Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-06-18

companied by the Band, at the close of which the
orator Of the day was introduced, Msj. J. w. Ma
han Of Boston. .-..
Major Mahsn, in beginning, said he was glad
OF the opportunity to visit the Home and his old
comrsde, Gen. Tilton, at any time, but especially
on this occasion, when be had been honored with
an invitation to give the Grafton. We call to mind
on this occasion, the noble cause for which our
brothers died; the remembrance of the scenes 10
which we participated should remain with us, now
that those days have passed into history. They
will remain with us till called TO Join those
over whose graves we now scatter flowers. We
cannot forget these lessons, and they should be
diligently taught to those who come alter US.
1t is q proud thing to say our country, my coun-
try; not country Of kings lords, emperors, or
potentates, but oars-mine Does this not send
thrill Of delight to every patriotic hearth One
hundred years have passed since, with q few
oashes of the pen, our fathers sent forth the i'm
mortal Declaration of Independence, throwing of
the letters, and casting down the sceptres OF
kings. How this Declaration startled the titled
robbers across the water, who held with an iron
grasp upon the lives and property of those
they called their subjects. How the
the spark Of freedom epkindled ss the torch OF
liberty passed on from one struggling people to
another. We need not recount the early struggles
of our fathers, the brilliant encounters on land
and sea, until we became q strong and uncon-
querable nation. The fires of treason were Ii sht.
ed, but loyal men rose in their might, and resolv-
Gu t0at Olu nag s0oulu cover every 1nCD oil the
country. The rebellion was put down, and on the
return of peace the people retired to their homes
What are the lessons Of the war; What is our
duty for the future! One paramount duty is the
education of the people in the principles of pa
riotism lie would teach it iE the public schoo Ia
and have our children become familiar with the
Declaration of Independence, the history of the
country, and study the lives aud character of our
patriots and statesmen.
lie saw to his sorrow moneyed aristocracy ris-
ing in this county, and spoke against the en-
couragement Of this with great enthusiasm
When man Is able to save $40 600 600, the fair
inference is that he has robbed thousands. Many
OF these have got everything hut q title; they
would like 10 have men bow down to them and
call them "my lord!" lie should do all be could
TO oppose the continuation of capital against labor
for such a course would make US speedily an ab-
ject people. lie thought there was no necessary
nor natural antsgonism between capital and Ia.
bor
The speaker alluded sarcastcally to England's
reception OF our great hero, General Grant, and
thought she really had no heart in her honeyed
words and stately ceremonies.
lie alluded to the one hundredth birth day oil
the stars and stripes. To-day forty million peo-
pie look to 1t for protection; and if we guard i,
with jealous care, the second centennial anniver-
sary will behold one hundred millions Of lreemen,
gazing upon it with pride and Joy.
The GRAFTON closed with touching tribute 10
the heroes whose graves were decorated, - we'll
ss those who fell upon the field of battle, and
whose resting places are unmarked.
The GRAFTON occupied half an hour in its deliv-
cry and was received with marked approval. Col.
Mahan Was one of the brave MASSACHUSETTS men
who enlisted at the breaking out Of the war
The Band then played . dirge. REST, spirit,
resi-" and the exercises closed with benediclion
the large crowd dispensing to the vicinity OF
the band stand, where . magnificent promenade
concert was given by the Home Band. under the
direction OF Dir. Wales. Mrs. Gen. Tilton hand
somely entertained . number Of invited guests at
her house.
Everything passed off smoothly and without q
jar Of any kind, in true military style, under the
excellent management of Gen. Tilton.