boon of lib
erty. It,shOuld now be the endeavOr
of the citizen soldier, as well as the citi-
zen layman, to address himself to the
great work of advancing the peace and
happiness and prosperity of each and
every state in the Union-knowing "no
north, no south, no east, no west"
but "a common bond and common
brotherhood"
3. Our Country and its Flag, was re-
spOnded to by Judge Poland, who said
that although he had done his best to
serve his country in legislative and
judicial capacity, his best service was
inlpid and valueless in the presence of
the deeds of the soldiers. Had it not
been for the soldiers, we should have
had no country.
After patriotic song by the Glee
Club, the next sentiment,
a. The Centennial of our State, was
responded to by Major Valentine, who
attributed not only the success but the
existence of the Bennington celebration
organization.
S. The Industries of Vermont was the
next regular toast which received a re-
Spouse. Col. Franklin Fairbanks being
called upon regretted he had no war
record, but in few pleasant remarks
and happy play upon words, imper-
sonated his substitute, and tried to
imagine whether in reality he had been
killed, had deserted, or had received an
honorable discharge. Col. A. B. Jewett,
being called out upon the same senti-
d nent. said Vermont was a rural district