The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1877-08-16
BennlngtOn's Centennial.
Bells and Cannon Wake tho Echoes
ola Hundred Ysars. e.
Flags and Banners, Music and
Marching, Speeches and
Banquets.
Fifty Thousand People Present
The Governor Extends a Hearty
Welcome to All. 4

bENNlNuIuNI Va august lO.--f re-
Iuent and heavy showers last night put
the streets in fine condition for those who
would participate in the Centennial pro.
cession and cleared the atmosphere for
the spectators expected. At sunrise the
looming Of cannon and ringing OF bolls
Wakened the memories Of one hundred
years ago and reused the merry niAkers
Of the night from out the deep sleep Of
the morning., At $50 the uniformed
militia OF Vermont, New Hnmpshire and
COnnecticp-entered upon the parade
ground and formed in line, the First Yer.
mont being detailed to escort the State
officials and other civic dignitaries. The
second division was composed Of visiting
trOps, whilst the third, and II crowning
feature Of the procession, comprised IIle
war veterans OF Vermont in their every
day attire, rough and ready for duty.
The divisions formed at the foot OF
North street, near the railroad station,
convenient to the headquarters oi the
Chief Marshal. The formation having
been perfected, the column marched
through the principal streets to the Cen.
tennial fields, where the military and
civilians took positions on the right aud
left OF the Pavilion, to which were es.
Corted Vermonts Centennial Governor
aud all distinguished guests. The military
were now dismissed and the procession
dissolved.
An address of welcome was delivered
by E. ]. Phelps, President OF the Yer
mont Centennial Commission, in which he
said: u have but few words to otlcr, ny
friends, introducing the services appoint.
ed Tor this occasion. The Stale OF Vpr.
mont commentaries to-day the lOO.h
anniversary Of her birth. The happy
and prosperous termination OF the first
century Of her existence rs an indepen-
dent State. Tomorrow we shall signalize
one Of the important victories of revo-
lutiouary battle fields: to-day is devoted
to those other victories not less renowned
and not less fruitful, victories OF peace
To all who have assembled here, whether
friends or strangers; to the distinguished
guests that grace the occasion with their
presence, to all the children OF Vermont
who from near and far from many homes
who have gathered to honor the cen,en.
niRl birthday OF their native State, | an,
charged on her behalf to extend kindly,
cordial and general welcome.
This address was followed by an ora.
tion by Hon. Daniel Roberts, the reading
OF Mrs. DORIS poem, and speeches by ex.
Governors liawley and Hartman, repte.
sentatives ot Connecticut and New IEamp.
shire.
Gen. Banks represented Massac chuselts
in the absence Of the Governor, because
Of sickness. Governor Connor appeared
for Maine.
The enthusiasm is very great, and it is
estimated that fully $4,000 people wit.
messed the procession, Numbering 5000.
Banners, bannerets and bunting are every
where, while graceful arches with patri-
otto mottoes span the streets. The bands
OF music are numerous, aud the cheers Of
the people are hearty and spontaneous.
President Hayes and party arrived at
North Bennington, and were received BY
Governor Fairbanks and Staff and the
Centennial Commission. They all pro.
ceeded to Bennington, arriving at IM.,
and were received with military honors
and the firing Of salutes. The Presidents
party now entered carriages IN waiting,
and were escorted to their quarters al the
residence OF Rev. John B. Iibbitts. The
streets were -thronSed' and cheer followed
cheer, and from many houses were de-
pended banners bearing the words: ",Wel-
come to the President.Y So
President Hayes gave a reception 10.
night, which was attended by an i'm
mcnse number Of people. Every nota-
BILE guest in the programme Is here, and
double the number Of people is expected.
President Hayes was received with the
widest enthusiasm and an, imnense
throng greeted him, although a heavy rain
was falling at the time. The Massachu.
setls legislature and the Boston Cadets
are on the way here. A letter from Lord
Duflerin will be read tomorrow, sud Sec.
retary Evarts will reply. The Veteran
Soldiers Society will close the Centennial
by monster torchlight procession. Gen.
Mcclellan will attend the dedication OF
the Army and Navy Monument. ..-- .