Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-08-25
BENNINGTON, VI, Aug. I6, 1917.

ANON IhclS 10 muir NY W anu lIo w
the vast throngs of people the
same then, by the few hundreds OF
stern, determined men, who, poorly
EQUIPPED and coming from the fields
and farms about, were possessed with
the idea of liberty, and were willing
to fight for it and die for it,-aS they
did most glorously. And here to-day
the assembled thousands are to do
honor to their heroism and their mem
orlcs. Yesterday was Vermont day,
and the celebration of our anniycr-
sary as a scperate and Independent
State and the adoption of our State
Constitution. The day was ushered
in by salute from Fuller's Battery OF
Brattleboro, and the ringing of bells.
A lare number of military bodies are
here from all the New England States
except Maine and Rhode Island; and
one body of troops from New York,
and several regiments of Veterans.
A procession was formed near the
Putnam House, which was the head
quarters of Governor Fairbanks.
This procession was very long, made
up of the thousands of military, Full
lers Battery, the Governors of the
New England States and their stats,
the legislatures of Massachusetts,
New Hampshire and Vermont; and
distinguished men from all parts of
the land. After marching through
the principal streets, the military went
to their tents, and all rushed TO the
great tent where the Grafton was de-
livered, by Hon. Daniel Roberts of
Burlington. After which poem was
read by Professor Churchill of And.
over, Mass. The poem was most ex.
cellent, and written by Mrs. Julia
Dorr Of Rutland. Eloquent address
es were delivered by General Hawley
of Connecticut; Ex-Governor Harri-
man of New Hampshire General
Banks of Massachusetts Governor
Van Tandt of Rhode Island; and
Governor Conner of Maine. The
President arrival at 3 o'clock P. M.
The military formed at the depot and
escorted him through the principal
streets to the Walloomsac House.
The streets were densely crowded.and
although there was a drizlzing rain,
yet the people stood patiently and
'cheered the President as he passed,
right Justify. The President rode
with uncovered head, and pleasantly
bowed and smiled to the crowds as he
passed. In the evening he held a re-
ceptlon, when some two thousand had
an opportunity to take him by the
hand. The evenings pleasures were
interrupted by the rain; but, as it
was, there were Examinations, and
some fire works, and music in every
quarter from the numerous bands
present.
Thursday, the 10th, was the great
day. Thousands had come to the
towns near by, and the trains all night
sasd early in the morning were pack
ed full. AS yesterday, at sunrise, a
salute was fired by the same old can
non that one hundred years ago to-
day, was used by the British, to
sweep the Green Mountain Boys out
of Bennington and Liberty from the
colonies. But how sadly were they
disappointed. And those booming
cannon this morning tells of more
than l can write. The procession was
formed near the depot in the drizzlng
rain-whieh soon gave w.y to sum
shine which continued through the
day. During the march the President
was everywhere cheercd, and rich
boqaets were showered upon him.
lie was escorted to the stand, when
ale and his family, the members of his
cabinet and other dignltaries review
ed the troops. There was a large
number Of veterans. These attracted
the most attention. and one poor fell
low on crutches was particularly no.
ticed by the President in his speech
afterwards. The President and his
cabinet each spoke briefly frem the
stand to the eager thousands who
could not get into or near the tent.
Meanwhile the Legislatures of the
States and other invited guests, had
filed into the tent and were seated.
The President was escorted to the
stand by chief marshal Valentine,
the vast audience rising. President
Bartlett of Dartmouth College deltv-
cred the grafton. after which q poem
was read by Professor Churchill, which
was the composition of William Gull
len Bryant.