Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-12-24
The Yorktown Celebration.

W. hIt DittHtu W lttiu bhhu bho tcheoh
NAL Of the revolutionary battle Of Yorktown
is to be duly observed upon its anniversary
which occurs on the 10Th day of October,
1881. 1t will be remembered that this was
one of the pivotal battles of the revolution
and with the surrender of Lord CORVALLIS
on this occasion there was little doubt but
that the strife would soon cease. In fact
the war then practically ended, as did our
late war with the surrender of Lee at APP
pomattox. So the American general con-
gress and people then regardedit. Hence was
it that Washington Immediately ordered the
whole army to be assembled to "reDder
thanks to that God who had given them the
victory" Aud ten days after the victory
the American congress voted that monu-
ment should be erected to commemorate an
event which was then filling the heart Of
every American patriot with exultant joy.
But our people were then wasted by the war
and too poor to raise the monument which
they in their joy and gratitude had voted
The approach of the centennial anniver-
sary of the surrender of CORVALLIS has re-
vived the patriotic purpose of the fathers,
and there is now fair prospect that wor-
to commemorate, not only the establishment
of our nationality, but its full restoration
after the rude shock it has received from
rebellion and civil war. The governor of
Virginia last summer led the way and Sc
cured in Independence hall, Philadelphia
10th October last, meeting of the gov
ernors of the states to consider the subject.
The meeting was patriotic and enthusi-
astic one, harmonious throughout. Its
sentiment was that the lessons of history
are enforced upon the coming ages and gen
erations in no better way than by such cele-
brations as began at Concord, Massachu
setts in 1875, and will end at Yorktown
in 1881.
The governors accordingly recommended
that the people of the United States organ
ize such celebration of the centennial an
niversary of the surrender of CORVALLIS at
Yorktown as shall befit the historical signifi
canoe of that event and the present great
ness of the nation and that committee of
one from each state in the Union be ap-
pointed by the several governors with the
governor of Virginia as chairman) to make
the proper arrangements. The governor of
Vermont has honored this recommendation
by appointing General j. L. Barstow of Bur
lington as the committee from Vermont
Other governors have or will soon announce
their committees. In the mean time congress
has come to the help of the patriotic gov
ernors and states. On the 4th instant con-
gress secured the appointment of select
committee of thirteen, whose duty it is to
inquire into the expediency of appropriate
ing suitable sum to be expended under
the direction of the secretary of war, in
erecting at Yorktown, in Virginia, the
monument referred to in the resolutions
of congress, and of making the neces.
sary arrangements, in conjunction with the
authorities of the state of Virginia, for an
appropriate celebration by the American
pcOpie OIl U1e loJu udf VI OCtoueI, 1901, VI
the surrender of the British forces under
Lord CORVALLIS and that said committee
have leave to report by bill or otherwise at
any time.
General Barstow has already entered upon
his work of presenting this matter to the
press and people Of Vermont The object is
one that commends itself to the patriotism
of every enlightened and loyal citizen Gen
eral Barstow has already met with hearty
response from loyal and patriotic Vermont
We rejoice, too, that congress which rep
resents the whole country is moving
and now leading in this patriotic meas
ure. Our own representatives and through
them congress, shall have our warmest sup
port in all measures necessary for this great
part and pivotal event in our history. We
trust that the hopes entertained in regard to
this celebration will be fully realized, and
that this, like those that have preceded it at
Concord and elsewhere, will be new bond
to make henceforth our Union one and in
dissoluble.