Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-09-21
8ailp 3Jtn,rebtf Journal.
A.eusts. Thursday Morning. Sept q.
The Soldiers, Monument.

The 60ldiery Monument
The Soldiers' Monument erected in our
city has occupied its present position
nearly year. To-day it viii be dedi-
Gated with impressive ceremonies, to the
purpose for which it was raised. As long
~ granite, marble and bronze endure Il
will keep in remembrance the names Of
those Of our citizens who gave their lives
in defence OF the government. and illus
trate the duty and reward of patriotic
sacrifice.
The lesson which the erection Of such
monument teaches is well known. It IL
said BY Walter Scott Of "Old Mortality"
whose voluntary occupation it was to re-
new with his chisel the inscriptions upon
the monuments erected among the lonely
hills Of Scotland above the graves Of the
Covenanters who sacrificed their lives In
defence Of their religion, that "he con-
sidered himself A. fulfilling sacred duty
while renewing to the eyes Of posterity
the decaying emblems Of the zeal and
sufIerings of their forefathers, and there
by trimming. a. 1t were. the beacon-light
which was to warn future generations to
defend their religion even unto blood"
The monument to be dedicated to-day
will be "beacon-light" 10 warn coming
generations that If they would preserve
their government and its institutions. it,
boundaries and the inestimable privileges
which It's people enjoy, they must Be
ready. at the call Of duty, to sacrifice
their lives, If need be. in defence OF them,
- did those men whose names are in
scribed in bronze upon this monument.
Our youth Of every future generation. a.
they gaze upon these inscriptions. this
fair shaft rising towards heaven. and the
figure at the apex, will have their under
standings illuminated and their hearts in
spired by the glowing symbolism con-
tanned in this work. The dull granite
and inxnimate bronze will kindle the
flame Of patriotism in their breasts. 30
that when danger threatens our country
they too will be ready TO face every
deadly peril In its defence and die for il
II necessary.
This monument also marks an epoch in
our national life. It tells of struggle
between opposing ideas and its termius-
ton. We behold. as we look upon it. as
though written upon its face. the story Of
Human Slavery in this land of ours, and
is overthrow. 1t marks the end of the
slave auction block. the slave drivers
whip. the bond servant and the cruel
task-master. and the beginning Of uni
versal freedom and equality before the
law in these United States. It marks the
baptism and conservation Of this
nation anew to the principles OF
popular liberty laid down in our
Declaration Of Independence. but
never lived up to until the promulga-
ton and enforcement of Abraham Lin
coins immortal Proclamation Of Enamel
patton. II marks the end of the doctrine
Of State Rights rs understood and MAIN
tanned at the cannon's mouth by the school
of Secessionists Of whom Jefferson Davis
was the representative and the Southern
Confederacy the ideal government 1t
marks the beginning Of sound national life
within our borders. undisturbed by spec
tres and scheme OF notification. disunion
and disintegration; the beginning OF .
broader and stronger liberty that Is ele-
waiting the mass Of mankind everywhere
in the political and social scale. and DEM
onstrating effectually the capacity Of the
people tor self government.
Last, but not least, this monument 10
erected In honor OF our citizen soldiery. It
commentaries the patriotism, heroism. in
telligence. and capacity ofthose who know
ing nothing Of the science Of war volun-
tarily went from the bench. plough. Office.
counting-room-from peaceful and happy
homes in which they LEFT weeping fathers.
mothers, wives. sweethearts and children
enlisted in the grand army to save the
Union, shouldered their muskets. went
forward like brave men into the bloody
conflict, and bore the nation safely through
upon their bayonets. II is to the citi-
zen soldiery that under God We are
chiefly indebted for the preservation
of our government in the war Of the great
rebellion. Our trained officers and SOL
diers did their part nobly. especially in
educating and training the volunteers in
their military duties, but they were only .
handful ut the best. and but for the citizen
soldiers the government would have
been swept out of existence at the first
shock Of war. So long - this work stands
it win perpetuate the valor. patriotic de-
votion. manly worth Of our citizen SOL
dicry-the bulwark Of the nation in time
OF war. the source Of its prosperity aud
happiness when peace reigns and the
sword is exchanged for the plow-share.
Pure Cod-Liver Oil made from selected
H. A. - IL