Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1879-03-07

| oratory, and the sweetest song
the occasion is one which, though sim
pie in its character, were it possible might
well bring together all the citizens of Bur-
lingion. For who Is there, let me ask,
among US all who, standing within these
walls. and feeling that the Howard Opera
House has become one of our permanent
institutions, the ornament and pride OF our
city, whose heart does not swell with
feeling OF gratitude towards him who placed
it here. not as thing of profit for himself,
but as it were, a gift to US. a monument of
his generosity.
The city of Burlington, young and grow
ing as it is. is now and always has been,
most fortunate in many respects. 1t is
fortunate in its situation, its beautiful
scenery and its landscapes; its sloping hill
sides and Its bending valleys; its golden
sunsets and its lake of silver =
seemingly in these respects the one
favored spot OF all the earth.
1t is fortunate in its institutions; its
schools and churches its University
Art Gallery. Free Library. and its home
for orphan children. 1t is fortunate in the
character of its citizens-its men and
women OF sturdy Industry and staunch
integrity-its homes of virtue, prosperity
and peace 1t is fortunate in this, that
here has lived. and now lives, that woman
tod bless her-who by a princely dona-
ton gave to our city and the world the
Mary Fletcher Hospital. And last but not
least, our city is fortunate in this, that
years ago,-about three quarters of a CEN
tury,-when but small country village, it
was the home of At ncle" John Howard =
that on the same day when was won the
victory of the Battle OF Pittsburgh, another
victory was won to Burlington, when the
boy, John p. Howard. was born.
John p. Howard. Burlington boy
almost hall a century ago, impelled by
his ambition, LETT his native town, taking
all his worldly possessions in band-box,
in other and more active. broader fields, to
seek his fortune and his fame; and since
that time, by his energy, industry and
thrift, has made his way to fortune and to
opulence.
Heaven helps those who help them
selves" runs the old proverb, and John Z.
Howard has proved himself to be deserving
OF Heavens help. But though he has been
for many years far distant IRON bis native
town, and is now come to a matured man
hood, vet as the sequel proves, the tnil-
grocn man. John p. Howard is tho Bur-
lington bOy still. lie has ever carried with
him, and kept it fresh and green, tho
memory of his Burlington home. There
has ever been IN his breast heart as true
to his native Burlington as the needle to
the pole, and tonight, gathered in this
presence and for this purpose, the citizens
of Burlington can proudly claim John z.
Howard as their own.
think speak the sentiment of our peo-
pie when ! say, as citizens OF Burlington
we are proud OF John p. Howard: We re-
spect and honor him, and for this
generous act OF loyalty to his native town.
which bespeaks his manly qualities of head
and heart, wo will ever thank him and |
hold him in grateful memory. "llow far
that little candle sheds its beams. so shines |
good deed in naughty world As
long as the walls Of this Opera House
shall stand, a. long as the citizens Of
Burling ton shall gather here to be enter
tanned, instructed and elevated by the
drama, by music and BY oratory,-aye, and |
longer STILL long after its walls shall have |
crumbled into dust, will the citizens of |
Burlington in coming generations. respect |
and honor the name and keep green the |
memory Of one of its earlier citizens, a |
generous beneiactor OF our city, that noble |
man, John p. Howard.
hope these resolutions will pass by a |
hearty, solid and ringing. vote. | wish We
could make it ring clear across the ocean,
50 that Mr.. Howard might hear it,-so that |
We might convey TO him, at this time. our |
greeting and our good will, giving to him
that Joy, comfort and satisfaction that his |
generous act has already given to US.
Mr.. Ballard was heartily applsuded and
Was followed by L. L. Lawrence. Esq, who |
spoke substantially as follows:
MR.. LAwRENCE's REMARKS.
Mr.. Lawrence said that the man must be |
blind whO could not see in the life of John |
L. Howard, and in the way In which he |
used his wealth, something worthy of ad- |
miratiun and imitation and hard must be |
the heart that does not feel grateful to him. |
How many men can be named who, leaving |
their native towns in boyhood, and ac
cumulatiDg all their wealth elsewhere, have |
bestowed on their boyhood's home such gifts |
As these? How msrvellously well has Mr.. |
Howard understood and interpreted the |
wants of this community! How often have |
our citizens met to consult on ways to OBJ |
tain better public hall but no individual |
or organization dared to undertake so con-
siderable an enterprise. But now We have
this beautiful hill, it is ours in q way |
better than a warranty deed, for We enjoy |
the benefits of 1t without being compelled |
to care for it. Mr.. Lawrence closed his |
speech. of which our failing space permits |
US to give but this mesgre abstract. by ex-
pressing the hope that under the Influences
represented by the goddesses of music and
the drama, depicted on its ceiling, this
Opera House might long stand to be a centre |
and fountain OF enjoyment, culture and |
refinement IN the community.
Mr.. Lawrence was cordially applauded.
Mayor Hatch then put the resolutions to |
vote and they were adopted by a hearty,
unanimous, enthusiastic AYE.
The Secretary then read the following |
letters.
FROM HON. L. IL. ESCLEsBY.
BURLINGTON, W.. March 3rd, lssY.
Messrs. 10 u. Hatch, tt ais
GENTLEMEN Il regret that sickness in my family |
will prevent my being present with you and other |
citizens OF burlington, to express thanks 10 Mr.. |
j. Z. Howard Tor the elegant and cOmmCdious |
Hall he has caused 10 be erected ! am sure that |
your meeting will voice in suitable manner the |
general high appreciation Of 4 generous deed.
Very Respectfully Yours,
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